1. What are the chances that I will be accepted into the Physiology Graduate Program if I have a GPA that is less than a 3.00?
Many applicants are concerned that their undergraduate GPAs will prevent them from ever achieving their goals of being accepted into a degree program. If your cumulative undergraduate GPA falls below the minimum requirement of 3.00, your application will be fully considered by our admissions committee when you apply.
2. Is it possible to take a graduate course while in NDS status?
For information regarding the Non-degree Studies program, please click here. The courses you take will depend on your long-term career goals. With that in mind, students typically take 500-level courses in the sciences: NTR 500, NTR 515 and NTR 555 are popular courses for this purpose, as well as TOX 501. Please note that there are specificrequirements regarding transferring these courses into a Graduate Program. For a full list course descriptions, please refer to the NC State University Course Catalog.
3. How much will this cost?
By clicking here and here, you will be redirected to the Cashier’s Office website for NC State University. Please note that a full-time course load for Graduate Students is 9 credits. Please also check out our page on Scholarships and Financial Aid.
4. How long will it take to complete this program?
The average student takes about two years to complete the Physiology Masters of Science (Non-Thesis) Degree program. Some students opt to take summer courses and this can help to expedite the degree progress- the Degree Requirement is 36 Credit Hours. Masters of Science (Thesis) students usually take two years to complete a program. PhD candidates in this degree program usually take about three to five years to complete their degree.
5. How do I become a North Carolina resident for tuition purposes?
Please click here for additional information on how to obtain NC Residency. It is important to do this as soon as you move to North Carolina.
6. I have already completed the MCAT/DAT. Is it possible to use this score in lieu of the GRE (Graduate Record Exam) when I apply to the program?
MCAT and DAT scores are not accepted in lieu of the GRE when applying to this program. It is often helpful to include MCAT and DAT scores in the personal statement for counseling purposes, but they are not used in the admissions process for this program. The GRE is required by the NC State Graduate School and cannot be waived. Please plan to complete the GRE if you are applying to the program. Although there is no minimum score requirement, competitive applicants have scores in or above the 50th percentile.
7. I am interested in applying to a Medical, Dental, Veterinary, Physician’s Assistant, Physical Therapy, Optometry or other Health-Profession program- do I apply for the MR or MS degree option?
If you are only interested in completing the degree program so that you can improve your credentials for a professional degree program, the MR Degree, non-thesis option is for you. The MS degree option focuses on the thesis and research, while the MR degree option focuses on the courses. For additional information from the Graduate School, click here.
8. I am unsure that this is the right program for me. Do you have any current student testimonials?
We polled currently enrolled students on why they chose NC State’s Physiology Graduate Program. Here are some of their responses:
“It is the single best and most supportive program in the area that aligns with my goals to improve my science GPA for admission to dental school.”
“The program will help me reach my goal of med school admission, and the program director made it clear he will help along the way.”
“NCSU is known for their teachers’ desire to work with students and help them accomplish their goals. This school is also my alumni and, through my experience, I have found it to be the most beneficial.”
“Wide applicability of degree.”
“For me, I would like to gain skills in non-clinical medicine/health area, and I can see myself succeeding at NC State University because the Physiology program offers different perspectives of the field, in addition to the motivation and challenges students face in the variety of courses offered.”