Frequently Asked Questions 

Q:

What degrees do you offer?

A:

We offer a MS and Ph.D. degree. Students may also apply to the Stritch School of Medicine's MD/Ph.D. program and, if accepted, receive a Ph.D. through the Department of Microbiology and Immunology.

Q:

What is the deadline for applying to your MS and Ph.D. program?

A:

We will begin our review of 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 greater chances of success.

Q:

Can I enter the MS or Ph.D. program during the Spring semester?

A:

No. We admit students into our program for the 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 MS or Ph.D. 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  MS students into our MS   program each year and for our Ph.D. program our typical class sizes include five students.

Q:

Will I have the opportunity for a personal interview, and if so, how will I be notified of interview dates?

A:

You will receive an invitation to interview with us by telephone - our admissions director will call you. The interview process is different for the MS and Ph.D. program, please see their respective How to Apply page for their current interview process.

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 MS or Ph.D. degree and your preparation for that degree to date.

Q:

Is there financial aid? / What is the tuition?

A:

We do not provide a stipend for MS students. However, you could work with Loyola's financial aid office to secure a student loan. Tuition and Fees.

For our Ph.D. program the stipend is $25,000. In addition, full tuition and health insurance are provided for our Ph.D. students. 

Q:

What about health insurance? 

A:

Masters 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.

Q:

What do I do if I am an International Student?

A:

Evaluation of transcripts by a professional evaluation service: If you are accepted as a candidate for our program by the Department of Microbiology and Immunology Admissions Committee, you must provide a detailed evaluation of your college or university transcript for final admission into The Graduate School of Loyola University. The transcript evaluation must be performed by an approved professional evaluation. We only accept transcript evaluations from ECE (www.ece.org). You are responsible for the fee for this evaluation and the validated transcript must be submitted to our Dept at least 30 days before the start of the Fall semester.