Graduate and Professional School Admissions
Thinking About Graduate School in Biology?

What is Graduate School?

A post-graduate program that includes advanced coursework and/or research focused on a specific area of biology

Why Should You Choose Graduate School?

You have a passion for science!
Freedom to focus on the area of biology that most interests you
Chance to conduct research that will impact the world
You can get paid to go to school:
- Most biological graduate programs offer assistantships or fellowships that pay you a stipend and/or wave your tuition
- You can also apply for external fellowships that will pay for school (ex. NSF, EPA, Sigma Xi, etc.)
- A post-graduate degree often = a higher salary

What Do I Need To Get Into Graduate School?

Most programs require a GPA > 3.0
GRE scores (see GRE section)
Strong letters of recommendation from your professors and/or mentors (be sure to ask for them 2-4 weeks before the due date)
Research experience:
- Do undergraduate research with a professor or mentor
- Publish your research
- Take laboratory or field-based courses

What is the GRE (Graduate Record Examinations)?

Exam required for acceptance into most graduate schools
Take one of the following (depending on the graduate program):
- General GRE ($160)
- Subject specific GRE ($140):
  - Biology (general)
  - Biochemistry, Cell and Molecular Biology
More information @ http://www.ets.org/gre/

Which degree is right for me, M.S. or Ph.D.?

M.S. (Non-thesis Masters):
- 2-3 years of coursework
- Provides advanced study of biology
- Often helps raise credentials of those trying to get into other professional programs, but is often viewed as a terminal degree
- Higher salary than with an undergraduate degree
M.S. (Thesis Masters):
- 2-3 years of coursework & research
- Provides advanced study and research experience in biology
- Skill set acquired is appropriate for mid-level academic, government or industry jobs
- Higher salary than with an undergraduate degree
Ph.D. (Doctorate):
- 4-6 years of coursework & independent research
- Opportunity for in-depth training in scientific experimental design and data analysis
- Skill set acquired is appropriate for academic, government or industry jobs
- Will pay the highest salary
M.D./Ph.D. (Medical/Doctorate)
- 5-7 years of a combination of medical and graduate school
- Highly specialized degree for those interested in conducting medical research
- Skill set acquired is appropriate for academic, government or industry jobs
- Will pay the highest salary
J.D./Ph.D. (Law/Doctorate)
- 4-5 years of a combination of law and graduate school
- Highly specialized program for those interested in careers that involve the legal aspects of biological research (biological patent law & corporate law)
- Skill set acquired is appropriate for academic, government, industry or legal jobs
- Will pay the highest salary

Where should I go to graduate school and when should I start applying?

Choose your area of interest first, or at least narrow it down to a few areas
Research which universities have the best programs in your specific area of interest or ask a faculty member working in that area about their knowledge of reputable programs
Decide where you are willing to live; graduate school is 2-7 years of your life
Contact specific programs, and begin the application process 6-12 months in advance

What Biology alumni have gone on to graduate or professional school?

Michael Fogam ('12), University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Physiology (M.S.)
Blake Jones ('12), Georgia Regents University (D.M.D.)
Kian Morris ('11), Nova Southeastern University (P.A.)
Betsy Rodgers ('11), Alaska Pacific University, Outdoor & Environmental Education (M.S.)
Eric Brown ('10), Medical College of Georgia, Medical School (M.D.)
Beth Budden ('10), Western Carolina University, Biology (M.S.)
Tiffany Burgess ('10), Georgia Southern University, Biology (M.S.)
Kenny Cail ('10), Mercer University, Medical School (M.D.)
Jillian Carter ('10), Medical College of Georgia, Biochemistry & Molecular Biology (Ph.D.)
Seana Corbett ('10), University of Alabama, Optometry School (O.D.)
Warren Crabb ('10), University of Georgia, Microbiology (Ph.D.)
Megan Papierniak ('10), Mercer University, Medical School (M.D.)
Ashley Bessinger ('09), South University, Physician Assistant Program (P.A.)
Jennifer Brian ('09), Nova Southeastern University, Institute of Marine & Coastal Studies (M.S.)
Jonathan Brink ('09), Georgia Tech, Coastal Engineering (M.S.)
Ashley Elam ('09), Medical College of Georgia, Medical School (M.D.)
Dewey Lee ('09), Nova Southeastern University, Physician Assistant Program (P.A.)
Fletcher Moore ('09), Medical College of Georgia, Medical School (M.D.)
Scott Morgan ('09), Mercer University, Medical School (M.D.)
My Tu Vuong ('09), University of Sint Eustatius, Medical School (M.D.)
Mande Beers ('08), Drexel University, Pathologist Assistant (Medical Science) (M.S.)
Andi Bickerton ('08), Uniform Services University of the Health Sciences, Medical School (M.D.)
Rachel Bonginin ('08), The Ohio State, Molecular, Cellular & Developmental Biology (Ph.D.)
Crystina Bronk ('08), H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center & Research Institute, University of South Florida, Cancer Biology (Ph.D.)
J.T. Johnson ('08), Florida Atlantic University, Biology (M.S.)
Mario Muscarella ('08), Michigan State, Ecology (Ph.D.)
Rebecca Parker ('08), South University, Physician Assistant Program (P.A.)
Alex Polsinelli ('08), South University, Physician Assistant Program (P.A.)
Sheree Sheppard ('08), Armstrong Atlantic State University, Education (M.S.)
Jennifer Webb ('08), South University, Physician Assistant Program (P.A.)
Crystal Bass ('07), Nova Southeastern, Marine Biology (M.S.)
Donna Cheek ('07), University of Georgia, Animal & Dairy Science (M.S.)
Mary Donaldson ('07), Eastern Kentucky, Biological Sciences (M.S.)
Missa Patrick Sanou ('07), University of Florida, Microbiology & Cell Science (Ph.D.)
Crystal Archer ('06), University of Central Florida, Molecular Biology & Microbiology (M.S.)
Scarlett Fuller ('06), University of Georgia, Environmental Health Sciences (M.S.)
Amy Snyder ('06), Virginia Tech, Entomology (M.S.)
Eva Whitehead ('06), University of Georgia, Ecology (M.S.)