This guide walks you through the application process for the University of Florida Department of Microbiology and Cell Science Master of Science program. Bookmark it for easy reference as you complete your UF graduate application.
Access the application here. If you have not created an account before, you can get started by selecting "Create Your Account." If you already have an account, select "online application" to begin.
Accurately enter your name, date of birth, sex, primary language, ethnicity, citizenship, permanent mailing address, emergency contact information, and veteran status.
Section 2: Conduct Disclosure
Read the information provided and answer both questions honestly.
Section 3: Application Information
Application Type
Answer the first two questions honestly.
For the third question, "Are you applying for readmission to the same graduate degree program in which you previously attended?", select "No" unless you were previously enrolled in the Master of Science in Microbiology and Cell Science program
Location of Intended Program
Select “Distance Education”
Housing
Select “off campus”
Section 4: Program of Study
Program of Study
Select “College of Agricultural and Life Sciences”
Select “Microbiology and Cell Science: Degree Name – Master of Science”
Select your intended start term: Fall, Spring, or Summer A/C. The program does not admit students in Summer B.
Click "Save and Confirm Program."
Additional Information
Concentration: Choose either Medical Microbiology and Biochemistry or Microbiome in Health and Disease
Leave “Program Specialization” and “Department Contact Name” blank
Section 5: Academic Background
Education
Read through the information and select your undergraduate major. Selecting a specialization is optional.
List every college or university you have attended, even if you didn't earn a degree. Include any degrees you have earned or will earn before the program start date.
Upload an unofficial transcript from each school. Official transcripts will be requested only if you are offered admission.
Self-Reported GPA Calculation
Use the provided GPA calculator tool to determine your upper division GPA, which covers coursework taken after the term in which you earned 60 semester hours.
The Office of Admissions will not allow us to review your application without this information. Skip this step only if your degree is from an international institution or your institution did not use letter grades.
Watch the instruction video for help
Section 6: Activities
Highlight experiences that show you are ready for graduate study in Microbiology and Cell Science, such as relevant jobs, volunteer work, publications, coursework, or certifications.
Section 7: Test Score Information
Indicate whether you plan to take any of the listed tests. The GRE is not required.
International applicants must submit TOEFL or IELTS scores unless they qualify for a UF exemption. Review exemptions here.
Section 8: Additional Questions
Statement of Purpose (optional)
Use this to explain why you want to attend the program and how you plan to use your degree.
If you choose not to submit one, upload a Word document containing only this sentence: "Personal statement not required for this program."
Resume/Other
Upload a CV that lists all employment, education, research funding or grants, and awards since high school.
Optional: Upload any other documents that support your application.
Special Programs Application
Complete only if you are applying for funding through one of the listed programs.
Section 9: Letters of Recommendation (optional)
Letters are not required, and not submitting one will not hurt your application.
If you submit a letter, it should come from a professor, colleague, or employer
Recommenders can submit letters at any time after receiving your request, before or after you submit your application.
When you click "Submit Recommendation Request" your recommender receives an email from lor_help@collegenet.com with instructions. This email will be sent right away, so be sure to ask your recommender before submitting.
To check whether a letter has been submitted, go to the Letters of Recommendation section, then select “Manage Your Recommenders.”
Section 10: Residency Information
UF requires this information, but residency does not affect tuition for this program.
Non-Florida residents: Check the appropriate box.
Florida residents: Complete the entire section, select the documents you will upload, enter the requested information, and upload the documents directly to the application.
Section 11: Acknowledgement
Review your materials for completeness and accuracy before you submit.
After completing your UF graduate application following the steps above, continue to the UF certificate application. On the Certificate Program page select “College of Agricultural and Life Sciences” and your certificate program of choice
Admissions Timeline
Upon completion of your application submission, our admissions team will review your application and contact you with any questions. If the admissions team has no questions, your application will be reviewed, and a decision will be delivered.
Note: The advising team does not receive applications until they have been submitted. They can not view in-progress applications and incomplete applications will not be considered.
The University of Florida Department of Microbiology and Cell Science offers admissions on a rolling basis. There is no set date for acceptance, but you will receive an admissions decision with time to enroll in classes.
Questions About Our Online Programs?
Connect directly with an MCS program advisor to discuss the online M.S., Distance Ph.D., or graduate certificates. Email: mcsadvising@ifas.ufl.edu
