Applying to GDPE

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GDPE student Kelly Hopping discussing rangeland condition with researchers from the Intstitute of Tibetan Plateau Research. Namtso, Tibet

The Graduate Degree Program in Ecology at Colorado State University is one of the leading ecology programs in the country. We have more applicants that apply to our program than can be accepted. Successful candidates generally are actively involved in identifying one or more potential faculty members as advisors. Finding a major professor is required in order to be admitted. It is not required in order to submit an application for admission.

The application deadline for Fall 2010 admission to the Graduate Degree Program in Ecology is January 15, 2010.

If students wish to apply for admission in the spring semester, they need to have secured a faculty advisor who will inform the GDPE program office that the student has applied and that the faculty member has agreed to serve as advisor starting in the spring semester. The GDPE program office recruitment services and level of support that is offered to faculty and prospective students for fall admissions are not available for spring (or summer) admissions.

A partial list of faculty seeking students is located at the bottom of the Finding an Advisor page. Please note that this is not a complete list; other GDPE faculty may be accepting graduate students.

Steps in the Application Process

1. Get acquainted with our program
2. Read about our admission requirements
3. Identify an advisor with your research interests
4. Apply to CSU online (click here to visit the Graduate School application page – opens a new window)
5. Submit documentation to GDPE

Required Documents for GDPE Admission

• CSU Graduate School Application
• The CSU Graduate School on-line application asks for Department Name which should be "Ecology" and Department Code which should be "ECOL 80" for MS and "ECOL 90" for PhD applicants respectively.
• GDPE Applicant Summary Sheet
• The GDPE Applicant Summary Sheet must be completed.
• Personal Statement
• A Personal Statement is one of the most important components of your application. It may include any or all of the following areas that you feel are relevant to our consideration of your application: research interests, work/field experience, academic interests, and career plans. You may wish to mention publications. Please be well-organized and concise.
• Three Letters of Recommendation
• Three letters of recommendation may be sent via email (ecology@colostate.edu). Letters may also be sent on letterhead directly to GDPE or may be forwarded by the applicant. There are no special forms to accompany letters of recommendation.
• Two Sets of Original Transcripts
• Your application must include two sets of original transcripts from ALL universities where course work has been completed, even if it was only one credit of work that transferred.
• Official transcripts from Colorado State University may not be required. Check with the Office of Admissions about your specific situation.
• GRE Scores
• GRE scores should be reported directly to Colorado State University by Educational Testing Service. Use only the Institutional Code (R4075). The Department Code is Ecology (0207). No subject test is required.

Domestic applicants

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International Students

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Information on materials required for international students is available on the graduate school website at http://graduateschool.colostate.edu/prospective-students/apply/international-materials-checklist.aspx