PROGRAM OVERVIEW AND APPLICATION PROCESS
Interested in Applying?
Follow these steps to apply to our next cohort.
Before You Apply
Read These Instructions First
Please read all instructions completely before beginning the online application. Applications are submitted through the UO Graduate School portal.
Application Deadline: The final deadline for the Bioinformatics Track is February 15. For all other tracks, February 15 is the priority deadline and applications will be accepted until the track is full.
Update as of May 21, 2026: We are no longer accepting applications for Summer 2026.
Questions About Your Application?
Applying to Molecular Sensors and Biotechnology, Polymer Science, Semiconductors, or Optical Materials and Devices?
Contact Lynde Ritzow – lynde@uoregon.edu
Applying to Bioinformatics and Genomics?
Contact Allison Fujinaga – afujinag@uoregon.edu
Unsure which track is the best fit for you? Contact kcgip@uoregon.edu to talk to an advisor before starting an application.
What You'll Need
Required Application Materials
Gather all materials before beginning. Incomplete applications will not be reviewed.
1. Fee Waiver (Domestic Applicants)
We are waiving the application fee for all domestic applicants. Please begin your application before requesting a waiver — waivers can only be applied to existing applications.
To request a waiver, fill out this form. Waiver requests are reviewed weekly and the status will be updated on the application portal.
Each applicant is eligible for one fee waiver. Not available to international applicants.
2. Statement of Purpose
In approximately 500 words, describe the experience that makes you a strong candidate. The program is particularly interested in:
- Technical experience gained through employment, internships, for-credit research, or project-based coursework. Direct experience in the focus area is beneficial but not required.
- Non-technical experience (employment, volunteerism, athletics) that required significant use of soft skills such as teamwork, leadership, and time management.
- A description of why the program is a good fit for your career goals.
- Any additional information that allows a holistic assessment of your candidacy (e.g. hardship or adversity overcome; improvement in grades at upper vs. lower level coursework).
We suggest writing your statement in advance, then copying and pasting it into the application or uploading the document directly.
3. Three Letters of Recommendation
Request letters from faculty and/or supervisors. We recommend that at least one letter be from a supervisor familiar with your research and technical abilities.
Notify your letter writers that you are applying to the Knight Campus Graduate Internship Program so they can anticipate the automated request sent from the application.
It is the applicant's responsibility to ensure letter writers have completed the online recommendation form.
4. Resume
Create a resume highlighting all relevant information. We recommend including information from at least the previous four years, covering:
- Research experience and technical skills
- Non-technical employment and volunteerism
- Extracurricular activities
- Publications, scholarships, and awards
5. Transcripts
Upload unofficial copies of your transcripts directly to the application, including all undergraduate and graduate work.
Official transcripts will only be required if you are admitted and decide to attend.
Step by Step
The Application Process
Follow each step carefully to ensure your application is complete and considered.
Apply for Summer Term
The program begins summer term. Make sure you apply for the correct term in the UO Graduate School portal.
Select the Correct Major and Degree Type
Majors are listed alphabetically under the College of Arts and Sciences. Select Master's Degree from the Degree Type dropdown. If you choose a general chemistry, physics, or biology major, you will be applying to the PhD program.
Program Track | Choose Major |
|---|---|
Bioinformatics and Genomics | Biology – Knight Campus Graduate Internship Program |
Molecular Sensors and Probes | Chemistry – Knight Campus Graduate Internship Program |
Polymer Science | Chemistry – Knight Campus Graduate Internship Program |
Semiconductors* | Chemistry – Knight Campus Graduate Internship Program |
Optical Materials and Devices | Applied Physics – Knight Campus Graduate Internship Program |
*Students interested in the semiconductor track should apply to the major that best suits their undergraduate background.
Submit Your Transcripts
Upload unofficial copies of all undergraduate and graduate transcripts directly to the application portal.
Submit Three Letters of Recommendation
Enter your recommenders' contact information in the portal. If you need to change a recommender, contact the advisor listed above under Questions About Your Application.
Upload Your Resume and Statement of Purpose
Upload your resume and paste or attach your approximately 500-word statement of purpose. We recommend drafting your statement before starting the application.
Demonstrate English Language Proficiency (if applicable)
Non-native English speakers must demonstrate proficiency through one of the following. Scores must be less than 2 years old at the time of application.
- TOEFL iBT — minimum score: 105
- IELTS — minimum score: 7.5
- Duolingo English Test — minimum score: 135
- Bachelor's degree or higher from an accredited U.S. college or university
International Students: Review Additional Requirements
International applicants should review the UO Graduate School's international applicant requirements before submitting.
Review Scholarship Opportunities
Some scholarships require a separate application. For others, KCGIP applicants are automatically considered. Review the scholarships and funding page before submitting.
PLEASE NOTE: Applicants under consideration will be interviewed during the candidate review process.
Ready to Start Your Journey?
We're here to help! Contact Lynde Ritzow (all tracks except Bioinformatics and Genomics) or Allison Fujinaga (Bioinformatics and Genomics).