Applying to the Biology Graduate Program

Information on Applications and Admissions


The Department of Biology at the University of Pennsylvania will be accepting applications for the PhD program during the 2023-24 admissions cycle. Applicants are accepted only for full-time work towards the Ph.D. degree. Part-time admissions and terminal Master's applications are not considered. The application system for Fall 2024 will open on October 2, 2023 and the schedule for the admissions process is as follows:

December 1, 2023 - deadline for submission of applications and accompanying requirements. 

Late January 2024 - Invitations to interview will be sent to selected candidates. Interviews will be on Zoom.

Early March 2024 - Offers of admissions will be sent to those applicants who have been selected for admission.

April 15, 2024 - Decision deadline for admitted students.

We strongly encourage prospective students to contact faculty with whom they may be interested in working, to determine whether the lab is accepting new students and to discuss ideas for possible research projects. 

Information on the application is available on the Application Process page.


Affiliations

The Biology Graduate Group cooperates with the Biomedical Graduate Studies (BGS) program in the University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine but is administratively and financially distinct from BGS. If applying to both programs, an application must be submitted to each program. Applicants may wish to review each program to see which program best serves their research interests before applying. 

Please note that the Biology Graduate Group and the Biomedical Graduate Studies Program are in separate schools within the University of Pennsylvania.  The Biology Graduate Group is in the School of Arts and Sciences while the Biomedical Graduate Studies Program is in the Perelman School of Medicine.

The University of Pennsylvania values an inclusive and diverse learning community and seeks talented students, faculty, and staff from a variety of backgrounds and with a wide range of experiences. The University of Pennsylvania does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, creed, national or ethnic origin, citizenship status, age, disability, veteran status or any other legally protected class status in the administration of its admissions, financial aid, educational or athletic programs, or other University-administered programs or in its employment practices. Questions or complaints regarding this policy should be directed to the Executive Director of the Office of Affirmative Action and Equal Opportunity Programs, Franklin Building, 3451 Walnut Street, Suite 421, Philadelphia, PA 19104-6106; or (215) 898-6993.

The University provides the following resources in support of students: