PhD and Master's Application FAQs

PBSE MCD Biology Track PhD Program FAQs:

When is the PBSE MCD Biology Program application deadline?
Do I need to submit GRE scores to apply to the PBSE MCD Biology Program?
Is there a minimum GRE score needed to be admitted?
Is it a good idea to contact faculty members before submitting my application?
What sort of funding should I expect?
I am an international student. Is there anything I should know about the program or the application?

 

MCD Biology Master’s Program FAQs:

When is the MCD Biology Master’s Program application deadline?
Do I need to submit GRE scores to apply to the MCD Biology Master’s Program?
Is it a good idea to contact faculty members before submitting my application?
What sort of funding should I expect?
I am an international student. Is there anything I should know about the program or the application?
Can I switch to the PhD program later during the Master’s Program?

 

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PBSE MCD Biology Track PhD Program

When is the PBSE MCD Biology Program application deadline?

The application period is open from October 1

Click here for application deadlines  

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Do I need to submit GRE scores to apply to the PBSE MCD Biology Program?

No, General and Subject GRE scores are not required to apply or to be admitted to the MCD Biology PhD program.

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Is there a minimum GRE score needed to be admitted?

No, since the GRE is not required to apply, we do not have a minimum GRE score for admissions.

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Is it a good idea to contact faculty members before submitting my application?

Yes, we highly recommend that applicants directly contact faculty members with whom they would like to work before applying. Applicants are encouraged to mention the faculty members with whom they have communicated in their application.
Direct admission into a lab is possible with the approval of the faculty member.

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What sort of funding should I expect?

The department has several sources of Research Assistantships (GSRships) and Teaching Assistantships (TAships) available to support all of our graduate students.  Support levels are comparable to other graduate programs in the Bay Area.

We commonly support our PhD students in their first year with 2 quarters of the Regent’s Fellowship, usually in Fall and Spring quarters. Most PhD students TA in Winter quarter. Other fellowships include QB3 and IMSD funding.

Once PhD students join a lab, usually at the beginning of Spring quarter of their first year, then the faculty adviser is responsible for their funding and should communicate with each student about how they will be funded.

If a student is directly admitted to a PhD lab, then the faculty adviser is responsible for their first year of funding.

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I am an international student. Is there anything I should know about the program or the application?

The MCD Biology graduate program places a high value on the presence of scholars from diverse nations and cultures, and actively solicits applications from foreign applicants. However, due to limited financial resources, we can only make a small number of offers to non-U.S. residents. Foreign applicants from countries where English is not the primary language MUST take the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or IELTS.

For TOEFL, a minimal score of 550 (on the paper-based test), 220 (on the computer-based test) or 83 (on the internet-based test) is required for admission. Any international student who wishes to be considered for a Teaching Assistant position must score a 26 or higher on the Spoken Word portion of the internet-based test. TOEFL scores are good for 2 years from the test date.

For students choosing to take the IELTS, a minimum overall score of 7 from the IELTS test is required for admission. A speaking portion score of 8 from the IELTS test is required for all new international students who may serve as a Teaching Assistant at any time during their graduate career.

Please check the Graduate Division International Applicant page for further info and details on international applicants and instructions.

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MCD Biology Master’s Program:

When is the MCD Biology Master’s Program application deadline?

The application period is open from October 1-April 1. April 1^st is the deadline for both domestic and international applicants. 

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Do I need to submit GRE scores to apply to the MCD Biology Master’s Program?

No, General and Subject GRE scores are not required to apply or to be admitted to the Master’s Program.

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Is it a good idea to contact faculty members before submitting my application?

Yes, applicants should directly contact faculty members with whom they would like to work before applying. Sponsorship from a faculty member is required for admission since Master’s students are directly admitted into a lab. Please make sure to indicate your faculty sponsor and attach their letter of sponsorship to your application.

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What sort of funding should I expect?

There is no formal commitment of financial support from the Department of MCD Biology, nor is the faculty sponsor required to provide financial support. Students in the Master’s Program are normally eligible for teaching assistantships and GSRships, although neither is guaranteed. If the faculty sponsor appoints a student as a GSR during the academic year, it should be at the same level as given to students in the Ph.D. Program. Faculty may provide partial support during the summer months.

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I am an international student. Is there anything I should know about the Master’s Program or the application?

Foreign applicants from countries where English is not the primary language MUST take the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or IELTS.

For TOEFL, a minimal score of 550 (on the paper-based test), 220 (on the computer-based test) or 83 (on the internet-based test) is required for admission. Any international student who wishes to be considered for a Teaching Assistant position must score a 26 or higher on the Spoken Word portion of the internet-based test. TOEFL scores are good for 2 years from the test date.

For those choosing to take the IELTS, a minimum overall score of 7 from the IELTS test is required for admission. A speaking portion score of 8 from the IELTS test is required for all new international students who may serve as a Teaching Assistant at any time during their graduate career.

Since most MCD Biology Master’s students TA during their time in the program, it is important that international students meet these requirements to be eligible to TA.

Please check the Graduate Division International Applicant page for further info and details on International Applicants and instructions.

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Can I switch to the PhD program later during the Master’s Program?

Yes, it is possible to switch to the PhD program. Approval is needed from the current faculty adviser, the potential new faculty adviser (if applicable), and the graduate director.

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