Admission Requirements

• Education
• Test Scores
• Medical Records
• Establishing North Carolina Residency (U.S. Citizens and Permanent Residents only)
  

 
Education

Students are normally expected to have a background in biology in addition to approriate courses in the physical sciences, e.g. chemistry, biochemistry, mathematics, and physics. Deficiencies will need to be made up at the discretion of the student's Graduate Advisory Committee.

A "B" average (3.0 G.P.A.) is normally required in biology courses and an overall 3.0 G.P.A. during the last two years of the undergraduate program.

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Test Scores

• GRE (Graduate Record Examination)
  
  The GRE (Graduate Record Exam) is required, and a minimum score of 1000 (verbal plus quantitative) is necessary for admission to the M.S. program, while a score of 1100 is required for admission in the Ph.D. program. Foreign students must also take the GRE examination unless evidence is presented that it works an undue hardship on the applicant. Due to the fact that the GRE is given in English at a stage early in the foreign student's career, adjustments are made for GRE scores less than 1000 (especially for the verbal section).
   
• TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language)
  
  
  • Students whose native language is other than English, regardless of citizenship, must submit TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) scores as evidence of ability to use English at a level of competence sufficient for graduate work.
    
  • There are two formats for the test: computer-based and paper-based. However, the availability of each format depends on the country in which you take test. Consult the TOEFL website for more detailed information of what test forms are available to you.
    
  • The minimum requirement for admission is a TOEFL score of 80 (out of 120 points) with minimum score for each specific 30-point section as shown below:
    
    

    Listening	15 points
    Reading	20 points
    Writing	20 points
    Speaking	20 points - for admission to the Graduate School
    	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

    
    
  • The test date must be within 24 months of the application deadline date before the semester for which the application is being reviewed. An official score report issued by the Educational Testing Service is required.
    
     
  • The international applicant must provide the University with verification that the required funds are available to support the proposed program of advanced study. Foreign nationals in the United States at the time application is made must also provide information regarding their current visa status. The University provides special forms to be used by the applicant in supplying this information.

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Medical Records

All graduate students admitted to a degree program are required by State law to submit a Report of Medical History and Immunization documentation prior to completing their initial registration. NC State students returning to Graduate School must have their medical history on file updated at the Student Health Center. The required reports should be received in the Student Health Services at least thirty days before registration. If this requirement is not met, a student must be removed from classes.

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Establishing North Carolina Residency
(U.S. Citizens and Permanent Residents Only)

IMPORTANT!  You must complete this process by the end of your first year or else you will be charged the current out-of-state tuition rate. You tuition bill for 9 credit hours could be $5,000 - $8,000.

1. Steps for Obtaining North Carolina Residency
2. Residency Application Forms and Instructions
3. Residency Requirement Details

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