FAQ: Applying to the Molecular Plant Sciences Program
We want to help answer your questions—below are answers to some that are commonly asked by prospective students. If the Web site doesn't have the answers you need, you can e-mail Paula Gibbs at molecular-plants@wsu.edu or call 509-335-3412 for help.
Do applicants need to have a master’s degree?
No. Students with a bachelor’s degree are encouraged to apply. (The only exception is that Indian students with a 3-year bachelor’s degree must have completed an M.S.)
What should I do if I’m interested in the Accelerated Research Ph.D. program?
Students in the Accelerated Research Ph.D. program are accepted into a faculty member’s lab at the same time they are accepted into the program, so it is essential that you contact faculty members directly. You can e-mail them yourself or you can e-mail Paula Gibbs, program coordinator, at molecular-plants@wsu.edu and she will assist you.
Which faculty labs can I join?
Please e-mail faculty directly to find out whether or not they will be accepting students for the upcoming year.
How many students do you admit each year?
We typically accept 8-12 new students per year.
How many international students do you admit each year?
The number of international students that we admit varies from year to year.
What GRE score does the program require?
The MPS program does not have a minimum GRE requirement.
What TOEFL score does the program require?
International applicants’ TOEFL scores should be at least 550 on the paper-based exam or 213 on the computer-based exam.
What GPA does the program require?
In order to be accepted by the Graduate School at Washington State University, your GPA must be at least 3.0 on a 4.0 scale. Admission can be highly competitive, however, so meeting the GPA requirement does not guarantee acceptance. If you are a U.S. citizen with a GPA of 3.5 or above, you may be eligible for an ARCS fellowship. Please contact Paula Gibbs at molecular-plants@wsu.edu for more information about ARCS.
Do you require any GRE subject tests?
No.
How many students receive assistantships?
All of our students (including international students) receive full financial support, usually in the form of a research or teaching assistantship. This support is maintained for the student’s duration of study as long as the he or she remains in good standing.
What assistantships, fellowships, and scholarships are available?
Please see our Finances page for more information about assistantships and other financial aid.
Does Washington State University provide health insurance for graduate students?
Yes. WSU provides the Graduate Student Assistant Medical and Dental Insurance Plan for students with assistantships, with the option of adding a spouse or same-sex domestic partner and children. Please see the Graduate School Web site for more information.
What if I’m taking the GRE/TOEFL in December and my scores won’t arrive before the January 1 deadline?
We will accept late scores as long as they arrive before the recruitment committee has made their final decisions. Please email Paula Gibbs at molecular-plants@wsu.edu as soon as you find out what your scores are.
What if I just found out about the program and want to apply after January 1?
Qualified U.S. residents can apply after the deadline has passed.
When will I find out whether or not I have been accepted?
The recruitment committee reviews complete applications beginning in January. The top domestic applicants will be invited to visit campus in February for our Recruitment Weekend and Integrated Plant Sciences Retreat. Acceptance offers will be made beginning at that time. International applicants will be contacted in March or April.
Does the program accept students in spring semester?
Molecular Plant Sciences rarely accepts students in spring semester because we award all our research assistantships in the fall. The only exception is for students who are entering directly into a faculty member’s laboratory and receive financial support from him or her instead of the program.
What is WSU’s institution code?
WSU’s institution code is 4705. We do not use department codes (you can leave that section blank or enter 0).
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