How to Apply

Graduate students in our program work closely with their faculty advisor.  As you prepare your application, it is critical to contact a faculty member with whom you wish to work. Set up interviews (virtual or in-person) with prospective advisors to discuss common interests and research you would do as a graduate student. 

Admissions Requirements

UNIVERSITY ADMISSIONS REQUIREMENTS:

To be considered for regular admission, applicants must have a minimum cumulative undergraduate GPA of 2.75 or the equivalent (on the U.S. 4.0 scale). Applicants who have earned 9 or more letter-graded graduate credits must have a minimum graduate GPA of 3.0 or the equivalent; this graduate GPA supersedes the undergraduate GPA.

• Copies of transcripts from each college or university attended (other than Portland State)
• Proof of English Language Proficiency

ADDITIONAL DEPARTMENT REQUIREMENTS:

• Reviewed information about applying for graduate study in biology
• Contacted and interviewed with at least one but preferably three potential tenure-track faculty advisors
• "Statement of Purpose"
• Two letters of recommendation
• GRE (optional)

INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS:

• Copies of official degree certificate/diploma
• Certified translation of transcripts
• Financial documentation demonstrating adequate financial support for at least the first year of study

If you are ready to start your graduate application, login or create a new account in the application portal. Use this same link to access an existing application and to check your admission status.

While submitting your Graduate Application online, you will be required to upload scanned copies of your transcripts from all community colleges, colleges and universities you have attended, regardless of the number of credits earned. If you are offered admission, you will be required to submit official transcripts from all colleges or universities attended as the final verification step after enrolling in your program.

The graduate programs in the Biology department at PSU do not currently require the GRE.

Proof of English proficiency is required by submitting minimum required official scores on the International Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL), the International English Language Testing System-Academic (IELTS) exam, or the Pearson Test of English-Academic (PTE) less than two years old at time of matriculation.

Describe in your statement of purpose your reasons for applying to the graduate programs in the Biology department at PSU and your research and study interests.

Provide the names and emails for two individuals who will provide letters of recommendation. Referees will receive automated notifications to submit letters electronically.