Admission Requirements for the Master of Life Sciences (MLFSC)
 

Admission to Graduate School Responsibility for admitting applicants to graduate programs rests with the Dean of the Graduate School. The Masters of Life Sciences program office reviews admissions applications and credentials and make admissions recommendations to the Graduate Dean.

 (Applicants with foreign credentials must submit academic records in the original language with literal English translations. Allow at least three months for evaluation. TOFEL scores are also required for all international applicants.)

Degree Seeking

Full Admission Status:

Students granted full graduate admission status must submit official documents indicating completion of a baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited institution, and be otherwise fully qualified in the judgment of the Masters of Life Sciences program and the Graduate School. Admission to the degree program requires:

  • An undergraduate degree in biological science, chemistry, biochemistry or science education with acceptable grades (minimum 3.0 GPA)*;
  • One year minimum teaching experience;
  • Letters of recommendation from your school principal and county science supervisor or other appropriate individuals
  • Successful completion of LFSC 510, Concepts of Modern Biology , or LFSC 520, Concepts in Modern Chemistry, a pair of gateway review classes;

or

  • a passing grade of B or better on either the biology or chemistry admission exams that are based on those gateway classes. Exceptional GRE scores may be accepted in lieu of the former.

*Students with undergraduate grade point averages below 3.0, who have not previously demonstrated superior performance in graduate courses, will be required to take LFSC 510 or LFSC 520. (Note: as a 500-level course this cannot be used to meet the credit requirements of the MLFSC program.)

Students who have been fully admitted to the program will be given prioity in registration for courses. Provisionally admitted student and Advanced Students (non-degree seeking) may register for courses on a seats available basis.

 

Provisional Admission Status:

Students may be admitted to provisional status by the program director if: The previous academic record is borderline or prerequisite coursework is insufficient; The applicant has majored in another field and has not yet clearly demonstrated abilities in the proposed new field; The applicant has completed the baccalaureate degree but has not yet submitted official verification of the last semester's work and receipt of the degree.

Advanced Student Status (Non-degree seeking): This status is designed for applicants who are not immediately interested in seeking a degree, but who wish to enroll in graduate-level courses. No letters of recommendation are required of those seeking Advanced Student status. Admission as an Advanced Student requires: a baccalaureate degree from an accredited institution and: An overall "B" (3.0) average or hold a master's or doctoral degree from a regionally accredited institution; or a year of successful post-baccalaureate work or professional experience or other evidence of graduate potential.

Contact the MLFSC Program Director for information at mlfsc@umd.edu