Graduate admission

In order to join us as a Biology graduate student, you must meet the minimum admission requirements of the Graduate School as well as our departmental requirements.

Requirements for graduate admission

To be eligible for graduate admission to the biology department, you must hold a baccalaureate degree from an accredited institution of higher learning and demonstrate good preparation in biology, organic chemistry, physics, and mathematics.

A grade point average of 3.0 or equivalent is required for unconditional admission but does not guarantee admission. Applicants with GPAs of 3.0 or slightly above will be expected to have a science course GPA of 3.0.

Test requirements

The GRE and/or subject tests are not required for Ph.D. and Thesis M.S. applicants; however, if submitted, the results are added to the applicant's file for consideration.

Only non-thesis M.S. applicants are required to take the Graduate Record Examination* (GRE) General Test. Minimal score requirements for new GRE tests are as follows:

• Combined total of 295 for the verbal and quantitative sections
  • Verbal score of 146 or greater
  • Quantitative score of 145 or greater
  • 5 score on the analytical portion of the test

* In place of the GRE, non-thesis M.S. applicants can use the new MCAT test (April 2015) or the DAT with corresponding score reports as follows:

• MCAT: A combined total of 497 or greater, taken within the last 3 years
• DAT: A total of 17 or greater, taken within the last 3 years

English Proficiency Requirements

If you are an international student, you must take the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL). There are no automatic waivers.

Minimum scores required for admission are 600 or greater on the paper-based test, 250 on the computer-based test, or 80 on the internet-based test (international students only) with the following score requirements:

• iBT overall score ≥ 80
• Writing ≥ 18
• Speaking ≥ 22
• Listening ≥ 16
• Reading ≥ 19

In order to be eligible for teaching assistantships, international applicants must pass the English Language Proficiency screening administered by the ESL Program.

International Students should visit the Office of International Affairs for application and requirement information.

Deadlines

• Ph.D.: Recommended January 1 (US citizens). Final deadline is March 1 (US citizens).
• Ph.D.: Recommended October 30 (Non-US citizens), final deadline December 15 (Non-US citizens).
• M.S. Thesis (full time with support): Fall entry April 1. Spring entry October 1.
• Pre-professional Non-Thesis and M.S. Non-Thesis: Fall entry August 1 and Spring entry December 1, dependent on classroom seat availability.
• Note: Fall semester deadline to be considered for a Fellowship or Teaching Assistant ship is March 15. University Fellowships deadline is January 15.

Application Instructions

On the Application Information tab, select Academic Program: Biology and select your academic plan:

• Choose from Pre-Professional non-thesis, MS non-thesis, MS thesis, and Ph.D.

Under the Department Information tab, you will provide a personal statement (approximately 750 words) that identifies your academic goals, career objectives, why you are applying, and your qualifications. On the application, ignore the statement that directs you to the department page for more specific information. Your personal statement is sufficient.

You must pay a fee in order to submit your application.

Please note: An email will be sent to you when our department receives your completed application. If you do not receive an application submission email within 3-4 weeks, please call the Department of Biology at 317-274-0577, or e-mail biograd@iu.edu to verify that we have it and that the correct department was selected.

Application Materials

The completed application consisting of your online application, transcripts, letters of recommendation, and GRE scores is required before the graduate committee will review your file. Be sure to include your name on all submitted documents (mailed or uploaded).

• Transcripts: Two original copies of the official transcripts are required, including IU campuses. Please have official copies sent to the address below.
• Letters of Recommendation: Three letters of recommendation are required, preferably submitted using the online section of the application. Standard letters may be mailed to the department. They can also include an optional recommendation form, but it is NOT required. We also accept “committee packets” that universities put together for their students. At least two letters should come from professors in previous science classes and should address the applicant’s aptitude and potential in a biology program at the graduate level.
• Exams (GRE & TOEFL): Scores should be sent directly to us from Educational Testing Service. GRE and TOEFL codes are IU Indianapolis = 1325, Biology Department = 0203.
• Fellowships and Assistantships: If you are interested in applying, please complete the “Release of Confidential Information to the University Fellowship Subcommittee” form.

Department mailing address for all application submissions: