• A completed BS or BA degree is not required to apply for Early Entry (Early Entry students work to complete the undergraduate degree and initiate graduate instruction simultaneously).

• A minimum overall Grade Point Average of 3.2.

• A minimum biology Grade Point Average of 3.5.

• Must have completed 75 hours of course work.

Students accepted into this program can "double count" up to 9 hours towards both the undergraduate and M.S. program for courses taken at the 5000/6000 level. Admission to the M.S. Program is contingent upon receiving the B.S. degree.

Documents required for Admission (to be included in the application to the Graduate School, see below):

• Official transcripts from all colleges and universities attended.

• Official GRE scores (verbal, quantitative and analytical).

• Three letters of references, at least two of which should come from a reviewer capable of assessing the applicant's academic performance and potential (e.g., college/university faculty).

• An essay which addresses the applicant's motivation for obtaining a graduate degree, and research interests.

Admission Procedures:

• UNC Charlotte uses the "ApplyYourself" online application system so that the application process can be as easy and efficient as possible.  The application must be completed online and submitted electronically once all required fields on the application have been completed. 

   

   Application materials and instructions are available on-line at:

  http://www.uncc.edu/gradmiss/p_app_instructions.html

   

• If the Graduate School determines that the applicant meets the general requirements for admission, the application is forwarded to the Graduate Coordinator in the Department of Biology.  Applications will not be forwarded to the Department of Biology until all supporting documentation has been received by the Graduate School.

• The Graduate Coordinator will determine if the applicant meets the admission requirements for the Department of Biology. If not, admission is denied and the application is returned to the Graduate School. If the biology admission requirements are met, a cover sheet is attached that summarizes the applicant's qualifications and the application is made available for review by the entire Biology Graduate Faculty for a period of at least 10 days.

• During this 10 day period, at least one Graduate Faculty member must sign the cover sheet indicating an interest in serving as the student's tentative major advisor.  If an application generates no faculty interest, admission into the Biology Masters Program will be denied, even if the student meets all other admission requirements.

• If there is faculty interest, the Graduate Coordinator will contact the student to arrange a visit to campus or phone interviews between the applicant and the interested faculty member(s).  Visits to campus to meet with prospective major advisors must occur at the student's expense.

• Once the interview process is completed, it is the applicant's responsibility to contact the Graduate Coordinator and indicate the faculty member he/she is most interested in having as a tentative major advisor (or co-advisors if interested in working equally with two faculty) . If this faculty member is willing to serve as a tentative major advisor, the Graduate Coordinator will recommend the applicant for full admission into the program and forward the recommendation to the Graduate School. Note:   The initial assignment of a major advisor is tentative.  Once admitted into the Masters program, a student can change major advisors without negative repercussions, although such a change could delay the completion of the thesis research.

• The Department of Biology does not grant conditional admission into the Master's program.

• The applicant will receive final notification of acceptance from the Graduate School.

Deadlines: