Graduate Program-Biology-Apply

Department of Biology Graduate Program

The graduate application is currently closed.

Applications will re-open September 1, 2013.

The Department of Biology will accept applications for the graduate program from September 1, 2013 through December 1, 2013 for Fall 2014.

To Apply

Application for admission is a two-part process. Students must apply to both the University and the department. In the Department of Biology, the departmental application is incorporated into the general UO online application. All application materials are available through the Department of Biology’s website. The online application requires payment of the $50 non-refundable application fee using Visa, Mastercard, Discover, or personal check (e-check).

In order to submit the online application, you must do the following:

1. Take the GRE (Graduate Record Exam).
The GRE General Test is required for all applicants. A GRE Subject Test is recommended but not required. Applicants should take the general exam in time for the results to arrive before the application deadline. Be prepared to enter your scores and percentiles if you already know them. Official GRE test scores must be sent directly to the Department of Biology. The code for the University of Oregon is 4846 and the code for the Department of Biology is 0203.

2. Take the TOEFL (non-native speakers only)
Foreign students for whom English is a second language must have their TOEFL scores sent directly to the University of Oregon. The Department of Biology requires a minimum score of 600 for paper-based test or 100 for the Internet-based (iBT) version. The TOEFL code for the University of Oregon is 4846. No department code is needed.

We will also accept the IELTS in lieu of the TOEFL. Our minimum score requirement is 7.5

3. Assess your interest in our faculty
To aid the Admissions Committee in identifying your research interests, you will be asked to select and prioritize up to five faculty members whose research is of particular interest to you. See Faculty Research Summaries.

4. Assemble transcript information.

a. Submit to the Office of Admissions (1217 University of Oregon, Eugene, OR 97403-1217) official transcripts from all colleges or universities where you received a bachelor’s degree and all subsequent degrees. Transcripts must show degrees awarded.

NOTE: If you have not yet finished the degree at the time of application, you do not need to send your in-progress transcript to Admissions; if you are admitted, you will need to send your final degree transcript after your degree is conferred.

NOTE: The Office of Admissions does NOT require transcripts from institutions where you did not earn a bachelor's degree or higher (e.g., community college work, work you transferred in to your degree-granting school, etc.)

NOTE: If you attended or are currently attending the University of Oregon, you do not need to send your University of Oregon transcript to the Admissions Office.

b. For the online application, upload PDF copies of your transcripts from all institutions you have attended and be prepared to account for the following areas accurately:

Grade point averages
Compute your current overall undergraduate grade point average (GPA) according to University of Oregon guidelines (GPA Computation Guidelines), as well as your overall GPA in mathematics and science courses (excluding the social sciences).

Math and science courses
Be prepared to list your science and math course numbers, titles and grades received (both those you have taken previously and those are you currently taking).

5. Prepare your personal statement.
Your statement should address both of the following topics.

In 200 words or fewer, explain why you wish to pursue a PhD in Biology and the type of career you envision for yourself.

In 400 words or fewer, summarize your research experience or other significant learning opportunities, such as hands-on field courses and internships. If you have research experience, describe the questions, experimental methods used, and any results you may have obtained. Describe the aspects of the experiences that you found most rewarding, and tell us how they have influenced your career path.

6. Fill out the online application completely
When uploading PDF documents, please note that documents other than true PDFs will not work (i.e., do not simply change the filename extension to .PDF; you must convert the document to a true PDF).

7. Letters of recommendation
The online application requests contact information (name, address, phone number, and email) for a minimum of three and maximum of four referees. You may provide each recommender with the ability to respond prior to finishing your application by completing the recommenders' page. Fill in the required information for at least three referees. After you press the “Next” button, an automated email will be sent to each recommender with instructions on how to respond. Once you've entered information and emails have been sent, you will not be able to modify any recommender information. You may return and add a fourth, if desired; however, you may not change any referee information once an email has been sent.

All application materials become the property of the
University of Oregon and will not be returned.

The applicant is responsible for ensuring all documents required to complete the application are uploaded correctly and that all supporting hardcopy materials referenced above are submitted by the December 15 deadline. Click here to view the status of your application through the self-monitoring portion of your online application.

We cannot offer information on whether or not you will be interviewed.

Admission Decisions
Admission decisions are generally made by mid-March. Applicants accepted into the Department of Biology graduate program will be notified by both phone and email. All other applicants will be notified via email.

Questions?
For information about the Department of Biology Graduate Program, the application process, or for information regarding the completion of your application (if letters of recommendation, GRE scores have been received), please contact:

Graduate Recruiting Coordinator
Phone: (541) 346-4503

After you have submitted your application, kindly keep the Graduate Recruiting Coordinator informed of any change in your contact information.

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