ESPM Frequently Asked Questions
Click on question for answer.
1. How many graduate students are enrolled in the graduate programs in ESPM and how many graduate each year?
A: We currently have 212 graduate students enrolled in the graduate programs in ESPM. Since advanced students often leave the area to complete their field research, there are usually no more than 150 registered each semester. In 2004-2005, seventeen Ph.D., thirteen M.S. and one M.F. degrees were awarded from the programs in the department.
2. How many applications do you get every year and how many do you accept?
A: We received 280 applications during the 2004-2005 admission cycle. These applications represent all the programs in ESPM including the Ph.D. and M.S., the M.F. (Master of Forestry), and the M.S. in Range Management. We made 54 offers of admission and enrolled 35 new students this year.
3. Do I have to have a faculty sponsor to apply?
A: No, you do not need a faculty sponsor to apply. However,at the time you submit your application, we require that you list faculty with whom you are interested in working. This the "listed" faculty an opportunity to review your application before they make their preferences known to the Admission Committee and final recommendations for admission are made to the Dean of the Graduate Division. Faculty sponsorship of entering graduate students is not determined until all applications are reviewed and final admission offers are made.
4. What is the application deadline for Fall admission?
A: We accept applications for the Fall Semester only. Your application and all supporting materials must be postmarked, hand delivered, or electronically submitted by December 1.
5. When will I hear if I am accepted?
A: We notify students who have been recommended for admission in late February or early March.
6. What are the criteria used to evaluate my application?
A: The Admissions Committee uses a combination of all submitted materials to rank your application for admission. The GRE scores and the GPA comprise 60% of the score and the letters of recommendation, your statement of purpose, and other relevant background information comprise 40% of your final rank.
7. Is the GRE required?
A: Yes. Although the Graduate Division no longer requires the GRE, ESPM requires all applicants to submit current scores.
8. How important are GRE scores and GPA?
A: The GRE scores and GPA are very important to gain admission to the ESPM graduate program. The average GRE scores for those we accepted in the program for Fall 2005 were: Verbal: 625/84%, Quantitative: 698/73%, and Analytical: 5.10 or 701/83%. The average GPA for those accepted was 3.60. The GPA is based on undergraduate course work done in the last two years, i.e. junior and senior status.
9. Do I need to take a GRE Subject Test?
A: No, we do not require a GRE Subject Test for admission.
10. Do you offer financial support for students?
A: Yes, we make every effort to support our entering and continuing students from a variety of resources including University Fellowships, Departmental Restricted Fellowships, and Graduate Student Research Assistantships (GSRs). We also encourage our students to apply for Graduate Student Instructor (GSI) positions. We make our financial support offers at the time of admission.
11. What courses are required for admission?
A: We require one course for admission: a basic statistics course. If you have a degree in an unrelated field, we urge you to take some biology, basic chemistry, and calculus. If you have concerns about your preparation, contact the Graduate Student Services Office.
12. Are your students getting jobs with their degrees?
A: We have been tracking initial employment for our
graduates
for several years and have compiled data about
placement:
• Postdoctoral Fellowships 23%
• Academic (tenure and non-tenure track positions) 19%
• Non-Government Organizations 11%
• Government 22%
• Consulting/Industry/Research 21%
• Other 4%