Graduate Admissions

Applicants to the M.S. Biology and Ph.D. Biosciences programs traditionally have a background in the life sciences, with undergraduate degrees in biology, biochemistry, biomedical sciences, or environmental science.  Prospective students are encouraged to contact the faculty as potential advisors.  Faculty research interests can be found on the Faculty and Staff web page.

Deadlines:

MS Biology - Spring and Fall admission

November 1 - spring

March 15 - fall

 PhD Biosciences - Fall admission only

         February 1 - domestic applicants
         January 1 - international applicant

The faculty committee on admissions begins reviewing complete applications in late February - early March for the PhD and late March - early April for the Master's program for fall admission.  Additionally, decisions for spring admission to the Master's program are given by early December.   In the admissions review process, all elements of an application are evaluated carefully:  past academic performance, rigor of the course selection, GRE scores, letters of recommendation, any professional experience, and match with the program's ongoing faculty research. 

Application Requirements:

• Graduate Application form available on the Admissions website with fee  [See additional info "Helpful Hints for online Applications"]

• Application for Virginia In-State Tuition Rates (if a resident of Virginia), found in the graduate application form noted above.

• Two (2) official transcripts sent directly from all colleges, universities, and professional institutions attended

• Three (3) letters of recommendation, preferably from faculty members or those who can evaluate your academic potential

• Goals Statement (750 - 1,000 words). Specifically:

For Master's and Doctoral Students:

Please include your personal qualities and development and how they have influenced your career choice; your reasons for considering this particular degree program in relation to your academic background, professional work experience, and career goals; and your reason for selecting your program at George Mason University. Also include the names of possible department faculty you would like to work with in areas of research interest.

 Doctoral Applicants Only:
Include in the goals statement above in which fields you expect to do doctoral study and research; how these interests have been influenced by your prior education, research, or work experience; why you are considering a career in an academic, or research setting; and any information relevant for evaluating your motivation to study and conduct research at the doctoral level.

• GRE General Exam Scores sent from ETS to George Mason University using institutional code 5827.  Applicants who have taken the GRE within the past 5 years may submit those scores. Other graduate exams do not substitute.  This requirement is not waived for any reason.

• Students with International degrees are required to submit TOEFL scores.  See also "Important Information for International Appicants" web pages.
  

• GRE Subject exam scores are required for PhD applicants, and strongly encouraged for Master's. Students may choose the biology or biochemistry GRE subject exam. Since subject exams are only given three times per year in April, October and November, students should plan accordingly to meet application deadlines. Please see the GRE website for details (http://www.gre.org).

Send all documents to:
George Mason University
College of Science Office of Graduate Admissions
MS 6A3
4400 University Dr., Fairfax VA 22030-4444

Admissions Questions?
Email: cosgrad@gmu.edu 
Website: http://cos.gmu.edu/prospective/admissions
Phone: (703) 993-3430