To apply to the Biology Master's program, visit:
https://apply.embark.com/GRAD/UTPA/

During the application process, you will be asked to supply the
following information. All are required for consideration to join the
Biology Master's program. Multiple factors are considered in the
decision to admit new graduate students. Meeting minimum entry
requirements does not guarantee acceptance into the program.

    1. Undergraduate transcripts (and graduate transcripts, if any).

           * An applicant must have 24 hours of undergraduate courses in
biological sciences or closely related disciplines, with 12 hours at the
3000 / 4000 level (third / fourth year) or equivalent. An applicant must
have completed at least three hours in each of the following categories:
Evolution and genetics; molecular and cell biology; organismal and
environmental biology, and; physiology. Students may take up to 9 hours
of leveling work to fulfill this requirement, and must take and complete
such course(s) the first time they are offered.

           * A grade point average (GPA) of 3.0 (based upon a 4.0
system) in 3000 / 4000 level (third / fourth year) undergraduate courses
in biological sciences or closely related disciplines is required for
clear admission to the Biology Master's program. Successful applicants
with a GPA lower than 3.0 on this measure may be given probationary
admission.

    2. A Graduate Record Exam (GRE) General Test score sent directly to
the University of Texas-Pan American from the testing agency. The
General GRE test is available through University Testing Services at
(http://www.utpa.edu/dept/testing/).

    3. A one to two page personal statement describing your academic and
career goals, which states whether you are pursuing the thesis or
non-thesis option.

    4. Two letters of recommendation.

    5. Thesis option: A graduate faculty member must serve as the chair
of the student's graduate committee (i.e., thesis advisor). The
prospective thesis advisor should provide the Graduate Program
Coordinator with evidence that they have a means to support the graduate
student (including, e.g., anticipated teaching assistantships or
research assistantships in the department) if support is necessary. A
student may later change thesis advisors. (Non-thesis students also need
a graduate committee to complete the program, and must find a committee
chair (e.g., advisor) within sixteen weeks of beginning the program.)

    6. Applicants with education from foreign institutions: Evaluation
of credentials may be requested as part of an application. The official
credential evaluation service for the University of Texas-Pan American
is Foreign Credentials Service of America (http://www.fcsa.biz/);
credentials evaluated by other means will not be considered. Credential
evaluation is done at the applicant's expense.

    7. Interview: Upon invitation, conduct an interview (in person,
phone interview, or other means) with members of the Biology Graduate
Committee.

Applications are reviewed by multiple members of the Biology Graduate
Committee, who then recommend whether or not to accept an application.
Candidates may submit additional or supplementary documentation (e.g.,
GRE Subject Test score, CV).

Application information and status is confidential.

Application deadlines

To begin Summer I, 2009: Apply by 1 May 2009 (International students: 1 March 2008)

To begin Fall 2008: Apply by 1 March 2009 for priority registration (see below).

Final deadline: 1 June 2009.

To begin Fall 2008: Apply by 1 March 2009 for priority registration (see below).
Final deadline to be announced; plan for late June.

Priority Registration

New students who submit an application by 1 March 2009, and are accepted
into the program, will be guaranteed a teaching assistantship in the
following Fall semester.

For more information on the application process, visit: Office of
Graduate Studies (http://www.utpa.edu/graduatestudies) and the Office of
International Admissions and Services (http://www.utpa.edu/dept/isa).
The admission deadlines for international students are often earlier
than for U.S. students.


Zen Faulkes
Graduate Program Coordinator
Department of Biology
University of Texas - Pan American
http://w3.panam.edu/~zfaulkes