Apply to study biology
Our admissions process depends on your educational level. When you’re ready to apply, follow the guidelines listed on this page.
Our admissions process depends on your educational level. When you’re ready to apply, follow the guidelines listed on this page.
Lata Balakrishnan, Ph.D.
Director of Graduate Studies
317-274-1290
latabala@iu.edu
Dr. James Marrs
Professor
317-278-0031
jmarrs@iu.edu
biograd@iu.edu
Our undergraduate students enter the School of Science as direct admits or through University College. Either way, you will follow the same degree requirements.
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.
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.
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:
* 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:
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:
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.
On the Application Information tab, select Academic Program: Biology and select your academic plan:
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.
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).