statement of purpose phd biological sciences

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• Division of Medical Sciences
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We welcome applications from individuals from a wide range of backgrounds. To qualify for admission, applicants must demonstrate strong enthusiasm and ability for the vigorous pursuit of scientific knowledge. Minimal requirements include a bachelor’s degree and undergraduate preparation in the sciences. Strong consideration is given to letters of recommendation, particularly to comments from individuals who have firsthand knowledge of your research experience. We do not require GRE scores and we do not use numerical cutoffs (e.g., GPA). We conduct in-person interviews as part of our application process and invitations for interviews are usually sent out mid-December. Please contact Danny Gonzalez for all admissions-related questions.  2024 Interview Weekends 1st Interview Weekend January 25 - 28, 2024 Interviews conducted on Friday, January 26 2nd Interview Weekend February 8 - 11, 2024 Interviews conducted on Friday, February 9, 2024 Please contact Anne O'Shea for all Interview Weekend questions.  

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Dd586e0466fc829cc7510132490c963b, program selection.

Students apply to a program and once admitted, perform lab rotations during their first year in order to select a dissertation advisor. Students do not need to secure a dissertation advisor prior to applying.

Most applicants apply to one program, and we strongly recommend this targeted approach. While prospective students are encouraged to carefully choose the program that best fits their academic goals, interested applicants may apply to up to three HILS programs and pay only one application fee. If you elect to apply to three programs, only two may be programs in the Department of Medical Sciences. Each application must be unique, containing a tailored statement of purpose and separate recommendations.  *Please note that an individual may submit up to three applications during the course of their academic career to the Harvard Kenneth C Griffin Graduate School of Arts and Sciences of which we are a member. Applications to  HILS affiliated programs  count toward the limit of three. The submission of additional applications may result in the withdrawal of the application.

How to Apply

A complete application consists of:.

• Online application form
• Application fee payment ($105)
• Transcripts uploaded to the application
• Letters of recommendation
• Statement of purpose
• Personal Statement
• Demonstration of English proficiency, where required

Areas of Interest

BBS applicants must complete the "Areas of Interest" form on the online application.

Application Fees & Deadline

The cost to apply online is $105.00 U.S. (subject to change). The online application fee must be paid by credit card, no other form of payment is accepted. Your application will not be processed unless payment is submitted and received.

Graduate Record Examination (GRE)

We do not accept GRE scores.

Demonstrate English Proficiency, Where Required

Adequate command of spoken and written English is essential to success in graduate study at Harvard. Applicants who are non-native English speakers and who received their undergraduate degree from an academic institution where English is not the primary language of instruction must prove their English proficiency by earning either a minimum score of 100 on the Internet based test (iBT) of the  Test of English as a Foreign Language  (TOEFL) or a minimum score of 7.0  on the  International English Language Testing System  (IELTS) Academic test. Applicants who took tests prior to January 5, 2022 must retake them. No test other than the iBT TOEFL or the IELTS Academic will be accepted as proof of English proficiency; a master’s degree is not accepted as proof of English proficiency.

For those students planning to submit TOEFL scores, please arrange to have an official score report sent to the Harvard Kenneth C Griffin Graduate School of Arts and Sciences using code 3451 . If you have a copy of your Score Confirmation Report, you can upload it to your online application for consideration by the admissions committee. However, you will still need to ensure that  Educational Testing Service  sends an official score report.

For those students planning to submit IELTS scores, please note that we will only accept official IELTS Academic scores submitted electronically by the IELTS test center via the E-Delivery service. Scores from the IELTS General Training module are not accepted. At the time of test-taking, please specify Harvard Kenneth C Griffin Graduate School of Arts and Sciences as a score recipient. We do not accept IELTS paper Test Report Forms nor do we verify Test Report Forms (TRFs).

Applicants unable to take the TOEFL IBT, IELTS, or IELTS indicator exams may apply without these scores, and if programs recommend these applicants for admission, their admission will be provisional until they provide scores from one of the accepted tests that demonstrate the required level of English proficiency.

Financial Aid 

Applicants to the Division of Medical Sciences should NOT­ complete the Statement of Financial Resources for Graduate Study. DMS students receive full tuition and stipend support while they are enrolled.

Letters of Recommendation 

We do not accept any paper letters of recommendation. Be sure to register your recommenders’ information in your application, as all recommendation letters must be submitted online.  Paper letters of recommendation will NOT be included as part of your application.

Statement of Purpose

For your statement of purpose, please describe your reasons and motivations for pursuing a graduate degree in BBS, noting the experiences that shaped your research ambitions, indicating briefly your career objectives, and concisely stating your past work in your intended field of study and in related fields. Your statement should not exceed 1,000 words. As part of your statement of purpose, please also include a description of your research accomplishments or current projects. In the event that undergraduate research opportunities were not available to you, describe other science projects, reading projects, etc., that you undertook.

Fee Waivers Available

We are committed to ensuring that our application fee does not create a financial obstacle for prospective applicants. Application fee waivers are available to those for whom payment of the application fee would be financially challenging. A fee waiver can be requested in the "Applicant Fee" section of the application.  The application will be able to evaluate your answers in real time and provide you with confirmation or denial of a fee waiver prior to submitting your application.

Application Contacts

Application questions : Please refer to the Harvard Griffin GSAS Admissions website , call 617-496-6100 (please call between 2:00 p.m. and 5:00 p.m. Eastern Time, Monday through Friday), or contact  [email protected] . 

Degree program questions : If you have questions about the BBS Program, please reach out to Danny Gonzalez at [email protected] .

To speak with a staff member from the  Office of Diversity and Minority Affairs , please contact  [email protected]  or 617- 495-5315.

COVID-19 and other extenuating circumstances

We realize that the Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19) pandemic, recent natural disasters, and other extenuating circumstances may have significant impacts on applicants’ academic and personal lives, including the ability to provide all required application materials prior to our stated deadlines. We understand that these impacts may extend to recommenders and offices at institutions previously attended.

If any of these conditions apply to you, we encourage you to apply, even if required materials are missing. Our application form includes a section for you to let us know about any of your materials that may be unavailable or delayed. This information will be shared with the appropriate admissions committee and your admissions decision will be based on the materials available at the time of review. Please note that even though the online application system may indicate that your application is incomplete, it will still be reviewed by the appropriate admissions committee. If you are able to gather missing materials after the admissions deadline, you will find that our application system does not allow applicants to attach new materials to an application once it has been submitted; please contact the Harvard Griffin GSAS Office of Admissions at  [email protected]  for assistance. Any materials that become available before the admissions committee has finished deliberating will be passed along for consideration. If your application is incomplete and you are denied admission, GSAS will not count it toward our lifetime limit of three total applications that an individual may submit.

Upcoming Events

Bbs orientation begins, gsas first day of classes/check-in deadline for all students.

Doctor of Philosophy in the Field of Biological Sciences

Our departmental graduate program is highly interactive in which students move easily among disciplines within the department and interact with other programs and institutions. Graduate research is generally in one of two areas 1) cell and molecular biology, and 2) systematics, evolution, and ecology. Students in the program often take advantage of other researchers, faculty, and facilities at GW and elsewhere in the Washington area. These include the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and the Smithsonian Institution’s National Museum of Natural History.

A strong background in cell and molecular biology is essential for many competitive careers. Graduate students in this area conduct research on both well-studied model systems and non-model organisms, and often use comparative approaches. Common research themes among department faculty include cell signaling processes, and the genetic and cellular mechanisms governing virulence, behavior, immune responses, neurobiology, development, and the phenotypic expression of a variety of morphological traits. Students are trained in both experimental and comparative approaches and use a diverse array of modern research methods, ranging from precision imaging to gene editing to the assembly and analysis of genomes/proteomes/metabolomes.

Amid increasing concern about global change and biodiversity decline, expertise in systematics and ecology is more important than ever. GW’s Systematics, Evolution, and Ecology (SEE) program is one of the few in the world specializing in the principles and methods of phylogenetic analysis and comparative biology, putting the university at the forefront of biodiversity studies. Departmental research in evolution and ecology spans a wide array of taxa and study systems, including both vertebrate (amphibians, reptiles, fishes) and invertebrate (social and non-social insects, arachnids, oysters) animals, plants, fungi, and bacteria. In addition to systematics, students can join labs conducting research on behavioral, ecosystem, community, and population ecology as well as ecomorphology and biomechanics.

To complement their classroom education, students can get involved in ongoing field research at both terrestrial and aquatic field sites around the world. Recent graduate students have studied termites and wood decomposition in Australian rainforests, collected ants in Brazilian savannas, discovered new reptiles and amphibians in Sri Lanka, and unearthed rare dinosaur fossils in the Gobi Desert of China.

The department regularly supports graduate student attendance at graduate short courses offered around the US and abroad, including those available through our membership in the Organization for Tropical Studies (OTS) as well as regularly offered short courses at Friday Harbor, Southwestern Research Station, and Woods Hole.

This is a STEM-designated program.

Visit the program website for additional information.

Supporting documents not submitted online should be mailed to:

Columbian College of Arts and Sciences, Office of Graduate Studies The George Washington University 801 22nd Street NW, Phillips Hall 107 Washington DC 20052

For additional information about the admissions process visit the Columbian College  of Arts and Sciences  Frequently Asked Questions  page.

[email protected] 202-994-6210 (phone)

Hours: 9:00 am to 5:00 pm, Monday through Friday

The following requirements must be fulfilled:

The general requirements stated under  Columbian College of Arts and Sciences, Graduate Programs .

The requirements for the  Doctor of Philosophy Program .

The following requirements must be fulfilled: 72 credits, including one-3-credit required course and 6 to 27 credits in thesis research. To advance to candidacy, successful completion of at least 45 credits of approved graduate-level coursework and completion of a general examination, comprising both written and oral examinations, are required. Students entering the program with a master's degree may be allowed to transfer up to 30 credits of graduate-level coursework into the program.

 Students can choose to focus on one of two research areas: Cellular and molecular biology, or systemics, evolution, and ecology. Coursework is designed to prepare each student for a general examination in three specific fields of study relevant to their chosen research area. These fields of study are determined in consultation with an advisory committee appointed for the candidate.

Following the field examinations, students undertake dissertation research under the guidance of a dissertation director. The final examination is an oral defense of the dissertation.

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How to Write a Statement of Purpose for PhD Admission

The dreaded doctoral statement of purpose — every PhD program asks for it, but why is it so difficult to write? Writing a strong statement of purpose is essential to getting into your top PhD programs. A PhD statement of purpose gives admissions committees an introduction to your research interests and why their specific program is of interest to you.

Like a cover letter for a job application, a great statement of purpose allows you to highlight your strengths, interests and experience. If you need statement of purpose advice, keep reading for guidance on how to write a successful statement of purpose that will make your PhD application stand out.

Statement of purpose vs. personal statement

Though the two may sound similar, they’re not necessarily interchangeable. A personal statement gives insight into who you are, while a statement of purpose is meant to showcase what you want to do. Rarely will you be asked to write a personal statement for a PhD program.

As you go through the PhD application process, you will likely see schools requesting either a statement of purpose or a research statement. In most cases, they're both looking for the same thing. Admissions committees want to know about your academic background, your research goals and what you hope to accomplish as a candidate in a PhD program.

Your research goals should align with faculty research

Being admitted to a PhD program is a great feeling, but if you enroll in a program that doesn’t match your research interests or help support your career goals, you may be setting yourself up for disappointment later down the road.

Applying for admission to a program is all about fit. Faculty reviewers are looking for students who best represent the department’s mission and will help them obtain their research objectives.

By the time you apply, you should have a solid understanding of what the department’s primary research and content areas are, as well as which faculty members you’d like to work with more closely. This might mean finding information about what their labs do and reading published articles related to their work.

Be sure to include how your interests and past experiences align with the work that they do and how you would be an active contributor to those endeavors. This approach shows that you took the time to look into their program, so the committee will be more willing to invest theirs in reviewing your application.

Don’t be afraid to address your weaknesses

Many people assume they should avoid listing their shortcomings in their essays. The whole point of applying to a program is to impress the reviewers, right? But constructively addressing your weaknesses can be a great way to demonstrate how this program can help you achieve your academic goals.

Look at the catalog and read through the courses that are part of the program. If there is a particular class that fascinates you, talk about how it could help you obtain a new skill or a better understanding of a concept that you’ve struggled with before.

This demonstrates that you are actively seeking programs to help you better your education. It also exhibits that you’re mindful of what areas of your knowledge need some improvement, which shows maturity and the ability to self-assess.

Keep it succinct

If your program of interest does not specify a page word or word limit, it’s best to assume that your statement should not exceed two pages total. It should be enough to give them a glimpse of who you are and what you have to offer but not share your life story.

The aim is to communicate how and why this particular program will help you meet your academic and career goals. Limited space means you must prioritize what you include in your statement.

Create an outline before you start writing to ensure you are including points that are relevant to your application and the program to which you are applying. Your statement is also an example of how well you can write. By framing your essay before you write it, you can avoid stream-of-consciousness writing that can often come across as undefined and incoherent.

Proofread! And read it over and over

When you think you have a finished product, read your essay out loud. This makes it easier to catch typos, poor grammar, and oddly worded sentences. If you have a friend who is also applying to grad school, help each other out by editing each other’s essays.

Having someone else read your statement and ask questions can help you clarify your points and make it more compelling. Your statement is your one chance to present yourself professionally in your own words. The occasional mistake is excusable, but messy writing will make them think you lack attention to detail.

Before you hit submit on that application, be sure that you have attached the correct document for the right institution. It can be very embarrassing if your statement mentions the wrong faculty member’s name or refers to another school’s library! It could also cause the reviewers to think you are not as serious about their program.

You’ve spent a good amount of time perfecting your application, so take your time to review everything before you submit it so you can rest easy knowing you’ve presented your best.

Get tips and learn more

about how to apply to a PhD by reading our guide on Choosing, Applying for, and Thriving in a PhD Program!

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Application/Evaluation Process

To apply, applicants use the UCSD Application for Graduate Admission , which a web-based application (Slate). You may work on your application a bit at a time, and then submit it once it is complete. The site is secure, and your application and credit card information will remain confidential.

On the Program Selector page of the application, choose Doctor of Philosophy for Degree Type, Biology (PhD) (under Biological Sciences) for Program Interest, and 2024 Fall for Entry Term.

Applications are evaluated by the Admissions Committee (which is comprised of representatives from both the faculty and current Ph.D. students) immediately following submission, through March.

Holistic Evaluation Factors

The Admissions Committee evaluates applicants based on their past academic performance. Important factors in the holistic evaluation of an application include:

• Nature and quality of undergraduate degree program
• Preparation in physical sciences and mathematics
• Description of role in experience(s) (500 characters max for each experience)
• Must follow BioSci PhD Program SOP guidelines
• 1500 Words or Less
• Motivation to earn a Ph.D.
• Previous research experience
• Motivation to attend the UCSD/Salk Biology Ph.D. Program
• Interfolio is not recommended for our program
• "List any outreach activity in which you have participated to promote equity, diversity and inclusion, in bullet point form, wtih concrete answers." in 1500 characters or less.
• "List any other science-related outreach activities not included in the question above, in bullet point form, with concrete answers." in 1500 characters or less.
• "If you have experienced major adversity or hardship, please describe your experience below." in 1500 characters or less.
• Selectable types of experiences: Leadership, Overcoming Adversity, Community Involvement, Social Justice Experience, Personal or Professional Ethics, Research, Other
• Each type of experience selected will ask for a 3 - 5 sentence response
• Answers will likely be similar to Outreach, EDI and Adversity question answers, when relevant
• Explanation of interest in faculty of interest should be in SOP as well as in Faculty of Interest area on application (500 characters or less per faculty of interest)
• Applicants with TOEFL Speaking below 23 or IELTS Speaking below 7 will not be considered.
• Publications (Not Required)
• External Sources of Funding/Fellowships (Not Required)
• Personal Statement for addressing any impacts due to COVID-19 (Not Required)

GRE scores are not required nor taken into consideration.

SHORE (Student Housing)

SHORE is a very limited campus housing program that guarantees graduate student housing for the length of your graduate program, up to six years. SHORE students are housed without having to wait on the waitlist and are guaranteed housing by start of Fall Quarter. All spots are filled by early Spring Quarter. No additional spots are available after Spring Quarter. If selected, students will be notified. Answers to SHORE questions are optional and do not affect application evaluation.

Application includes the following Yes/No questions:

• Would receiving a SHORE housing offer influence your admission decision?
• If Yes is selected for wanting to be considered for SHORE, a text prompt will appear: Our department receives a limited number of SHORE spots. Please briefly explain why you are a good candidate for a SHORE nomination.
• Statement of Purpose (SOP) Guidelines

The Science Notes

Your Best Science Education Portal

Crafting a Compelling Statement of Purpose for Biology Graduate School

Elevate your biology graduate school application with our sample statement of purpose. Crafting excellence for a bright academic future.

Introduction to Cellular Fascination

“The introduction to the intricate world of cellular life, presented to me by my teacher as a ‘cell’ during my middle school years, left an indelible impression on my curious mind. As I progressed to the next grade, the sight of onion cells magnified under a microscope and the revelation that an egg is also a cell ignited my fascination for the field of biology. From that point onwards, my journey in the realm of microbiology has been a continuous and compelling one, culminating in my pursuit of a master’s degree and my unwavering determination to ascend to the pinnacle of academia with a Doctorate.

Undergraduate Journey:

While many of my peers were preparing for medical entrance exams after high school, I delved into the world of Biological Sciences, exploring novel approaches and concepts. To follow my passion, I enrolled in an undergraduate Microbiology program at THESCIENCENOTES.COM College, supported by the prestigious THESCIENCENOTES.COM Scholarship. During my undergraduate years, I had the privilege of immersing myself in a vast array of biological topics. One pivotal experience was a group project, under the guidance of Mrs. [Supervisor’s Name], where we isolated and identified pathogenic organisms from various water samples in the [Location] valley. This project not only deepened my interest but also provided invaluable insights into research methodologies in the biological sciences.

Master’s Degree Pursuit:

My pursuit of a Master’s degree at THESCIENCENOTES.COM College allowed me to delve deeper into Biological Sciences, with a focus on Medical Microbiology. During this period, I gained proficiency in a variety of tools and techniques, including spectroscopy, PCR, electrophoresis, and cell/tissue culture. Active participation in Journal Clubs and seminars on campus further stoked my enthusiasm for research. My first presentation, on “………………………………………………………………” ( www.thesciencenotes.com . et al 2013), provided me with a platform to share my knowledge and passion for the field.

Thesis on Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR):

My thesis, titled “……………………………………..,” conducted under the guidance of [Supervisor 1] and [Supervisor 2], involved the isolation and identification of Carbapenem-resistant Enterobacteriaceae, followed by PCR for blaNDM1 gene detection. The alarming results I obtained underscored the urgency of addressing antimicrobial resistance (AMR). I had the opportunity to present my findings at a poster presentation, supported by [Event/Organization], held at [Venue], and later published in www.thesciencenotes.com Journal.

Professional Experience:

Subsequently, I embarked on a 7-month internship at XXXXXXX Hospital’s Pathology Department, where I focused on sample processing, culture, Antibiotic Sensitivity Testing, and result reporting. Simultaneously, I served as an intern and later as a Research Assistant at [Research Center], where I honed my skills in conventional PCR, RT-PCR, and Gel Doc Electrophoresis, among others. I also applied PCR techniques in detecting the [Specific Gene] gene, a crucial component of my thesis.

Current Research Endeavors:

My passion for research led me to establish [Research Center], where I am currently involved in a project studying [Current Research Project Details]. This work, conducted in collaboration with the lab of Dr. XYZ at the Institute of V. at the University of WWW.THESCIENCENOTES.COM, KATHMANDU, is near completion, with publication on the horizon. Additionally, I am engaged in another project focused on exploring the co-prevalence of X and Y infections among intravenous drug users.

Passion for Biological Sciences:

My interests in biology revolve around the biochemical aspects of organism physiology, with a particular fascination for understanding how external factors like bacteria and viruses, as well as intrinsic factors like cancer cells, disrupt the intricate chemical processes of the human body. Topics related to host-pathogen interactions, cytokine-mediated immune responses, pathogen detection, and the development of prophylactic vaccines captivate my intellectual curiosity.

The challenge posed by the emergence and evolution of antibiotic resistance in bacteria motivates me to explore mechanisms of resistance and seek alternatives, such as novel antibiotics and antimicrobial peptides from natural sources.

Desire for Doctorate in Microbiology and Immunology:

I am eager to join the graduate program at your esteemed university, drawn by the wealth of faculty expertise aligning with my interests and the interdisciplinary nature of Biological Sciences. My ultimate goal is to contribute to research in my home country and underscore the significance of research in developing nations.

Thank you for considering my application. I look forward to the opportunity to further my academic journey at your institution.

2023 Impact Factors of Top High-Impact Academic Journals in Cancer, Cell Biology, Immunology, Genetics, Microbiology, and Public Health (thesciencenotes.com)

Statement of Purpose

Introduction to cellular fascination: statement of purpose.

• Early Curiosity about Cells
• Choosing Microbiology
• THESCIENCENOTES.COM College and Scholarship
• Exploring Biological Sciences
• Water Sample Project
• Specialization in Medical Microbiology
• Advanced Tools and Techniques
• Active Participation in Research Community
• First Presentation Experience
• Research Focus on Carbapenem-resistant Enterobacteriaceae
• Startling Findings and Poster Presentation
• Publication in www.thesciencenotes.com Journal
• Internship at XXXXXXX Hospital’s Pathology Department
• Internship and Research Assistant Role at [Research Center]
• [Research Center]: [Current Research Project Details]
• Collaboration with Dr. XYZ’s Lab
• Biochemical Aspects of Physiology
• Host-Pathogen Interactions
• Cytokine-Mediated Immune Responses
• Prophylactic Vaccine Development
• Antibiotic Resistance and Novel Solutions
• Addressing Research Gaps
• Promoting Research in Developing Nations

Conclusion and Future Aspirations: Statement of Purpose

• Expressing Interest in the Graduate Program

These subheadings should help you structure your statement effectively, guiding the reader through your academic and professional journey and highlighting your passion and dedication to the field of microbiology.

Dear Madam / Sir, Warm greetings from the National Digital Library of India (NDLI). Please visit NDLI at https://www.ndl.gov.in/ or…

This is what learning and good research with good examples and control standards

it's my honour to check my Lab. results with yours. thanks so much for your efforts. Welcome in National Nutrition…

This particular article is exactly what I needed to understand SNP, since I wanted to know it’s utility in donor…

Hello, Sarmila! Why did you use NaOH, and how do you justify it? Many thanks for your reply in advance

Biological Sciences

• Mellon College of Science

General Application Information

• There is no application fee.
• There is no Spring intake, only Fall.
• After December 1, the admission committee will be reviewing complete applications.
• Complete applications that arrive by the deadline will receive priority consideration.
• We wait until all materials are received before evaluating an application.
• All Ph.D. students, regardless of national origin, are provided with yearly tuition remission and a generous stipend.
• A student must have graduated from a recognized four-year college, university, or technology institute or earned equivalent credentials. Applicants should have a background in general biology and some study in a subdiscipline such as biochemistry, biophysics, cell or developmental biology, computational biology, molecular biology, genetics, or neuroscience.
• Faculty members do not accept students directly into their laboratories. Students are first admitted into the program. After students matriculate to the program, they complete three laboratory rotations during their first year, enabling them to explore which laboratory and faculty mentors best match their interests and allowing the faculty to ascertain whether students might contribute positively to their research program.

Transcripts

• Photocopies are accepted for evaluation purposes only. If admitted to the program, you will need to provide official documents.
• For international applicants, the admissions committee will only review an application with transcripts in English. Contact a credential evaluation service like WES , your university registrar’s office, or a private company.

General GRE Test and Subject Scores

• Submission is not required but will be reviewed if submitted with your application.
• Carnegie Mellon University GRE Codes

English Proficiency Tests

• English proficiency test scores are required for all non-native English-speaking applicants unless the applicant has completed a university-level degree in the U.S. or another majority-native English-speaking country in the last four years, such as: Antigua and Barbuda, Australia, The Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, Canada (excluding Quebec), Dominica, Grenada, Guyana, Ireland, Jamaica, Malta, New Zealand, St Kitts and Nevis, St Lucia, St Vincent and the Grenadines, Trinidad and Tobago, United Kingdom.
• We accept TOEFL, IELTS, and DuoLingo scores.
• TOEFL code: CMU 2074 and Biology 35
• IELTS code: Select “Carnegie Mellon University, Mellon College of Science.”
• Duolingo English code: Select “Carnegie Mellon University – Mellon College of Science.”
• Photocopies of English proficiency test scores will be accepted for admission only, and scores must be no more than two years old.
• TOEFL overall minimum score is 100.
• IELTS overall minimum score is 6.5.
• DuoLingo English minimum score is 120.
• If your English Proficiency scores are lower than above, your application may not be competitive for our program.

Recommendation Letters

• Professional or academic references should write the three letters of recommendation. Recommenders should evaluate the following attributes of the applicant: academic performance, research experience, motivation, perseverance, speaking and writing skills, strengths and weaknesses; recommenders should also state their relationship to the applicant.
• Once a student completes the recommendation section, online recommendation forms are automatically e-mailed to recommenders.

Statement of Purpose

Your statement of purpose should be a well-written 1–2-page essay describing:

• Your motivation to enter the biological sciences field.
• Any previous research experience (including your role in any projects).
• Primary areas of interest.
• Reasons for considering the Department of Biological Sciences for graduate work.
• Graduate Students
• Administration

Chemistry and Chemical Biology

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Chemistry and Chemical Biology is one of the programs in the Harvard Integrated Life Sciences, which facilitates collaboration and cross-disciplinary research. Visit HILS for additional application instructions .

This program builds strong interpersonal connections between faculty and students, and effective bridges between disciplines, allowing you to thrive at the frontiers of research in the chemical and life sciences. You will gain rich training in the unique tools of chemical inquiry and a commitment to scientific investigation at the molecular level.

Our award-winning faculty, which includes Nobel Prize and Welch Award laureates, will help you explore key aspects of life and study the problems of intrinsic interest and importance at the frontiers of chemical science. You will have access to the latest instrumentation and will have the opportunity to interact with top institutions like the Broad Institute and the Howard Hughes Medical Institute.

Examples of student research include developing new ways of gene editing and creating a better imaging system to study organisms at the microscopic level.

Graduates of the program have secured faculty positions at prestigious institutions like Harvard University, MIT, and Stanford University. Others have careers with companies like Pfizer, GlaxoSmithKline, and AstraZeneca.

Additional information on the graduate program is available from the Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology and requirements for the degree are detailed in Policies .

Areas of Study

Chemical Biology | Chemical Physics* | Inorganic | Organic | Physical | Theory

*Candidates will be admitted to the Committee on Chemical Physics

Admissions Requirements

Please review admissions requirements and other information before applying. You can find degree program-specific admissions requirements below and access additional guidance on applying from the Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology .

Academic Background

The Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology offers a PhD in chemistry and a PhD in chemical physics. Applicants should have a record of classroom and laboratory training in biological, organic, inorganic, and physical chemistry as well as a strong grounding in chemistry and be thoughtful enough about the discipline of chemistry to communicate their desire to pursue doctoral research.

Statement of Purpose

For applicants to chemistry and chemical biology, the statement of purpose should include two sections. Please clearly delineate the two sections within the same document using the headers "statement of purpose" and "research accomplishments.”

• Statement of Purpose : Statement of your scientific and professional interests and objectives, not to exceed 300 words.
• Research Accomplishments : Statement of your research accomplishments and/or current projects, not to exceed 500 words. In the event that undergraduate research opportunities have not been available to you, please discuss other science projects, reading projects, etc., that you have undertaken.

Standardized Tests

GRE General: Optional GRE Subject: Optional 

Theses & Dissertations

Theses & Dissertations for Chemistry and Chemical Biology

See list of Chemistry and Chemical Biology faculty

APPLICATION DEADLINE

Questions about the program.

Graduate School Personal Statement

Criteria for success.

• Your personal statement convinces a faculty committee that you are qualified for their program.
• It convinces them that you are a good fit for their program’s focus and goals.
• You show a select group of skills and experiences that convey your scientific accomplishments and interests.
• Your experiences are concrete and quantitative.
• Your personal statement is no more than 2 pages.

Structure Diagram

The graduate school personal statement tells your story and demonstrates that you are a good match for a particular department or program. Matching goes both ways: they should be interested in you, and you should be interested in them. Your personal statement should make this match clear.

Analyze Your Audience

Your personal statement will be read by a graduate committee, a handful of faculty from your program. They’re trying to determine if you will be a successful graduate student in their department, a positive force in the department’s intellectual life, and a successful scientist after you graduate. They are therefore interested in your qualifications as a researcher, your career goals, and how your personality matches their labs and department.

The graduate committee probably reads hundreds of applications a year. To make it easy for them to figure out that you are a good fit, make direct, concrete statements about your accomplishments and qualifications. To make it easy for them to remember you, create a narrative that “brands” you.

Create a personal narrative

PhD programs invest in the professional and scientific growth of their students. Get the committee excited about investing in you by opening your essay with a brief portrait of what drives you as a scientist. What research directions are you passionate about, and why? What do you picture yourself doing in 10 years?

Close your essay with a 2-3 sentence discussion of your career interests. No one will hold you to this; this just helps your committee visualize your potential trajectory.

Describe your experiences

Experiences are the “what” of your essay. What experiences led you to develop your skill set and passions? Where have you demonstrated accomplishment, leadership, and collaboration? Include research, teaching, and relevant extracurriculars. State concrete achievements and outcomes like awards, discoveries, or publications.

Quantify your experiences to show concrete impact. How many people were on your team? How many protocols did you develop? How many people were in competition for an award? As a TA, how often did you meet with your students?

Describe actions, not just changes in your internal mental or emotional state. A personal statement is a way to make a narrative out of your CV. It is not a diary entry.

Explain the meaning of your experiences

Meaning is the “why” or “so what” of the document. Why was this experience important to your growth as a scientist? What does it say about your abilities and potential? It feels obvious to you, but you need to be explicit with your audience. Your descriptions of meaning should also act as transition statements between experiences: try to “wrap” meaning around your experiences.

Demonstrate match to your target program

Demonstrate an understanding of the program to which you’re applying and about how you will be successful in that program. To do this:

• Read the program’s website. See what language they use to describe themselves, and echo that language in your essay. For example, MIT Biological Engineering’s website lists the department’s three objectives.
• Get in contact with faculty (or students) in your target program. If you have had a positive discussion with someone at the department, describe how those interactions made you think that you and the department may be well-matched.
• State which professors in the program you would plan to work with. Show how their research areas align with your background and your goals. You can even describe potential research directions or projects.

Resources and Annotated Examples

Annotated example 1.

These are selected sections from the personal statement that an MIT BE graduate student wrote in their successful application to MIT BE. 675 KB

Annotated Example 2

This is the personal statement from an MIT BE graduate student’s successful application to the MIT BE program. 11 MB

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SOP for PhD in Biological Sciences

• What is SOP
• SOP Writing Tips
• Statement of Purpose for Masters
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• Statement of Purpose for Phd

Updated on 27 March, 2024

Akansha Semwal

Study abroad expert.

A PhD in Biological Sciences is a three-to-five-year research-intensive course on studying living organisms, including their evolution and ecology. Combining both micro and macro studies of living organisms makes the scope of this course very vast. Besides the challenging curriculum, securing admission to a top university overseas is tedious. 

The SOP for Ph.D. in Biological Sciences is the most crucial document in the admissions process. It gives the university’s Admissions Committee a picture of the student’s academic background and his/her involvement in extra. To make a lasting impression, Ph.D. applicants must ensure their SOP is engaging, precise, and original. 

The Admissions panel wants to know whether the applicant will fit their research program well. A good SOP for PhD in Biology convinces them to accept a student’s candidature. However, since the Committee reviews 1000s of SOPs daily, making the document stand out is essential. 

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Table of Contents

• 1. Preparing Early
• 2. Talking in Numbers is Always Better
• 3. Customization is Vital

4. Proofreading is a Must

• 5. Addressing the Gap Years Smartly in the SOP

SOP Format for PhD in Biological Sciences

5 tips to write an effective sop for phd in biology.

Though a sample SOP for PhD in Biological Sciences will be the same at every course level, PhD applicants need to be careful about a few important tips –

1. Preparing Early 

A few days before submission is not the right time to start writing an SOP. Students must prepare well at least two to three months before submission. 

There are multiple things to include – interests, achievements, educational barriers, career goals, and more. To highlight each aspect concisely yet precisely, it’s best to begin writing early. 

2. Talking in Numbers is Always Better  

A solid SOP for Ph.D. in Biological Sciences must be both quantitative and qualitative. Students must ensure the entire SOP reads more like a story than mere statements haphazardly strung together. 

As the reviewer connects with the story-like SOP, it is best to have numbers that catch the eye further. This could be profits secured for a previous company, growth percentage in an internship, etc. 

3. Customization is Vital 

An SOP does follow a standard format, which allows students to get an idea of what needs to be included. However, it is the applicant’s job to ensure that the final draft is not monotonous for the reader. 

They can make slight changes to the sub-topics of each paragraph to make the reader curious and keep them hooked to the content. 

It is recommended that applicants proofread the SOP thoroughly before submitting it. Right after the first draft, they must circulate the SOP among friends, family, and professors to get constructive criticism. 

Then, the final draft must be proofread for spelling, and grammatical errors, as these simple mistakes can make or break a student’s application. 

5. Addressing the Gap Years Smartly in the SOP 

Students must talk about any previous problems in academics, medical problems or work life early on. If the student is a college dropout or has faced work-related issues, it is best to address the gap years honestly. 

The student can use the SOP to talk about how they have overcome their problems. 

Get 100% acceptable SOPs for Top Universities Abroad– Get FREE SOP Samples

Every Biology PhD Statement of Purpose Example follows a standard format, as discussed below –

• Starting with an Introduction 

The SOP’s opening paragraph should briefly explain what sparked an interest in the course and its specialization. 

• Answering the “Why” 

The second paragraph should clarify why the students want to pursue the degree, why they have chosen a particular specialization, and why they have chosen the specific country and university. 

• Explaining Cultural Fit 

This paragraph explains why the applicant fits the chosen university well. The student can showcase their expertise and how it aligns with the chosen program. 

• Demonstrating Work Experience and Skill Sets 

The fourth paragraph should highlight the applicant’s previous work experience and skill sets gained as a result. They can also talk about internship experiences here. 

• Mentioning Past Setbacks 

Applicants can mention any ‘black marks’ in their academic or professional record in this paragraph. The aim is to show how the students rebounded successfully from these experiences and the lessons they learned. 

• Listing out the Short-Term Goals and Long-Term Goals

This paragraph should speak about the candidate’s career vision, both for the short and the long term. They must highlight how they plan to apply their knowledge to the real world for community development. 

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Conclusion 

Since an SOP for a PhD in Biology can make or break a student’s application, it is essential to draft one carefully. Applicants must prepare from the viewpoint of the admissions committee. 

It is recommended that only relevant information is included, and the tone is primarily kept formal with slight variations if needed. Finally, keeping it authentic will ensure it stands out among thousands of applicants. 

How long is too long for an SOP for PhD in Biological Sciences?

Students must carefully read the respective university’s SOP guidelines, which prescribe a maximum word limit. This limit varies among colleges and may range from 500 to 1000 words.

What are some important don’ts to follow while drafting an SOP?

While drafting an SOP for PhD in Biology, students must avoid going overboard with the word limit, praising the university or its faculty excessively, or coming up with a bland introduction.

Akansha Semwal is a content marketer at upGrad and has also worked as a social media marketer & sub-editor. Experienced in creating impressive Statement of Purpose, Essays, and LOR, she knows how to captivate the attention of Admissions Committee. Her research-driven;study-abroad articles helps aspirants to make the prudent decision. She holds a bachelor's & master's degree in Literature from the University of Delhi.

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Personal Statement for PhD in Biological Sciences

• October 18, 2023
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Struggling to create a winning personal statement for PhD in biological sciences? Not getting the right words and formats to express your stories the way you want? Worried that your admission might get affected with the current personal statement you have for PhD in biological sciences?

But worry no more. Our team of experienced writers can help you create original and creative personal statements for PhD in biological sciences for your admission. With the right format and structure the statement will add great value to your application.

We have been working in the field for over a decade now. This has helped us learn about the challenges of writing a personal statement for PhD in biological sciences and how it needs to be formatted. Hence, we take your unique stories and blend the same with your vision and our creative capabilities so that you can win admission.

• What Is a Biology PhD Personal Statement ?

HOW TO WRITE A PERSONAL STATEMENT FOR PHD IN BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES?

Understanding the purpose of personal statement biology phd, what should i include in my biological sciences personal statement.

• Format of Personal Statement for PhD in Biology Science

How To Choose the Best Writer for Personal Statement for PhD in Biological Science?

• WHY CHOOSE OUR PERSONAL STATEMENTS FOR PHD IN BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES?

What Is a Biology PhD Personal Statement?

A personal statement for PhD in Biology is a document you will submit in order to secure admission to a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) program in biology. Given that it is the most advanced program in the specific domain of biology, a carefully crafted personal statement showing how much you are motivated to choose it needs to be included. In the personal statement, you will touch upon various aspects such as your relevant academic and professional background, achievements or recognition, unique skills, goals, etc. All of these need to align with your choice of PhD in biology.  

One of the most important aspects of writing a personal statement for PhD in biological sciences is getting its focus right. The statement naturally has to explain what makes the student apt for the course and why she/he wants to do that.Once you get this sorted, the rest of the statement is relatively easy to create. You then need to choose the best format as preferred by the university.Having worked with various students looking for the best personal statement for PhD in biological sciences, we know how to do that professionally. We collect unique info about your career, academics, and aspirations to bring the most personalized feel to the statement. This will surely impress the admission committee.

Further, if you wish to learn a few tip to write a statement, here is a few:

• Decide on what you want to include in the statement
• Learn about the requirements of your potential university
• Have all the details you need with you before starting to write
• Choose an optimistic and confident tone of voice with the statement
• Talk about your experiences that drew you closer to biological sciences
• Explain your career goals and aspirations in the biology field

While these tips may not sound too sophisticated, they can help you take care of the most important thing in any statement—the basics. Once you follow these, you will not search online for sample personal statements for PhD in biological sciences.

Is Writing Biological Sciences Personal Statement Worrying You?

Are you worried about writing your biological science personal statement ? Remember that you are not alone in the boat. Almost every candidate struggles with it. But that won’t be a reason anymore for causing rejection of your application. We at SOP Consultants offer expert help in drafting biology personal statement in PhD and many other programs. We help you adhere to the right format, structure, tone and word count, improving your selection chances. 

Why Is Biology PhD Personal Statement So Important in Admission?

It is true that your biology PhD personal statement can either make or break your admission chances. From verifying your application to figuring out your academic goals, a well-written document like the biological sciences personal statement example can aid selection officers in multiple ways. It can also aid you in presenting yourself convincingly.

Role of Personal Statement in PhD Biology Application

A well-crafted personal statement holds significant importance alongside a completed application form when applying for a PhD program. Admission committees consider it a valuable tool to gain insight into your unique qualities and qualifications. A compelling personal statement can potentially expedite the initial review process, increasing your chances of advancing to the next stage of the admission process.

How Does PhD in Biological Science Statement Prove Your Fitness for The Program?

As evident from the biological sciences personal statement example, this document not only speaks about your skills but also provides contextual examples to prove them. This makes it easier for the admission officers to learn about your fitness and aptness for the PhD in biology program.

To make it comprehensive and complete, you must include the following details in your personal statement for Biology PhD.

Your academic background

Briefly talk about your previous academic details such as what you studied, and how it connects to and supports your choice of PhD in Biology.

Your professional history

If you have had any professional stint in a relevant field, include details of the same. Explain what your role was, how you contributed and what you gained.

Your motivation

Solidify your motivation for PhD in biological science. Answer possible questions like when and how you got interested in biology and realized that it was your career path.

Your research interests

Mention what specific research interests you have and how you are going to realize them. Highlight if any specific features of the program align with your interests.

Your career goals

As evident in biology personal statement examples, your career goals are those long-term and short-term goals you strive to achieve after the completion of your PhD. Mention them, explaining how the insights from the course expedite getting closer to them.

Format of Personal statement for phd in biology

Writing a strong statement like the PhD personal statement example biology that our professional writers draft comes with careful planning, in-depth knowledge of format and structure and more.

Decide what to write

Brainstorming is the first step in writing your personal statement. Unless you have clarity about what to write, things can be confusing. Read our biological sciences personal statement examples and then brainstorm for your own points.

Research your intended university's requirements

You must tailor your personal statement as per the institute’s unique requirements, format, guidelines and word count. So, getting to know more about your intended institute and these specific details is important.

Gather relevant and up-to-date details

Do not think that you can write anything that seems okay. It is important to furnish a 100% relevant and up-to-date personal statement. For that, any detail that you are going to add in it needs to be relevant and recent.

Use a positive and confident tone

A winning biology PhD personal statement is one that sounds positive and exudes the confidence level of the writer. A pessimistic personal statement can even cause the reader to doubt your motivation for the program.

Share experiences that led you to biology

Make your motivation sound compelling and convincing by sharing the unique experiences that led you to choose biology. It could be a groundbreaking study in the field of biology that made you become curious about the subject or a lecture or whatever.

Describe your career goals in the field of biology

Explain how you are planning to steer your career in the domain of biology. Do not write unrealistically but rather write in a more practical way. For instance, what you do immediately after the course and how you slowly get closer to your ultimate dream.

If you are looking to get your personal statement written as perfectly as an ideal biological sciences personal statement example, choose a skilled writer. Ensure that your writer has a thorough understanding of the personal statement writing tone, outstanding language proficiency and strong knowledge of biological science. We can pair you with a personal statement writer who embodies all these qualities.

Vasuki Ram, senior writer and the founder of SOP Consultants is a B-tech Graduate who used to work in an MNC. Starting from 2013, she along with her team has assisted more than 10,000 students. Shift in her career was drastic. Read full story here.

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Why Choose Our Personal Statements for PhD in Biological Sciences?

Personal statements are extremely important for any PhD application. The case is similar with admission for PhD in biological sciences, as well. While a statement alone cannot win you admission, it can show the admission committee what makes a student ideal for the field and their institution.

But most students have trouble choosing the right service provider, too, when it comes to writing a personal statement for a PhD in biological sciences. Although there are experienced personal statement writers , students have trouble picking the right one.

However, we come with a bevvy of unique service qualities that address the most important expectations of a student regarding personal statements. Here are they:

An Incredibly Talented Team

We are proud of the team that we have. The team has been made after extensive vetting and evaluations of exceptional talents in the industry. The team has skilled and qualified professionals fortified with the right insights, qualifications and commitment to help the students win admission for a PhD in biological sciences.

World-Class Quality Benchmarks

Most of the time, the personal statements that we write for PhD in biological sciences are for international institutions. Hence, they have to compete with the statements written by students from around the world. Our extensive quality benchmarks and review systems help us do that effortlessly.

Our Industry Exposure and Insights

Thanks to our experience in the field for a decade, we have a deeper understanding of the industry and the university requirements. This helps us deliver better personal statements for PhD in biological science as they need it. Further, we also know what and not to include in the statement to make it all the more value-adding.

Tailor-Made Service Offerings

We know that each student has a different dream than others and the statement must reflect that to impress the admission committee. Hence, we provide each of our students with customized services as per their needs. This helps us meet each and every creative and quality expectations of the clients, at all times.

Affordable and Economic Service Support

In order to deliver exceptional value for the time and investments of the students with us, we deliver them economic services. We listen to the needs of the clients first and ascertain the scope of the project. Then we craft a bespoke package that can deliver them optimum value for their time with us.

Excellent Customer Care and Help

We know that students will have numerous questions regarding the format of the personal statement for PhD in biological sciences, its quality, and the structure. In order to solve all of that, we have a dedicated customer care line that can be called any time to get all the help you need as quickly as possible.

Hire Our Personal Statement Writing Help for PhD in Biological Sciences

One can undoubtedly say that a personal statement is an important factor that can decide the fate of a student’s PhD admission. An exceptional and engaging personal statement can bolster your chances of admission. That’s one of the major reasons personal statements are looked at with a degree of trepidation by the students.

With our expertise in the industry for a decade, we can take care of that for you. As you need, we can deliver the best personal statement for PhD admission.

Our team is capable of creating personal statements that are:

• Original and unique
• Creative and inventive
• High-quality and focused
• Written as per student’s vision
• Compliant with university guidelines

Our team of expert writers and editors will work with you to learn about your academic and professional stories. We will then craft these insights into the format preferred by the university with our creative ingenuity. Further, we deliver the personal statement for PhD in biological sciences in both PDF and Doc formats as you need.

If you would like to learn more about our personal statement writing services for PhD in biological science, you can speak to our client help desk.

We would love to hear from you. Contact us, now!

Avoid These Common Mistakes in Your Biology Personal Statement in PhD

A personal statement with the following mistakes has all the chances to unimpressed the selection panel. So, steer clear of them while finalizing your document.

Lack of focus

If your document doesn’t stay focused, it can confuse the reader.

Write each paragraph centred on the theme.

Errors spoil the overall reading experience.

Proofread your document several times to rectify all errors.

General statements or examples can make your statement look uninspiring.

Use fresh thoughts, for instance, anecdotes or past experiences of your own.

Contradictions

Contradictions with data in other documents may cause suspicion.

Verify your personal statement’s agreement with other documents.

Tips For Adding Professionalism to Personal Statement PhD Biology

Here are a few pro tips from our experts to add professionalism and write a perfect biology PhD personal statement.

• Read at least two biological sciences personal statement examples to enhance your perspective.
• Start preparation for your personal statement at least three weeks ahead of the submission deadline.
• Enhance your understanding of the specialization topic in Biology through reading and research.
• Get feedback on your biological sciences personal statement from two to three individuals in a related field.

And that brings us to the end of this blog on biological sciences personal statement . 

How did it go? 

Did the biology masters personal statement examples inspire you? 

Were the instructions, tips, and guidelines helpful?  

We are excited to know your thoughts. 

So, feel free to write them in the comments below. 

Also, we are happy to welcome your special requests or suggestions on this topic.

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Biological and Biomedical Sciences

**There are two application paths available for certain doctoral programs. Depending on your objectives, you may apply directly to the specific program or you may apply via the Biological and Biomedical Sciences application umbrella. Please visit program websites to determine the best fit for your objectives.

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Samples of my work in biology & closely related areas.

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Sample 1st Paragraph PHD Application in Biology

My Writing Service: Biology Personal Statements of Purpose for Admission to Graduate School. Biology, as the Queen of the Physical Sciences, provides special opportunity for creative statements that are carefully tailored to your long term career plans. The Master’s Degree in Biology is a preferred strategy of prospective dentists and doctors alike, as a way to beef up their credentials for entry into Dental or Medical School. Oh, the struggles that I have had with cancer on paper, helping people gain admission to dedicate their lives in this battle. It is a privilege and I would be honored to help you as well.

It is a special honor for me to help you, to empower you to help clarify and eloquently express your goals, the contribution that you will be capable of making if accepted to the program to which you are applying in Biology. Together, we are building a tomorrow that will slowly be freed from disease and suffering. My contribution will be helping you to get accepted, on the basis of an especially eloquent explanation of your long term plans concerning your contribution to the study of biology. After you fill out my Online Interview Form, I will ask you some specific questions by email if I need any further information. Please also send your resume/CV and or rough draft if you have one.

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Biology and Ethics

As someone with a PHD in Religion and Ethics, I am especially concerned with the way in which Ethical judgments may heavily influence the success of applications that develop from many avenues of biological research. Sequencing the human genome, gene localization and identity, gene therapy, the creation and release of genetically engineered organisms, bioengineered pharmaceuticals, and ecosystem management of marine, freshwater and terrestrial environments, are all current and lively areas of applied research that call for cooperation and partnerships between biologists and many other professional and cultural groups in the community.

I take particular delight in the way in which the study of biology has an immediate relevance to our daily lives. It is important for everyone to develop an informed sense of how we may individually and collectively continue to fit into the complex ecology of our planet without rendering horrendous destruction. Some of the greatest engineering feats of the future are likely to involve bioengineering projects, particularly concerning the disposal of municipal and industrial wastes and the development of renewable resources.

Search by Degree, Field, or Country of Origin

Humanitarian side of biology.

Biology is the study of living organisms and is divided into specialized fields such as morphology, physiology, anatomy, behavior, origin and distribution, but are there opportunities for biologists to work in the humanitarian sector?

The answer is yes. However, like many students who’ve completed their Bachelor’s degree and specialized in something that isn’t directly related to conflict management, development, international politics or human rights, further study and voluntary work is recommended if you want to make getting into this field easier for yourself.

Luckily, there are many ways you can do this. Even if you haven’t finished your degree! For example, if you were to minor in ecology or focus on human biology during your Bachelor’s, there will be more doors open in the humanitarian field once you’ve completed your first degree.

Other options available to students that are either studying or trying to decide what to do after their Bachelor’s, include work placements abroad and internships at nonprofit organizations. Perhaps you’d like to work with frogs in Bolivia, or pandas in China – opportunities like these can often expand into paid roles, or allow for more flexibility in your role at an organization, so you can use your knowledge of biology to humanitarian ends.

These types of opportunities provide you with some great ammunition when it comes to demonstrating your voluntary work experience to organizations and courses you apply for later; give you a real feel for what this kind of work is like and help you decide where in the world you’d like to focus your attention on.

An additional benefit of doing voluntary work is that if you prove yourself capable and useful around the office and out in the field or community, you are often given more responsibility than you might if you were working in a role in the private sector with the same amount of experience behind you. This is extremely beneficial to your career in general, and will often lead you into higher paying roles when you eventually take a paid position.

If you want to take part in a mission or humanitarian work related to biology and ecology, look at forestry organizations, environmental management NGOs, renewable energy or agricultural projects, ecological or environmental community development concerns, or environmental research ventures.

Some great examples include the Pachamama Alliance (pachamama.org), a project that works in the Amazon rainforest; Mumbai Forest Initiative (wrm.org.uy), WWF Forests (wwf.panda.org); Survival International; the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP, unep.org); the Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS, wcs.org), which aims to conserve the world’s largest wild place in 15 priority regions; African Bamboo (African-bamboo.com); One Acre Fund (oneacrefund.org). However, there are thousands of small NGOs that operate around the world that would be happy to receive a volunteer with some specialized knowledge in biology and some new energy to work for their cause.

It’s true to say that if you’re really serious about taking your career in a humanitarian direction, a Master’s degree cannot do you any harm. Not only will it give you heaps of specialized and practical knowledge to apply when you go out into the world of work, it will help you deeply focus on making a difference and prepare you for an effective, inspiring career down the road.

If you’d like help writing your personal statement that will help you fly through the Master’s degree admission process, please don’t hesitate to get in touch. That’s what we’re all about.

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Federated Department of Biological Sciences

• Ph.D. in Biology

PhD in Biology: How to Apply

PhD Home | How to apply | Curriculum and Progression | Documents and Forms

Application Process

Application requirements and information about financial support are listed below. 

Our program is federated across Rutgers-Newark and NJIT. Students can work with faculty, do research, and take classes at either institution, regardless of where they are matriculated. However, funding mechanisms and administrative details can differ between universities. Therefore, we encourage you to apply to the university that houses the lab of your potential Faculty Mentor. If you are considering several options on either side, don’t worry about it too much. We will help to figure out the best option. Our Recruitment and Admissions Committee will help you through the process, and we recommend contacting any of committee members before you start the application process. The current members are:

Recruitment and Admissions Committee

Barden, Phillip

Associate Professor and Graduate Director, Biological Sciences

Tai, Xiaonan

Assistant Professor

Requirements

As an applicant to the program, you are expected to meet a number of criteria, as listed below. Our Recruitment and Admissions Committee selects applicants for video and on-site interviews based on those criteria, but can make exceptions based on your strengths in other areas. Usually, you should have:

• An undergraduate degree in biology or other pertinent area of science.
• A strong foundation in chemistry (general and organic) and physics.
• Completion of one year of mathematics, preferably calculus.
• A grade point average (GPA) of 3.0 or better.
• If you are an international applicant and your primary language is not English, you are required to submit your test scores from the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL).

To be considered for financial support, your completed application should be submitted by December 15, 2024  for admission for Fall 2025. Admission for the Spring semester is only considered in exceptional cases, as it will complicate your course progression. Applications should include all undergraduate and graduate transcripts, three letters of recommendation, a statement of purpose, a Resume or CV, and TOEFL scores (if applicable). The GRE is not required for the Biology PhD admissions process. Letters of recommendation or the previous work record should show some indication that research potential exists.

Financial support

As the program is to a significant degree based on faculty research endeavors, admission depends not only on prior academic performance, but also critically on available opportunities and funding in individual or collaborating laboratories, which can vary considerably from year to year. Student funding usually comes from a combination of Teaching Assistantships, University Fellowships, extramural stipends, and faculty research grants. You are strongly encouraged to contact potential mentors to discuss opportunities.

Incoming full-time matriculated students are awarded Teaching Assistantships or nominated for University Fellowships on a competitive basis by the Department Chairs, on the recommendations of the Admissions and Recruitment Committee and the Graduate Directors. Teaching Assistantships are academic or calendar year awards and are renewable on a yearly basis, usually for not longer than a total of five years. Decisions about Teaching Assistantships are made based on student qualifications, current support of students in labs of individual Graduate Faculty, and the balance of funds distribution across program tracks and research fields. Both incoming and continuing students are encouraged to apply to national, regional, and state level funding agencies to obtain grant support for their intended research.

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Statement of Purpose for PhD in Computer Science (MIT Accepted)

We analyse three SOP samples, two accepted at MIT and one at the University of Washington.

Statement of Purpose for PhD in Biomedical Engineering (MIT Accepted)

In this article, we analyse a Biomedical Engineering SOP that was accepted at MIT, Stanford, and Georgia Tech

Letters of Recommendation: A Guide and Sample for your Recommenders

Statement of Purpose Sample for Nursing (Undergraduate) (Highly rated)

Description: We describe in detail how to write a statement of purpose for nursing. In the SOP, the applicant underscores the areas of nursing she’d focus on and how she was suited for the school.

Statement of Purpose Sample for Ph. D Nursing (Compelling)

Description: In this Statement of Purpose Sample for Nursing Ph. D, the applicant identifies the field of interest and specialization that he’s interested in early, details professional and research work, then points out the skills he would like to gain from this program and how the university will help in this endeavor.

Statement of Purpose for MBA (Ivy school)

Description: We start by providing a step by step guide that should help with generating ideas for your MBA SOP and then crafting one while adhering to certain tips. We then provide 3 ivy school samples.

Statement of Purpose Sample for Computer Science  (Highly rated)

Description: In this Statement of Purpose Sample for Computer Science, the applicant describes how a local mobile money sending application in rural parts of Africa inspired his love for computing.  The applicant explains a clear career path after graduating. You can get a similar SOP by ORDERING HERE

Statement of purpose sample for computer science 2 (Recommended)

Description: In this SOP, we provide the blueprint of writing a SOP for computer science. We follow it with two highly rated samples.

Statement of Purpose Sample for Cognitive Science (Good)

Description: In this SOP, the applicant describes how personal struggles with Dyslexia, and the inspiring story of  Akeelah in the Akeelah and the Bee film, motivated a desire to understand how the human brain works and how it can be trained to optimize the good while negating the bad.

MBA Statement of Purpose Example  (Excellent)

Description: In this Statement of Purpose Sample for MBA, the applicant evokes the loss of family business and a business degree that didn’t equip him with practical skills as the motivation for applying for an MBA. The applicant brings out the steps that he has taken to remedy this lack of practical experience and the skills that he looked forward to getting from the MBA program.

Statement of Purpose Sample for MBA with Engineering Background (Compelling)

Description: The applicant underscores professional experience managing people, financial, and operational processes. He emphasizes possession of transferable research experience, the result of which is a successful Statement of Purpose for MBA that got him acceptance to a top business school. You can get the same HERE

Statement of Purpose Sample for Masters in Public Health Science (Good)

Description:  In this SOP, the applicant underscores her teaching and research experience and show how they would be transferred to a role of a public health educator. If you’re applying for university admission in a field other than you did your bachelor’s, we can help with standardizing your SOP. Speak to us today HERE

Statement of Purpose Sample for  Psychology Graduate School (Great)

Description: In this SOP, the applicant explains how growing up in a crime-ridden neighborhood with a police father informed her early views on crime prevention and the place of psychology. She places this early observations in their proper context by profiling the background of teenage offenders thereby underling the place of early trauma on future behavior.

Statement of Purpose Sample for Mathematics (Highly rated)

Description: This sample explains the applicant’s love for numbers and top achievement as well as suitability for the university.

Statement of Purpose Sample for Business Management (Highly rated)

Description: The SOP demonstrates how professional experience not deemed relevant to business management may be captured as an example of work ethics

Statement of Purpose Sample for Nursing

Statement of Purpose Sample for Nursing PhD

Statement of Purpose sample for MBA

Statement of purpose sample for computer science 2

Statement of Purpose Sample in Cognitive Science

Statement of Purpose sample for mathematics

Statement of Purpose sample for MBA with Engineering Background

Statement of Purpose sample for Masters in Pyschology

Statement of Purpose Sample for Computer Science

Statement of Purpose sample for Business Management

Statement of Purpose sample for Masters in Public Health

Statement of Purpose for MBA Sample (Ivy school)

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Statement of Purpose for Biology

Ai generator.

Introduction: My name is Anna Williams, and I am applying for the Master’s in Biology program at Harvard University. With a Bachelor’s degree in Biological Sciences from the University of California, Berkeley, and a deep interest in genetics and molecular biology, I am excited to further my studies at your esteemed institution.

Academic Background: I completed my Bachelor’s in Biological Sciences at UC Berkeley, focusing on genetics, molecular biology, and biochemistry. My senior thesis, “Genetic Modifications to Improve Crop Resistance,” provided me with a strong foundation in genetic engineering and its applications. I graduated with a 3.8 GPA and received the Chancellor’s Award for outstanding academic performance.

Professional Experience: Over the past two years, I have worked as a research assistant at Genomics Lab, where I contributed to projects on gene editing and CRISPR technology. My responsibilities included conducting experiments, analyzing data, and presenting findings. Notably, I led a study on “CRISPR-Cas9 Applications in Disease Resistance,” which demonstrated a novel approach to enhancing plant immunity.

Research Interests: I am particularly interested in exploring the potential of genetic engineering to solve agricultural and medical challenges. My goal is to develop innovative techniques for improving crop resilience and treating genetic disorders.

Reasons for Choosing This Program: Harvard University’s Biology program is renowned for its advanced research facilities and distinguished faculty. I am particularly inspired by the work of Dr. Jane Collins in genetic engineering and molecular biology. The program’s emphasis on interdisciplinary research and collaboration aligns perfectly with my academic and professional aspirations.

Career Goals: My long-term goal is to become a leading researcher in genetics, contributing to advancements in biotechnology and molecular medicine. I aim to work with academic institutions and biotech companies to develop solutions that address global challenges in agriculture and healthcare. This program will equip me with the necessary knowledge and skills to achieve these goals.

Conclusion: I am passionate about pursuing a Master’s in Biology at Harvard University. My strong academic background, hands-on research experience, and dedication to genetic engineering make me a strong candidate for your program. Thank you for considering my application.

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Statement of Purpose For Biology Students

March 24, 2016

Sample SOP for Biology MS & Ph.D. Students

I seem to have a talent for solving problems. I am particularly successful with practical problems. It is because I am attracted to them. Every problem is like a fun game for me. Whether it is finding an optimum condition for an enzymatic reaction or finding a potential treatment for cancer, it is something that I am always excited to do and I do it with great pleasure.

As I grow, I start to understand the potential financial advantage of being able to solve problems in many high-profit industrial fields. But, I had Biology in my genes… my parents are both Biologists and moreover, my Dad is a Molecular Geneticist. Even though they wanted me to become a doctor or a lawyer, in high school I was more interested in plasmids and cells than anything else.

So, here I am, after 4 years of Molecular Biology and Genetics major, 2.3 years of internship in the US and subsequent 1.25 years of Master’s in the same field, I am applying for a Ph.D. position at one of the top schools in the world, with an ambition to become one of the world’s best scientists unraveling hidden wonders of the world of Biology.

While I was in my first year of pursuing a Master’s Degree, at XXXX University, I realized (when I compared myself to my co-workers), that in the world of research, it is important to be able to find the right motivation. It is imperative that the idea of scientific discovery, the idea of finding something new, even discovering a protein-protein interaction or a new control mechanism (both of which may be used for treating or even curing people!) pushes me forward even when I am very tired.

I realized that being a good scientist takes more than just a good theoretical background and skillful hands, which my mentors believe I have. It takes breaking through emotional barriers, keeping personal life separate from the academy and heading towards the discovery at full speed at all times, no matter what the “weather” is.

I also realized that a non-ceasing self- improvement is an essential part of being successful as a scientist. One has to find the inherent weaknesses and fix them, upgrading the “discovery-making machine” – what I believe I am (or at least, about to become) as a scientist.

I am profoundly interested in the world of intracellular signaling and its connection with the cell cycle. The highly-specific relay of information processed from the outside of a cell deep into its nucleus intrigues me. It is fascinating how signal cascades function and how they malfunction, leading to cancer.

The further we understand how a signal pathway works, the closer we are to be able to provide treatments and cures for patients who suffer from diseases related to that pathway. I have worked on canonical Wnt signaling for over a year now and I believe that even this one pathway can be a major part of my future decade (at least) of research life.

In parallel with basic research, I am planning to work on methods development. The invention of a single new technology has greater significance for humanity than most single findings in basic research. Many times, scientists made important discoveries through inventing a revolutionary technique or improving an existing one.

The power of one original technique, given it has a high impact, is harnessed on the road to thousands of other discoveries. Thus, just like in a signal transduction cascade, the impact brought by one important discovery/invention of a method is amplified.

It is not that I think the discoveries in basic research are less exciting – I love basic research. Plus, the demand for novel technologies arises during basic research. Methods development is just another angle through which I am planning to contribute as a molecular biologist/biochemist.

Research Accomplishments:

At the beginning of my second semester as a freshman (at Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, XXXX University), I volunteered to join Dr. Alice Brown’s laboratory as a research student, where we were studying the molecular biology of inherited neuropathies, particularly the Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease.

In her lab, I was able to learn many basic techniques such as PCR, electrophoresis, and restriction digestion analysis. After almost a year of assisting her Ph.D. students with their projects, Dr. Brown assigned an independent screening project to me.

With my “beginner’s luck” I discovered several novel mutations in the GDAP1 and Cx32 genes of the hereditary neuropathy patients I was screening. These mutations are published in the Brain article (Green et al., 2004) and became part of a Master’s Thesis of one of the students.

Since members of two laboratories contributed to the article and since I was only an undergraduate at that time, my name was listed as 12th out of 16 authors, even though I discovered and characterized two out of five novel mutations described in the article.

At the end of my 3rd year, I joined Dr. John Black’s laboratory at Baylor College of Medicine, as a summer intern. The main research topic in this lab was about myosin folding and novel putative chaperone for myosin – UNC-45. I was highly motivated by this new research field and I decided to freeze my undergraduate study and stay for a year with Dr. Black.

My first year, during which I was working on fluorescent probes for myosin motor domain, resulted in a poster that I presented in a departmental retreat in Galveston (where Dr. Black moved at the end of that academic year). I wanted more experience and a preferably a publication too, so I stayed for one more year with Dr. Black.

During the second year (now at University of Texas Medical Branch – Galveston), I worked on several projects, two of which are never going to be published, since I could not finish them by the time I had to return to XXXX country and I believe the funding for those projects was cut.

The project that could get published was about myosin degradation via the ubiquitin-proteasome pathway (Johnson et al., J Cell Biol , 2007). This was the major project of the lab at that moment and I contributed two figures showing in vitro evidence that myosin is indeed degraded via the ubiquitin-proteasome pathway.

I returned back to XXXX country in 2005 and finished my undergraduate study. Then, in 2006, I became a Master’s student at XXXX University. I joined Dr. Alex Sage’s lab, whose research topic was identifying novel cancer-related Wnt/beta-catenin pathway target genes.

After working 6 months in Dr. Sage’s lab, we already were planning two manuscripts. In one of the articles, as a first author of a prospective J Biol Chem article, I show that a gene (on which, there are about 40 articles in PubMed) is a target of the pathway and provide evidence that this gene plays a significant role in several brain tumors.

In the second prospective article, proposed to be submitted to Cancer Research , I am currently the second author and here we identify two genes (7 articles and 155 articles in PubMed!) as transcriptional targets of the Wnt/beta-catenin pathway and their significance in hepatocellular carcinoma.

2 thoughts on “Statement of Purpose For Biology Students”

Hello sir Im pharmacy student I completed my pharmacy from University of malakand Pakistan now I wanna to work in clinical pharmacology plse help me

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Provost Fellows announced for 2023-24 SEC Academic Leadership Development Program

Article body.

Four Auburn University faculty members have been selected for the 2023-2024 SEC Academic Leadership Development Program .

• Robert Boyd, assistant provost for Institutional Effectiveness and professor in the Department of Biological Sciences

• Virginia A. Davis, Daniel F. and Josephine Breeden professor in the Department of Chemical Engineering

• Latif Kalin, professor and the Promotion and Tenure Committee chair of the College of Forestry, Wildlife and Environment

• Karen S. McNeal, Marguerite Scharnagle Endowed professor in the Department of Geosciences

“Auburn University is proud of these four outstanding faculty members and congratulate them on their accomplishments,” said Vini Nathan, provost and senior vice president for Academic Affairs. “Their impact as instructors, researchers and scholars contributes significantly to advance the university’s mission now and into the future.”

The SEC Academic Leadership Development Program seeks to identify, prepare and advance academic leaders for roles within SEC institutions and beyond. It has three components: a university-level development program designed by each institution for its own participants; two SEC-wide three-day workshops held on specified campuses for all program participants; and a competitive fellowship designed to provide administrative growth opportunities for former fellows.

Robert (Bob) Boyd is a professor in the Department of Biological Sciences. A California native, he received his Ph.D. in Botany from UC Davis in 1986, and in fall 1988 became assistant professor in the Botany and Microbiology Department at Auburn. Boyd became professor in 2000, the department’s undergraduate program officer in 2013 and served as interim chair for fall 2015. Boyd has taught courses ranging from freshman introductory biology to graduate-level classes. In July 2019 he was named associate dean for Academic Affairs in the College of Sciences and Mathematics, and in January 2023 he became Auburn’s first assistant provost for Institutional Effectiveness. In this role he supports the development of evidence-based assessment practices and strategic planning efforts designed to enhance the institution’s operations. As leader of the Offices of Academic Insight, Information Technology and Institutional Research, he oversees the university’s accreditation, academic program review and data governance processes. His research interests include the management of rare and endangered plants, as well as the ecology and evolution of metal hyperaccumulator plants. He has published over 100 journal articles/book chapters, has been a guest editor for special issues of three scientific journals, and has served on the editorial boards of three additional scientific journals.

Virginia A. Davis is the Daniel F. and Josephine Breeden professor in the Department of Chemical Engineering. Her leadership experience has focused on bringing together people from different organizations and units to create opportunities and accomplish common goals. As a Governor appointee to the recently formed Alabama STEM Council, Davis led the working group focused on developing a strategy for identifying and scaling up informal STEM learning initiatives. Her university roles have included serving as a graduate program officer and as the faculty liaison to the alumni organization focused on recruiting, retaining and rewarding women in engineering. Davis earned her Ph.D. in chemical and biomolecular engineering from Rice University. Her research creates functional materials with unique properties from nanomaterial dispersions and polymers. She also leads research and workforce development efforts focused on understanding and facilitating STEM identity formation. Her honors include a Presidential Early Career Award for Scientists and Engineers as well as professional society and university awards for research, outreach, mentorship and enhancing inclusivity.

Latif Kalin is currently the promotion and tenure committee chair of the College of Forestry, Wildlife and Environment. He is responsible for guiding the faculty going up for P&T, setting up the meetings, conducting the voting process and preparing and meeting summaries to the dean. Kalin has chaired and served on multiple faculty search committees. He was the chair of the Graduate Policies and Procedures Committee of the college between January 2020 to December 2022. The purpose of GPPC is to evaluate applicants for the graduate programs of the college and to make recommendations concerning their admission. In addition, it reviews the proposals for new graduate courses and processes the graduate awards. The committee also makes recommendations regarding changes in graduate polices within the college. Kalin was chair of the Information Technology Committee and a senator between 2014 to 2018 for the college. He served on multiple university committees: Competitive Research Grant Committee, Graduate Council, Computational Infrastructure Working Group, Council of Energy, Environment and Economic Research, Environmental Initiative Subcommittee, CHESS Cluster Advisory Committee and AU-HZAU Research and Scholarship Committee. He is on Auburn’s International Advisory Council and is the assessment coordinator for GSEI program within the college. He was also associate director of the Center for Environmental Studies at the Urban-Rural Interface.

Karen S. McNeal is the College of Science and Mathematics’ Marguerite Scharnagle endowed professor in the Department of Geosciences. She served as the associate department chair in Geology for four years, led the Discipline Based Education Research Initiative in the College of Sciences and Mathematics, and currently serves as a National Science Foundation program director in the Division of Graduate Education. As associate department chair, McNeal worked in a shared governance capacity in a variety of roles (e.g., Department’s Advisory Committee lead, programmatic assessment of four-degree programs, member of the Dept/College/University Curriculum Committees, etc.). As lead of the DBER initiative, she helped to create a community of STEM education scholars and a robust DBER community. During her current role at NSF, she serves the NSF Research Traineeship and Innovations in Graduate Education Programs, which aim to advance and innovate STEM graduate education in the United States. She is the former PI of Alabama’s first NRT program focused on climate resilience. McNeal has been the editor of research for the Journal of Geoscience Education, past president of the National Association of Geoscience Teacher’s Geoscience Education Division and member of Auburn’s AAUP’s Executive Committee. McNeal conducts research in the field of geoscience education where she focuses her research on climate change communication and co-production, earth systems thinking, evidence-based learning approaches and broadening participation in STEM. She has been funded by numerous external funding agencies with over $25 million secured and more than 70 peer-reviewed publications.

Submitted by: Kalani Long

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Lecturer Faculty in the College of Sciences / School of Integrative Biological And Chemical

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Lecturer/senior lecturer.

• Auburn, Alabama, United States

Psychology, MS (Sport Psychology Concentration)

Is this program right for me.

Master of Science in Psychology with a concentration in Sport Psychology is designed for students interested in the psychological aspects of sports and exercise. This program is ideal for students aiming to work with athletes to enhance performance, improve mental health, and promote overall well-being through psychological principles. The program integrates interdisciplinary coursework in psychology, health, and communication, offering flexibility through electives tailored to students' professional interests. Emphasizing theoretical and practical applications, the curriculum includes topics like sport fandom, performance consulting, and the media's role in sports. If you have a passion for sports, a strong foundation in psychology, and an interest in the mental aspects of athletic performance,  you will find this program aligns well with your career aspirations and academic goals. 

This program is not designed to prepare students for clinical practice. Opportunities to prepare for licensure exams are not available through this degree program.   

Campus Immersion Program at a Glance

Location:   West Valley Campus Credit Hours:  30 Flexible Schedule:  day and evening classes Time to Completion:  18 months - 24 months Admit Term:  Fall Application Deadlines  

Send us an email     Schedule an appointment      Find us in the community  

Program Handbook       Sports Psych Checksheet      Program Advising

Pursuing a graduate degree represents a pivotal juncture in your academic and professional path. We are committed to ensuring that you are well-informed and well-prepared for this significant journey. To facilitate your exploration and understanding of the program, we encourage you to delve into our advising website. Here, you can access vital information regarding program prerequisites, course offerings, and the expertise of our esteemed faculty.

We particularly recommend a thorough review of the curriculum check sheet and the program handbook. These documents offer an insightful glimpse into what you can expect during your academic journey, helping you gain a comprehensive understanding of the program's requirements and guidelines. Your time spent exploring these resources will be invaluable as you embark on this next chapter of your education.

Program Details

Information Session - Coming Soon

Application Deadlines

Application Components

Completed applications must be electronically submitted to ASU and include the following:

Letter of Recommendation

Letters of recommendation help support your graduate school application by providing a third-party view of your ability to perform well in graduate school. It is preferred that the letters of recommendation are from faculty members who know the applicant's work well; if these are not available, then recommendations should be from individuals in supervisory or professional roles. Two letters of recommendation are required. However, three letters of recommendation are strongly recommended.

Statement of Purpose

This is your opportunity to introduce yourself, share your goals and explain why you decided to pursue this particular program. Please provide a statement no longer than three pages double-spaced describing your research experience and interest overlap with the identified ASU program faculty.

Required Courses

Applicants must provide evidence of successful completion of an undergraduate, or graduate, social science statistics and research methods course. Typically, these pre-requisite courses should be in a social science field; however, applicants may apply with courses outside of a social science field.

GPA Requirement

Applicants must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.00 (scale is 4.00 = "A") in the last 60 hours of their first bachelor's degree program, or applicants must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.00 (scale is 4.00 = "A") in applicable master's degree program. 

GRE Scores (Optional)

Applicants to the Master of Science in psychology (sport psychology concentration) program are not required to submit a GRE score. Applicants who feel that their GPA and academic record are not reflective of their current ability are strongly recommended to provide a GRE score.

English Proficiency

International applicants should review details online to determine if a TOEFL or IELTS score must be submitted. Information can be found by visiting  students.asu.edu/graduate/proficiency .

Review Process

Review of applications for admission are done on a rolling basis. Typically decisions are returned within 14 calendar days from the date the application is ‘in review’. The decision timeframe may increase during peak cycles.

Applicants can view the status of their application online via My ASU. The New College may reach out to request additional information or provide updates so it is important to check your email regularly.  

After submitting your application please contact  [email protected]  with any questions.

While you wait for a decision we recommend that you:

• explore resources available to all ASU Graduate Students available  here .
• submit your FAFSA, for more information visit:  https://tuition.asu.edu/financial-aid

Berkeley Social Sciences Commencement 2024: Celebrating a Milestone of Achievement

Alameda Superior Court Judge Jennifer Madden, a Berkeley African American Studies alumna, gave her keynote commencement address at Black Graduation. Photo by Jonathan Hale.

Michael Myers  II, who received his Ph.D. during the Black Graduation, was hooded by Ula Taylor, the incoming African American Studies (AAS) chair. Standing beside him from left to right are AAS professors Leigh Raiford and Michael Cohen and outgoing AAS Chair Nikki Jones. Michael will attend UC Riverside in the fall as a Presidential Postdoctoral Fellow. Image courtesy of African American Studies.

Ethnic Studies graduating students gave senior Sana Afzal a standing ovation following her commencement speech. Image by Kenny Ma.

Political Economy graduates. Photo by Emily Yang.

Berkeley Social Sciences’ 15 departments and programs held their commencement ceremonies last week, which included notable speakers, to celebrate their students’ hard work and perseverance to earn their degrees. There were many moments of pure joy for the students, many of whom did not have a traditional commencement ceremony when they graduated from high school in 2020 because of the pandemic. 

The range of speakers included Dr. Hicham Alaoui of Morocco, Alameda Superior Court Judge Jennifer Madden (Berkeley African American Studies alumna), CNN host W. Kamau Bell, Berkeley Sociology Professor Emeritus Harry Edwards, Berkeley Anthropology Professor Rosemary Joyce, KQED Forum Co-Host Alexis Madrigal, Berkeley Economics Professor Maurice Obstfeld, Berkeley Linguistics Professor Andrew Garrett, City University of New York Geography Professor Ruth Wilson Gilmore, University of Buffalo History Professor Robin Mitchell (Berkeley History alumna), Berkeley Political Science Professor Sean Gailmard, Berkeley Psychology Professor Iris Mauss and UC San Diego Cognitive Science Professor Bradley Voytek.

Here’s a snapshot of some of the ceremonies:

Sociology, Political Economy and Global Studies

Sociology’s ceremony featured an keynote address by Harry Edwards, a legendary sociologist who created the field of sociology and sports and collaborated with former U.S. Olympians John Carlos and Tommie Smith on the iconic Black Power salute during the 1968 Mexico City Olympic games.

Edwards shared his own journey and the turbulent times he faced in the 1960s, drawing parallels to today. He encouraged graduates to believe in themselves and their capacity to achieve their dreams. He also reminded them to approach societal issues inclusively and to hold on to their dreams while remaining pragmatic.

"As I look out upon the graduating class, despite these turbulent times, I am confident that you got it,” he said. “I am confident in the fact that you are much smarter, better prepared and equipped than any other generation. I believe that our goal of a more perfect union is possible with this generation in power."

Graduating senior Nida Zahid said: “Sociology is like being a detective of society. “Let us use our education in sociology to not only understand the world, but make it better.”

Sociology Lecturer Laleh Behbehanian concluded the ceremony by acknowledging the collective efforts of the faculty and staff to “turn classrooms into magical spaces.” She also urged the graduates to “use your education to be of service to your community, and never forget what it means to be a sociologist and use it to fight like hell for a better world.”

Political Economy and Global Studies' keynote speaker, Dr. Hicham Alaoui of Morocco, focused on the importance of global citizenship and the role of universities like Berkeley in fostering civic education.

"We stand in a critical position. We must recognize our identity not only as members of nation states, but as global citizens,” said Dr. Alaoui, who is also a lecturer at Berkeley Political Science. “Global citizenship means bearing a collective responsibility for transnational problems. Universities like Berkeley must not merely impart the modern competences and skills needed to function in the global economy. They must go beyond this by providing a sense of global citizenship you can energize to the society by infusing our moral values with a solidary purpose.” 

Global Studies student speaker Elijah Rock stressed the urgent need for graduates to apply their knowledge to address global threats and make a positive impact. "Class of 2024, be proud of what you've had to work through. In such a multi-polar world with numerous threats against humanity, the knowledge you have acquired here is in dire need of application," he said.

African American Studies, Ethnic Studies and Anthropology

During the African American Studies’ Black Graduation ceremony, Alameda Superior Court Judge Jennifer Madden, a proud Berkeley African American Studies alumna, shared valuable life lessons with the graduates, drawing from her personal experiences. 

"No matter how bleak things are, don't give up. Failing doesn't mean you are a failure because everyone in this room has not achieved something that they wanted,” Judge Madden said in her keynote address. “When you fall down, you get up."  

Judge Madden also emphasized choosing a career based on passion and she spoke to the unique strengths of the African American community. "Specifically, as African Americans, we have a creative power and innovation to design a future that celebrates our individual accomplishments as well as our collective successes. Being pro-Black doesn't mean you are anti anything else."

African American Studies Valedictorian Chloe Marie Harris expressed her deep gratitude to the Black Studies Department for their “unwavering support” and for creating an empowering academic environment. "The Department has been more than an academic home or hub. It has been a community that nurtures, inspires and empowers," she said.

At the Ethnic Studies commencement, CNN’s W. Kamau Bell, an influential comedian and social commentator, told the graduates about the importance of making societal changes more palatable to the broader public. "The way that I choose to make the revolution irresistible is to take all the good scholarship and work of people working in Ethnic Studies and figure out how I can make it more palatable for the people in America to go 'hey y'all, can't we do a better job at this whole America thing?'" he said in his keynote address. 

He acknowledged the frustrations many feel with the current state of affairs but expressed confidence in the graduates' potential to affect meaningful change. "I have all the respect and faith in the world that you all will accomplish what you want to here,” Bell said. “And we need you. It is y'all who determine what America is."

Undergraduate student speaker Sana Afzal highlighted the collective responsibility she and her peers bear. "We the students are truly the legacy of Berkeley. It is incumbent upon all of us to connect with each other, to stand alongside each other, and to fight for each other," she said.

During the Anthropology ceremony, graduate student speaker AJ White highlighted the broad and inclusive nature of anthropology. "Anthropology is defined by its conscientious refusal to pick a lane. It embraces and reflects the incomparable breadth of humanity itself," he said. 

Professor Rosemary Joyce emphasized in her keynote address the responsibility of graduates to represent the nuanced understandings that anthropology provides. "Our answers to questions about why humans act the way they do, and what humans might be capable of, and how humans were in the past, are indeed complicated, because being human is complicated," she said.

Anthropology Chair Sabrina Agarwal commended the graduates for their resilience and perseverance through a college experience that was marked by the pandemic, climate change and political unrest, recognizing their determination to succeed despite these challenges.

As the commencement ceremonies concluded, it was a reminder to many that Berkeley Social Sciences is a place of excellence, resilience, determination, and the promise of a brighter future for its many graduates, who were sent off to shape the world with their knowledge, compassion and commitment to making a difference.

Meghna Mukherjee (left), who received her Ph.D. from Sociology last week, and Berkeley Social Sciences Dean Raka Ray (right), who was her faculty advisor and chair of her Ph.D. committee. Image by Meha Mukherjee. 

Sociology Professor Emeritus Harry Edwards gave a keynote address at the Sociology Commencement. Image by Nora Povejsil.