Admissions

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.

To be eligible for admission to graduate study at NCSU, all non-US citizen applicants (i.e., non-resident aliens and permanent residents) must demonstrate proficiency in the English language at a level necessary to be successful in a graduate program at NC State. This requirement can be met for most applicants in one of the following ways; however, some programs may require additional evidence of English proficiency:

1. Provide Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) (taken prior to January 21, 2026) with a total score of at least 80 on the Internet-based Test (iBT), and with minimum test scores for each section of:
   • Listening 18 points
   • Reading 18 points
   • Writing 18 points
   • Speaking 18 points – for admission, 23 points – for TA appointment where TA has direct verbal interactions with students, 26 points – for TA appointment where TA presents lectures in the class or laboratory NOTE: The current computer- and paper-based versions of the TOEFL test will be given until the iBT version is implemented in a particular location. Computer-based TOEFL scores must be 213 or higher (with at least 17 on three sections and no section score below 13). The paper-based test requires a score of 550 or higher (with scores of 50 on at least two of the three sections and no section score below 45).
2. Provide Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) (taken after January 21, 2026) with a total score of at least 4 on the Internet-based
   Test (iBT), and with minimum test scores for each section of:
   • Listening 4
   • Reading 4
   • Writing 4
   • Speaking 4 – for admission, 5 – for TA appointment
3. Provide Academic International English Language Testing System (IELTS) scores with an overall band score of at least 6.5. General IELTS scores will not be accepted. Minimum test scores for each section are listed below:
   • Listening 6.5
   • Reading 6.5
   • Writing 6.5
   • Speaking 6.5 – for admission, 7.0 – for TA appointment
4. Provide Duolingo with a total score of 110 or better AND minimum sub scores of:
   • Literacy 110
   • Comprehension 110
   • Conversation 110 – for admission, 125 for TA appointment
   • Production 110 – for admission, 125 for TA appointment
5. Be a citizen of a country where English is the official language and the language of instruction in higher education;
6. Have successfully (cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher) completed at least one year of full-time study in a degree program at a regionally accredited four-year US based College or university.

English proficiency test scores must be no older than two years (24 months) prior to the beginning of the requested entry term.

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 1^st deadline. Personal references will not be accepted.