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We are no longer accepting applications for Fall 2008

Any applications that were submitted in the Embark system by May 15th, 2008 (4:30p.m. EST) must be completed by May 30, 2008 (4:30 p.m. EST) or it will be purged.

Please revisit our website in October to apply for Fall 2009 admission.

PhD applications submitted after January 4, 2008 will not be considered for Fall 2008 admission.

Thank you for your Interest

Thank you for your interest in applying to one of our graduate programs. Please read this page in its entirety before beginning your application. Prospective students use the University of Michigan’s Rackham School of Graduate Studies online application to apply to programs at Natural Resources and Environment.

Rackham oversees most graduate programs at the University, including admissions and graduation policies and procedures. By using Rackham’s online application process, you will be applying to both Rackham and Natural Resources and Environment simultaneously.

A baccalaureate degree in biology or applied ecology is preferred for programs emphasizing the natural sciences, preferably with coursework in chemistry, math, or physics. Outstanding students from a non-biological field are encouraged to apply. You can find more about admissions requirements on Rackham's website: http://www.rackham.umich.edu/Programs/biohealth.sci/snre.html.

Prerequisites: There are no prerequisite courses required.

Those students interested in earning a dual degree must apply to each program separately. More information on the dual-degree application process is below, and also in our degree programs section.

Completed applications contain the following:

Official transcripts from all undergraduate or postgraduate institution(s) attended.
Have official transcripts sent to both Natural Resources and Environment and Rackham School of Graduate Studies. The mailing addresses are provided below.
Statement of Purpose (two pages double-spaced maximum).
Your statement of purpose is your opportunity to introduce yourself to faculty and explain how graduate study at the school fits into your plans. Faculty members use the statements to understand your education and career objectives, as well as to see how well you write and organize your thoughts. Ideally, your statement should be concise, not more than two pages, but should also be a well-written statement about your academic and research background, your career goals, and how this graduate program will help you meet your career and educational objectives. Please indicate the field of study and the faculty members with whom you wish to work.
Personal Statement (500 words).
This statement is meant to convey how your background and life experiences, including cultural, geographical, financial, educational or other opportunities or challenges, have motivated your decision to pursue a graduate degree at the University of Michigan. For example, if you grew up in a community where educational, cultural, or other opportunities were either especially plentiful or especially lacking, you might discuss the impact this had on your development and interests. This should be a discussion of the journey that has led to your decision to seek a graduate degree. The personal statement will be included in your application materials sent to the SNRE review committee, but traditionally evaluation has focused on the Statement of Purpose and this will likely continue to command the bulk of their attention. Please do not repeat your Academic Statement of Purpose.
Resume.
Official test scores. University of Michigan Test Codes:
- GRE Test Code: 1839 - No department code required
- GMAT Test Code: SN1-J6-40 (accepted in lieu of GRE for dual business applicants)
- TOEFL Test Code: 1839 – International students only (unless your degree is from an institution where the language is exclusively English)
Three letters of recommendation.
PhD applicants: A writing sample:
We recommend that you submit a short paper that you have turned in for a class, preferably on some environmental topic. However, faculty rarely have time to read more than a couple of pages. If you are considering sending a scientific paper or thesis, it is best to only send the abstract or introduction rather than the complete document. If you have been working prior to applying to graduate school, a document that you have written for an employer could also be considered a writing sample. We request that you be the only author on the writing sample, rather than submitting a jointly written paper.

PhD applicants: Statement of purpose:
Every statement of purpose is different, depending on the background and interests of the applicant. In general, good statements are 500-1000 words (two to four pages double-spaced). The statement should discuss your academic and/or professional background, especially how that background has prepared you to pursue doctoral level work at SNRE. As much as possible, it should also describe your intended research focus and which professors you envision guiding you through the process and why. The more specific you can be the better. Obviously, many students change their minds about exactly what they want to do when they get here, but faculty want to see that you are relatively focused and aware of what pursuing doctoral research entails. It is also helpful to link some of your research proposals with faculty members who could serve on your advisory committee. Please visit the SNRE faculty webpage for a further description of faculty members and their interests:
http://snre.umich.edu/faculty-research/overview.
MLA applicants: Portfolio optional.

PhD Landscape Architecture applicants: Portfolio required

The online application system allows you to submit your entire application package electronically – except the transcripts. You may begin filling out the application form, save it, add information, and edit and proofread it as needed. You may submit your completed document when ready. Confidential letters of recommendation also may be submitted electronically.

Applying online is most expedient for the student and speeds the internal review process as well. Natural Resources and Environment faculty will begin reviewing your completed application once the January 4 deadline has passed.

Application fees ($60 USD for domestic applicants, $75 for international applicants) are to be paid by credit card online via a secure site. Once your fees are paid, you will receive an e-mail containing directions for checking to see if your application materials have been received. It also will include the method for updating your personal information, if needed.

Dual-Degree Application Details

Dual-degree students must apply to the graduate program at each respective school. Each school requires a separate application and supporting materials (official transcripts, statement of purpose, resume, test scores and letters of recommendation).

If an applicant is admitted to both programs, the applicant may choose to pursue a dual-degree program. Each school and/or program must be notified of your decision. In your statement of purpose, you may want to indicate your interest in pursuing a dual-degree program.

Mailing Address Information

Rackham School of Graduate Studies requires one copy of each of your official transcripts sent to the following address:

Rackham School of Graduate Studies
University of Michigan
915 East Washington Street
Ann Arbor, MI 48109-1070

Send a second copy of your official transcripts to:

Natural Resources and Environment
University of Michigan
Graduate Admissions
440 Church, 1520 Dana
Ann Arbor, MI 48109-1041

Questions

If you are unable to send your statement of purpose, resume and letters of recommendation electronically using Rackham’s online application system, please send all the documents in one envelope to Natural Resources and Environment at the address above.