This application applies to prospective graduate students interested in one or more of the following Ph.D. programs*:
* For information about the admissions process that may be unique to specific programs, visit the "Steps" page for the individual program:
December 1 (domestic and international applicants)
Minimum entrance requirements include an undergraduate major in one of the biological sciences or in a related field (such as chemistry, physics, or mathematics). Applicants should have a general background in biology or a related science, including laboratory experience. Undergraduate course work in chemistry, biochemistry, mathematics, and/or physical sciences is desirable. We require official undergraduate transcripts and three letters of recommendation. (We do not require the Graduate Record Examination [GRE].) Prospective applicants should feel free to inquire about possible exceptions to these requirements. A unique academic background may be an asset, and deficiencies can be made up early in the graduate program.
A complete application includes:
Application form submitted through the online application system of the University Graduate School
Official transcripts (electronic or hard copies) issued and sent directly from all undergraduate and master’s programs (if applicable) institutions attended. Transcripts issued to applicants and forwarded to our office are not considered official.
U.S. applicants should have transcripts sent to:
IU Biology Graduate Office
Myers Hall Room 150
915 East Third Street
Bloomington, IN 47405-7107 USA
International applicants should submit transcripts to:
Office of International Services
Indiana University
Ferguson International Center
330 North Eagleson Avenue
Bloomington, Indiana 47405 USA
Personal statement. Provide a statement (approximately 500 words) that identifies your academic goals, career objectives, why you are applying to this program, and the qualifications that make you a strong candidate for the program. The personal statement is an opportunity for you to tell us about your academic and career direction and goals. Make a case for why you will fit into a particular program and what you aim to contribute and achieve during your Ph.D.
CV/resumé. Please provide a list stating your teaching, research, and/or industrial experiences; a list of publications, if available; and any college or professional honors and awards.
Official results of the TOEFL, IELTS, or Duolingo examination (international students only). You may upload a copy of your test results to the application, but official scores must be sent directly to Indiana University from the testing administrator. Institution code is 1324; department code is 99.
Recommendations. Please provide information for three letters of recommendation. Ideally, these letters will be from professors, program administrators, or lab employers. Be sure to contact your recommenders in advance so that they have time to write and submit their letters by the application deadline. Recommendation requests and letters will be submitted directly through the application system. If your recommender is unable to use the application system for any reason, letters may be emailed to gradbio@indiana.edu.
All required admission and financial aid documents (such as letters of recommendation) should be sent directly to the Graduate Program Office by the deadline.
There is an application fee of $70 for domestic and international applicants. The University Graduate School participates in several programs designed to expand participation of underrepresented minority groups in graduate education. Prospective student applicants who apply through one of four programs can receive an application fee waiver from the University Graduate School. The programs are (1) Project 1000, (2) McNair Graduate Fellowship Program, (3) Big Ten Academic Alliance (waiver application), and (4) National Physical Science Consortium (NPSC).
Option 1: Online application system through the University Graduate School. All forms are completed online. Select “Admissions” from the menu on the graduate school page and follow the link for applying online.
Option 2: If you do not have ready access to the web, or have trouble downloading the necessary forms, please contact our graduate student advising office:
gradbio@indiana.edu
812-856-7245
IU Biology Graduate Office
Myers Hall 150
915 East Third Street
Bloomington, IN 47405-7107 USA
We welcome inquiries about our graduate program. All inquiries concerning the features of the various programs in Biology or the status of an application should be directed to the phone number, email, or mail address shown above.
Inquiries about a specific research program carried out by an individual faculty member should be sent directly to that faculty member.
Note that admission decisions are made by a committee and it is not possible for an individual faculty member to accept an applicant directly. A student must first be admitted by the admissions committee.
All applications are reviewed by a faculty committee in the program of interest and also at the departmental level. Our goal is to select students with the motivation and creativity to advance the field of biology. To do this we consider all aspects of the candidate’s record and application: GPA, letters of recommendation, personal statement, research experience, and accomplishments. In the evaluation of an undergraduate’s transcript, particular attention is given to experience in laboratory courses and science courses. The admissions committee also makes decisions about the type of financial support awarded to the applicant. Applicants who are accepted into the program must respond no later than April 15 to the offer of admittance. After the deadline, promise of support can no longer be guaranteed.
Check out our “Frequently asked questions” page about the admissions process for Ph.D. programs.
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