Admissions
Application Deadline
Fall: December 15
Requirements
For admission in good standing to the M.S. and Ph.D. programs, applicants must meet the following requirements (in addition to the Graduate School's standards):
- undergraduate degree in a biological science
- A-B-level scholarship in all biology courses
- two semesters of organic chemistry, two semesters of physics, and mathematics through calculus
- GRE general test is no longer required for admission
- a personal statement of career goals
- three letters of evaluation from individuals with a thorough knowledge of the applicant's academic abilities and potential
- international students only - TOEFL of 100 or IELTS of 7 or Duolingo English Test of 130 is generally required
Since the department's faculty represent a diverse array of research interests, it is strongly recommended that a student contact a potential faculty mentor to discuss common interests prior to applying.
Frequently Asked Questions
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What is the possibility of applying for a direct Ph.D. with my BSc?
Yes, anyone can apply. You do not have to have a MS degree to apply for our PhD program.
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What are application deadlines?
The application deadline is December 15, annually for the following Fall start. (There is only one deadline annually for Fall admissions.)
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Can I upload my unofficial transcript for the application process? By unofficial I mean a scanned copy of my school-issued transcript.
Unofficial transcripts can be uploaded, but official transcripts will be required for admission.
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Is transcript evaluation compulsory for international students?
Yes, for final acceptance into UAB Graduate School.
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What specific test scores (GRE and TOEFL/IELTS) and GPA requirements are currently required for the application process?
GRE scores are not required, TOEFL of 100, IELTS of 7, Duolingo English Test 130. We do not have a specific GPA requirement for our program, but do require A-B scholarship in biology courses. Although GRE scores are not required, see # 7 below.) See https://www.uab.edu/cas/biology/graduate/admissions.
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What specific funding opportunities are available and what are the requirements needed to secure full funding opportunities?
We offer, on a competitive basis, two assistanship opportunities: teaching assistantship (TA) or research assistantship (RA). TA is covered by the department and is awarded on a competitive basis. RA is covered by individual mentors based on funding availability and awarded on a competitive basis.
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Can I get a fully funded scholarship without standardized test scores (GRE and TOEFL/IELTS)?
Scholarships/fellowships are awarded on a competitive basis, and test scores and academic records are a component of how we evaluate applications for funding.
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Do I need to secure a project supervisor to be considered for admission?
It is advised that you reach out to faculty whose research interests you as acceptance into our program requires a mentor accepting you into their program. Our program does not have lab rotations.
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Do I need to get a faculty member's approval before applying?
You do not need approval to apply, but you should be in contact with potential faculty mentors (whose research aligns with your interests and experience) to strengthen your application. Mentors make the final decision about who they accept into their research programs with funding (when available).
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Do I need to apply separately for funding or does consideration for funding come automatically with the application?
No, we only accept students into our program if they are accepted by our review committee, and they are accepted by a mentor with funding. The application will be distributed to faculty if accepted by the committee, but you are encouraged to reach out to potential mentors when you apply to start the process.
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Is the application review for admission based on Holistic review or mainly on GPA?
Applications are reviewed as a whole package, with GPA considered alongside experience and recommendations. There are base requirements for scholarship in biology courses and other course completion that need to be met.
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Do I need to have publications before I can be considered for admission and funding?
There is no requirement for published papers for admission or funding.
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Can I access an application fee waiver by participating in virtual programs?
The department does not charge this fee so can’t waive the fee. The UAB Graduate School charges this fee.