Application

The application to the Ph.D. program in Aquatic Resources and Integrative Biology must be submitted through The Graduate College. 

International applicants please view this link for information on specific admission requirements that may apply.

  1. Complete an application for admission. You may apply online through SLATE.
  2. Submit a non-refundable application fee of $55 (check or money order payable to Texas State in U.S. currency). Applicants holding Foreign credentials and /or who are required to submit English proficiency scores will also pay an additional $35 non-refundable one-time International Evaluation Fee (check or money order payable to Texas State in U.S. currency).
  3. Submit one official transcript that indicates the completion of a master's or bachelor's degree in Biology, Chemistry, Engineering, Geology, or a related natural science discipline from an accredited college or university. For students holding a master's degree, a grade point average (GPA) of at least 3.25 on all completed graduate work is required. For students holding a bachelor's degree, a GPA of at least 3.5 on all completed undergraduate work is required.
  4. Non-Texas State graduates must submit a transcript from each college or university. These must be mailed directly from the institution to the Office of The Graduate College (The Graduate College, Texas State University-San Marcos, 601 University Drive, San Marcos, TX 78666-4605). Texas State graduates only need to order transcripts from any colleges not listed on the Texas State transcript. The Office of The Graduate College will obtain the Texas State transcript from the Registrar's office.
  5. International students must have a baccalaureate degree equivalent to a 4- year Bachelor's degree in the United States. We require two official transcripts from every college or university attended: one translated into English and one in the native language. To insure acceptance of your transcripts, please make sure the University Registrar verifies the transcripts with their official signature and university seals. The official transcripts need to be placed in university sealed envelopes, with the university stamp affixed to the envelope and mailed directly to the Office of The Graduate College. International students must submit two official diplomas or degree certificates: one translated into English and one in the native language, showing the type of degree(s) earned and the date of the degree(s), verified by the Registrar of the university with their official signature and seal affixed to the copies. The copies need to be placed in the university sealed envelopes, with the university stamp affixed to the envelope and mailed directly to the Office of The Graduate College.
  6. Submit official results of the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) taken within the last five years. This score must be on file in the Office of The Graduate College prior to the evaluation of the student's application.
  7. The Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) is required to apply to The Graduate College if English is not your native language or if you are eligible for a TOEFL / IELTS waiver as determined by the office of The Graduate College . You must have an official score on file in the office of the Graduate College before your application is evaluated.
     

Additional documents (below) are submitted online through this portal (update and activation of the portal is pending).

  1. Submit a current curriculum vitae that summarizes your educational and professional accomplishments.
  2. Submit a statement of goals that describes your professional aspirations and your rationale for pursuing a doctoral degree.
  3. Arrange to have three letters of recommendation that address the substance and quality of your preparation for doctoral study.
  4. Arrange to have an 'Intent to Mentor' letter sent directly from a faculty member in the Department of Biology. In the letter, the faculty member must agree to serve as the student's initial dissertation adviser. Contact with faculty is the primary vehicle for learning of opportunities for research and support and for developing potential avenues of research. Students may change advisers in the course of their study. The intent of the mentor requirement is to help ensure that students have a successful start to their graduate career.