How to Apply

Application Forms

The School of Interdisciplinary and Graduate Studies (SIGS) at University of Louisville and the Admissions Office handle all applications for graduate programs. More information on SIGS can be found at http://louisville.edu/graduate/

All application materials must be submitted using the online application form http://louisville.edu/graduate/futurestudents/apply-materials/application

  • Ph.D. students are admitted for Fall term only. Be sure to select Fall term for start date and BIOC for program.
  • Review of applications begins in January of each year and applications are reviewed on a rolling basis through April.
  • All credentials and/or communications should be submitted to the Office of Admissions should contain the student's full name and UofL-issued Student ID.

Application Fee

A $60.00 US currency non-refundable application fee is required with the application form. An application will not be forwarded to the department until this fee is paid. Check or money order should be made payable to the "University of Louisville."

Transcripts

Applicants for admission to a degree program must submit an official transcript from each college attended. All University of Louisville transcripts will automatically be submitted with completion of an application.

Successful applicants will have an undergraduate GPA of 3.00 or higher and will have successfully completed sufficient quantitative scientific coursework.

Test Scores

Applicants normally must take the general section of the Graduate Record Examination (GRE). Information can be obtained from:

  • University of Louisville Testing Center, or
  • Graduate Record Examination Educational Testing Service Box 955 Princeton, NJ 08541, or
  • http://www.gre.org/

A GRE Advanced Subject Test (i.e. Biology, Chemistry, Biochemistry, Cell and Molecular Biology, or Physics) is not required.

Personal Statement

A 1-2 page typed statement should be sent to introduce the student to the faculty of the Department, describing past educational, laboratory and relevant life experiences, as well as outlining professional goals after the degree program.

Letters of Recommendation

Three letters of recommendation from persons familiar with the applicant's academic work are required. See recommendation form (PDF).

English Proficiency

All applicants for whom English is a second language must also submit official TOEFL scores of 79 or higher on the internet-based test, 213 or higher on the computer-based test, or 550 or higher on the paper-based test for verification of English proficiency. English proficiency can also be met by submitting official IELTS scores of at least 6.5 overall band score from the academic module exam.

International Student Applicants

International student applicants should visit http://graduate.louisville.edu/admissions/international-students.html.

In addition to satisfying the appropriate credential requirements, applicants may be required to provide the following documents.

Checklist for Application

  • Application forms
  • Application fee
  • Transcripts
  • Test Score - Graduate Record Examination [GRE]
  • Personal Statement.
  • Letters of Recommendation [3]
  • International students only
    • Test Score - Test of English as a Foreign Language [TOEFL]
    • Verbatim notarized English translations of all academic records and credentials.
    • International Financial Supplement Form (If on a Visa that requires an I-20 or IAP-66)