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Department of Plant and Microbial Biology 
Microbiology Graduate Programs

Admissions

Your Future Starts Here.

We are excited you are interested in our Microbiology Graduate Programs (MGP)! We seek to provide an inclusive environment and welcome all who meet our admission requirements to apply!

Before you begin the application process, be sure to review the application requirements and note the following important details about admissions:

  • All applicants must apply through The Graduate School
  • We only offer Fall admissions. If you are applying for the M.M., M.S., or Ph.D. programs, the application deadline is December 1.
  • We do not require GRE scores.
  • You are strongly encouraged to identify and contact prospective faculty mentors before you apply to our Ph.D. and M.S. programs. 
  • All students that are admitted into the Ph.D. or M.S. programs are provided with a stipend, tuition coverage, and health insurance. 
  • The Master of Microbial Biotechnology (MMB) program has a different application timeline. For more information on deadlines to apply please visit the MMB program admissions page.

Application Requirements

The following items are required as part of your application:

Microbiology is a diverse discipline. In your personal statement, please describe the areas of research that most interest you (environmental, infectious disease, etc.). Indicating the research of two to four specific MGP faculty is encouraged. You may contact faculty directly through their email address. Clearly state your past or current research experience, and how it has prepared you for graduate level research and training. Your personal statement should be no more than 1,000 words.

Cumulative GPAs at the undergraduate or M.S. level are considered during the selection process, and are often 3.5 and higher for successful applicants. 

International applicants with a three-year degree must have their degree credentialed through an agency such as World Education Service or National Association of Credential Evaluation Services.

International Students only. TOEFL scores totaling greater than 100 are required. The test date must be no more than two years old (24 months) prior to the beginning of the requested entry term.

International English Language Testing System (IELTS) scores with an overall band score of at least 6.5. Minimum test scores for each section are listed here.

Note: These test scores are not required if you are a citizen of a country where English is the official language and the language of instruction in higher education, or have successfully completed at least one year of full-time study in a degree program at a four-year U.S. college or university.

The most relevant and helpful letters are requested from former supervisors of laboratory research experiences, REUs, internships or other experiential learning opportunities. People who can attest to your commitment, motivation, work ethic, creativity and ability to work with others will help you the most. Recommendations must be submitted with application by the December 1st deadline. Personal references will not be accepted.

Financial Support

There are many more applications than students who can be admitted. Our goal is to provide RA, TA or Fellowship support to those accepted into the research degree programs (Ph.D. and M.S.). Priority for stipend support is given to Ph.D. applicants. Applicants can be admitted into our MGP without support, but we appreciate the time and burden graduate studies place on students as they try to accomplish meaningful research, demonstrate good academic success and achieve financial independence.  

Because NC State’s Graduate Student Support Plan has added tuition expense for international students who usually can not become residents of North Carolina during their graduate program, our ability to admit non-resident international students is limited. International students are invited to apply and have made valuable contributions to the program.

Transferring Between Degree Programs

Students in our M.S. program may wish to bypass the Master’s degree and transfer directly into our Ph.D. program. To be eligible for transfer between degree programs, a student must provide their advisory committee with sufficient evidence of research ability, such as publications or presentations. Additionally, the student must present current research results and research objectives for the Ph.D. dissertation to their committee. Following this presentation, a letter signed by the advisor is forwarded to the Director of Graduate Programs (DGP) to recommend a transfer into our Ph.D. program. Upon approval the student follows the requirements of the Ph.D. program, including the Preliminary Examination.

Alternatively, Ph.D. students may consider transferring into our M.S. program after their first year in the program. In this instance, the student’s advisory committee must meet to specifically address the status of the student’s program, and a letter signed by thesis advisor must be submitted to the DGP with a specific recommendation. Graduates from our M.S. in Microbiology degree program who would like to pursue admission into our Ph.D. program would also follow these steps. A letter notifying a change in program or admission will then be sent to the student and their advisor.

Any other transfers between degree programs must receive approval from the student’s advisory committee and a recommendation submitted to the DGP.

Supporting Your Studies

Explore the variety of scholarship and funding opportunities available for graduate students.  

Join the Pack

Apply now through the Graduate School website!