EEOB/MCEB Graduate Programs
APPLICATION DEADLINE FOR FALL 2023 IS DECEMBER 1, 2022
We are no longer accepting applications for the Fall 2023 class.
We encourage you to apply next year for Fall 2024 and the deadline will be December 1, 2023.
Admissions Review Criteria
Academic Performance
The applicant's overall GPA should be considered with special attention to math and science courses. It may be useful to consider whether grades have trended upwards during the undergraduate career, or whether the candidate mentions extenuating circumstances for low grades. In any case, please keep in mind that a special approval is required to admit any candidate with an undergraduate GPA below 3.0. The GRE is not considered.
Research Experience & Potential
Research experience is a valuable indicator of a candidate’s aptitude for a career in science. Indicators of such experience may be found in a candidate’s CV, personal statement and letters of recommendation. Experience in a specialized area of research, although helpful, is not an absolute prerequisite for consideration of a candidate. The goals and interests candidates express in the personal statement will be evaluated alongside prior experience.
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
Candidates will be evaluated for their potential to increase the diversity of our graduate student population. Candidates from historically underrepresented groups will rate highly in light of the SBS’s commitment to increase diversity, equity and inclusion. A record of working to increase diversity also merits consideration for this criterion.
School of Biological Sciences
Candidates will show evidence of compatibility with the School of Biological Sciences by identifying potential faculty mentors in an authentic way, by speaking to broad interests in one or more of the areas of strength within our research community (ecology, organisms, molecular, cellular and evolutionary biology), and by commitment to communicating science to non-specialized audiences.
Follow the instructions on the application site to submit the following:
- Online Application
- TOEFL/IELTS Scores (International student only) -- minimum TOEFL score is 80 or higher & minimum IELTS score is 6.5 or higher. Click this link for information about TOEFL waiver application.
- Three letters of recommendation
- Statement of Purpose (essays are typically 1.5 to 2 pages in length)
- Curriculum Vitae (CV)
- Research Interests and Faculty Checklist
For further information on required forms, the application process and general application questions, please visit Frequently Asked Questions.
Application Fee Waiver
(Waivers issued only through December 1, 2022)
The application fee to the University of Utah is covered by the School of Biological Sciences/Biology Graduate Program. Please do not pay the application fee in the online AY application system or on the Graduate Admissions page prior to obtaining a fee waiver coupon from the Biology Graduate Program Office.
To request a fee waiver, please email the Biology Graduate Program Office at - SBSapplicationfeewaiver@biology.utah.edu.
Refunds will not be issued to applicants who pay the fee prior to contacting our office. Only click on the Apply Online Now button below once you are given the fee waiver.
Application Timeline
- December 1, 2022: Application deadline for Fall 2023
- December - mid January: Review of applications
- February 9 - 11, 2023: Interviews for applicants
- Mid to late February: Applicants notified of admissions decision
- April 15: Decision date for acceptance of admission offers by applicants. The University of Utah subscribes to the Council of Graduate Schools April 15 Resolution.
Financial Assistance
All Ph.D. students in good academic standing receive up to five years of financial support, either as a Teaching Assistant or as a Research Assistant. In addition, the School of Biological Sciences (Biology) will provide a basic health insurance plan to students who are not otherwise covered by a policy. Tuition coverage is included (domestic and international students) and requires 9-11 credit hours of graduate-level course work per semester, excluding summer.
- Academic Year 2023 - 2024
- Annual Stipend - $35,200
- Health Insurance Provided by United Healthcare
- Dental/Vision Insurance Provided by EMI Health
EDGES Fellowship
The School of Biological Sciences/Biology participates in the fellowship program “Enhancing Diversity and Graduate Student Success (EDGES) of the College of Science. All students accepted to the Biology Graduate Program will be invited to apply to this program and priority for awards will be given to admitted students seeking Ph.D. training.
Living in Utah
What's it like Living in Utah? Graduate students from the School of Biological Sciences and Molecular Biology show newbies why the Beehive State is the place to get your graduate degree.
Apply to a leading research institution, the School of Biological Sciences at the University of Utah.
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