Application
Process
for M.S.T. Program in Biological Sciences and General Science
The deadline for application is NOVEMBER 1. Admission is limited to the fall semester.
The application process varies depending on whether or not the applicant is certified to teach in Illinois.
Applicants holding an Illinois Teaching Certificate in Biology need only complete the application process for the Biology MST Program.
Applicants who are seeking teacher certification in conjunction with the Biology MST program must also compete a supplemental application for the Department of Curriculum and Instruction, College of Education to be admitted to the teacher certification program.
| Application Process for All Biology MST Applicants |
Applicant Previously Certified |
Applicant Not Previously Certified |
| Complete the application for Admission to the Graduate College online. The proposed department name is Biology. In the field of specialization, leave this field blank. There is a $60 non-refundable application fee for domestic students and a $75 (US dollars) fee for international students. Submit your application fee electronically (Visa or MasterCard) during the application process. The application will not be processed until the fee is paid. |
Yes |
Yes |
| Have all transcripts listing the conferral of degrees earned and the coursework sent directly from the institution to Biology Programs, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, 286 Morrill Hall, 505 South Goodwin Ave., Urbana, IL 61801. |
Yes |
Yes |
The requirement of a "statement of purpose," a "personal statement," or a "program specific statement" may be satisfied by writing one well ordered, 3 to 4 page, typed essay, double spaced with font size no smaller than 10 point. *See the guidelines for this essay below. This essay may be submitted online or by mail.
|
Yes |
Yes |
| Three letters of reference should be from prior instructors or research supervisors. These letters can be submitted online (preferred) or by mail. If by mail, ask writers to send the completed forms directly to Biology Programs, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, 286 Morrill Hall, 505 South Goodwin Ave., Urbana, IL 61801. The completed reference form and letter can also be faxed to 217-244-1224 to be followed by the original signed documents by mail. Letters can be submitted on letterhead from the institution of the remitter instead of using the form provided with the application. |
Yes |
Yes |
| Applicants whose native language is not English are required to submit TOEFL scores. International applicants must have a TOEFL score of at least 613 (paper-based test), 257 (computer-based test), or 103-104 (internet-based test) to be considered for admission. The TOEFL must be taken within two years of the prosed term of entry; older scores are not valid. The Test of Spoken English (TSE) is required; applicants must receive a score of at least 60. Request that official TOEFL and TSE scores be sent directly to the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. The institution number is 1836 and the program code is 00 or 35. |
Yes |
Yes |
Application to the Department of Curriculum and Instruction, College of Education for admission to the Teacher Certification Program. - Supplemental Application to Graduate Admission-Teacher Education Programs (contact Carol Hall to get a copy of this application). |
No |
Yes |
| Current resume |
No |
Yes |
| The Department of Curriculum and Instruction requires an essay, but the essay written for the Graduate College online application listed above that is required of all applicants will serve this purpose. |
No |
Yes |
| All applicants must pass the Illinois Certification Testing System (ICTS) Test of Basic Skills prior to the application deadline. (ICTS) |
No |
Yes |
| All applicants must pass the Illinois Certification Testing System test in Biology prior to the application deadline. (ICTS) |
No |
Yes |
| Graduate Record Examination (GRE) Scores are required by the College of Education prior to the application deadline. Have your Graduate Record Examination (GRE) scores sent directly from ETS to the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. The institution number is 1836 and the GRE program code is 00 or 0203. ETS GRE Web Page |
No |
Yes |
| Applicants must agree to a Criminal Background Check and fingerprinting (**see explanation below) |
No |
Yes |
*Statement of Purpose and Essay for College of Education Application (one document).
Prepare a well ordered, 3 to 4 page, typed essay, double spaced with font size no smaller than 10 point. Address the following points in your essay:
Describe personal experiences that led you to pursue a career in education in the specific area in which you applied.
Demonstrate a high-level written communication (quality of writing, thoughtfulness about education, reflective thinking).
Provide evidence of formal or informal experience working with children or youth comparable to the age-level of students served in the program for which application is made.
Discuss how your experiences or lack thereof have influenced your ideas of cultural/racial/ethnic diversity (language, people with disabilities, sexual orientation, religious beliefs, etc.).
Identify and discuss some experiences that influenced your ideas about the importance of developing inquiring and reflective minds, effective application of technology in the schools, and the teacher's role in fostering a commitment to community service (social, political and religious organizations, i.e., Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, walkathons, UNICEF collections, etc.).
**Criminal Background Checks and Fingerprinting
The University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign requires field placement in school districts as part of various education curricula and certificate programs. Illinois school districts are required by state law to conduct criminal background investigations for applicants for certified and non-certified positions with a school district. School districts are required that applicants for field placements be subjected to a criminal background review prior to placement in the school districts. Certain convictions are a bar to employment with a school district and are fully set out in the Illinois School Code, 105 ILCS 5/10-21.9, as amended. All convictions will be reviewed for compatibility with placement in a school district. As part of this application, you will be required to consent to a criminal background review and, where necessary, consent to submit your fingerprints to the Illinois State Police. Failure to consent to the background investigation will result in your not being able to complete a publlic school certification program and in the cancellation of any admission to the program. For further information on this requirement, call the Council on Teacher Education at 217/333-2804.
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