How to Apply

Integrated Admissions Process

The PhD program in Systems Biology & Physiology has an integrated admissions process with the PhD program in Molecular, Cellular and Biochemical Pharmacology.  An application submitted to either program, will enter into a common portal where a unified admissions committee will review all applications for admission. Application requirements are identical for both programs.

Requirements

Prospective students must have a baccalaureate degree from an accredited undergraduate institution and a strong background in the sciences.  Students are expected to have an overall GPA of at least 3.0, with particular emphasis placed on having excellent performance in the advanced science courses. Qualified students with specific deficiencies in their undergraduate preparation will be guided to remedy these either before, or during the early part of, their graduate education.

Applicants are NOT required to take the Graduate Record Exam (GRE).

Special Requirements for International Students

Prospective applicants, whose native language is not English, must demonstrate proficiency in English as required by the Graduate College. Additional information for meeting this requirement may be found at the Graduate College Admissions Requirements.

Additional information for international applicants is also available through International Services.

Application Procedures

Interested students should first complete the online application, choosing Fall 2024 through Summer 2025 graduate program application and then Summer 2025 entry term, fill out the personal information, and pay the $65.00 application fee ($70.00 for international students). We do not require you to submit a video interview.

Before being considered, applicants must submit:

• An unofficial transcript of all undergraduate and any graduate training.
• A personal statement describing their interest in graduate study in Molecular, Cellular and Biochemical Pharmacology OR Systems Biology and Physiology.
• Three letters of reference assessing the applicant’s academic ability, research potential, and character.
• If your degree was granted in China, please check the Graduate College admission's policy regarding official transcripts.

Interview Process

When possible, applicants are invited to spend the day with students and faculty. The interview provides an opportunity for the applicant to meet the faculty and graduate students, see the program’s research facilities and learn more about the training offered by the program. Interviews conducted at this time will contribute significantly to the committee’s admission decision.

Timing

Applications and all supporting documents are accepted according to the following deadlines:

• Applications open August 1
  
• Applications received by November 1 will be considered for early interviews and admission decision
  
• Final submission deadline is February 1
• Begin date is July 1

All applications will be reviewed by the Admissions and Recruitment Committee. Offers of admission are made throughout the duration of the application cycle.