Apply to GDPE

Before You Apply

  1. Contact GDPE faculty with your research interests who could potentially serve as your advisor
  2. Explore funding opportunities with potential advisor(s) and the Graduate School
  3. Apply here.

Preferred Application Deadlines

To start in Fall: January 15
To start in Spring: November 1

Applications are open one year in advance of desired start term.

Minimum Requirements

  • Confirmation from a GDPE faculty member that they will serve as your advisor*
  • Bachelor’s degree in any of the agricultural, anthropological, biological, biochemical, mathematical, or physical sciences from an accredited college or university
  • Undergraduate GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale
  • GRE scores are not required for admittance to the GDPE program – check with your prospective advisor for any specific requirements they may have
  • Three letters of recommendation
  • A statement of purpose (typically <2pg; here’s some good advice on how to prepare this)

* Students can still apply without a confirmed advisor, but cannot be admitted until we receive a letter of commitment from that advisor.

Preferred Qualifications

  • Successful completion of at least one course in Statistics and one course in Ecology
  • An average GPA of 3.5 on a 4.0 scale
  • Demonstrated evidence of scientific productivity (particularly PhD students)
  • Articulated evidence of leadership qualities

Submit Application Materials

Enter reference contact information into your application. Your references will be emailed after you complete the necessary steps.

  • To submit official transcripts, contact your previous institutions to request submission of official transcripts to Colorado State University (Institution Code 4075)
  • To submit electronic test scores and transcripts, contact the institution and send to Colorado State University (Institution Code 4075; email adm_gradprocessing@mail.colostate.edu)
  • For any documents that cannot be uploaded, submit paper copies directly to Graduate Admissions. Do NOT send transcripts, test scores, or letters of recommendation to GDPE; it will delay your application.
Apply to CSU Graduate School

Graduate Admissions

Office of Admissions
Colorado State University
1062 Campus Delivery
Fort Collins, CO 80523-1062

CSU Internal Transfer Students:
Apply to GDPE

Check your application status to ensure your application checklist is complete, and check for updates.