A bachelor’s degree in the sciences (or related disciplines), three letters of recommendation, a personal statement (two pages maximum), and transcripts of all previous degrees are required. Students with deficiencies in undergraduate courses relevant to their Program of Study may be required to take additional courses without program credit.

In general, students will be admitted if they meet the minimum GPA of 3.00, good letters of recommendation, and an acceptable statement of purpose. In exceptional circumstances, the student who falls short may still be considered for admission with further evaluation.

Language Proficiency

Required scores on the Internet-based (iBT) and Computer-based TOEFL:

An overall score of 80 or above (82 for teaching assistantship consideration), AND Minimum scores in the following areas: Reading: 19; Writing: 18; Listening: 17; Speaking: 18 (the suggested minimum speaking score for a teaching assistantship is 20).

Other scores that may be accepted in place of TOEFL scores (please check with your department):

International English Language Testing System (IELTS): All scores must be sent directly to URI. Required minimum score of 6.5, AND minimum scores in the following areas: Reading: 6.5; Writing: 6.5; Listening: 6.5; Speaking: 6.5 (The suggested minimum speaking score for a teaching assistantship is 7).

Duolingo English Test: Required minimum score of 105 (Score of 110 for a teaching assistantship)

Pearson Test of English: Required minimum scores are Reading 53, Writing 59, Listening 47, and Speaking 47 (62 for international teaching assistants)

Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR): Required minimum score of B2

Applications deadline: Fall semester - 1 December