PhD Admissions

Applications are due December 31 each year for the following fall. For example, for entrance in Fall 2009, the deadline is December 31, 2008.
Entrance Requirements
The following minimum coursework requirements must be met prior to enrollment in the program:

    * One year of Biology
    * One semester of Organic Chemistry, Genetics, or Ecology

The Application Process
The Graduate School requires that all applicants submit their materials on-line through the Graduate School website. The application fee for 2007-2008 is $75 for both domestic and international applications.
Completed applications should contain the following materials:

   1. Completed electronic Graduate School application form
   2. Official transcripts from all academic institutions attended (Additional information for international students)
   3. Two letters of recommendation from individuals who are familiar with your academic and research achievements
   4. General GRE scores
   5. For applicants whose native language is not English, you must also submit TOEFL scores that are less than two years old.
   6. Current resume or CV
   7. Personal Statement not to exceed 2 pages that describes your interest in the program and future goals. This can be submitted through the electronic Graduate School application form.

8. As students are required to present the results of original research in the form of a written thesis to a faculty committee as part of completion of the degree, it is encouraged that students contact faculty with whom they may be interested in working. Read about faculty research
GRE transcripts, and letters of recommendation should be sent to:

Susan Black - Program Assistant 2
Plant Biology and Conservation
Northwestern University
2205 Tech Drive, Hogan 2-144
Evanston, IL 60208-3520

Letters of recommendation may also be submitted through the recommendation section of the online application. For more information on the application process, please see the Graduate School website.

Financial Aid
All students accepted into the program will be offered complete tuition remission, a competitive living stipend, and health insurance for five years. This will be provided as a combination of fellowships and teaching assistantships.