Admissions
We strongly encourage prospective students to contact program faculty in whose research they are interested. Individual faculty members will provide information on their programs and opportunities on possible positions in their laboratories for graduate students.
Departmental Admission Requirements
Our graduate committee considers all the application material when making a decision. If one component is inconsistent (you have a low GPA but high GRE or vice versa), we look at other material in your application that may help us decide which is the better indicator. Prior research experience is an important criterion.
Grade Point Average (GPA)
We require a minimum GPA of 3.00, which is the same as the University's minimum requirement. Last year, successful applicants had an average GPA of 3.5. However, the school from which you earned your GPA is a significant factor.
Graduate Record Examination (GRE)
Taking the GRE is required; our department will consider your application only after it has received scores from ETS or a photocopy from the applicant. The GRE subject exam is not required, however, you may have this score sent if you wish. We do not have a minimum requirement for GRE scores, but our successful applicants last year averaged 515 (verbal), 682 (quantitative), and 5.0 (analytical writing). For information about the GRE, go to the ETS GRE site.
Research Experience.
Most successful graduate students come to our Program with prior research experience. This is obtained through various opportunities, such as REU programs, work-study or volunteering in university research laboratories, or work in private industry laboratories.
Letter of Interest.
Applicants are required to provide a letter outlining their reasons for considering graduate school. We use this letter to gauge the level of commitment to graduate research and specific interest in the Microbiology Program at OSU. Applicants should also indicate professors and research areas for which they have interests.
Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL)
Taking the TOEFL exam is required of all foreign applicants. We require a TOEFL score of at least 600 (paper test) or 250 (computer test). For information about the TOEFL exam, go to ETS TOEFL site. Proficiency in spoken English is important because of the requirement to serve as a Graduate Teaching Assistant (GTA) for one term of a MS or PhD program.
University Admissions Requirements
More information about the general admission requirements at Oregon State University Graduate School Admissions.
Financial Support
All applicants are considered for financial assistance. No additional form or application is required to apply for financial assistance from the program.
Graduate Teaching Assistantships (GTAs)
We offer up to 6 GTA positions each year on a competitive basis. The GTA appointment includes a monthly stipend and a tuition waiver, although certain fees must be paid by the student. For the 2008-09 academic year, the stipend is $1,792 per month and the fees are $526.30 per academic term.
Graduate Research Assistantships (GRAs)
Students may receive GRA support directly from the grant of their major professor. Students may enter the program with a GRA, and are typically supported by a GRA after their first year. The award finances are similar to the GTA.
Health Insurance
GTA and GRA positions include a payment of approx. $1,311 towards health insurance per academic year, paid directly to the insurance carrier. This amount is 75% of the cost of the insurance and the student will be responsible for the remaining 25% (approx. $52) of the cost. The GTA/GRA's enrollment to the health plan will be a condition of the assistantship and mandatory barring proof of comparable coverage. More information is available at Student Health Services.
Scholarships and Fellowships
Limited scholarship opportunities for partial support exist at OSU, particularly in some specialized areas, such as for thesis topics related to fish and animal health or to the dairy industry. Nationally competitive fellowships can be obtained from sources such as the National Science Foundation; these typically must be submitted with deadlines in November of the first year of graduate studies, and therefore require preparation mostly before graduate studies actually commence (in late September).
Student Loans
Graduate students are often eligible for financial assistance in the form of student loans or scholarships. For more information contact the Office of Financial Aid and Scholarships.