MS/MS Admissions Process
When reviewing an application for admittance into the graduate program, the Graduate Admission Committee considers several factors including:
- Completion of a science or marine science baccalaureate degree from an accredited institution
- Undergraduate grade point average (GPA) of 3.0 or higher
- The results of the general Graduate Record Examination (GRE)
In addition to the graduate application form, each applicant should submit a statement on their desired research area, and include a preliminary projection of resources or other considerations to determine if the potential research activity can be supported by the college. A determination of possible Graduate Assistant positions (GA) or Research Assistantships (RA) will be made before the student is admitted.
A holistic approach is used, and no one factor will exclude an applicant from consideration. The University is seeking students who have demonstrated the ability and motivation to do graduate level work.
Applicants who have not completed a science or marine science baccalaureate may still apply to the graduate program. However, students may be required to complete the required prerequisite courses.
The University has a rolling admission process and reviews applications throughout the year. For entry into the fall 2009 semester, full consideration will be given to applications received by January 15, 2009, with decisions delivered by March 15, 2009. In order to ensure adequate time for evaluation and correspondence, it is strongly recommended that applications be submitted as early as possible.
Complete applications satisfying HPU general graduate criteria will be forwarded to the College of Natural Science Graduate Admission Committee (GAC). The GAC consists of three CNS faculty members who, through review of student applications and discussion with the Dean and current faculty mentors, decide on the following semester’s successful candidates. The committee and potential thesis advisor will meet at least twice each year, with additional meetings as needed, to select promising students for phone interviews and determination of possible graduate research mentors. A student will be accepted into the program only if the GAC has identified a suitable mentor and the faculty member has agreed to mentor the student. The committee will discuss potential research projects with the mentor and the students. It is not the intent of the policy to decide on the student’s research but to develop an understanding that a research avenue is available for the student and mentor. Determination of possible Graduate or Research Assistant positions will also be made by the GAC.
