Prospective Students
Prospective Students
Why Biological Sciences at UD?
Internationally recognized science: Engage in cutting-edge and collaborative research across Biochemistry, Bioinformatics, Computational Biology, & ‘Omics, Cancer Biology, Cell and Extracellular Matrix Biology, Developmental Biology, Microbiology, Molecular Genetics, Organ Systems: Cardiovascular, Craniofacial, Eye & Lens, Musculoskeletal, Neurobiology & Molecular Neuroscience, and Reproductive Systems, Physiology, Science Education & Pedagogy, and Virology.
Affiliated biomedical research institutes: Nemours and Christiana Care research hospitals.
Relationship with biotech: Delaware Biotechnology Institute
Financial Support: Research-based M.S. and Ph.D. programs guarantee financial support and stipends through a combination of teaching or research assistantships, research grants, and fellowships.
Generous Stipends and Benefits: Competitive stipends and coverage of tuition and academic fees, and generous health insurance.
Location: Newark, Delaware is located between D.C. and New York City and close to both Baltimore and Philadelphia, providing easy access to incredible recreational opportunities.
Admission Requirements
Requirements
B.S. or B.A with (or the equivalent of) two years of biological sciences; one semester of mathematics, preferably to include calculus and/or statistics; one year of college physics; one year of inorganic (general) chemistry; and one course in organic chemistry.
For applicants who are not U.S. citizens, a Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) must be completed with a score of 600 or higher on the paper-based test, 250 or higher on the computer-based test, or 100 or higher on the TOEFL iBT.
Recommended
A minimum scholastic index (grade point average on a 4.0 point scale) of 3.0 overall and 3.0 in the sciences.
Substantive research experience.
Foreign applicants also are strongly encouraged to complete the Test of Spoken English (TSE) with a score of 45 or higher: international students are given a test very similar to the TSE when they arrive on campus and a passing score is required in order to qualify for financial aid.
Application Process Overview
Applications for graduate programs are considered only for fall entrance. Complete applications received by January 15 have optimal consideration for fall admission and financial aid; April 15 is the final Departmental deadline. In exceptional circumstances, late applications from U.S. citizens will be considered until July 1. Foreign nationals are encouraged to apply by the full consideration deadlines to give sufficient time to obtain the necessary visas for graduate study in the USA.
Research-based MS and Ph.D. Programs:
Application must be made electronically. Applications must include:
Three letters of recommendation (sent directly to the University of Delaware Office of Graduate & Professional Education) from persons able to judge the applicant's ability to pursue graduate study.
A personal statement.
Official transcripts.
Resume/CV.
The Department of Biological Sciences is unable to accept research-based MS students for the 2025-2026 academic year.
Detailed instructions can be found here.
Professional Science Masters in Biotechnology and Certificate in Biotechnology:
Application must be made electronically. Applications must include:
Three letters of recommendation (sent directly to the University of Delaware Office of Graduate & Professional Education) from persons able to judge the applicant's ability to pursue a non-research, course-based graduate study.
A personal statement.
Official transcripts.
Resume/CV.
