Admissions Process
Applications are reviewed continually.
Overall procedures and policies in the Doctor of Plant Health comply with those established by the University of Nebraska Graduate College; direct all inquiries regarding admission to this new program to Gary L. Hein, Ph.D., Director of Plant Health Program.
Review the program Prerequisites and Recommended Undergraduate Courses pages for more information about appropriate baccalaureate courses of study and degrees.
The application process is outlined below.
The application process begins by completing the online admissions form, printing, and returning by mail to the Applications Coordinator or by submitting the application online. Additional application materials should also be mailed to the Applications Coordinator. Please contact Nancy, at 402-472-3365 if you encounter any difficulty or if you have questions concerning your application package.
Applications must include the following:
- Admission Application
- $45 non-refundable application processing fee
- One (1) set of official sealed transcripts
- Entrance exam(s): Graduate Record Exam (GRE) – general test scores, highly recommended
(Institution Code 6877) - Three (3) letters of recommendation
- Letter of intent stating background and professional interests and goals
- Resume
- Financial Resource Certification form (for international applicants only)
Documents in PDF format require the Adobe Acrobat Reader for viewing or printing. Download the current version of Acrobat Reader free from the Adobe site.
Gary Stone shares why he chose to pursue a DPH degree...
"we (DPH students) are all members of a very exclusive group of what I believe to be a very exclusive program that is making history. Think about it, this is a new program for the University and you are the first in that program; not many can make that claim. So what WE do with it for the others that will follow will be the standard. And we have that opportunity to set the standard."
..."I will do whatever I can from my far-away place to help out. It will be a year or so until I get down there and I know some of you will have already graduated and gone on to better things. In the meantime, don’t hesitate to ask of me, I have a little more experience than most of you and maybe all of you and probably old enough to be your grandfather (that doesn’t sound good does it!?!?) Why am I doing this, because it is something I want. I wanted a program like this 30 some odd years ago and it wasn’t available and I have this opportunity that I won’t pass up." -- Gary Stone, DPH Student and UNL
Application Questions & Answers
What materials are required for application to the DPH program?
Application requirements and procedures can be found on the Admissions page along with an online application form.
Can I apply to the DPH program through the UNL Graduate Studies application process?
No. Applying to the DPH program at UNL is a separate process than applying to graduate school at UNL. The DPH admissions process must be used to apply (see Admissions).
Do I need to submit my University of University of Nebraska–Lincoln transcripts?
No, the DPH program office will request your UNL transcripts after you submit the online application.
When is the deadline to apply?
The DPH Admissions Committee reviews applications as they are submitted. Currently there are no deadlines for admission to the program; however, from a practical standpoint it would be best for the student to know his/her enrollment status at least two months before classes start for that term (June 15 for fall semester; November 15 for spring semester).
Where do I send my application materials?
An online application is available that can be filled out and submitted online. Transcripts, letters of recommendation and other documents should be sent to the DPH program office. Detailed instructions are listed on the Admissions web page. See Contact Us for our mailing address.
How do I submit GRE (Graduate Record Examinations) scores?
UNL's institution code is 6877. You do not need to enter a departmental code as all scores are posted centrally. In addition, an unofficial copy of the GRE report must be mailed or an electronic copy emailed to the DPH program office.
What is the minimum GRE score?
The DPH program uses GRE scores as one of many elements in evaluating the applicant’s potential for success in the program. We do not have a minimum GRE score for admission. GRE scores are not required for admission, but are highly recommended for students considering application to the program.
How do I change information submitted on my online application?
All requests for changes must be received in writing via mail or email (Doctor of Plant Health ) and include first and last name, NU ID (if available) and details of requested changes.
Will I get admitted?
The DPH Admission Committee decides who is admitted to the program. These decisions are based on many factors including academic background and performance, leadership abilities and experiences and the student’s fit within the program. These factors will be assessed by a thorough review of all application materials.
How do I check the status of my application?
Contact the DPH program office at 402-472-3365 or see our Contact Us Web page.
How long does the admission process take?
The frequency of the Admission Committee meetings varies, but we strive to have a decision to the student within three weeks after the application packet is complete. Therefore, it is important for the applicant to make sure the application and all supporting documents have been submitted. Contact the DPH program office for information regarding your application status.
Can I defer my admission to a later term?
Yes. Requests must be received in writing via mail or email (Doctor of Plant Health) and include first and last name, NU ID and term to which you would like to defer admission. Deference of more than a year will require an application status review by the Admission Committee.
How do I withdraw my application?
Requests must be received in writing via mail or email ( Doctor of Plant Health) and include first and last name, NU ID and details of request.
Do I have to pay an application fee?
Yes, we have a $45 fee for all DPH applications.
I am applying to more than one program at UNL; do I have to pay multiple application fees?
Yes. Applying for the DPH program is separate from applying for graduate school at UNL. Therefore, the DPH admissions process must be used to apply to the DPH program; and the Graduate Studies Application process must be used to apply to graduate school.
I already submitted the online application. How do I submit payment of the application fee?
The application fee may be paid by either check or credit (see Application for details). If paying by check, mail check to our address (see Contact Us). If payment is by credit card, phone in credit card information to us at 402-472-3365. For security purposes, do not submit credit card information electronically.