Q: How does the application process work?

A: Start by requesting an application packet from the Department of Biological Sciences. Contact the director of graduate studies with any questions you may have about the program you wish to enter or about the application requirements.

Next, send in all of the required information, including letters of recommendation, statement of interests, transcripts, application fees, and so on. Your application will not be processed until your application file is complete.

Remember, February 1 is the deadline for financial aid consideration. Once your application file is complete, the department Graduate Committee will review it and make a recommendation to the dean of research and the Graduate School.

Letters of acceptance are sent from the Graduate School Office. If you have not heard anything within six weeks, contact the Department of Biological Sciences (Phone: 906-487-2025) to find out the status of your application.

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