·   an overall grade point average of at least 3.0 out of 4.0. Additionally, applicants must have a grade point average of at least 3.5 in biology, 3.0 in chemistry and 3.0 in mathematics.

·    a score on the Graduate Record Examination General Test in at least the 65th percentile (average for the verbal, quantitative and analytical sections). The GRE may be waived for applicants with a M.D. from a U.S. institution.

·    a minimum of 24 hours in biology, which must include at least one course in each of the areas of genetics, physiology, and cell/molecular biology. Additionally, applicants should have one year each of general chemistry, organic chemistry, physics, and mathematics (and at least one semester each of calculus and statistics). Applicants with academic deficiencies may be admitted on the condition that any deficiencies are corrected during the first year of graduate study. The Ph.D. Program Steering Committee will determine the remediation necessary for identified deficiencies.

·    given the strong interdisciplinary nature of this program, undergraduate and master’s students in bioscience-related fields including but not limited to biochemistry, biomedical engineering, biochemical engineering, biophysics, civil engineering, and kinesiology are encouraged to apply. The Ph.D. Program Steering Committee will consider biology-related courses as potentially fulfilling the biology entrance course requirements.

.   A score of at least 220 on the computer-based Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) for applicants whose native language is not English. Students who do not pass        this examination must pass ENGL 1100 (English as a Foreign Language) with a grade of C or higher.  In addition, students who will be involved in any instructional activity (e.g., teaching        assistants) will be required to take an English Proficiency Examination prior to the beginning of the first semester of study.

·    official GRE scores (verbal, quantitative and analytical)

·    the UNC Charlotte application for graduate admission form

·    (Note: international students must submit the application for graduate admission available through the International Admissions Office). 

·    TOEFL scores (if applicable)

·    an essay (double space; limit to 2 pages) which addresses: (a) why the applicant wishes to pursue a Ph.D. and why the Ph.D. is desired in this specific  interdisciplinary program, and (b) the area of research interest of the applicant. 

·    three letters of reference, at least two of which must be from faculty members.

• If the Graduate School determines that the applicant  meets the general requirements for admission, the application is forwarded to the Graduate Coordinator for the Department of Biology.  

     Note: Applications cannot be forwarded to the Coordinator until all supporting documentation has been received by the Graduate School.

• The Graduate Coordinator in consultation with the Ph.D. Program Steering Committee will determine if the applicant meets the admission requirements for the Ph.D. program. If not, admission is denied and the application is returned to the Graduate School. If the admission requirements are met, the Graduate Coordinator may contact the student to arrange a visit to campus or a phone interview.  

• Once the interview process is completed, the Graduate Coordinator in consultation with the Ph.D. Program Steering Committee will recommend the applicant for  admission into the program and forward the recommendation to the Graduate School.

• The applicant will receive final notification of acceptance from the Graduate School.

 
The University of North Carolina at Charlotte is committed to equality of educational opportunity and does not discriminate against applicants, students, or employees based on race, color, national origin, religion, sex, age, or sexual orientation. Accommodations will be provided for persons with disabilities.