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 graduate 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. It is helpful to have completed graduate-level coursework prior to applying if your GPA significantly is below 3.00.
2. Is it possible to take a graduate course while in NDS status?
Yes, but first you must apply to the NDS program. 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. Please note that there are specific requirements regarding transferring these courses into a Graduate Program.
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 nine 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 1.75 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.
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. Is the GRE required for this program?
7. I am interested in applying to a Medical, Dental, Veterinary, Physician Assistant, Physical Therapy, Optometry or other Health-Profession program- should I apply for the MR or MS degree option?
If you are 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.”
“It was great! I had an amazing time meeting new people, growing, and learning. The program has helped me to feel more comfortable with the difficult workload that med school will expect.”
“So far, I think the course load and program expectations have been incredibly manageable. All of the professors are incredibly supportive and experts in their fields, and the classes are all (so far) really interesting. On top of that, the PGSA has been really helpful in integrating me into the program and providing opportunities to get to know the rest of my classmates.”
“This program has a great reputation behind it, and gives me the best opportunity to pursue the career in medicine I have been dreaming of.”
“The greatest factor in my decision to accept was the completion of my graduate degree as well as the great amount of care displayed by professors toward their students and their learning.”
“Meeting the program director in an interview was inspiring and reassured me that this program will be the bridge to my success.”
“I decided to accept the program’s offer of admission, because it holds many opportunities for my career goals. It gives me a second chance to have a stronger foundation regarding my knowledge of physiology.”
“The physiology program at NC State was recommended to me by an admissions member at East Carolina’s school of medicine. I want to practice medicine, and this program will prepare me for medical school.”
9. I don’t have an undergraduate degree in Biology or Chemistry. Should I still apply?
Yes! We have many students, past and present, with undergraduate degrees outside of the sciences. Some examples of this include:
Animal Science Exercise Physiology Political Science
Biochemistry Family and Community Services Psychology
Biomedical Engineering Global Studies Public Health
Business Kinesiology Zoology
Education Music
10: I am interested in a minor in Physiology for MS and PhD students at NC State University. What are the requirements?
Minor representative must be from the Physiology Faculty and the representative must be identified before the preliminary exam and the Minor representative must participate in the preliminary examination (as well as the final examination).
Minor Course Requirements:
Physiology 503
Physiology 504
Biochemistry 553
Additional courses must come from outside the major graduate program for a grand total of 12 credit hours toward the Interdisciplinary Physiology Minor program.