Admission

The Graduate Committee of the Department of Biology reviews applications for admission each year.

Admission Requirements

When making decisions for admission, the Graduate Committee takes all components of the application materials into consideration. The GRE is not required for the MS or PhD in biological sciences. There are also no strict minimum requirements for the TOEFL. All those interested in the biology graduate program at Drexel University are encouraged to submit an application. 

A complete application includes:

• A completed online application
• Updated résumé/CV
• Official undergraduate and graduate transcripts
• Two letters of recommendation
• Official TOEFL or IELTS scores (international applicants)
• Official GRE scores (optional)

Apply to graduate school in the Department of Biology at Drexel University
When asked “What is your intended program of study?” please list “Biological Sciences, PhD” or “Biological Sciences, MS” as appropriate.

Financial Support

The Department of Biology understands the time and money required to pursue a graduate degree. 

Teaching and research fellowships are available to fund stipends for PhD students. Typically, PhD students are supported for their first two years on a teaching fellowship (TF), and depending on funding in their particular lab, move onto a research fellowship (RF) during the final years of their program. Masters students are not eligible for TFs at Drexel University. 

Teaching Fellowships

Teaching assistantships (TFs) are departmentally funded assistantships for PhD students and cover a yearly stipend, full tuition, and health benefits. The purpose of TFs is to support the teaching mission of the department. Assistantships shall be awarded primarily on the basis of academic ability and performance. Appointment to teaching assistantships shall also require the ability to teach effectively. The application review process begins December 1st and is generally completed by April 1st. 

Research Fellowships

Research fellowships (RFs) are funded by individual faculty members and are awarded to PhD students. RFs include a stipend, full tuition, and health benefits. The purpose of research assistantships is to support research directly involved with the student's thesis. This allows the student to fully devote their time to research. However, teaching opportunities are still available and encouraged if interested.

Dean's Fellowship

Drexel University’s College of Arts and Sciences Graduate Committee funds a limited number of Dean’s Fellowships to outstanding PhD applicants.  Students eligible for the Dean's Fellowship are automatically nominated for this fellowship. The Dean's Fellowship provides a $5000 supplement to the TF or RF stipend for the first two years of the PhD program.

Graduate College Doctoral Fellowship (Blue & Gold)

Drexel University’s Graduate College funds a limited number of Doctoral Fellowships to truly exceptional PhD applicants who are U.S. citizens.  Similar to the Dean’s Fellowship, eligible students are automatically nominated for this fellowship.

Additional Fellowships

Graduate students will be encouraged to apply for fellowships early in their graduate career. Fellowship opportunities are available from the following:

• American Heart Association
• American Lung Association
• Autism Speaks
• Department of Defense (DOD)
• Department of Energy (DOE)
• Ford Foundation
• Hertz Foundation
• National Science Foundation
• NIH/NRSA
• Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer

If you are interested in applying for a fellowship, please discuss this with your academic adviser and the director of the program.