THE DOCTOR OF PHILOSOPHY (Ph.D.) PROGRAM IN BIOLOGY
OVERVIEW
The primary objective of the Ph.D. program in Biology is to train scientists and scholars who can perceive fundamental biological problems and who are equipped technically to investigate them successfully. Predoctoral students undertake a diversified program of study that includes course work, seminars and laboratory research. Formal courses and seminars are offered in areas of biochemistry, cell biology, genetics, developmental biology, evolutionary biology, molecular biology and neurobiology. Equivalent graduate courses taken prior to entering the graduate program may substitute for one or more of these courses. With the guidance of a faculty advisory committee, all entering students plan a first-year academic program that includes lecture courses, seminars, and laboratory rotations aimed at broadening and strengthening their knowledge in the biological sciences.
After the first year, each student selects a major professor with whom to pursue individual and specialized research in a selected area of biology (see Research Programs). During the second year, students complete their qualifying examinations in which they present and defend their research proposals, thereby being admitted to Ph.D. candidacy. The research proposal will constitute the basis for the Ph.D. dissertation. The Ph.D. degree is awarded following the successful completion of all research work, submission and acceptance of a written Ph.D. dissertation, and oral defense of the Ph.D. dissertation. Students in the Ph.D. program gain instructional experience, usually by teaching undergraduate laboratories. A one semester teaching requirement is normally completed in the second year of the program.
A Master's degree is not required for application to the Ph.D. program in Biology. There are no general language requirements. Depending on a student's area of Ph.D. research, the faculty dissertation committee could require proficiency in one or more foreign languages, or in auxiliary disciplines such as computer science or statistics.
Please go to the UVa Grad Arts and Sciences Interest Page to register for an account and start your online application.
Statement of Purpose
The statement of purpose is your opportunity to explain:
why you have chosen to go to graduate school
your preperation for this field of study
study and research interests
future career plans, and
other aspects of your background which may aid the admissions committee in evaluating your aptitude and motivation for graduate study.
GRE Scores
Official scores of the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) should be sent electronically to the admissions office via the Educational Testing Service.
You are responsible for arranging to have Educational Testing Service send us these scores. The University of Virginia's ETS code number is 5820. You may attach a copy of your unofficial test scores to your electronic application for evaluation purposes while we wait to receive your official test scores.
Official Transcripts
Official transcripts of your entire college/university record, including records of any advanced work done at another institution should be sent directly to the GSAS Admissions Office. Official transcripts (academic records and certificates/diplomas of graduation) are those issued by the registrars in sealed envelopes of all previous undergraduate and graduate study.
Letters of Recommendation
Recommendation letters should be submitted electronically through the online application. The Graduate School requires two letters of recommendation, but many departments/programs require additional letters. Please consult instructions within the online application for specifics about the department/program recommendation letter requirements. The application can be submitted before the electronic letters have been submitted by the recommender. Please contact Rachel Sligar at rcs5m@virginia.eduwith any questions.
Letters of recommendation should be sought from professors who:
have taught your classes in your major subject field
are sufficiently familiar with your work to make a comprehensive evaluation of your abilities.
If you have already begun graduate study, at least one of these letters should be from a current professor who is familiar with your performance in graduate school.
$60 Nonrefundable Application Fee
International Student Requirements
International admissions applicants are subject to language proficiency, visa and financial requirements in addition to regular admissions requirements. Please visit the International Studies Office for more information on these requirements.
When sending official transcripts from schools located in non-English-speaking countries, have each institution submit both the original language record plus an English direct translation.
TOEFL scores must be sent directly to this university by the Educational Testing Service. You must make the necessary arrangements with Educational Testing Service. The institution code for the University of Virginia is 5820 . The required TOEFL score is 600 (paper-based test), 250 (computer-based test), 90 (internet-based test) or an IELT score of 7.0. TOEFL scores are valid for two years from the test date. International students must take the TOEFL or the IELT.
Any Additional Supporting Documents
Information on specific departmental requirements can be found in the online application.
Send supporting documents to:
Graduate School of Arts & Sciences
P.O. Box 400775
Charlottesville,VA 22904-4775
Physical Address:
437 Cabell Hall
Charlottesville, VA 22904-4775
Yes. Ask ETS to send an official copy of your scores to the Graduate School of Arts & Sciences. The institution code for the University of Virginia is 5820. You should take the GRE General test and, if required, a Subject Test. If you have a personal copy of the required test scores, sending a photocopy will speed evaluation of your application.
What TOEFL scores are needed in order to gain admission?
The Graduate School requires a TOEFL score of at least 600 (paper-based test) or 250 (computer-based test) for foreign applicants whose first language is not English. Alternatively, an IELT score of 7.0 or better may be offered for admission.
What should I include in my personal statement on the application?
In this space you should briefly explain why you want to pursue an advanced degree. This is your opportunity to explain why you have chosen to go to graduate school, what your particular interests are, and why you have chosen UVa. Clearly express your thoughts in an organized and focused way. Focused, well written statements are always preferable!
Application Form
