The University of Nebraska                                    
Center for Environmental Health and Toxicology
Promoting the integration of new perspectives
and insights into education and research                                                                               

Admission Process & Financial Aid

  Qualifications

Admission to the program is governed generally by the requirements specified in the Graduate Studies Catalogs of the University of Nebraska Medical Center and the University of Nebraska - Lincoln.  Students completing bachelor's or master's degrees in chemistry, biology, biochemistry or related disciplines are encouraged to apply for admission.

  Requirements & Acceptance

Prospective students in the toxicology program will be accepted into the degree program on either the UNMC or UNL campus.

Admissions Considerations

Candidates for admission to the toxicology program are reviewed on the basis of a variety of dimensions. The following illustrates what the Graduate Committee considers for each of the admission requirements.

1. Applicant's Statement of Intent. Each applicant must submit a statement of intent, not to exceed five double spaced typewritten pages, explaining why they wish to pursue a graduate degree in toxicology. The statement of intent should also address the applicant's interest in an area of specialization within the field of toxicology. These statements are reviewed for quality of writing, academic sophistication, the extent to which the applicant's goals are compatible with the strengths and interests of the Center's faculty, the stated objectives of the program, and the applicant's commitment to the study of toxicology.
2. Recommendations. A minimum of 3 recommendations must be submitted. Two of them must come from academicians. Recommendations are examined to assemble a more comprehensive picture of the applicant's skills, interests, and performance, as well as their commitment to the study of toxicology.
3. Applicant's Curriculum Vitae (CV) or Resume. A CV or resume must be submitted. CVs and resumes are examined to assess an applicant's professional work experience and/or extracurricular activities while attending school. They are also examined to assess an applicant's interest in the academic study of toxicology and their potential ability to understand and conduct research in toxicology.
4. Transcripts. All transcripts from post-secondary educational institutions must be submitted. Transcripts are reviewed to determine the degree to which the applicant has been exposed to higher education that would prepare them for graduate study in toxicology.
5. Academic Performance. Generally, the target Master's degree level Grade Point Average (GPA) is above 3.35 (on a 4.0 scale). The target grade point average for applicants holding only a baccalaureate degree is 3.5 (on a 4.0 scale). Students seeking admission must have a baccalaureate degree and should submit Graduate Record Examination scores as part of their application.
6. Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL). Applicants whose language of nurture is not English must present a TOEFL score of 550 or higher and meet other requirements. International applicants are expected to demonstrate the ability to communicate orally and in writing in a manner sufficient to compete effectively at the graduate level with English-speaking, native-born Americans. Should international applicants be unable to pass the TOEFL examination, they may apply to the "English as a Second Language" program offered at UNO or UNL and, if accepted, demonstrate to the satisfaction of their instructor and UNMC/UNL staff that their English competency is adequate for graduate course work. When such competency has been determined, the applicant must retake the TOEFL and obtain a score of at least 550 before applying to the graduate program.
7. Graduate Record Examination (GRE).  Arrangements to take the GRE may be made through the Educational Testing Service, Princeton, NJ 08541-6000.  An official score report from the Education Testing Service is required.

Applicants presenting outstanding credentials will be admitted to the program on a space available basis. Should the demand for full-time or part-time status exceed the number of vacancies the Center can reasonably handle, only the most qualified of those applying may be admitted. Others meeting the minimum qualifications for admission, but not admitted at this time, will be considered the following year along with any new applicants to the program.

  How to Apply

Since the Center is a joint campus program, prospective students should apply directly to the toxicology program at the Center address below.  Applications are evaluated by the Executive Committee, serving as an Admissions Committee.  Applications from prospective students judged worthy of acceptance will then be forwarded to the appropriate UNL or UNMC Office of Graduate Studies, based on the students' interests as described in their statement of intent.  The prospective student will then be directed to complete their application either by paper or on-line at the appropriate UNL or UNMC Office of Graduate Studies.  The following address should only be used if sending application materials by a courier/freight company (UPS, Federal Express, Airborne, etc.):  Dr. Ercole Cavalieri; ESH 6031; University of Nebraska Medical Center; 668 South 41st Street; Omaha, NE 68105

Pre-Admission Advisement

Every applicant should obtain the UNMC or UNL Graduate Catalog, application materials, and information on the toxicology program months in advance of considering application. This material should be read very carefully. 

Post-Admission Advisement

Once an applicant has been notified of admittance to the toxicology program, they must send a letter of intent to enter the program to the Director of the Center within 30 days of the postmarked notification of admission. A student who has been accepted into the toxicology program and who has filed a letter of intent, but who subsequently chooses not to attend must inform the Director of the Center of this in writing. The student's application material will be kept on file and the student will be reconsidered for admission, upon request, along with all other applicants the following year.

Admissions Checklist

1. Obtain copies of the Graduate Catalog of the University of Nebraska Medical Center or University of Nebraska - Lincoln.
2. Confer with the Director of the Center and other Graduate Faculty as appropriate.
3. Submit Application, Transcripts, Resume or CV, Letter of Intent, GRE and TOEFL Scores, and (3) References to the Director of the Center.
4. When an application is forwarded to the UNL or UNMC Office of Admissions, the applicant must submit the appropriate fee.

  Financial Aid

A limited number of assistantships are available, based on distinguished scholarly achievements. In addition to the stipend, tuition is waived.

There are a variety of sources of financial aid available to doctoral students besides those handled by the Center for Environmental Toxicology.

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Center for Environmental Health and Toxicology
986805 Nebraska Medical Center
Omaha, Nebraska 68198-6805
Phone: (402) 559-8924
Facsimile: (402) 559-8068
E-mail:  uncetox@unmc.edu