How to apply?

Requirements for Application (MS, PhD)

Applications must include three letters of recommendation from individuals able to assess the applicant's potential for graduate study, an undergraduate transcript, a resume or CV describing academic and/or work experience, and a personal statement. The GRE is neither required nor considered. The personal statement should address the following questions:

1. What scientific research experience have you had?

2. What are your research interests and long-term professional objectives?

3. What specific attributes of our Department make you feel that it would be a good place for you?

4. If applicable, are there any special circumstances related to your academic record that you feel we should know about?

Applications are considered only for fall entrance. For optimal consideration for Fall admission, all application materials should be submitted by December 15th, although applications will be considered until April 15th if there are remaining positions in the program. Foreign nationals are encouraged to apply by the full consideration deadlines to give sufficient time to obtain the necessary visas for graduate study in the USA.

Requirements for Application (non-thesis MS)

Applications must include three letters of recommendation from individuals able to assess the applicant's potential for graduate study, an undergraduate transcript, a resume or CV describing academic and/or work experience, and a personal statement. The GRE is neither required nor considered. For optimal consideration for fall admission to the non-thesis MS program, all application materials should be completed by January 15. Applications may continue to be considered through July 1 if positions remain available. Foreign nationals are encouraged to apply by the January 15 deadline to allow sufficient time to obtain the visas required for graduate study in the United States.

Requirements for Application (4+1 programs)

Applications to the 4+1 program must include an unofficial University of Delaware transcript and two letters of recommendation. At least one recommendation must be provided by a faculty member in the Department of Biological Sciences. The GRE is neither required nor considered. Applications to the 4+1 program are reviewed by the Department of Biological Sciences Graduate Affairs Committee beginning January 15 and are considered on a rolling basis until all available positions are filled.

1. How do I apply? Electronic application must be made through the University of Delaware's Office of Graduate & Professional Education. 

2. Must I have prior research experience to be admitted? Over 95% of students admitted to the thesis-based MS and Ph.D. applicants have prior, substantive research experience. This must be well documented in the application.

3. What if I don’t know which laboratory in which to conduct my research?  PhD students are not admitted directly into research mentor laboratories. MS students must  chose their research mentor at the beginning of their first semester in the program. Ph.D. students perform 2-3 laboratory rotations during the first year in the program and choose their mentor from these rotation experiences.

4. When is the application deadline? Our priority deadline is December 15th of each academic year. Applications that come in after this deadline will be considered if additional space is available. Applications for international students will not be considered if received after April 1st and domestic applicants will not be considered if received after April 15th.

5. How large is the Biological Sciences graduate program? As of fall 2026, there are over 75students enrolled in our thesis-based MS & PhD graduate programs, all of which receive tuition scholarships and a stipend.

6. Are GREs required? The Department is waiving the GRE requirement for our graduate program. You do not need to take or share a GRE score to apply. 

7. How long will it likely take me to complete the PhD? The median time to degree for a typical PhD student is 5.5 years. Individual completion length varies by progress in coursework and research.

8. How are previous students employed after degree completion?  Our previous graduates are employed in pharma industry, biotechnology, academic, and government sectors in a variety of positions such as Senior Scientist, Product manager, Faculty, and Medical writer positions.