Graduate Program in Biological Sciences

Q: How does the application process work?

A:Thank you for your interest in our graduate program in Biological Sciences at Michigan Technological University.  If you have not already done so, your first step should be to consider who would be your Graduate Advisor.  To do this, make contact with one or more of our faculty within Biological Sciences with research programs that fit your interests.  We begin our general evaluations of new applications after January 15 for the following academic year beginning Fall Semester.  However, if requested by a faculty member of our department (i.e., a potential advisor with Graduate Research Assistantship student support), we can review an application at any time.  Once you have identified one or more potential graduate advisors, you should submit your application. 

A complete application will include 3 letters of recommendation, your statement of interests, and official copies of records (transcripts, GRE, TOEFL if applicable).  Successful statements of interests include clear descriptions of scholarly interests and aspirations, and at least brief descriptions of research interests including the names of potential graduate advisors.  Your application will not be processed until the Graduate School has received your completed application including all the requested documents.  Contact potential graduate advisors or the director of graduate studies with any questions you may have about the program or application requirements.

Q: How are graduate teaching assistantships (GTAs), graduate research assistantships (GRAs), and fellowships awarded?

A: Your application automatically serves as a request for financial aid and must be received by the department no later than February 1 to be considered for support during the following academic year.

Letters of awards are sent by the department. GTAs are awarded by the department through the department Graduate Committee and the department head, based on the number of positions made available to the department by the Graduate School. Awards are usually made around April 1.

GRAs are awarded by the professor whose research grant supplies the funds. It is up to the individual professor to decide who will receive a GRA. It is important to contact the professor in your research area for specific information. Awards are made at any time.

Fellowships are usually awarded only to PhD students. The University doctoral fellowships are awarded by the Graduate School and are competitive. Departmental fellowships are awarded by the department Graduate Committee and usually continue for two academic semesters. Awards are made on or about April 1 for the following academic year.

Q: How do I find an advisor?

A: You should pick your advisor sometime during your first quarter, after you have had time to check around. Until then, the director of graduate studies serves as your advisor. See the director upon your arrival to campus to select your first quarter courses.

Q: Can I change advisors?

A: Yes. Talk to the director of graduate studies and then to your advisor.

Q: How do I select my Advising Committee?

A: Your committee will be composed of three departmental faculty members. Sometime during your first semester you need to sit down with your advisor and decide who will best meet your needs.

Q: How do I find housing?

A: Because on-campus housing is limited, you should contact the University Housing Office and the manager of the Daniell Heights MTU Apartments as soon as possible. Off-campus housing is readily available and can be arranged most easily during a midsummer visit to campus. Another way to find housing is to write an open letter to current departmental graduate students saying you are looking for a place to live. Graduate students looking for roommates will see your letter posted in the Graduate Student Mail Room.

Biological Sciences Graduate Students: Where to go