AN
APPLICANT MUST BE ACCEPTED PRIOR TO ADMISSION BY A PBG
FACULTY MEMBER WHO IS WILLING TO SERVE AS THE MAJOR
PROFESSOR. However, no commitment, either verbal or
written, will be made by a faculty member until the
completed application packet has been received in the
Program and reviewed by the PBG Advisory Committee and
Director for acceptance.
A
complete packet includes the following:
-
Completed application form
-
Interest sheet
-
Three letters of recommendation
-
Official transcripts from each college/university
attended. The student should have one copy sent to
the PBG program coordinator; transcripts of work
taken at Michigan State University need not be
requested. International transcripts must be
translated into English and certified if originals
are in another language (include original).
-
Graduate Record Exam scores (verbal, quantitative,
and writing assessment sections).
-
International students: Financial statement and
evidence of financial ability to meet educational
and maintenance expenses for each year of their
proposed study.
-
TOEFL exam results (for international students)
After an applicant's file is completed, a notice is sent
to all faculty members listing the student's name,
degrees held, awarding institutions, areas of interest,
and need for financial assistance. Special funding is
available periodically to assist in recruiting and
supporting minority and female candidates and thereby
fulfilling affirmative action goals. If after 3 months
no PBG faculty member has indicated an interest in
serving as advisor, the applicant is advised and the
file is closed. In all instances, acceptance for
international applicants is not formally granted until
the English Language Center and /or the University
Graduate Admissions have signed the application for
admission. The PBG Director will send the applicant
formal notice of acceptance.
Applicants considering a graduate degree program may be
admitted on a regular or provisional status.
Regular:
-
At least one college introductory course in:
Algebra, Physics, Genetics, Trigonometry, Organic
Chemistry
-
15 credit hours (quarter) in plant sciences.
-
GPA of 3.0
-
GRE exam score 1000 with 500 minimum subscore in 1
area and 3.0 or higher on the Writing Assessment
section.
Exceptions must be approved by the PBG Program Advisory
Committee.
Provisional:
A
student may be admitted to graduate school on a
provisional status provided that no more than 8
collateral credits are needed. This indicates the
student is lacking certain courses considered essential
to their program (as listed for "regular" admission).
Courses taken to fulfill deficiencies will be listed as
collateral and will not apply towards the minimum number
of credits required for the degree. Applicants with this
status must have a GPA of 3.0 or better. Collateral
courses will be specified at the time of admission and
may include other courses specified by the major
professor.
Additional information and forms for admissions are available from:
Plant Breeding & Genetics Program
Department of Horticulture
Michigan State University
East Lansing, MI 48824-1112
Phone:
517-355-5191 x 1324
Fax: (517)353-0890
E-mail: pbg@msu.edu
