INITIAL CONTACT

Students interested in applying for admission to the M.S. or Ph.D. programs in Zoology at SIUC should begin by reviewing the eligibility requirements, then check the department's list of faculty members and their research interests. It is critical to identify potential advisors with research interests similar to the student's. We strongly recommend that prospective students make direct contact with potential advisors prior to initiating an application. Appropriate items for discussion include whether a particular faculty member is accepting new students, whether the advisor is a good match for the student's research interests, and whether research funding is available or necessary through the advisor.

APPLICATION FORMS AND DEADLINES

Once a potential advisor has been identified, prospective students should complete and return the Graduate School and Department of Zoology applications as soon as possible (both applications are required). There is no departmental deadline for general admission, but students who wish to be considered for a university fellowship must have their applications on file by 1 December for admission in the subsequent Fall semester. Please arrange to have three letters of recommendation sent directly to the Department; provide each reference with a completed departmental cover sheet.

STIPENDS

Most new graduate students in the Zoology Department are supported as graduate assistants, although university fellowships are available on a competitive basis for students with outstanding academic records. The Department selects nominees for fellowship competitions each Spring semester; applicants will be notified if they are being considered for a fellowship nomination. Teaching and research assistantships are administered through the Department and are usually awarded at the time of admission.

APPLICATION REVIEW

Once a student's application file is complete (including all letters of recommendation, transcripts, and GRE scores), it is reviewed by several Zoology faculty members. During this review, individual faculty members will indicate their willingness to supervise the applicant. Students who meet the requirements for admission, and for whom the Department has identified both an advisor and a stipend, will be notified in writing of their admission to the program and provided with all necessary information to initiate enrollment.

Department of Zoology

Questions about departmental information:  muhlach@zoology.siu.edu
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Last updated: 3-Aug-06 / ghw