Admissions
What are the eligibility requirements for this program?
All participants must meet the following requirements. Not meeting these requirements means that your application will be rejected without further review:
- U.S. citizen or legal permanent resident
- Have recently obtained (or will obtain before starting the program) a bachelor’s degree
Can international students apply?
No.
How do I apply?
Apply through graduate admissions. For program of student, select Data Science and Behavior (Certificate)
Is there an application fee?
No.
What is the application deadline?
March 1st, 2024.
What do I need to submit to apply?
In your application, please submit the following:
- Undergraduate transcript
- Curriculum vitae
- Two letters of recommendation (to be sent directly from the recommenders)
- A statement describing their interest and intent to pursue a career in data science and behavior (statement of interest)
Prospective students are also welcome to optionally submit additional information that would help their application. This includes:
- Self-reported standardized test scores (SAT, ACT, GRE)
- Examples of written work
Do I need to submit official transcripts?
Unofficial transcripts are fine for admission. If selected for the program, you need to submit official transcripts before officially entering the program.
Do I need to take the GRE?
No.
Is prior research experience necessary?
No.
What are the selection criteria for the program?
We are looking for curious students who are interested in pursuing a career using data science skills to understand behavior and the brain, broadly defined. This should be communicated in your statement of interest (see next question).
Furthermore, our program is supported by an NSF EPSCoR grant. The EPSCoR program is designed to enhance STEM capacity in the following jurisdictions: Alabama, Alaska, Arkansas, Delaware, Hawaii, Idaho, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Mississippi, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Mexico, North Dakota, Oklahoma, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Vermont, West Virginia, Wyoming, Guam, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Preference will be given to applications from students attending college/university in the EPSCoR jurisdictions listed above.
What should be in my statement of interest? How long should it be?
Your statement of interest is very important. Applicants should clearly discuss their interest in understanding behavior and/or the brain in their cover letter. Applicants should also discuss why they want to do research with their potential primary advisor. This should be no longer than three pages, double-spaced (10 pt font).
How do I select a potential faculty mentor?
Any faculty member at the University of Delaware who studies behavior, the brain, and/or data science (broadly defined) can mentor students in this program. A list of faculty who have agreed to be potential mentors can be found on the main Bridge Program webpage.
What if there is a faculty member I’d like to work with who is not listed?
Please reach out to the faculty member before applying to see if they are willing to be your primary mentor. If so, you are welcome to list them as your primary mentor on your application.
Can I apply to other BRIDGE programs?
Of course. In fact, we encourage it as we want you to have the best chance to reach your goals. Other similar programs are listed below:
Do I need to do an interview?
Yes. All semi-finalists will be asked to do a Zoom interview.
Program information
When does the program start? How long is the program?
For the first cohort, the program will start in mid-late August 2023. The program is two years, and will end in May/June 2025 for the first cohort.
What financial support is provided?
§ BRIDGE Scholars receive a tuition waiver for all classes – all courses are free. Bridge scholars will also receive $28,667/year and their own computer for use during the program. Students can also apply to a funding pool to support their own research.
Is housing provided?
No. Please see the University of Delaware’s living off campus page for information on housing options.
What do I receive at the end of the program?
At the end of the program, BRIDGE Scholars will receive a certificate in Data Science and Behavior from the University of Delaware.