Frequently Asked Questions for Prospective Students

What is the length of the program?

• Full-time students entering the program with a baccalaureate degree on average take 5.07 years to complete their Ph.D. This is just an average as some students will take longer or shorter. Students will be done with courses after two years (four semesters); finishing your Ph.D. is largely dependent on your research.
• Full-time students entering the program with a baccalaureate degree on average take 2-3 years to complete their M.S. This average range of completion is largely dependent on the choice of culminating activity; Thesis or Project.

What is the cost of the program?

• Visit the Student Financial Services page for Idaho resident and non-resident costs for graduate school: Graduate Tuition & Fees. Here is an estimated cost for attendance for graduate students: Domestic Student Cost of Attendance & International Student Cost of Attendance.

How can I apply for program funding, such as in the form of graduate assistantships (GAs)?

• All Ph.D. applicants are automatically considered for program funded Teaching Assistantships (TAs), which come with a tuition and fee waiver, student health insurance, and an annual stipend of $25,000. These assistantships are offered on a competitive basis every Fall semester, with the third year rolling into a Research Assistantships (RA). After the three years of program funding, your major advisor will cover the assistantship via grants. For more information, visit our Ph.D. Scholarships and Funding page.
• The M.S. program is self-funded. However, we highly encourage that you apply for scholarships/alternative funding opportunities. For example, individual faculty may have ways to fund you through a research grant. For more information, visit our M.S. Scholarships and Funding page.

When will I know If I get admitted if I apply for the Fall?

• A part of the application process for the Ph.D. Program includes an interview with our Steering Committee and BMOL Faculty. These interview requests are typically announced by mid-February. Application decisions (including funding awards) after the interview process are usually announced by mid-March.
• There are no interviews as a part of the admission process for the M.S. Program, but to make sure that your application moves through the final stage of acceptance, you need a faculty member who has agreed to be your Major Advisor. Applicants will be notified about their admission decision typically near the end of April.

What requirements must I complete in order to be eligible for the program?

• An applicant for both the Ph.D. and M.S. Program must satisfy the minimum admission requirements of the Graduate College and International Admissions Office (for international students). An applicant must hold a baccalaureate or graduate degree in an appropriate scientific discipline with a minimum GPA of 3.00. For more information, please visit our Minimum Admission Requirements & Pre-Requisites page.

What deadlines are important to know?

• The priority deadline for Fall admission into the Ph.D. and M.S. Program is January 10th. Ph.D. applicants who submit their application materials by this date will be considered for program assistantships.
• The priority deadline for Spring admission into both programs is September 15th. Please note that program assistantships are awarded in the Fall. For more information, refer to the Application Deadlines page.

What do I need to include in my application?

• Along with the Graduate Application through the Graduate College, you must submit academic transcripts, a Resume/CV, personal statement, scientific writing sample, and 3 letters of recommendation. International applicants must submit English test scores. For additional details, visit the M.S. Application Materials page or Ph.D. Application Materials page.

Can I send unofficial transcripts and/or test scores?

• You can send unofficial transcripts and test scores to allow us to start reviewing your application. However, you will be required to submit official transcripts and test scores if admitted into either program.

How do I submit my transcripts and/or test scores?

• Domestic Applicants: All official transcripts and test scores (if applicable) need to be sent to Boise State University Graduate College. Learn how to submit official transcripts to the Graduate College.
• International Applicants: All official transcripts and test scores must be sent to the the International Admissions Office. Learn how to submit official transcripts and test scores to International Admissions.

Can I transfer classes from a previous degree or university?

• Yes, course credit previously earned in a Master’s degree at a regionally accredited U.S. institution or non-U.S. institution approved by the International Admissions Office may apply towards the Ph.D. Program. These credits must also be approved by the student’s Major Professor and the Program Director. To learn more, please visit our Ph.D. Transfer Credits page.

The GRE isn’t required, but can I send my scores anyway?

• Yes, it can be added as a supplemental material to your application. You should submit GRE scores directly to the Graduate College using the Institution Code R4018.