PhD in Biological Sciences

Ready to learn more about Marquette's biological sciences graduate programs? 

Request more information now or schedule an on-campus visit.

Graduate Program Recruiter

Jack Nortman

(414) 288-5986

jack.nortman@marquette.edu

Email the Graduate School

*required field

To be eligible for admission to the Graduate School at Marquette University, applicants must meet the following requirements:

• A bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited institution or international equivalent must be completed prior to starting graduate school.
• A minimum grade point average (GPA) of 3.00 on a 4.00 scale.
• Demonstrated English proficiency for non-U.S. citizens.

Applicants are expected to have completed a bachelor's degree in biology or related field. Only in exceptional circumstances are students admitted to the master's program. A master's degree is not a prerequisite for admittance to the doctoral program. Prior to applying, prospective applicants are encouraged to have an idea of what type of research they would like to work on if admitted into the program.

Application Requirements

Read all application instructions prior to beginning an application.

• A completed online application form and fee.
• Transcripts:
  • If coursework was completed within the United States, submit copies of all current and previous college/universities except Marquette¹
  • If coursework was completed outside of the United States, a transcript evaluation is required. A copy of a general evaluation with cumulative GPA or a course-by-course evaluation is approved for the application process.²

• Your personal statement should be between 1-3 pages, single-spaced, and address the following:

  1. Why are you interested in the biological sciences? Why is a PhD right for you, and how does it relate to your future aspirations?
  2. What field or fields in the biological sciences interest you?
  3. Why do you want to pursue your PhD at Marquette University?
  4. Which faculty members are you interesting in rotating or working with?
  5. Discuss any previous research experience. 
• Resume/CV.

• Three letters of recommendation that give evidence of the applicant's scholarly promise.
• For international applicants only: TOEFL score or other acceptable proof of English proficiency.
• Optional application requirements: GRE scores (General Test); GRE scores (Subject Test).

December 2: Priority application deadline for admission and funding opportunities. 

After the priority deadline, applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis.

Financial Support

The Department of Biological Sciences is committed to the full 12-month support of each graduate student in good academic standing, including an 18-credit tuition scholarship and stipend. Ph.D. students are supported by teaching assistantships or by federal grant-supported research assistantships. Additional fellowships provided by the University or by private foundations are awarded on a competitive basis to Ph.D. candidates that qualify. A select number of Ph.D. students may be supported by GAANN Fellowships.

Travel funds are available for students who present their data at conferences or participate in specialized courses off campus, including courses at Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory and the Woods Hole Marine Biological Laboratory. Additional funds are awarded to students for research and academic excellence.

GAANN Fellowships

The Department of Biological Sciences at Marquette University has been granted Graduate Assistance in Areas of National Need (GAANN) fellowships by the U. S. Department of Education. The fellowships provide a stipend of up to $34,000 per year, depending on financial need. (Financial need is determined by a FAFSA needs analysis.) In addition, the fellowship pays all tuition and fees. Certain other educational expenses (books, supplies, travel to conferences, etc.) are included as well.

Eligibility requirements:

• Full-time student pursuing the PhD degree.
• United States citizen or permanent resident of the United States

Fellowships are open to all students with demonstrated financial need. Members of underrepresented minorities in biological sciences (African-Americans, Alaskan Natives, Native Americans, Hispanics, Native Hawaiians, Pacific Islanders) are especially encouraged to apply.

Other factors considered in determining awardees:

• Excellence of academic record
• Plans for an academic career

For further information, contact:

Michael Schläppi, Ph.D., Director of the GAANN program
Phone: (414) 288-1480
E-mail: michael.schlappi@marquette.edu