G R A D U A T E    S T U D I E S

DOWNLOAD: PROGRAM BROCHURE

ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS
Applicants must have earned a B.S. or a B.A. degree and should have at least a minimal background in both physical and biological sciences, including the following: two years of biology, one year each of introductory chemistry, organic chemistry with laboratory, physics, and college level calculus. Although not required, a year of biochemistry is desirable for students interested in cell and molecular biology, while training in statistical analysis is useful for students interested in population biology. Special consideration is given to students who have conducted undergraduate research and whose recommendations attest to their laboratory skills and promise in research.

FINANCIAL SUPPORT
Students are supported financially throughout their graduate career. This support typically comes in the form of a teaching assistantship and tuition scholarship during the academic year, with the student free to conduct their research full-time during the summer. Students may also be supported by their faculty research advisor's external grants or by Syracuse University Fellowships. Applying to local and national programs for graduate fellowships is strongly encouraged.

Like most graduate programs in the Biological Sciences, we believe our graduate students should be concentrating on their research, not on trying to pay the rent. The current level of support for the 2008-2009 academic year and following summer is $24,107. Given Syracuse's low cost of living, this is a comfortable income. In addition, tuition is paid in full, and Syracuse University provides excellent health insurance options. University Fellows, graduate assistants, and graduate associates are eligible to participate in the University's Group Health Care Plan. Coverage details and premium rates can be found at the Office of Human Resources, Employee Benefits.

APPLICATION PROCEDURE
It is strongly recommended that applications be completed and received by February 1st to be considered for Fall admissions and financial support. Only completed applications will be considered for review, therefore, you should request your transcripts and encourage your recommenders to submit their letters as soon as possible.

DOWNLOAD General Application Instructions (pdf)

The Graduate Enrollment Management Center (GEMC) directs the processing of admissions and applications for all programs of graduate study. To start your online application, please link to: Graduate Admissions. The application fee is $75.

INSTITUTION CODE: 2823

Supplemental Application Materials should be mailed to:
GRADUATE ADMISSIONS PROCESSING
PO BOX 35060
SYRACUSE UNIVERSITY
SYRACUSE, NY 13235-5060

Applications are reviewed by the Department's Graduate Education & Recruitment Committee. Decisions regarding suitability for admission and nominations for fellowships are made as soon as possible. Final decisions on financial support are usually made beginning in early March for the following academic year.

REQUIRED APPLICATION MATERIALS:

• Graduate Application Form
• Personal Statement: include research and/or teaching experience, research interests, career goals, and identify faculty members in our program you are interested in working under.
• Three (3) letters of recommendation
• Two (2) copies of Official Transcripts
• Graduate Record Examination (GRE) is required of all applicants (advanced in biology, biochemistry/molecular biology, or chemistry recommended). The only official reports of GRE scores are those issued by Educational Testing Service and sent directly to approved institutions designated by the test takers. (CODE: 2823)
  
• Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) is required for international applicants. Minimum score of 630 (paper-based) recommended.

Prospective students may wish to complete a pre-application for preliminary review before submitting a formal application.