Q. Do I have to have an undergraduate major in biology to apply to the graduate program?

• No, as long as you have taken significant science courses and have good grades, having a biology degree is not required. 

Q. Can I apply to the PhD program directly from my undergraduate studies, or do I have to get a Master's degree first?

• You can apply directly to the PhD program, without a MS degree.

Q. Do I need to identify a research advisor prior to applying to your program?

• While not required, finding a research advisor who is interested in having you join their lab significantly increases your chances of admission. In your personal statement, we ask that you identify the faculty member(s) you are interested in working with.

Q. What are the possibilities of getting funding after securing admission and does it come with a full tuition waiver, stipend, Health insurance?

• We only accept students into our PhD and thesis Master’s program with full funding via either a teaching or research assistantship. The assistantship provides a stipend, full health insurance, and a tuition scholarship which also covers most student fees. There is no separate application for the assistantships.

Q. When will the applications for Fall be open?

• Applications open in September.

Q. What is the deadline for admissions?

• For the PhD and thesis MS program our deadline is December 15^th.
• For our non-thesis MS program, the deadline for Fall is July 1 and for Spring is November 15.

Q. Do you accept students for the Spring Semester?

• We only accept entering students for the Fall semester for our PhD and thesis Master’s programs. 
• Our non-thesis Master’s program admits students for a Spring semester start date.

Q. What GPA is typically required for admission to this program?

• The Graduate School has a minimum GPA requirement of 2.75 for undergraduate work and 3.0 for graduate work (on a 4.0 scale).

Q. How do I apply to your graduate program?

• Applications to all Biology graduate degrees are through the Graduate School: https://gradschool.uky.edu/apply

Q. Do you require the GRE for applications? Should I submit my GRE scores if I have them?

• GRE scores (general and subject) are not required for application to our program. You are welcome to submit your GRE scores if you feel it will help your application.

Q. What is the institutional code for GRE and TOEFL scores?

• The Institution Code for the UK Graduate School: 1837.

Q. Can I submit my unofficial transcript during the application process?

• Yes, but you will be asked to provide an official transcript within a few months of acceptance.

Q. I am an international student. What are the language exam score requirements for admission?

• Yes. Minimum scores: 79 (TOEFL); 6.5 (IELTS); 115 (Duolingo). More information can be found here: https://gradschool.uky.edu/application-process

Q. Do you accept Duolingo for the language exam?

• Yes.

Q. I am an international student, but English was the language of instruction at my foreign undergraduate university. Do I have to take a language exam?

• No, but our Graduate School will likely require official documentation from your undergraduate university stating the instruction was in English.

Q. Is it necessary to have my transcripts evaluated by NACES or WES?

• It is not required for submission of the application. In rare cases the Graduate School may require an official credential evaluation from a NACES accredited evaluation company to complete the review.

Q. Do I have to upload or send financial document/bank statement at the time of application?

• No, we will not ask for this information as acceptance into the PhD and thesis MS program provide an assistantship.

Q. Do you offer application fee waivers?

• No, but if you have a financial hardship preventing you from paying for the application fee, please contact the Director of Graduate Studies.