How to Apply

All programs are accepting applications for Fall 2012.

Congratulations on your decision to apply to the Illinois PSM.  Programs are available in

• Agricultural Production
• Bioenergy
• Food Science and Human Nutrition
• Plant Biology
• Technical Systems Management

Before you apply to the Illinois PSM, note the following:

• Fall 2012 applications are now being accepted for all Illinois PSM programs.  
• Application deadlines vary by program; currently none of the programs have set an application deadline.  Any deadlines will be noted on this page as they are set.
• Three letters of recommendation are required. You will enter references' contact information as part of the application. Graduate Admissions will contact your references by email to request recommendation letters, which they may submitted online.
• GRE scores are required.  Use institution code 1836 for submitting GRE and/or TOEFL scores. Department or major field codes are not necessary. Learn more about the GRE revised general test from ETS.
• The application will ask for responses to program-specific questions.  You may ignore this part of the application; program-specific questions are not required by any of the PSM programs.
• As you are planning, keep in mind the amount of time necessary to find housing, travel, and secure visas where necessary.
• Financial assistance in the form of full or partial waiver of tuition and fees via assistantships or fellowships is rarely available to Illinois PSM students (except for certain statutory waivers).  Departments providing assistance that include waivers must pay Illinois PSM tuition and fees on the students’ behalf. 
• Transfer credit into the Illinois PSM is not permitted and full-time enrollment is required.
• If you have questions about the application process or requirements, contact Kevin Sightler at sightler@illinois.edu or (217) 265-5363.

Application Information

Admissions:  Graduate and Professional Admissions manages the online application process.  Before you apply, familiarize yourself with all admission processes and requirements as explained on the Admssions web site.

International Applicants:  Pay particular attention to information for international applicants if that applies to you.

Account and Password:  You will first create an online account and password. You may log out and return to your application as often as necessary.  Follow the detailed online “Application Instructions” to complete each section of the application.

Applicant Information:  Indicate the program to which you are applying in the “Applicant Information” section. To ensure you are applying to an Illinois PSM program, use the “Concentration” drop-down menu and select “Professional Science Masters."

Statements:  In the "Statements" section of the application, you are asked to upload a resume and a personal statement; these two documents are required.  For the personal statement, include in your discussion how you believe your background, interests, and career aspiration can best be served by completing a professional science master's program.

Also, under "Statements," there is a section for "Program-Specific Questions."  The Illinois PSM programs do not require program-specific questions, so you may skip this item.

Technical Systems Management Special Instructions:  There are multiple concentration options for the Technical Systems Management program. To apply to the PSM option, make sure you select "Professional Science Master's" from the drop-down menu for concentration / field of specialization.

To start or continue your application, use the "Apply Now" button to access the Graduate and Professional Admissions webpage.

If you have questions or need assistance, contact Graduate and Professional Admissions or the Illinois PSM at PSMdegree@illinois.edu or (217) 265-5363.