FAQ’s regarding applications to graduate programs

Q. Where do I start?

A. Because graduate students work closely with faculty in pursuing their research, you must line up a faculty mentor prior to applying to the natural sciences graduate programs at WSU Vancouver.

Visit the faculty research pages for information on current faculty members and their research labs prior to contacting to discuss your research goals.

Q. I’ve lined up a faculty mentor and would like to submit my application. What are the next steps?

A. Once a faculty mentor has invited you to study with their research lab, email the following information to the natural sciences graduate programs coordinator:

• Your name and contact information including address, email and telephone number;
• The name of the graduate program and degree you are applying to; and
• The name of the faculty mentor(s) you contacted.

Finally, complete the WSU Graduate School online application.

Q. How do I apply to WSU Vancouver when I don’t see an option for this campus on the graduate school application?

A. The M.S. in environmental science is the only degree that allows you to select the Vancouver campus on the WSU Graduate School application.

For other natural science degrees which students can complete in Vancouver, select WSU Pullman in the online application and list the name of the faculty member(s) you would like to work with on the application itself.

Q. How do I submit my official transcripts, letters of recommendation and GRE or TOEFL scores to the WSU Graduate School?

A. The WSU Graduate School will accept electronic transcripts from U.S. institutions via the official electronic transcript process of the registrar's office of the institution. In such cases, the applicant should provide the registrar with the following email address for corresponding with the WSU Graduate School regarding electronic transcripts: grad.sch.transcript@wsu.edu.

Your references will be contacted automatically through the WSU Graduate School’s online application system when you enter their information on the application. Please keep in mind that they will be notified before you complete the application and make payment. Since your references’ recommendations will come directly to the Graduate School electronically, there is no need for a paper copy of the recommendation.

When required, official GRE or TOEFL (for international students) scores and dates can be sent to: Institutional Code 4705.

When using a shipping service such as FedEx, UPS, or OHL, official copies must be sent to the WSU Graduate School's physical address:

Q. Do I need to submit a supplemental application? Where do I find it?

A. A supplemental application is required for the following degree programs:

• Environmental Science, M.S. (PDF)
• Environmental and Natural Resource Sciences, Ph.D. (PDF)
• Biology and Plant Biology, M.S. and Ph.D.

Email the completed supplemental application to both the program coordinator and Cheryl Schultz, natural sciences graduate programs leader.

Q. What should I do after submitting my graduate school application online?

A. You can speed up the process of your application review by emailing or mailing a copy of all application materials to the natural sciences graduate programs coordinator.

Here is a list of all materials required to review your application:

• A PDF copy of your WSU graduate school application
• Your WSU ID#
• PDF copies of all your transcripts and GRE/TOEFL scores (when required)

(Note: The graduate school will accept unofficial copies of your transcripts, GRE/TOEFL scores during the application process. However, an official version will need to be on file with the Graduate School for any applicants accepted into the program.)

• Statement of Purpose
• Supplemental Application (when required)
• Current CV/Resume

If possible, request that your three references also email copies of their letters of recommendation after submitting them online to the WSU graduate school.

Q. What is the mailing address for the natural sciences graduate programs at WSU Vancouver?

A. Send copies of materials or inquiries to the following address: