Each graduate program has its own set of requirements in addition to the University of Arizona’s graduate college minimum requirements. Most completed applications include a letter of intent, summary of coursework form, a minimum of three letters of recommendation, transcripts, and proof of English proficiency, if required.
A completed application includes any required official high school and college transcripts, depending on your status; payment of an application fee (fee waivers are available based on financial need); and proof of English proficiency, if required.
- All applicants must have a minimum 3.0 GPA on a 4.0 grade scale.
- International students must have a TOEFL score of at least 550 (paper-based) or 80 (Internet-based). TOEFL test scores are valid for two years from the test date. (TOEFL Institution Code: 4832).
- We do not require the GRE.
You must meet the Graduate College requirements and our school requirements outlined below to submit your application through the Graduate School. Acceptance into our department is granted to a student based on the availability of a faculty member to supervise a student. We strongly recommend you reach out to faculty before your application.
Departmental requirements
Domestic applications:
- Fall semester start: June 1st
- Spring semester start: October 1st
- No summer admissions
International applications:
- Fall semester start: December 1st
- Spring semester start: June 1st
- No summer admissions
You must fulfill all of the requirements below for a complete application packet:
- Submit your Graduate College application
- Letter of interest: specify your area of interest and goals.
- Identify your faculty advisor (can be completed before or during application evaluation)
- Three official letters of recommendation
- Official transcripts from all institutions attended
- Domestic applicant requirements:
- GRE scores are requested, but not required (GRE Institution Code: 4832)
- International applicant requirements:
- TOEFL score must be at least 550 (paper-based) or 80 (Internet-based). TOEFL Institution Code: 4832 TOEFL test scores are valid for two years from the test date.
- Provide original and English language translation transcripts, showing courses, grades and degrees awarded. If graded on other than a 4.0 grading scale, please provide appropriate equivalency.
If you are currently in the process of completing a degree program, please upload your transcript with your current course schedule. You will be required to submit a mandatory final, official transcript that lists your graduation date and degree awarded once available.
The minimum undergraduate preparation for admission into the our graduate program includes the following courses:
- General Chemistry I - (Lecture & Lab): University of Arizona equivalents CHEM 141 or 151 or 161
- General Chemistry II - (Lecture & Lab): University of Arizona equivalents CHEM 142 or 152 or 162
- Introductory Physics I (Lecture & Lab): University of Arizona equivalents PHYS 102/181 or PHYS 141
- General Microbiology (Lecture) or Introductory Biology: University of Arizona equivalents MIC 205 A or MCB 181R
- Calculus I: University of Arizona equivalents MATH 122B or MATH 125
- Statistics: University of Arizona equivalents ENVS 275 or MATH 263 or MATH 363 or MGMT 276 or SBS 200
Additional prerequisites:
- Environmental science track: Physical Geology (Lecture), OR Soil Science (Lecture) (GEOS 251 OR ENVS 200)
- Soil and water science track: Physical Geology (Lecture), AND Soil Science (Lecture) (GEOS 251 AND ENVS 200)
Students who lack some program prerequisites, but who are otherwise qualified, may be admitted with the missing courses listed as deficiencies. Deficient courses must be completed during the first two semesters of graduate enrollment.
For more information about graduate study in our department, contact our graduate coordinators.