Admission Requirements
Educational Background
Since the fields of pharmacology and toxicology encompass a wide range of research problems drawing upon the concepts and tools of biological and physical sciences, students with a wide range of interests and backgrounds may enter the program. Students admitted to the graduate program must have a baccalaureate degree from an accredited college or university.
Students applying for admission to the graduate doctoral program should have a 3.4 grade point average minimum in their last two years of undergraduate work. A strong background in biological and/or physical sciences is required. Applicants should have successfully completed course sequences in general chemistry, organic chemistry and biology. It is strongly recommended that applicants have some laboratory research experience or other evidence of a serious commitment to a scientific career before applying to our program.
Standardized Tests
All applicants are required to take the Graduate Record Examination (GRE). Only General Test (verbal, quantitative and writing assessment tests) scores are required. GRE scores are used as only one piece of information in the selection process and other information requested on application is equally important. The institute code for reporting GRE scores is 1465 and the department code is 0216.
Foreign applicants for whom English is not the native languag must submit the results of their Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) examination. A score of 600 (paper-based) and 250 (computer-based) is the minimum required to be considered for admission to our Department. The institute code for reporting TOEFL scores is 1465 and the department code is 30.
Application Procedure
Admission to graduate work requires acceptance by the Department of Pharmacology & Toxicology. Application requires:
1) Completion of a formal Michigan State University Graduate application form (http://admissions.msu.edu/apply.asp).
2) Submission of one properly authenticated transcript from each university attended (undergraduate and any graduate work).
3) Submission of an academic statement of your plans for graduate study, your career goals, and how the Pharmacology & Toxicology Doctoral Program will help you meet your career and educational objectives. This statement should also contain a brief autobiographical sketch, including intellectual background and interests, a discussion of any laboratory research experience, and a statement regarding professional objectives. Also include a separate personal statement about how your background and life experiences, including social, economic, cultural, familial, educational, or other opportunities or challenges motivated your decision to pursue a graduate degree.
4) Submission of three letters of recommendation (including the MSU Recommendation form) from persons who are able to judge the applicant's academic ability and accomplishments, and potential as an independent researcher.
5) (Optional) Submission of a copy of a research paper that the applicant has written.
Deadline
Application and all required materials for admission into the Pharmacology & Toxicology Graduate Program for the 2008-2009 academic year for both domestic and international applicants must be completed by January 9, 2009.
Campus Interview
Based upon preliminary examination of applications, the Department Graduate Committee invites eligible applicants to the Michigan State University campus early in the spring semester. Over a period of several days, prospective students have ample opportunities to interact informally with both faculty and current PhD students, and to tour Department facilities.
Factors Influencing Acceptance
Students are accepted into the Pharmacology & Toxicology Graduate Doctoral Program on the basis of their academic record, GRE scores (plus TOEFL scores for foreign applicants), stated professional goals, letters of recommendation, recognitions, grants, or scholarships, and familiarity with the research career path through formal laboratory position or other contact with a scientific research environment. Other factors include evidence of perseverance and/or overcoming what could be considered significant educational obstacles whether economic, physical, cultural, etc., and the Department's ability to give personal direction to the prospective applicant's program and goals.
In all areas of graduate education pertaining to admission or academic rights and responsibilities, there shall be no discrimination on the basis of age, race, color, creed, ethnic origin or sex. Members of underrepresented minority groups are encouraged to apply. The rights and responsibilities of graduate students as itemized in the Pharmacology & Toxicology Graduate Program Practices and Procedures do not nullify the rights and responsibilities of students as stated in the publication Academic Freedom for Students at Michigan State University.
Acceptance and Arrival on Campus
Applicants will be notified shortly after campus interviews regarding their status of admission into the program. All students who accept offers of admission into the program are expected to arrive on campus in mid-August for orientation.