|
Requirements for admission to the Microbiology and Immunology graduate program
To
apply for the program, applicants must submit a complete application either online (free) or by hard copy ($40) along with a statement of purpose,
3 letters of recommendation, GRE scores
(code 1412), and transcripts. Foreign applicants must also submit TOEFL
scores (code 1412). Applicants should demonstrate a clear interest and competence in science
through their successful completion of undergraduate courses in biology and chemistry (or related science disciplines), as measured by grades and GRE scores, through laboratory-based research experiences, and through a well-written and enthusiastic statement of purpose.
An admissions committee chaired by Dr.
Adam Driks makes admissions decisions based on the
quality of the entire application package. Therefore, we do not list specific
GPA an GRE requirements. Student should address potential weaknesses within
the application as a (small) part of her/his statement of purpose. As this is a research-intensive Master's program, students who show clear evidence of research potential will be given the highest priority for admission.
To be admitted, students must have received a Bachelor's degree (B.S. or B.A.) prior to entering graduate school.
The admissions
committee begins review of applications on Dec. 15 each year. Completed applications received after Dec. 15th will be reviewed by the admissions committee and applicants who meet our requirements will be interviewed as space permits. We strongly encourage applicants to apply as soon as they can, as we review applications in the order we receive them.
Students accepted into our program should inform the graduate school or Dr. Adam Driks of their decision as soon as possible, but no later than April15.
The Admissions Committee, chaired by Dr.
Adam Driks, will review applications beginning in December, and continuing until available slots are filled. The Admissions Committee will invite selected candidates to visit Loyola for a 1/2 day interview, following which a decision on admission will be made. Candidates are expected to assume the expenses associated with travel to and from Loyola and, as needed, any housing necessary for the 1/2 day interview.
Students may visit our list of faculty and request specific meetings during their visit. We will try to accommodate such requests.
After their visit, the admissions committee offers verbal acceptance to a subset of
candidates. This decision typically occurs within 1-2 weeks following each
candidate's
visit. Formal paperwork is mailed to accepted students shortly thereafter. Students who receive an offer of admissions must inform the graduate school and Dr.
Baker of their decision by April 15th.
We welcome you to visit the Department of Microbiology and Immunology at Loyola University's Medical Center. If you have been invited for an interview, please coordinate your visit with Ms. Debbie Hammer, and consult our list of faculty so that you may request meetings with specific faculty during your visit. If you choose to visit in advance of an invitation to interview, we suggest that you contact both the chair of the Admissions committee, Dr. Adam Driks, and
Ms. Debbie Hammer, who can facilitate the process and determine faculty availability on your behalf.
Department of Microbiology and Immunology
Loyola University Chicago
Building 105, Room 3846
2160 South First Avenue
Maywood, Illinois 60153
FAX number: (708) 216-9574
| |
Q: What degrees do you offer?
A: We offer a Masters and Ph.D. degree. Students may also apply to the Stritch School of
Medicine's MD/PhD program and, if accepted, receive a Ph.D. through the Department of Microbiology and Immunology. |
| |
|
| |
Q: What is the deadline for applying to your
Masters program?
A: We will begin our review of
Masters applications on December 15 and complete admissions by April 15 of the following year. Applications
received throughout this period are reviewed, but those received earlier have
a greater chance of success.
|
| |
|
| |
Q: Can I enter the
Masters program during the Spring semester?
A: No. We admit students into our
Masters program for Fall semesters only.
We initiate our program of study at the beginning of August.
|
| |
|
| |
Q: I have low GRE scores but a high GPA. Can you tell me whether I should consider applying to your
Masters program?
A: You should always consider applying. Once we receive your completed application, we can evaluate your entire package (GRE scores, GPA, letters of recommendation, research experiences). We look at all aspects of your application to make our admission
decisions. |
| |
|
| |
Q: How many students do you admit to each class?
A: We
expect to recruit between 1 - 5 M.S. students into our M.S.
program each year. |
| |
|
| |
Q: Will I have the opportunity for a personal interview, and if so, how will I be notified of interview dates?
A: The
Admissions Committee will notify you if you have been selected to interview.
You will work with Ms. Debbie Hammer,
the department's Graduate Program Coordinator, to finalize the
details of your visit. You will be responsible for costs associated
with your visit. |
| |
|
| |
Q: When do you interview prospective
students?
A: As
often as we can, we will work with prospective
students to find a mutually convenient day for the interview. |
| |
|
| |
Q: Is there any way that the GRE test requirement can be waived?
A: No. |
| |
|
| |
Q: What
is your GRE code?
A: 1412 |
| |
|
| |
Q: What should be
included in the statement of purpose?
A: The statement of purpose should include information about your reasons for wanting to obtain a
Masters degree and your preparation for that degree to
date. |
| |
|
| |
Q: Is there financial aid? / What is the tuition?
A: We do not provide stipend for M.S. students. However you could work with Loyola's financial aid office to secure a student loan. Tuition
and fees. |
| |
|
| |
Q: What about health insurance?
A: Students
must provide proof of health insurance. Group health insurance is available through the university. |
| |
|
| |
Q: Is
there housing available?
A: While the medical center does not have on site
housing, there are many varied and affordable accommodations near the medical center all within easy reach by public transportation. |
| |
|
| |
Q: What are the
GRE/TOEFL requirements?
A: We prefer to evaluate our candidates in their
totality rather
than by any single measure. |
| |
|
| |
Q: What should be worn to the interview?
A: Business casual with comfortable shoes. |
|
|
|
