How to apply to Graduate Programs at WSU Vancouver

All applicants must apply online to the WSU Graduate School by January 10th. International students should note the additional WSU Graduate School International Student Requirements.

Our application process requires three steps.

Step 1: Contact

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.

Step 2: Notify

Once a faculty mentor has invited you to submit an application 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.

Step 3: Apply to the WSU Graduate School

  • Complete the WSU Graduate School online application. Please follow instructions on this site carefully.
  • Select “Pullman campus” when prompted for the location of your degree program. Note the WSU Vancouver faculty member(s) you are interested in working with in the online statement of purpose. This will ensure your application is sent to WSU Vancouver for review.
    • Environmental & Natural Resource Sciences (ENRS) MS & PhD majors: Please select Vancouver Campus as your designation.

Applications must include:

  1. Three letters of recommendation: follow instructions on the WSU Graduate School application page to submit letters online.
  2. TOEFL scores (international applicants only): official scores must be sent directly to the WSU Graduate School from the Educational Testing Service. WSU Institutional Code: 4705.
  3. Transcripts: follow instructions on the WSU Graduate School application page for submission requirements.

Frequently Asked Questions for applicants

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 them to discuss your research goals.

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.

All degrees listed on this page can be completed in Vancouver. However, you must select WSU Pullman in the online application

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. 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 scores can be sent to Institutional Code 4705.

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:

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

(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
  • 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.

Send copies of materials or inquiries to the following address:

Natural Sciences Graduate Programs Coordinator
College of Arts and Sciences

Washington State University Vancouver
14204 NE Salmon Creek Avenue
Vancouver, WA 98686