Applying to the TGP

We recognize that a successful candidate to our program can not be judged by GPA and test scores alone. The majority of our incoming students have some research experience, be it in an academic or professional setting. In considering each application for admission, we carefully weigh academic achievements, research experience, statement of purpose, and letters of recommendation. We seek out students that are curious, motivated, persistent, and engaged.

You can find the online application form at The Graduate School Application Management. To begin your application, choose “First-time users:” and “Create an account” to start and application. You will then be prompted to register for an account. After activation of the account, you will be sent an email with a temporary PIN that you will need to continue with the application process.

The application fee is set by The NC State Graduate School. It is $75 for domestic and US permanent residents, $85 for international students. Application fee waivers are granted by The Graduate School, not the Toxicology Program. Please contact The Graduate School directly for an application fee waiver. More information can be found directly on The Graduate School knowledge base.

Our program requires a minimum undergraduate GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale. At this time, we no longer require the GRE. An applicant is more than welcome to submit their GRE score(s), but it will only be used to support an application, it will not be used to determine admission.

For more information on international student admission, please use The Graduate School’s outline of steps for Admission of Non-U.S. Citizens as a launching point. International students whose primary language is not English must demonstrate proficiency in English at a level necessary to be successful in a graduate program at NC State. For more information on minimum test scores required by The Graduate School, please see section B.

Codes needed for GRE and TOEFL applications:
GRE code: 0219
NCSU Institution Code: R5496
TOEFL Dept. Code: 99

• Completed NC State Graduate School On-Line Application.
• Meet all NC State Graduate School Admission Requirements.
• Unofficial transcripts can be uploaded into the NC State Graduate School Application. Once a student accepts an offer of admission into the Toxicology Program, the University requires official transcripts that document all prior conferred/awarded degrees be on file in the student’s permanent record at NC State. The transcript(s) must include a statement of any degree(s) awarded. The official, complete transcript(s), including statements of all degrees awarded, must be submitted to the Graduate School no later than the last day of classes of the first semester they are enrolled.
• A Curriculum Vitae uploaded with your NC State Graduate School Application. Please list all relevant research experience, PI/supervisor, and a brief description of any research projects. Be sure to include any publications or manuscripts in preparation.
• Expression of interest in Toxicology research (aka Personal Statement), including specifics as to why you think the Toxicology Graduate Program at NC State University is a good fit for your research interests. Please address the following: Research Statement – describe any previous research experience(s). Did you have an undergraduate/graduate research project? If so, describe it, including the specific aims, the outcome, and any challenges you faced and may have overcome. What did you find rewarding about this research? What, if anything, would you change about your research project? Goals and Motivation – What motivates you to pursue a higher degree in Toxicology? What are your general and specific areas of interest, in terms of research? What are your career goals? How will a graduate degree from NCSU and graduate research experience help you to achieve your career goals? What has driven you to pursue a degree in Toxicology? What has drawn you specifically to the NCSU Toxicology Program? Additional Information – What additional information do you think that the admissions committee should know about you? Are there personal or academic situations and challenges that you have had to overcome? How have you dealt with these situations?
• Letters of Recommendation. The Graduate School requires three letters of recommendation submitted via the online application. Please make sure that these letters are submitted by the December 15 deadline or your application is not considered complete.
  • Effective letters of recommendation come from faculty or research supervisors with whom you have worked with directly. While letters from senior lab members are accepted, they may not have as much influence as those from a faculty member.
  • Impactful letters are those that provide insight into your work ethic, persistence, potential for success in a graduate research program, your ability to collaborate in academic and research settings, and address how your strengths would be an asset to this program.

To be considered for traineeships, research assistantships, and teaching assistantships, please be sure to submit your completed application by December 15.

Our NIEHS T32 training grant and matching funds support at least 5 newly entering graduate PhD students each year. We offer a $33,000 stipend + full tuition + health insurance.

We do not offer funding on our T32 training grant to our master’s (M.S.) students. Master’s students can be funded directly by their research advisor. There are times that a departmental TA may be available for incoming M.S. students, but this is never guaranteed, and we always state up front that M.S. students are responsible for securing their own funding.

MTox students are self funded, as this is a non-research degree.

A background in the biological sciences is not required and we encourage all interested parties to apply. With that said, Introductory Biochemistry and Molecular Biology classes are recommended. It is suggested that you reach out to us as soon as possible so that we can recommend introductory coursework that might be taken prior to your enrollment.

No. The Graduate School only accepts applications submitted through their online application system.

No. Our program only accepts applications for a Fall Matriculation. This is due to the nature of our course sequencing. Applications submitted after December 15 will only be considered based on assistantship availability.