Frequently Asked Questions
Is the GRE required for the application process?
The GRE is required for students who obtained their degree from schools outside the United States. For students obtaining their B.S. or higher degree at a United States institution, GRE is not required but encouraged. The requirement for earned scores is soft. We give preference to applications with a minimum of 50% on the GRE Quantitative Reasoning section, while also considering other components that are no less than 20%.
Can a student get a GRE waiver due to financial related problems?
The GRE waiver is only available to students who have earned their bachelor's degree or higher from institutions within the United States.
Is the Chemistry GRE exam a requirement for admission?
No, the GRE Subject Test score(s) is not required.
What is the profile of a successful applicant?
Strong applicants have research experience, strong background in chemistry, biochemistry, and related disciplines, demonstrate scientific curiosity and engagement, and are devoted to being part of an interdisciplinary scientific community. These attributes are showcased by a strong statement of purpose, strong letters of recommendation (especially from research advisors), and academic performance. We prioritize applications to the Ph.D. Program over M.S. program.
Do I need to contact a potential supervisor before applying to the program to strengthen my application?
No. We have the Rotational Course offered in the first Fall semester, where a new student chooses three different groups at the Department and works for one month in each of these groups during the Fall Semester. Based on results from this rotation, a student can choose his/her Ph.D. supervisor and research group.
When will I be notified whether I have been admitted?
The faculty admissions committee reviews applications during the fall and winter. All decisions will be made no later than April 30th for Fall admission and October 30th for Spring admission.
Does the department of chemistry and biochemistry accept WES evaluation?
Prior to admission review, we require official transcripts from your university (in an envelope that is sealed and stamped by the university) or transcript evaluations from WES or another NACES member (evaluation must be course-by-course). NDSU will not evaluate your application file until we have your official transcripts and official test scores. We do not accept copies. More information about this question can be found here.
Your transcripts can be sent to one of the addresses below:
Mailing address (postal service):
NDSU Graduate School
NDSU Dept. 2820
PO Box 6050
Fargo, ND 58108
Delivery address (courier service):
NDSU Graduate School
106 Putnam Hall
1349 12th Avenue NW
Fargo, ND 58102
Due to dire financial constraint on my part, can I be granted an application fee waiver?
There is no application fee!
Do you have funding for graduate students and what is the top priority for getting this funding?
All admitted graduate students to our Ph.D. Program are provided a teaching assistants (TAs) position during their first year of the school offering them the same salary as for graduate research assistants (GRAs) of $24,000. Starting the first summer and following years, graduate students typically are working as GRAs supported by grants of their supervisors. If GRA are not available at the research group, students continue work as TAs. Note that both TAs and GRAs have the tuition waver and do not need to pay tuitions for graduate courses they are taking for their Ph.D. degree.
Do you accept applications for Spring admission?
Yes. Our Chemistry/Biochemistry Graduate Admission Committee considers applications by mid-September for the following Spring admission.
Should I include a writing sample or copies of my publications?
No.
If I am admitted and then decide that I would like to take a year (or 6 months) off, can I defer my start date until the following fall or spring?
Yes. Admission may be deferred up to one year from the quarter of admission. You will need to submit the request to the NDSU Graduate School. If you decide to take more than a year off, you will need to reapply to the program.