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Biological Sciences

Graduate Admissions: How To Apply

UT Dallas > Biological Sciences > Graduate Programs > Graduate Admissions: How To Apply

Application Requirements

  • Personal Essay: This essay should discuss the applicant’s motivation, background, interests, and goals in relation to the degree program and specialization to which they are applying. Applicants should also provide evidence of their potential for success in the program, and briefly discuss their career plans and professional goals. PhD program applicants should also discuss previous research experiences, highlighting their specific contributions to science and should also identify specific research interests that motivate their application to pursue a PhD in our department.
  • University Transcripts: The applicant must include transcripts for all previous undergraduate and graduate degrees. Competitive applications include strong grades in previous academic work. A scan of the official transcript is adequate for beginning review of the application, but the official version is required at the time of admission.
  • Letters of Recommendation: Three letters of recommendation are required. The letters should be from individuals who are knowledgeable about the applicant’s previous academic performance and best able to judge probable success in graduate school. Previous instructors and research mentors are strongly preferred. The letter is submitted directly by the author to an online portal.
  • English Proficiency Requirement: If your native language is not English and you have been educated outside of the United States, you must demonstrate English proficiency as explained on the UT Dallas Graduate Admissions website. While the English proficiency score cutoffs mentioned at this website represent minimum scores, competitive applications include (if applicable) higher scores.
  • GRE Score: The GRE is not required for any PhD or MS programs administered by the Department of Biological Sciences. 

Expected Prerequisites                              

PhD program in Molecular and Cell Biology

  • Bachelor of Science or Master of Science in Biology or related field 
  • Research experience in the Biological Sciences
  • Undergraduate coursework in Molecular and Cell Biology, Biochemistry, and Genetics              

MS programs in Molecular and Cell Biology and Biotechnology

  • Bachelor of Science in Biology or related field. 
  • Successful completion of undergraduate coursework in Molecular and Cell Biology, Biochemistry, and Genetics as demonstrated by the application’s transcripts. 

New Student Intake 

PhD applicants are admitted for the Fall term. The application deadline is December 15. There are no Spring or Summer admissions for PhD applicants. 

MS applicants are admitted for the Spring and Fall semesters. There are no summer admissions for MS applicants. 

Application Fee

Application fee is required unless the applicant qualifies for the Graduate Application Fee Waiver Program.

Application Steps

Deadlines

  • PhD program: Application must be completed by December 15 for the upcoming Fall term. 
  • MS programs: For first-round consideration for scholarships, application must be completed by December 15 for the upcoming Fall term and by August 31 for the Spring term. 

Ready to Start Your Application?

Visit the Graduate Admissions page.

Questions?

Admissions

Graduate Advising

Molecular & Cell Biology (PhD):

Molecular & Cell Biology (MS) / Biotechnology (MS):

Graduate Resources