How to Apply – Graduate Program

Graduate Application Process

What should all students know about the application process?

The foundation of the graduate program is a strong relationship with the research area of the advisor to whom you are applying. Please review our information in other sections of this website (including the Graduate Overview) before submitting an application. It is important to identify the specific advisor you wish to work with prior to applying.

When should I apply?

Students who are interested in the graduate program should contact the individual professor with whom they would like to study for admissions details. February 1st is the recommended deadline.

What are the admissions requirements?

The faculty admit only the most promising and qualified students. Acceptance by a faculty advisor is subject to approval by the university. Some advisors accept a small fraction of their total applicants. It is therefore highly recommended that you visit your intended advisor.
Graduate applicants must have:

  • A cumulative grade point average of 3.0 for your entire undergraduate record; or
  • A grade point average of at least 3.0 for your last two undergraduate years; or
  • Excellent work in your entire final undergraduate year (3.5 or better); or
  • Graduate work with a minimum grade point average of 3.0 or better (9-12 credits)

We also look for experience in the field. Experience in the sciences and/or research is particularly important. Other types of experience depend on the particular advisor and their area of research. For some advisors, specific certifications may be important. While experience in exercise training may be helpful, the primary focus for all students is a broad spectrum of research experiences.  It is best to discuss your qualifications with the professor you intend to study with.

Please talk to your advisor if you do not meet any of the admissions criteria. Please see the Graduate School for more information on these criteria or if you are an international student taking the TOEFL.

What do international students need to know when applying?

Please see the International Student and Scholar Services

What is the process for contacting/selecting an advisor?

Prospective students interested in studying with a particular faculty member should contact that faculty member directly. We encourage all students to read research from the particular advisor that they are interested in working with.  Certain areas of research are associated more specifically with each advisor. Students are encouraged to communicate with a potential advisor for available lab group openings, funding, and projects. Our faculty contact information and linked profiles with descriptions of their current research are listed at kins.uconn.edu/faculty/

If accepted, what else will I need to do before arrival?

Please see our Graduate FAQ page for information on training and UConn requirements.

Where can I find additional information?

More information about the UConn and the program can be found through the following links:

How do I Apply?

After reading our Graduate Overview and other sections of the website thoroughly and speaking with your prospective advisor:

  1. Assemble your application materials in electronic format (MS Word or PDF are recommended):
    • Personal statement
    • A resume of not more than two pages
    • GRE Scores
    • TOEFL (international students)
    • Unofficial transcripts of all non-UConn collegiate work completed to date
    • Contact information for three references/recommenders1
  2. Complete the online application to the Graduate School
  3. Mail official transcripts of all collegiate work completed to date to

University of Connecticut
Graduate Admissions Office
438 Whitney Road Ext., Unit 1006
Storrs, CT 06269-1006

The Admissions Committee will review only completed applications and support materials.

1During the application process, an applicant asked to provide contact information for three recommenders.  The people submitting reference letters on your behalf may send their letters to our admissions office electronically through our application system. For those people who wish to submit their letter of reference on paper, please download and print a copy of our reference form and follow the directions for paper references.  You must input the names and contact information for each provider, whether they will be submitting electronically or on paper. For those providers that wish to submit their letter electronically, be sure to mark “Yes” for the online submission question on the Provider Input Form.