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Program Overview
Program Delivery: On-campus
The goal of the Ph.D. in Biology is to train students to become leaders in a sub-field within modern biology. Upon completion of the Ph.D., students will be prepared for post-graduate training and to eventually assume teaching or research positions in academia, industry, government or nonprofit agencies. The Ph.D. is a research degree and requires at least four to five years of academic study, including summer work.
Ph.D. students are expected to emerge as creative, independent thinkers, having mastered both the art and skill of conducting thoughtful research, generating support for that research, and communicating their findings to others
Admissions Requirements
What are the requirements to apply for Biology at WVU?
University Requirements
To be eligible for admission into a graduate program at WVU an applicant must submit official, bachelors degree transcripts from a regionally accredited institution and hold a GPA of at least 2.75.
WVU operates decentralized admissions. Decentralized admissions allows each graduate program to set its own application requirements in addition to the University requirements.
Program Requirements
To be eligible for admission into the Biology graduate program an applicant must submit the following documentation:
- Letters of Recommendation - Three
- Statement of Purpose
- GRE
- Résumé /CV
Additional considerations for applicants:
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The GRE is optional.
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A bachelor’s degree, and an adequate background in science and mathematics.
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Statement of Purpose/Personal Statement should be a thoughtful essay (no more than two pages) that: demonstrates a strong interest in scientific research; describes what the applicant hopes to gain from the Biology program; explains why WVU offers the best opportunity for achieving the applicant’s future professional goals; and addresses the match between the stated research interests and those of specific faculty in our department who may serve as their academic mentors.
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CV/Resume (no more than two pages) that lists work experience, research experience, volunteer activities, internships, academic degrees and honors, and other accomplishments you feel the admissions committee should take into account in reviewing your application.
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Application materials submitted after the deadlines may be considered on a space-available basis and may also be considered for financial support in the form of a graduate teaching assistantship (GTA).
Certain application requirements may be waived based on a preliminary review of an application by program.
International applicants must also submit required materials for international applicants.
Application Deadlines
- Fall: January 1
- Spring: October 1
- Summer: January 1
Program Contact
Edward Brzostek
Associate Chair of Graduate of Studies