Admission to the school's graduate programs is competitive and students are encouraged to apply early. Applications are reviewed by an admissions committee that evaluates students on the basis of past performance and evidence of ability to pursue graduate studies successfully. The school admits students to its doctoral and master's degree programs throughout the year; however, early application (by Feb. 15) is advised to receive consideration for assistantships and other financial support.

Information on admission to master's or Ph.D. degree programs may be found at the Graduate Programs Web site at http://www.umkc.edu/sbs/graduate/, in the Graduate Academic Regulations and Information section of this catalog, by e-mail to sbs-grad@umkc.edu, or by writing to our graduate programs office at the mailing address at the beginning of this section.

Graduate teaching assistantships, graduate research assistantships and fellowships are available through the school and are awarded on a competitive basis. Currently, all fully admitted, full-time doctoral students receive financial support.

To be eligible for admission to the School of Biological Sciences' graduate programs, the applicant must:

• Possess a bachelor's degree in biological sciences or a related field with a minimum of 120 credit hours, or possess an advanced degree in a health sciences field.
• Have an undergraduate GPA of at least 3.0.
• Have sufficient background coursework to undertake graduate studies in biological sciences.
• Have acceptable scores in the Graduate Record Examination aptitude tests.
• Submit three letters of recommendation from individuals familiar with the student's academic performance and scientific abilities.

Students may be admitted with certain deficiencies, with the stipulation that these can be removed early in the course of study.