Biology

**There are two application paths available for certain doctoral programs. Depending on your objectives, you may apply directly to the Biology 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.

Program Degree Major Code Admissions
Term Deadline
Doctoral PhD BIOL Fall* November 29, 2022
Fall Graduate School Fellowships December 13, 2022 (Recommended) – PLEASE NOTE, ALL APPLICATIONS MUST BE RECEIVED BY November 29, 2022, IN ORDER TO BE CONSIDERED FOR FALL 2023 ADMISSION
Director of Graduate Admissions Chris Willett (willett4@email.unc.edu)
Graduate Coordinator Ms. Kenlyn Merritt (kenlyn@email.unc.edu); please contact with all application inquiries.
Address Department of Biology
CB# 3280, Coker Hall
University of North Carolina
Chapel Hill, NC 27599
Website bio.unc.edu
Phone 919-962-2077
Test Requirements
GRE not required
Letters of Recommendation 3
International Applicants Only TOEFL or IELTS score (no more than two years old)
Other Requirements In addition to the University’s required application materials, applicants should review the information below for additional expectations or application requirements.

The following items should be included in a complete application to the Biology department.  Failure to include any of the information or items requested below will result in the application not being reviewed.

Students interested in Molecular, Cellular and Developmental Biology (MCDB) should apply through the BBSP program (bbsp.unc.edu).  Students interested in Evolution, Ecology and Organismal Biology (EEOB) should follow the instructions below and use the Biology Department application process (bio.unc.edu). Students interested in the Quantitative Biology program can choose to apply directly to Biology (see instructions below) or apply to the BBSP program (bbsp.unc.edu).

  1. List one or more faculty with which applicant wishes to conduct research.
  2. List the research areas in which applicant wishes to work via the Area of Interest/Specialization drop-down box within the application.
  3. The required “Statement of Purpose” should consist of an essay (1-3 pages) describing research interests, proposed approaches, and career goals.
  4. In addition to the required Statement of Purpose, provide an essay (1-3 pages) describing prior research experience and its relationship to research interests and career goals.

*Only in unusual circumstances and after consultation with the program are other admission terms considered.