FSU Biology - Application Instructions
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Biological Science - Graduate Studies

Florida State University

Application Instructions


How to Apply for Admission to the Molecular and Cellular Biology Graduate Program:

The Cellular and Molecular Biology Program offers both Ph.D. and M.S. degrees, although preference for admission is given to students applying to the Ph.D. program. All students admitted to the program are offered full financial support. If you are interested in graduate research in the area of Cell and Molecular Biology but would like more information, please feel free to contact any of our faculty directly using the emails found on the Cell and Molecular Biology Faculty page.

The departmental contact person for information on the graduate programs in Biological Science can be reached at: gradinfo@bio.fsu.edu


To apply for either our Ph.D. or thesis-based MS programs:

The application to Florida State University must be submitted online. The Admissions pages prompt you to choose the Ph.D. or M.S. degree and to select the graduate program (select the Major "Biological Science"). Applications will not be reviewed until all materials, including the application processing fee, have been received.


Application Date:

Priority deadline for applications is December 1st.


Application Requirements:

Previous Degree(s) earned and GPA: A bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited U.S. institution, or a comparable degree from an international institution, with a minimum 3.0 (on a 4.0 scale) GPA in all upper-division undergraduate coursework, OR a graduate degree from a regionally accredited U.S. institution, or a comparable degree from an international institution.

Transcripts: Official transcripts from each college and/or university the applicant attended will be required prior to admission. University policy allows for application review based on unofficial transcipts uploaded by the applicants. See the FSU Graduate Application Process for futher information.

GRE: GRE scores are not required for students who are granted a GRE waiver based on meeting specific criteria demonstrating readiness for graduate work. After starting your application, you can apply for a GRE waiver here.

English Language Proficiency Requirements (International Only): The following are minimum scores required for admission:
TOEFL: 92 total, 26 on speaking
IELTS: 7.0 total, 6.5 on speaking

You should request that official test scores be sent to FSU (school code 5219). Although official scores are required for admission, we will begin to review your application with self-reported scores, which you can submit along with your application.

TOEFL/IELTS scores are not required if you are from a country where English is the primary spoken language or if you have a graduate degree from an institution in an English speaking country. More information on English Language Proficiency requirements is available on the Graduate School International Admissions website.

Letters: 3 letters of recommendation to be uploaded into your application by the individuals who will be submitting the letters. These letters should be from faculty and/or employers familiar with your academic background and/or research experience and can comment on your experience, capabilities, and/or promise in research and academic settings.

Be sure to notify your recommenders in advance that they will receive email instructions for uploading their letters directly to your application.

Statement of Purpose: Here are some tips for preparing your statement of purpose.

Curriculum Vitae (CV): An up-to-date CV or resume that includes all your education and employment information, research experience, skills and any scientific presentations and publications.

Biological Sciences Supplemental Application: This form will be available on the Status Page of your online application. Specify Cell & Molecular Biology as your area of interest. As each area conducts their own independent review process, this step will ensure that your application is directed to the CMB admission committee for review. We also encourage you to list three or more faculty members who are currently accepting students as potential advisors.

Application Fee: An application fee of $30.00 USD that can be paid by credit card, debit card or e-check. Unfortunately the Office of Admissions is unable to waive the application fee payment for graduate applications.
Note: Meeting the minimum admissions requirements does not guarantee admission into our program.


The Application Process:
  1. Browse our CMB faculty roster to see if our research specialties match your interests. Contact professors of interest directly to discuss graduate opportunities in their labs and to inquire whether they may be accepting new graduate students.
  2. Review our tips for preparing applications and additional information about our application review, interview and admission processes.
  3. Determine if you are eligible for any internal fellowships and work with the current CMB Area Representative to inquire about those fellowships.
  4. Submit your application via the FSU Graduate Application Portal following instructions provided on the FSU Graduate School Application Process page.
  5. Check your application status to confirm the reciept of transcripts and test scores and for updates on your application, important university updates, and contact information for your department.

IMPORTANT: Many of FSU's official communications, including your admissions deciesions are sent electronically by the FSU Graduate School. Please make sure that we have your most up-to-date email address and check it regularly. Adding graduateadmissions@admin.fsu.edu to your address book can prevent missed emails due to incoming or inbox filters.

Please contact the FSU Biology Graduate Office at gradinfo@bio.fsu.edu if you need assistance or have any questions about the application process.