Admission to the Ph.D. in Biological Sciences Program

The online application for fall 2009 will be available August 1, 2008.

Frequently Asked Questions - Ph.D. in Biological Sciences program

Applicants who are interested in graduate study in the Department of Biological Sciences at Carnegie Mellon University should have a background in general biology and must have graduated from a recognized four-year college, university or institute of technology, or have earned equivalent credentials. For review, the application package must be complete. The application package consists of:

  • Online application.
  • One official transcript from each college-level institution attended, whether or not a degree was conferred. For international students, send one copy of each transcript officially translated into English.
  • An official report of the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) general test. The subject test is not required, but recommended. Photocopies of GRE scores will not be accepted, and scores must be no more than five years old.
      • Institution code: CMU 2074
      • Department code: Biology 0203

  • An official report of the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) from applicants whose native language is not English. Photocopies of TOEFL scores will not be accepted, and scores must be no more than two years old.
      • Institution code: CMU 2074
      • Department code: Biology 35
  • Three online letters of recommendation. These letters should be from individuals who are in a position to evaluate the student's ability to successfully complete a Ph.D. in Biological Sciences; at least one letter should be from the college most recently attended.
  • A Statement of Purpose. This document should be a well-written 1-2 page essay describing previous research experience, primary areas of interest, motives for a Ph.D. in Biological Sciences and reasons for considering the Department of Biological Sciences at Carnegie Mellon for graduate work.
  • A US $50 non-refundable administrative processing fee for international applicants (non-United States citizens). There is no application fee for citizens and permanent residents of the United States. We will accept a money order or check payable to Carnegie Mellon; credit card payments are not accepted at this time. The fee will NOT be waived and your application will not be processed without payment.

The Admissions Committee will review all completed applications and invite selected applicants (domestic students and international students who are presently residing in the United States) to visit the department for interviews.

The interview visits in 2009 are February 12 and 13 and February 26 and 27. Selected international applicants living outside the United States may receive a telephone interview.

The final deadline for application is January 1. All students are notified of acceptance for the fall semester by April 1.

Mail supporting documentation to:
Graduate Programs Office
Department of Biological Sciences
Carnegie Mellon University
4400 Fifth Avenue
Pittsburgh, PA 15213

Questions should be directed to:
V. Emily Stark, M.S., M.A.
Coordinator, Graduate Programs
vestark@andrew.cmu.edu

Carnegie Mellon University Statement of Assurance

Carnegie Mellon University does not discriminate and Carnegie Mellon University is required not to discriminate in admission, employment, or administration of its programs or activities on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex or handicap in violation of Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Title IX of the Educational Amendments of 1972 and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 or other federal, state, or local laws or executive orders.

In addition, Carnegie Mellon University does not discriminate in admission, employment, or administration of its programs on the basis of religion, creed, ancestry, belief, age, veteran status, sexual orientation or in violation of federal, state, or local laws or executive orders. However, in the judgment of the Carnegie Mellon Human Relations Commission, the Department of Defense policy of "Don't ask, don't tell, don't pursue" excludes openly gay, lesbian and bisexual students from receiving ROTC scholarships or serving in the military. Nevertheless, all ROTC classes at Carnegie Mellon University are available to all students.

Inquiries concerning application of these statements should be directed to the provost, Carnegie Mellon University, 5000 Forbes Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, telephone (412) 268-6684 or the vice president for enrollment, Carnegie Mellon University, 5000 Forbes Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, telephone (412) 268-2056.

Obtain general information about Carnegie Mellon University by calling (412) 268-2000