Following are the simple steps to apply for graduate study in Biological Sciences at the University of Denver. If you have any questions about the process, please contact the Office of Graduate Studies.

1. Apply Online / Application Deadlines
Applications for graduate study in Biological Sciences at the University of Denver must be submitted online. All online materials must be submitted, and all supplemental materials must be postmarked by the program's stated deadline: January 1 for the fall term. The biology department accepts applications after this date on a rolling basis until all positions are filled.

To apply online, fill out an Online Application.
A $65 non-refundable application fee is required for an application to be processed. Application fee waivers are available for McNair Scholars.

2. Transcripts / Course and Degree Prerequisites and Requirements
The Biological Sciences graduate programs require a bachelor's degree in biology or related field (students with an undergraduate major in chemistry, physics or mathematics and minimal preparation in biological sciences also will be considered but may be required to take undergraduate courses when the prerequisites are lacking). Course prerequisites include: One year of general chemistry, one year of calculus (recommended), one year of physics, two years of biology and one year of organic chemistry.

Applicants are required to submit an official transcript from each post-secondary institution attended, or are presently attending, where two quarter hours (or one semester hour) or more were completed. Proof of a bachelor's, and if applicable, a master's degree from a regionally accredited college or university is required. Applicants must also account for any study undertaken outside the United States.

If study abroad course work with grades and course titles do not appear on a transcript, those records must be obtained as well. All transcripts must be official and received in the Office of Graduate Studies in a sealed envelope. University of Denver students and alumni do not need to provide DU transcripts as these will be requested by the Office of Graduate Studies.

Transcripts issued in a language other than English must be accompanied by a certified English translation. Students who have earned a degree outside the U.S. must also submit proof of graduation, typically through a degree certificate or diploma. If you have been educated outside the U.S., we encourage you to contact the Office of Graduate Studies for assistance regarding transcript-related materials. DU's in-house foreign credential evaluation may take up to four weeks. This evaluation must be complete by the program's stated deadline. Applicants with education credentials from outside of the U.S. are encouraged to apply early.

3. Test Scores
Application to the MS program requires the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) general test, and application to the PhD program requires both the general AND the advanced subject tests (biology, biochemistry, or chemistry). Scores must be received directly from the appropriate testing agency by the program's stated deadline. The institution code for the University of Denver is 4842. Non-native English speakers are required to provide scores from either the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or the International English Language Testing System (IELTS). Please note: this requirement is independent of citizenship status.

The minimum TOEFL score accepted by DU is 80 (iBT) or 550 (paper-based). The minimum IELTS score accepted by DU is 6.0. Non-native English speakers who hold a post-secondary degree from an institution where English is the only language of instruction and examination or who hold a regionally accredited baccalaureate degree from a U.S. institution are exempt from the TOEFL/IELTS requirement. There are no exemptions for graduate teaching assistants.

Graduate Teaching Assistants (GTAs) must demonstrate fluency in spoken English by scoring a 26 on the TOEFL speaking section or 8.0 on the IELTS speaking section. Visit the International Applicant website for a list of TOEFL/IELTS requirements.

4. Personal Statement
A personal statement of at least 300 words is required. The statement should include information concerning your life, education, practical experience, special interests and specific purpose for applying to the University of Denver. The statement should be submitted via upload through the online application process.

5. Recommendation Letters
Three letters of recommendation are required from different faculty members or other professional contacts who are familiar with your potential to complete a research-based graduate degree. These letters should be solicited and uploaded by recommenders through the online application system. Letters must be received by the program's stated deadline.

6. Financial Support
Students may apply for graduate teaching assistantships through the department or for graduate research assistantships by contacting individual faculty in the department. Please visit www.biology.du.edu for further information on our faculty research interests.

To be considered for federal financial aid, domestic applicants should apply early and submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) by the priority deadline:  February 15. Information about financial aid can be found on the Office of Financial Aid website. International students are not eligible for federal financial aid. Some programs provide competitive awards in the form of fellowships and/or assistantships. Contact your academic program for more information.

7. Application Status
We encourage you to be actively engaged in the admission process. You can check your application status online at Web Central.

Mailing Address
Mail official transcripts and any supplemental admission materials not submitted with the online application to:

University of Denver
Office of Graduate Studies
Mary Reed Building, Room 5
2199 S. University Blvd.
Denver, CO 80208-4802

International Applicants
For complete international applicant information, please visit the Office of Graduate Studies International Student Application Information. International applicants are strongly encouraged to have their applications complete at least eight weeks prior to the program's application deadline.