easy biology phd programs to get into

PhD in Biology

The PhD program in Biology is a research-intensive program that also has a strong focus on teaching, designed to produce top scientists and educators with a broad base of knowledge to tackle the most important biological problems of today. This is accomplished through research training, graduate-level courses, seminars, and teaching experience. Entering students are assigned an advisory committee of three faculty members who work with the student to plan a suitable program based on the student's experience and interests.

PhD students in Biology receive full tuition support for six years, a competitive stipend, health coverage, and receive extensive training in pedagogy, outreach, and communication that prepares them for careers in academia, biotechnology, education, and policy. Students are required to serve as teaching assistants for at least two semesters. Most students complete the requirement for teaching experience in the first year by assisting in the introductory undergraduate biology courses for two semesters.

During the first year, students become familiar with research opportunities in the department by doing short research rotations with various faculty members. This experience in expected to lead to the selection of a research focus for the PhD thesis, and it also sets the stage for cross-disciplinary approaches to the thesis topic that is pursued.

First- and second-year students usually take some graduate courses that are selected in consultation with the advisory committee, in addition to one required course: either Biology 243: Topics in Molecular and Cell Biology; Biology 244: Topics in Evolutionary Ecology; or Biology 246: Topics in Physiology and Animal Behavior.

The department faculty are educators as well as researchers, and the graduate students benefit from this expertise. Graduate students serving as teaching assistants have the opportunity to take a course on teaching and pedagogy to improve their skills, or to become involved with upper level courses in their area of expertise. In addition, we offer a one-month summer program for PhD students interested in contributing to course design and honing their teaching skills via GIFT, the Graduate Institute For Teaching .

Research Concentrations

Browse the six concentration areas below for recommended programs of study and relevant courses:

• Biology Education Research
• Ecology, Behavior and Evolution
• Global Change Biology
• Genetics and Molecular Biology
• Developmental Biology
• Physiology, Neurobiology and Animal Behavior

Graduate credit for a course requires a grade of B- (B minus) or better. A list of biology department undergraduate and graduate courses can be found by selecting the Courses button from the top bar.

Throughout the year, graduate students benefit from a variety of seminars on current research that are presented by faculty, fellow graduate students, and invited speakers.

Ph.D. Program

The training for a Ph.D. in Biology is focused on helping students achieve their goals of being a successful research scientist and teacher, at the highest level. Students work closely with an established advisor and meet regularly with a committee of faculty members to facilitate their progress. The Biology Ph.D. program is part of the larger Biosciences community at Stanford, which includes doctorate programs in the basic science departments at Stanford Medical School. 

There are two tracks within the Biology Ph.D. program:

• Cell, Molecular and Organismal Biology
• Ecology and Evolution

(Previously a part of the Department of Biology Hopkins Marine Station is now a part of the Oceans Department within  Stanford Doerr School of Sustainability )

All  tracks are focused on excellence in research and teaching in their respective areas; where there are differences between the tracks, they are indicated in the links below. 

Requirements & Forms

Dissertation defense, cellular and molecular biology training program, stanford biology ph.d. preview program, career development resources.

PhD Program in Biology

Our graduate program provides students of diverse backgrounds with the opportunity to intensely engage in research in the biological sciences and contribute to the broader scientific community.

Average time to degree: 5.3 years

Percentage of graduates in post-doctoral or permanent positions: 94%

Average publications after completion of program: 3.8 per person

PhD Program

The Department of Biology introduces graduate students to diverse fields of biological science, and provides them with expert guidance to excel in research. The department is invested in training students to become excellent scientists, researchers, science communicators, and instructors. We are a diverse and global community, committed to expanding scientific career opportunities to all. Some of our graduates become academics, whereas others find careers in government, private industry, public policy, or elsewhere (see where recent graduates are now). The ability to communicate ideas and research results clearly and convincingly is key to success in any career.

Experience Biology at Georgetown University

Professors and current students share their perspective of Georgetown’s cutting edge biology graduate program.

Potential applicants are urged to identify and contact potential research mentors directly before applying. Please refer to the research page and the list of faculty interested in accepting students . Not all laboratories will have open positions available for a new graduate student in a given year.

Financial Assistance for PhD Students

    students who are accepted into the phd program in biology are guaranteed a minimum of five years of full funding. this funding includes:.

Stipend The stipend for PhD students in Biology is set by the Collective Bargaining Agreement between Georgetown University and the Georgetown Alliance of Graduate Employees ( GAGE ). The current stipend rate is $36,934 for the year. The stipend is paid on a 12-month contract, typically in 26 biweekly pay checks.

Tuition Waiver The Graduate school of Arts & Sciences (GSAS) provides full tuition waivers for all PhD students for the duration of the PhD program.

Health Insurance Health insurance is required. The GSAS provides free student health insurance to all students. The insurance covers doctor’s visits, hospital stays, and prescription drugs. Students may waive this benefit if they prefer a different plan through parents or a spouse.

Dental Insurance The GSAS provides free dental insurance to all students. The insurance covers routine dental care, such as cleanings and exams.

Yates Athletic Facility All students are eligible to use the Yates athletic facility for free. The facility has a gym, swimming pool, and fitness classes.

Parental Leave Graduate student workers are guaranteed six weeks of paid parental leave. This leave can be used to bond with a new child or to care for a sick child.

Medical Leave Graduate student workers are guaranteed six weeks of paid medical leave. This leave can be used to recover from a medical condition or to care for a sick family member.

To learn more about financial assistance for PhD students, please visit the Graduate Funding page. You can read more about what it means to do a PhD in a union-protected graduate program  here

Student Quotes

“Until you start your journey in grad school you might not know what you are missing out on. Other than the course work, grad school has been instrumental in  inculcating important life values and skills such as confidence, time management, survival, and holding personal and professional relationships in higher esteem. ”

“Studying at Georgetown has enabled me to be a lot more confident in my ability to ask questions and chart my own path in scientific research. My advisor and mentors here at Georgetown have been top quality in terms of both academic and personal support”

“Georgetown is a place with an environment conducive to learning and professional growth for prospective scientists working towards their graduate degrees and beyond. In this program, I found mentorship and training that foster the critical thinking required to answer the questions I am interested in. I found the multidisciplinary nature of the graduate student body to be engaging and supportive from the beginning of my journey.”

“The breadth of research that goes on in the Bio department really facilitates a broad understanding of biology from the life of single cells to the life of much larger organisms. It really is something unique that you don’t get at other more specific departments and has really helped me think outside of the box with my own work.”

Graduate Research Opportunities

Learn about the research programs that the department of Biology offers and find out which programs are recruiting graduate students.

Graduate Teaching Opportunities

Find out about the many opportunities that are offered to graduate students to develop teaching and mentoring skills.

Graduate Funding Opportunities

Learn about stipend funding and the additional funds from the GU Graduate School offered to help support graduate dissertation research or travel to meetings.

2024 Best Online PhD in Biology [Doctorate Guide]

If you’re interested in the sciences of living things, pursuing your PhD in Biology might be a strategic next step on your educational path.

The biological sciences help us learn more about how our world operates, and this fascinating field has many specialties to choose from. Whether you want to focus on the human body or explore the living world around us, there are many options for you to consider.

Editorial Listing ShortCode:

Let’s take a look at how earning a doctorate degree in biology might further your educational and professional goals.

Universities Offering Online Doctorate in Biology Degree Programs

Methodology: The following school list is in alphabetical order. To be included, a college or university must be regionally accredited and offer degree programs online or in a hybrid format.

George Mason University

George Mason University’s PhD in Bioinformatics and Computational Biology program is available 100% online. Students are required to complete 72 total credits. Class options include Systems Biology, Biological Data Analysis, Biological Sequence and Genome Analysis, Research Ethics, Numerical Methods for Bioinformatics, and more. Courses are delivered synchronously.

George Mason University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

Nova Southeastern University

Nova Southeastern University offers a PhD in Marine Biology and Oceanography. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis for fall, spring, and summer terms. The degree can be earned on campus or online. Students are usually able to finish within 5 years. Graduates have gone on to careers in the government and academia.

Nova Southeastern University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

Texas A&M University

Texas A&M University offers a Doctor of Philosophy in Biomedical Sciences. The program includes 4 tracks: Physiology and Developmental Biology, Infection, Immunity, and Epidemiology, Diagnostics and Therapeutics, and Biomedical Genomics and Bioinformatics. Each track can be tailored to specific research interests.

Texas A&M University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

Texas Tech University

Texas Tech University offers a hybrid program for a Doctor of Philosophy in Curriculum and Instruction (Track in STEM) that requires the completion of 63 credit hours. Much of the coursework is completed online, but in the summer, students take on-campus intensive courses. Prospective students must have a master’s degree to apply.

Texas Tech University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

University of Florida

The University of Florida offers a PhD in Anatomical Science Education. Students must complete at least 90 credit hours to graduate. Coursework includes Medical Human Embryology, Science Curriculum Development, Medical Histology, Medical Cell Biology, Essential Human Anatomy, and more. Students must also successfully defend a dissertation.

The University of Florida is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

University of Mississippi

The University of Mississippi offers a Doctor of Philosophy in Secondary Education with an emphasis in Biology. This program is intended for students with at least 2 years of professional teaching experience. The full degree is only available at the main campus, but select courses are available online or at regional campuses.

The University of Mississippi is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

PhD in Biology Online Programs

Biology is the study of living things, and there are many specific areas in biology in which doctoral students can concentrate.

Some of these biological concentrations include:

• Cellular and molecular biology
• Ecology and environmental biology
• Evolutionary biology and genomics
• Epidemiology
• Forensic biology

Biological studies can range from the microscopic world of the cell to understanding how our existence can impact our future.

Those who have earned their Ph.D. in Biology are able to examine our world on a very different level to understand the “how” and “why” of life as we know it. Those who earn their doctorate degree in biology may continue their careers in research, analytics, or field work. Many PhD graduates even go on to become educators for the next generation of biology students.

The field of biology is expansive, so you’ll often take a certain number of core classes, electives, and courses that are specific to your concentration. Many schools offer several areas of focus to help you further define your path.

Pursuing a doctorate degree in biology can provide you with an opportunity to hone your research and analytical skills while selecting a focus for your studies and potential career path.

Biology Careers and Salaries

The variety of degree programs in biology can help open the doors to a range of professions in related fields. Your career path will likely depend on your area of concentration, field work, and skill sets, among other factors.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics , here are some professions related to the field of biology, along with their median salaries.

Many biology doctoral students focus on scientific research in a variety of specialties. For instance, some may aim to develop cutting-edge medical intervention, while others want to connect with wildlife and our environment on a cellular level.

Students who pursue a PhD in Biology are often encouraged to gain experience in the field as part of their curriculum. This could help you narrow down the field and concentration of your studies and potential career path.

Biology Doctorate Curriculum & Courses

Since there are so many areas of study within a doctorate degree in biology, you’ll often take courses that apply to your specific concentration.

While coursework can vary between PhD programs in biology, here are a few courses you may encounter:

• Evolutionary Ecology : This course allows you to learn more about theories and evidence surrounding the evolutionary process and its impact on various species.
• Understanding Genomics in Medicine : In this course, you’ll get in-depth exposure to the Human Genome Project, and you’ll study how diseases impact us on a genetic level.
• Cell Biology : From macromolecules to microscopy, this course will provide detailed analysis of how cells work.
• Animal Behavior : Animal behavior has a variety of origins, from evolutionary to neurological, and you’ll review evidence for all behavior.
• Biology of Parasites : Parasites and pathogens are common dependent species of living organisms and are the focus of this course.
• Regional Biology : In this course, you’ll examine how environmental factors, such as heat or freezing temperatures, can impact local biology.
• Developmental Genomics : This course examines how genes and molecular interaction impact biological development.
• Analytical Biotechnology : This course combines technology and analytical skills to examine biomolecules and report findings.
• Cell Proliferation : This course studies the processes through which cells divide or multiply.
• Freshwater Biology : In this course, you’ll examine freshwater sources, such as ponds and lakes, to examine the overall ecology and health of biological factors there.

Your courses can also help you develop research skill sets for the dissertation component of your program.

Online PhD in Biology Admissions Requirements

PhD programs in biology can have different admissions requirements. You can visit a school’s website or call their admissions office to verify the specific criteria for their application process.

For many schools, doctoral applicants are asked to provide the following:

• GRE or GMAT scores (only some schools require them)
• Bachelor or masters degree in biology or related field like an online masters in biostatistics
• Official undergraduate and graduate transcripts
• Letters of recommendation
• Statement of intent

As part of the application process, you may also be asked to complete an application, attend interviews with those in the department, and present prior thesis work.

Online Biology PhD Programs Accreditation

When reviewing various schools that offer a doctorate degree in biology, you may wish to only pay attention to institutions that hold regional accreditation. Programs that have earned accreditation have been examined for their educational excellence. This means the courses and instructors have earned a positive reputation for their impact on students.

Qualification for future professional memberships and licenses may be tied to participation in an accredited program. Additionally, many employers indicate that a degree from an accredited school is necessary for employment. This could also impact the publishing of your studies. To verify a school’s accreditation status, you can visit the website of the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) .

Financial Aid and Scholarships

If you’re interested in financial assistance for your doctoral degree, there are various options available for students who qualify.

To see if you’re eligible for government assistance, you can complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) online. This federal program provides need-based financial aid to students across the country. Student loans are the most common form of federal aid. Additionally, you may wish to check with your prospective school regarding scholarships or grants available to students who are pursuing biological studies.

There may be opportunities for assistance based on your concentration or prior academic work. Some employers also provide tuition assistance or reimbursement to workers who are pursuing higher education.

What Can You Do with a Doctorate in Biology?

Earning a doctorate degree in biology can help you advance your professional qualifications and skill sets in your chosen area of concentration.

Biological sciences impact much of the world around us. For instance, some graduates choose to go into the field and research various species directly, while others work in a lab, concentrating on genetic development or microbiology. After graduation, some professionals choose to continue their research or pursue a role as an educator and mentor. Others go on to become biochemists, biophysicists, or medical scientists.

Biologists are employed in a variety of sectors, and your chosen doctoral track will impact your qualifications for various career paths.

How Long Does It Take to Get a PhD in Biology?

The length of time it takes to complete a PhD in Biology can depend on several factors, including any field work or dissertation work that is part of the program.

Generally speaking, a doctorate degree in biology takes between 3 years and 5 years to complete with full-time study. This also depends on the number of credit hours required by the program. Part-time enrollment will often extend your time to completion.

A program that does not ask students to complete a dissertation can potentially be completed in 3 years with full-time study.

Is Getting a PhD in Biology Worth It?

Yes, getting a PhD in Biology is worth it for many professionals. Those with a PhD in Biology have unique insight into how our lives are impacted by our own genetics, parasites, environmental factors, and more. This may be why careers in biological fields are on the rise.

Overall, the Bureau of Labor Statistics projects 8% job growth for life, physical, and social science occupations over the next ten years. A PhD can also help you qualify for positions in research and academia. Selecting a career path in biological sciences can allow greater insight into why our world is the way it is.

Earning Your Doctoral Degree in Biology Online

If you have a significant interest in the biological sciences, earning your doctorate degree in biology online can allow you to develop your expertise in the specialty of your choosing.

A PhD program will also enable you to contribute research to the field. Many doctoral students go on to pursue positions in research and academia, while others pursue advanced roles in the field. A number of accredited universities now offer both masters degree in biology online programs as well as doctoral programs online, catering to working professionals.

If you’re ready to get started on the next steps in your education and career, you can check out available biology doctoral programs offered online by accredited schools.

The Arrogant Scientist

All your burning biology questions, answered.

How to get into a Biology PhD program

You love biology and the thrill of scientific discovery, so you’ve decided to commit and join a PhD program in Biology (or you’re actively considering it). Figuring out how to apply to a PhD program can be confusing and stressful — this post provides a simple overview of everything you should have in place before you fill out an application.

Things to do before you apply

Below is a list of the key things you will need to do to be a competitive applicant, no matter which Biology PhD program you decide to apply for:

• Get research experience in a biology lab . This can be undergraduate research in a lab in your college’s biology department, an internship at a private pharmaceutical company, or a real, paying job as a lab technician. Having research experience is important because it shows prospective PhD programs that you’re serious about acquiring the skills to succeed in the lab, and are passionate about scientific discovery. Plus, your research supervisor should be able to write you a great letter of recommendation.
• Study for and do well on the GREs . The Graduate Record Examination is the standardized test required for acceptance to most PhD programs. It has a similar format to the SATs and tests aptitude in math, verbal reasoning, and analytical writing. The GRE is administered at testing centers across the world, and you can find more info about the test and register for it here .
• Gather letters of recommendation from professors who can speak most personally about you r skills . The best letters of recommendation come from professors, supervisors, or other mentors who have deep knowledge of your character, work ethic, and academic performance. These should include at least a few letters from professors of courses where you scored top grades. Most programs require 2 or 3 letters of recommendation, so start thinking about who can write you the strongest letters.
• Write a strong and unique personal statement . Your personal statement may be the only place to describe yourself to prospective PhD programs before the interview process begins. You should explain your motivation to pursue scientific research and your skills and experiences relevant to a PhD program.
• Contact potential PhD mentors to inquire about their research. For every PhD program to which you’re planning to apply, you should look up the faculty in the Biology department and see which labs potentially align with your own research interests. Then email these faculty to ask if they’re accepting new PhD students, or even if they’d be interested in meeting in person (or over Zoom) to chat about their research. Professors love talking about their research, and this demonstrates that you’re seriously engaged and proactive about joining a PhD program.

Things to do as you submit applications

• Read the application instructions carefully . Each program has slightly different rules about the required documents and payments (application fee, college transcript, GRE scores, letters of recommendations, etc.), and in some cases these documents need to be sent to different places. Pay attention to all these details!
• Reach out to PhD program heads with any questions . When in doubt, it never hurts to ask. Universities typically have full-time employees dedicated to administering PhD programs, and you should direct any and all questions about the application process to them.

With the above information, you should be in great shape to begin your Biology PhD program application process. If you enjoyed this post, check out our article on genome engineering with CRISPR/Cas.

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Biology Graduate Programs in America

1-25 of 396 results

MIT School of Science

Cambridge, MA •

Massachusetts Institute of Technology •

Graduate School

Massachusetts Institute of Technology ,

Graduate School ,

CAMBRIDGE, MA ,

Stanford University Department of Humanities and Sciences

Stanford, CA •

Stanford University •

Stanford University ,

STANFORD, CA ,

Stanford University School of Medicine

• • Rating 5 out of 5   3 reviews

Doctoral Student: I begin in the Fall of 2023--Based on my interview, and pre-classes I have taken this program is amazing. It is very student-centered. ... Read 3 reviews

3 Niche users give it an average review of 5 stars.

Featured Review: Doctoral Student says I begin in the Fall of 2023--Based on my interview, and pre-classes I have taken this program is amazing. It is very student-centered. .

Read 3 reviews.

Lehigh University

Graduate School •

BETHLEHEM, PA

• • Rating 4.42 out of 5   19

College of Arts, Sciences and Education - Florida International University

Florida International University •

Florida International University

• • Rating 4.63 out of 5   286

Harvard Graduate School of Arts and Sciences

Harvard University •

• • Rating 4.56 out of 5   9 reviews

Other: I am Harvard Extension School student pursuing a master degree, ALM, in sustainability. I have achieved a 3.89 in this program so far and have qualified, applied, and accepted as a 'Special Student' in the Harvard Graduate School of Arts and Sciences. Through this School, I will be focusing my time at the John A. Paulson school of Engineering & Applied Sciences. Looking forward to wrapping up my final year on campus! ... Read 9 reviews

Harvard University ,

9 Niche users give it an average review of 4.6 stars.

Featured Review: Other says I am Harvard Extension School student pursuing a master degree, ALM, in sustainability. I have achieved a 3.89 in this program so far and have qualified, applied, and accepted as a 'Special Student'... .

Read 9 reviews.

Harvard Medical School

Boston, MA •

• • Rating 4.94 out of 5   16 reviews

Other: Harvard is my dream school. Next year I will graduate the Mongolian National University of Medical Sciences. Then I will applying to Harvard Medical School. If I accepted by this school, I will try my best of the best….. ... Read 16 reviews

BOSTON, MA ,

16 Niche users give it an average review of 4.9 stars.

Featured Review: Other says Harvard is my dream school. Next year I will graduate the Mongolian National University of Medical Sciences. Then I will applying to Harvard Medical School. If I accepted by this school, I will try... .

Read 16 reviews.

Duke University School of Medicine

Durham, NC •

Duke University •

• • Rating 4.76 out of 5   17 reviews

Doctoral Student: Professors are incredible, always willing to go the extra mile to help students succeed. Curriculum is designed to prepare students to be successful therapists. This program is truly incredible. ... Read 17 reviews

Duke University ,

DURHAM, NC ,

17 Niche users give it an average review of 4.8 stars.

Featured Review: Doctoral Student says Professors are incredible, always willing to go the extra mile to help students succeed. Curriculum is designed to prepare students to be successful therapists. This program is truly incredible. .

Read 17 reviews.

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Brown University Graduate School

Providence, RI •

Brown University •

Brown University ,

PROVIDENCE, RI ,

School of Arts & Sciences - University of Pennsylvania

Philadelphia, PA •

University of Pennsylvania •

University of Pennsylvania ,

PHILADELPHIA, PA ,

Weinberg College of Arts and Sciences

Evanston, IL •

Northwestern University •

Northwestern University ,

EVANSTON, IL ,

Vanderbilt University School of Medicine

Nashville, TN •

Vanderbilt University •

• • Rating 5 out of 5   2 reviews

Graduate Student: Vanderbilt University School of Nursing. Loved my experience! Great teachers, easy to access, clear cut goals in class, great clinical experiences. ... Read 2 reviews

Vanderbilt University ,

NASHVILLE, TN ,

2 Niche users give it an average review of 5 stars.

Featured Review: Graduate Student says Vanderbilt University School of Nursing. Loved my experience! Great teachers, easy to access, clear cut goals in class, great clinical experiences. .

Read 2 reviews.

Washington University in St. Louis - Arts & Sciences

St. Louis, MO •

Washington University in St. Louis •

Washington University in St. Louis ,

ST. LOUIS, MO ,

Guarini School of Graduate and Advanced Studies

Hanover, NH •

Dartmouth College •

• • Rating 5 out of 5   1 review

Alum: I had a beautiful life-changing experience at the grand Guarini School of Graduate and Advanced Studies. The Guarini graduate program MALS created so many beautiful opportunities in interdisciplinary learning. Guarini is well integrated within the College, which provides a unique world-class learning experience. Guarini went beyond my expectations and made this experience the best I had and will ever have in my life. The only thing I would like changed is having a GRAD diploma in Latin instead of English to keep up with College tradition. ... Read 1 review

Dartmouth College ,

HANOVER, NH ,

1 Niche users give it an average review of 5 stars.

Featured Review: Alum says I had a beautiful life-changing experience at the grand Guarini School of Graduate and Advanced Studies. The Guarini graduate program MALS created so many beautiful opportunities in interdisciplinary... .

Read 1 reviews.

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• Biostatistics Graduate Programs
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Division of Biology and Biological Engineering - California Institute of Technology

Pasadena, CA •

California Institute of Technology •

California Institute of Technology ,

PASADENA, CA ,

College of Science - University of Notre Dame

Notre Dame, IN •

University of Notre Dame •

University of Notre Dame ,

NOTRE DAME, IN ,

Biological Sciences Division - University of Chicago

Chicago, IL •

University of Chicago •

• • Rating 4 out of 5   1 review

Master's Student: So far so good. Nothing out of the ordinary. Professors are knowledgeable. I would say to ensure that you know your interests and work closely with the advisors to pick suitable classes. ... Read 1 review

University of Chicago ,

CHICAGO, IL ,

1 Niche users give it an average review of 4 stars.

Featured Review: Master's Student says So far so good. Nothing out of the ordinary. Professors are knowledgeable. I would say to ensure that you know your interests and work closely with the advisors to pick suitable classes. .

Pritzker School of Medicine

Dornsife college of letters, arts and sciences.

Los Angeles, CA •

University of Southern California •

University of Southern California ,

LOS ANGELES, CA ,

Cornell University College of Arts & Sciences

Ithaca, NY •

Cornell University •

Cornell University ,

ITHACA, NY ,

Georgetown University School of Medicine

Nw Washington, DC •

Georgetown University •

• • Rating 4.75 out of 5   4 reviews

Doctoral Student: Compressed pre-clinical work. Administration has been working on finding better and better educators, as well as hiring more learning specialists for the student body. Could have more focus on Step 1 and Step 2 preparation. ... Read 4 reviews

Georgetown University ,

NW WASHINGTON, DC ,

4 Niche users give it an average review of 4.8 stars.

Featured Review: Doctoral Student says Compressed pre-clinical work. Administration has been working on finding better and better educators, as well as hiring more learning specialists for the student body. Could have more focus on Step 1... .

Read 4 reviews.

School of Arts and Sciences - Tufts University

Medford, MA •

Tufts University •

• • Rating 4 out of 5   3 reviews

Master's Student: Best: - Incredible colleagues, many of whom are working professionals in the field, all of whom are passionate & come from diverse backgrounds & bring a wide variety of life/ professional experiences that enhance the overall experience -One of the few DEIJ degree programs offered worldwide -flexible options for program completion -many passionate professors & deep learning opportunities -increasing program investment by Tufts, including 2 new FT program-specific professors Most challenging: -program has grown exponentially in the last several years & has experienced commiserate growing pains, including confusion about requirements, need for more faculty, and more opportunities for practice. Tufts is responding but needs to continue its investment. -Since the program is interdisciplinary, students in the DEIJ-L program often need to take classes offered by other dept's/ colleges which may have different requirements & DEIJ-L students may not get preference for registration purposes ... Read 3 reviews

Tufts University ,

MEDFORD, MA ,

3 Niche users give it an average review of 4 stars.

Featured Review: Master's Student says Best: - Incredible colleagues, many of whom are working professionals in the field, all of whom are passionate & come from diverse backgrounds & bring a wide variety of life/ professional experiences that... -One of the few DEIJ degree programs offered worldwide -flexible options for program completion -many passionate professors & deep learning opportunities -increasing program investment by Tufts, including 2 new FT program-specific professors Most challenging: -program has grown exponentially in the last several years & has experienced commiserate growing pains, including confusion about requirements, need for more faculty, and more opportunities for... -Since the program is interdisciplinary, students in the DEIJ-L program often need to take classes offered by other dept's/ colleges which may have different requirements & DEIJ-L students may not... .

UCLA College of Letters and Science

University of California - Los Angeles •

• • Rating 3 out of 5   1 review

University of California - Los Angeles ,

1 Niche users give it an average review of 3 stars.

Krieger School of Arts & Sciences

Baltimore, MD •

Johns Hopkins University •

• • Rating 4.53 out of 5   19 reviews

Master's Student: I have yet to enroll for Fall 2023 after receiving my acceptance letter due to a delay in my need-based financial aid from JHU. However the Homewood Campus in Baltimore is beautiful and my Student Advisor, Alexis has been extremely helpful in initiating my enrollment process and answering all of my questions in a timely matter. My intended Advanced Academic Program is the accelerated (2 semester), dual-modality, 40-credit M.S. in Biotechnology, Biodefense concentration. All of the anticipated course subjects are diverse and there's even a customizable core lab course on campus (at least until Summer 2024). I can't wait and I wish you all the best in your search for academic programs or professional certifications. ... Read 19 reviews

Johns Hopkins University ,

BALTIMORE, MD ,

19 Niche users give it an average review of 4.5 stars.

Featured Review: Master's Student says I have yet to enroll for Fall 2023 after receiving my acceptance letter due to a delay in my need-based financial aid from JHU. However the Homewood Campus in Baltimore is beautiful and my Student... .

Read 19 reviews.

Mellon College of Science

Pittsburgh, PA •

Carnegie Mellon University •

Blue checkmark.

Carnegie Mellon University ,

PITTSBURGH, PA ,

The Graduate School of Arts & Sciences - University of Virginia

Charlottesville, VA •

University of Virginia •

Alum: Very good in some areas, excellent in other areas, many academic choices available in all areas of study ... Read 1 review

University of Virginia ,

CHARLOTTESVILLE, VA ,

Featured Review: Alum says Very good in some areas, excellent in other areas, many academic choices available in all areas of study .

College of Sciences - Georgia Institute of Technology

Atlanta, GA •

Georgia Institute of Technology •

Other: Georgia Tech is among the top colleges you can attend. My journey there had its highs and lows, but looking back, every experience contributed significantly to my growth. A piece of advice I'd offer to newcomers is to prioritize building friendships early on. One regret I have as I reflect on my year is not connecting with more people. I initially thought I should always work independently, but that was a misstep in my academic journey. Remember, it's essential to strike a balance between learning and having fun. ... Read 1 review

Georgia Institute of Technology ,

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• Doing a PhD in Biology

A PhD in Biological Sciences aims to train researchers on the evolution and sustainable use of biological diversity, as well as training for their future incorporation in universities, research institutions and management centres, both private and public administration.

A PhD in Biology usually focuses on the study of living things, their nature, origin, evolution and interactions with each other and their environment. It may also involve the study of plant and animal behaviour, structure, function and relationships to each other and the environment.

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A next-generation genetic technology to identify biotechnologically-valuable enzymes and transporters, development of fluorescent organic molecules for application in super-resolution imaging techniques, ubiquitin-dependent signalling pathways in ageing, speciation in facultatively sexual species, energy dissipation in human soft tissue during impacts, what is it like to undertake a phd in biology.

As a Biological Sciences PhD student, your day to day activities will revolve around:

• Generating new scientific and technical knowledge in the Biological Sciences through original work. They will be able to handle and apply methodologies to solve research problems in the different areas of biological knowledge, with particular emphasis on the fields of biodiversity and molecular biology.
• Developing new technologies to solve problems, detect needs and opportunities inherent to their area of research. In particular, know and use contemporary statistical approaches.
• Formulating, managing and leading research projects, working in teams and interdisciplinary networks. As a result, they will be able to devise and implement working hypotheses, describe and interpret experimental results and critically analyse the findings presented in scientific publications.
• Managing new information and communication technologies that allow you to efficiently disseminate research and results in specialised journals, specialised circles and the social community to participate satisfactorily in higher and postgraduate education through the experience acquired in the academic activities of your doctorate.
• Advising undergraduate and postgraduate students on your research work.

Research Areas

One of the most significant factors in choosing a PhD project is what your supervisor is interested/expert in. Not every aspect of biology will suit every supervisor: however, there are many ways this can be decided. The largest factor in determining what area to research can be down to your supervisor’s previous interests and his/her research background.

You may also look at research areas based on job opportunities in the future or other practical applications for your findings, such as developing new drugs, vaccines, treatments etc. But these decisions will all depend on whether you are happy with the type of work that your supervisor wants you to do and, more important, whether it’s a research interest your passionate about.

As a biological sciences doctorate examines biological processes at interdisciplinary levels and encompasses various disciplines ranging from organisms to genes to evolution, there are many sub-disciplines that PhD research projects could centre around. Some of these include:

• Bioinformatics ,
• Cell biology,
• Evolutionary biology,
• Molecular biology,
• Molecular microbiology etc.

Entry Requirements and Application Process

A PhD in biology requires a good knowledge of mathematics, statistics and biology. Besides independent research, a PhD will entail advanced training in biology and developing skills in analytical thinking.

The typical entry requirements for a PhD in biology is a strong Masters degree (minimum of 2:1) in a relevant field of study. For example:

• BSc (Hons) in Biology, Genetics, Zoology, Biochemistry etc.
• BSc (Hons) in Environmental Science or Marine Biology.
• BVMS/BVM&S/BSc(Hons) Veterinary Science.
• LLB Law Degree with significant subject knowledge of biology.

If you are an international student, you may need to demonstrate your proficiency and knowledge in the English language. This is done through the English language requirements of an IELTS/TOEFL score or a recognised English proficiency test.

Typical Applicant Profile

To be admitted into a PhD programme, applicants will be expected to demonstrate:

• Ability for critical and reflective thinking that leads to the posing of problems and their resolution with impact in the area of ​​health sciences.
• Ability to train human resources in the area of ​​genomic medicine.
• Competence in research, teaching, extension and outreach activities.
• Attitude and aptitude to form multidisciplinary workgroups.
• Leadership for the consolidation of research lines.
• Management and handling of financial resources for research.
• The observance of professional ethical guidelines that contribute to sustainable development.

Average Length of Programme

The duration of a PhD can be up to five years, depending on which university you attend, the funding provided by the university (if any) and your own commitment to finishing it. The minimum time to undertake a PhD depends on the degree you are studying for, however, four years is usually the norm.

What Can You Do with A PhD in Biology?

A PhD in biology allows postgraduate research students to pursue a wide range of careers, primarily due to many transferable skills developed and the range of training received. Students can work in academia, which involves lecturing, laboratory research and academic publication. Lab research positions typically involve working in a team to study living organisms/bio-systems and applying this knowledge to answer specific questions.

Other career paths you could pursue are becoming a microbiologist, pharmacologist, biochemist, biotechnologist, biologist or medical research scientist.

Tuition Fees

On average, tuition fees for a PhD in a biological subject cost approximately £3,000 per year for UK students. International students will pay more in the range of £10,000 to £20,000 depending on their chosen university. Your tuition fees will vary depending on whether you are studying part-time or full-time and as to how much lab work is involved.

Funding Opportunities

The majority of PhD funding will come from the Department/University in the form of PhD studentships. However, depending on your research activity, some funding may also be available from other sources, such as:

• Postgraduate study programmes funded by charities and academic foundations.
• Applying for grants from various government organisations such as the Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council ( BBSRC ), Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC). These are usually known as Doctoral Training Partnerships (DTPs).
• Applying for funding opportunities offered by large companies, pharmaceutical companies, research bodies and medical bodies.

If you are successful with securing funding, you could expect to receive around £17-19k per year for your project’s duration. This covers both your tuition fees and your living expenses, such as accommodation costs, utility bills etc. Deadlines for funding will depend on the specific opportunity; therefore, it is best to start your search as soon as possible to give yourself the best chance of succeeding.

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Career Paths for PhD Graduates

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Biomedical scientists can use their knowledge of biomedical research in a wide variety of ways.

What can I be with a PhD?

Biomedical scientists may use their knowledge of biomedical research to:

• Direct a research lab and decide which scientific questions to investigate
• Be part of a team of scientists working together to solve problems of health and disease
• Manage and coordinate large scientific projects (across institutions and/or across the world)
• Teach others about biomedical science including how to do research and how to think about and understand scientific information
• Inform policy makers about scientific matters that impact health and science
• Communicate (by writing and speaking) and disseminate the latest information about scientific and medical discoveries
• Translate discoveries and inventions from the most fundamental level to every day usage

Where do biomedical scientists work?

Academic institutions (research and administration)

• Large research universities
• Small liberal arts colleges
• Medical centers and medical schools
• Dental, veterinary and optometry schools
• Research institutes
• Community colleges
• High schools

Pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies

Government agencies at the federal, state, and local levels, including:

• NIH - National Institutes of Health
• FDA - Food and Drug Administration
• CDCP - Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
• NSF - National Science Foundation
• EPA - Environmental Protection Agency
• NASA - National Aeronautics and Space Administration
• USDA - Department of Agriculture
• VA - Veterans' Administration
• DOD - Department of Defense
• US Congress
• Executive Branch of the Federal Government
• State and county health departments

Mass communication organizations and businesses

• Newspapers and magazines
• Internet-based communications
• Broadcast media (television, radio, movies)
• Scientific journals and textbooks

Law firms (patent and intellectual property law)

Consulting firms

• Judicial system - scientific evidence in trials
• Financial - advising regarding investments in biotechnology, drug and medical device development
• Educational

Philanthropic and non-profit organizations

• NAS/IOM - National Academies of Science/Institute of Medicine
• Scientific societies and associations
• Private foundations

General information about careers in biomedical science

ScienceCareers.org  - Find a job in science - searchable by location including international, field, keyword, etc.

PhD Jobs  - Includes jobs from across the United States including Biological Science, Business, Education, Engineering, Health & Medicine, Information Science, Law, Science

ScienceCareers.org "Mastering Your Ph.D.: Preparing for Your Post-Ph.D. Career" - Survival and success in the doctoral years and beyond

National Postdoctoral Association  - Providing a national voice and seeking positive change for postdoctoral scholars

Choosing a Postdoctoral Position  - Advice on finding the best postdoc for you

PhDs.org: Science, Math, and Engineering Career Resources  - Information for scientists and would-be scientists at all levels, from high school students through Nobel laureates.

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Helpful tools for those applying to medical PhD programs.

Upcoming short presentations will describe features of PhD training, alumni careers, and detailed logistics of the application process.

Learn about PhD Programs from program leaders.

Graduate schools in the biomedical sciences will generally provide a comprehensive funding package to their students.

PhD Programs by School

List of Postdoctoral Programs by School

Postbaccalaureate programs begin after an undergraduate degree and are designed to support the transition to professional school.

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The Top 10 Easiest PhDs: Tuition, Duration, and Financial Aid

If you’re wondering what the easiest doctorate degree is, this really depends on your definition of easy.

You may find a lengthy research dissertation challenging, or you may love writing and struggle with mathematical or analytical assignments. Equally, depending on your lifestyle, a flexible program that allows you to study online at your own pace could be much more manageable. Or it may be better to go all-in on an accelerated program that you can finish in a short space of time.

With all these factors and more in mind, you can learn about the easiest PhDs available today across various fields.

Table of Contents

The Easiest PhD Majors

Everyone has their own strengths and weaknesses, and we all excel in different areas. Having said that, a significant proportion of people find math and science challenging, so many people will find the following majors the easiest PhDs to get:

• Religion/Theology

However, the easiest PhD for you could be quite different. If you have a head for numbers but don’t do so well with languages, you mind find a PhD in mathematics or engineering much easier.

Your interests also come into play: it’s always easier to apply yourself to a topic that you’re passionate about.

The Easiest PhD Programs

We’ve ranked the following programs based on various criteria to find the easiest doctoral degrees across a range of disciplines while mostly staying away from courses heavy in maths and science, as areas that people typically find challenging.

We looked for programs that offer a high level of flexibility, making it easy to fit your studies around other parts of your life. We also prioritized shorter programs that allow you to earn your doctorate in record time and progress with your career and avoided those with lengthy dissertation requirements.

Walden University, The Richard W. Riley College of Education and Human Sciences

PhD in Education – Higher Education Leadership and Policy (Self-Designed)

Walden University was named first in the USA  for PhD Education graduates. This is one of the easiest PhD programs to get into, as the University has an acceptance rate of 100%. It is also one of the shortest PhD programs in the field, offering a fast-track option that allows you to transfer up to 50% of your total credits and finish the program sooner.

• Courses include: Leading the future of education, education law, policy & governance, and higher education in the 21st century.
• Credits: 86 quarter credits
• Duration: 3-8 years
• Delivery: Online
• Tuition : $692 per quarter hour
• Financial aid: Grants, scholarships, and loans
• Acceptance rate: 100%
• Location: Minneapolis, Minnesota

Capella University

PhD in Psychology – General Psychology

Capella University offers a wide range of online programs for students looking for ongoing education with a high degree of flexibility, including being able to study at their own pace. This PhD in Psychology is also one of the easiest online PhD programs, as it gives you the option to complete the doctorate in as little as five quarters.

• Courses include: Ethics & multicultural issues in psychology, advanced inferential statistics, and quantitative research methods in psychology.
• Credits: 87
• Duration: 5-9 quarters
• Tuition : $545
• Financial aid: Scholarships, employer discounts, and military benefits

The University of Florida, Department of Classics

PhD in Classical Studies

The US News & World Report named the University of Florida one of the top 5 public research universities  in the USA for 2023. With a focus on the humanities, many people will find this PhD program relatively easy, focusing on subjects like languages, culture, and history.

• Courses include: Greek prose composition, the roman tradition, and Latin prose composition.
• Credits: 60
• Duration: 3 years
• Delivery: On-campus
• Tuition : $12,744
• Financial aid: Fellowships, scholarships, and teaching assistantships
• Acceptance rate: 31%
• Location: Gainesville, Florida

Faulkner University

Doctor of Philosophy in Humanities

Faulkner University was founded on Christian principles and offers many flexible programs designed to help students balance their education with their other commitments. This is one of the easiest PhD programs because you can complete it in just 48 credit hours while gaining a global intellectual and spiritual perspective through courses covering thought, ideas, and literature in the Western tradition.

• Courses include: Scholarly inquiry & writing in the humanities, historical investigations, and literary analysis.
• Credits: 48
• Duration: 3 years+
• Tuition : $650 per semester hour
• Financial aid: Scholarships, grants, federal work-study, and loans
• Acceptance rate: 76%
• Location: Montgomery, Alabama

Regent University

PhD in Renewal Theology

Regent University is a popular private institution that offers programs in over 150 areas of study, including some easy PhD programs that can be completed with very flexible study arrangements. This theology doctorate program aims to create future church leaders with a global outlook based on a Renewal approach to history and contemporary issues.

• Courses include: Advanced hermeneutics, renewal theology, and advanced cosmogony & anthropology.
• Duration: 4 years+
• Delivery: Online (with 2-week on-campus residency each fall)
• Tuition : $670 per credit
• Financial aid: Scholarships, grants, and loans
• Acceptance rate: 50%
• Location: Virginia Beach, Virginia

Boston University, College of Health & Rehabilitation Sciences: Sargent College

Online Post-Professional Doctor of Occupational Therapy (PP-OTD)

Boston University is a private institution ranked #1  in occupational therapy by the US News & World Report. This PP-OTD is one of the easiest doctorate degrees in physical therapy because you can complete it in just 18 months. It aims to equip practicing therapists for higher leadership roles capable of innovatively addressing the field’s key challenges.

• Courses include: Social policy & disability, health promotion & wellness, and evaluating clinical theory & research.
• Credits: 33-37
• Duration: 18 months
• Tuition: Varies
• Financial aid: Scholarships, employer reimbursement, and federal loans
• Acceptance rate: 20%
• Location: Boston, Massachusetts

The University of Tennessee Knoxville, College of Social Work

Doctor of Social Work (DSW) in Clinical Practice & Leadership

The College of Social Work is a higher education institution that strives to provide exemplary education in social work. It’s also heavily involved in international projects, which allows students to develop a global perspective on the sector. You could consider this DSW to be an easy doctorate degree, as an accelerated program designed to train existing clinical social workers in advanced clinical practice and leadership.

• Courses include: Neuroscience for clinical practice, psychopathology & psychopharmacology, and cognitive behavioral therapy.
• Financial aid: Scholarships, grants, federal work-study, graduate assistantships, veteran services, and loans.
• Acceptance rate: 78%
• Location: Knoxville, Tennessee

New York University, School of Law

Juris Doctor (JD)

New York University is one of the largest private universities in the country, with campuses and academic centers across the globe. In this JD program, students enjoy a strong blend of theory of law and practice through the school’s more than forty legal clinics.

• Courses include: Constitutional law, survey of criminal procedure, and international law.
• Credits: 83
• Duration: 5 years
• Tuition : $73,216
• Financial aid: Scholarships, fellowships, veteran benefits, and loans.
• Acceptance rate: 21%
• Location: New York City, New York

North Carolina State University, College of Design

Doctor of Design (DDes)

NC State University is among the top 1% of universities worldwide, according to the Center for World University Rankings. This program encourages practicing professionals to develop innovative concepts and promote them more generally in the design community and society. It is an easy doctorate degree in design in that you can complete it in three years or even less.

• Courses include: Research methods in design, case study analysis in design, and design for health & wellbeing.
• Credits: 57
• Delivery: Online (with one week of on-campus study every semester)
• Tuition : $505.28
• Financial aid: Scholarships, grants, student employment, and loans.
• Acceptance rate: 46%
• Location: Raleigh, North Carolina

Frontier Nursing University

Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)

Frontier Nursing University is a not-for-profit institution with several accolades for nursing education, ranking third  for online master’s family nurse practitioner programs. The program is designed for working professionals and emphasizes evidence-based practice, with a quality improvement project in collaboration with your chosen clinical site. With this easy doctorate program, you can earn the highest nursing qualification in mere 15-18 months.

• Courses include: Epidemiology & biostatistics, ethics & health policy, and leadership & organizational dynamics.
• Credits: 30
• Duration: 15-18 months
• Delivery: Online (with 3-day on-campus orientation)
• Tuition: $19,380
• Financial aid: Scholarships, grants, employer benefits, veteran benefits, and loans
• Acceptance rate: 66%
• Location: Versailles, Kentucky

What’s the Difference Between a Professional Degree and a Doctorate?

A PhD program largely focuses on theoretical learning and the analytical aspects of the discipline you’re studying. It typically involves extensive research presented in a lengthy thesis or dissertation, often proposing a new theory or innovative findings.

On the other hand, a professional doctorate or master’s degree emphasizes gaining knowledge for practical applications and does not typically involve a dissertation. While a PhD can make you an erudite scholar well-equipped to work in research or academia, a professional degree typically leads to a career path as a professional in the industry, government, or nonprofit sector.

FAQs about the Easiest PhDs

Which phd is the easiest to get.

The PhD you’ll find easiest will depend on your own strengths and weaknesses and your passions. Generally, most people will find doctorates in the arts and humanities the easiest. Flexible programs that can be completed online and accelerated ones with a shorter overall time commitment are the easiest to complete in terms of meeting other life commitments.

Which Subject Is Easy for a PhD?

Subjects like the humanities, education, theology, and psychology are generally considered the easiest, mostly because they involve less quantitative research and rely on qualitative study methods.

Final Thoughts

The easiest PhD for you will depend on your own talents, weaknesses, and which practical aspects of the program will make it easiest for you to earn your doctorate. Many people find the arts and humanities easier than science and math, though your passion for any subject can make studying it relatively easy. Having the flexibility to study online , at your own pace, or alternatively, in a shorter, more intensive period like a 1-year PhD program  can also make it easier to finish your PhD.

Although easiness is one factor to consider when choosing the right PhD for you, it certainly isn’t everything. Most importantly, you should opt for the program that matches your interests and is most likely to help you achieve your career and life goals.

Want to explore more options? Check out our list of the highest paying PhDs  to learn about the programs that will give you the best return on your investment.

Lisa Marlin

Lisa is a full-time writer specializing in career advice, further education, and personal development. She works from all over the world, and when not writing you'll find her hiking, practicing yoga, or enjoying a glass of Malbec.

• Lisa Marlin https://blog.thegradcafe.com/author/lisa-marlin/ ACBSP Vs AACSB: Which Business Program Accreditations is Better?
• Lisa Marlin https://blog.thegradcafe.com/author/lisa-marlin/ BA vs BS: What You Need to Know [2024 Guide]
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PhD Admission Guide

Gain admission to your dream school, guide to phd admission.

While some students swear off further education after undergrad, some love the thrill of intellectual discovery and research. For these students, graduate school is a natural choice. Graduate degrees are separated into “professional” and “academic” categories. Professional degrees are JDs and MDs, while academic degrees are PhDs (literally “Doctorates of Philosophy” regardless of what field you actually study).

Whether or not you need to pursue a PhD depends entirely on what career you wish to have. Some require higher education, while many others do not. In this guide we’ll go over how to apply to PhD programs, what they are looking for, and how the application process works. This guide is focused on the US and Canada; Europe has a system which is simultaneously similar and very different.

What PhD Programs Look For

PhD programs want to make sure you are prepared academically for the rigors of the program, and that you have a concrete research goal in mind. PhD programs culminate with each student answering a research question they devise, contributing new knowledge to the world in the process. 

Thus these programs seek to evaluate your intellectual ability, research goals, previous research experience, and how you will contribute to their program. To determine this, they ask for the following:

Letters of Recommendation

We’ll go through each of these in turn, and explain what graduate programs are looking for from each.

Your GPA in undergrad is the single most important factor in PhD admissions. If your GPA is too low your application will be dismissed out of hand. While there are no hard limits, we suggest a minimum GPA of 3.5 for serious contention, especially at top schools. If your GPA is below 3.0 then you will likely not get admitted into any PhD programs.

The reason for this is that PhD programs are a lot of work. Being intelligent is necessary, but is far from sufficient alone. Everyone in PhD programs is intelligent, and everyone is also willing to do the work. Your GPA is seen as the primary indicator of your willingness and ability to do academic work to a high standard, and your preparation for the rigors of a PhD program.

Along with your overall GPA, schools request your major GPA. This is your GPA when calculated only using courses in your major. This is usually expected to be higher than your overall GPA. Your major GPA should be over 3.5.

While taking harder courses in undergrad is a great experience, they can also harm your overall GPA. Of course, the best approach is to take very hard classes and do well in them, but this is not always possible. We recommend taking a blend of courses, so you are never overloaded, and able to give each the attention it needs to do well.

Academic Preparation

Your GPA and transcript is also used to judge your academic preparation for the program. You should have a solid grounding in the field, and have taken advanced courses as well. Taking graduate level courses in undergrad can exemplify this. 

Some PhD programs also require research languages. This is more common in the social sciences and humanities, but all students will benefit from knowing other languages well enough to do research in them. You should look up language requirements when researching programs to apply to.

The Graduate Record Examinations (GRE) is a standardized test meant for students who intend to apply to graduate programs. Both MA and PhD programs ask for GRE scores. Much like the SAT or ACT in college exams, the test is meant to be a standardized measure of academic preparation and logical skill.

The test consists of six sections. The first is writing, next are two on verbal reasoning, then two on quantitative reasoning, and finally a research or experimental section, meant to test new questions. The entire test is offered on the computer, with one minute breaks after each section, and a ten minute break after the third section. While there is also a paper-based test, almost all testing is now done on a computer. Due to the pandemic, both testing centers and at-home testing are offered. The GRE is a multi-stage test, and how well you do on earlier sections determines the difficulty of later sections and questions. 

The verbal sections each consist of 20 questions, to be answered over 30 minutes. The whole is scored on a scale of 130-170. The quantitative section is scored the same, and consists of two 20 question sections, each of which should be completed in 35 minutes. The writing section is scored from 0-6. For this section, you write an essay on a given issue in 30 minutes, and offer a response critiquing a provided argument for 30 minutes.

Your total score from the GRE is given from 130-170. While the exact scores you need to enter graduate school vary, higher is better. In addition, some programs only care about your verbal score, while others only care about your quantitative score. How much weight each program puts on GRE scores varies greatly.

We recommend studying for the GRE for some time before testing. You can take the GRE up to five times per year, but must wait at least 21 days between testing dates. Only scores from the past 5 years will be released or considered by graduate programs.

Curriculum Vitae

This is akin to a resume, but is dissimilar enough that the two cannot be used interchangeably. The purpose of a CV is, like a resume, to detail what you have accomplished academically and in your career. It is far more focused on academics however, and is widely used for academic careers.

We recommend finding a template for a CV online, or asking your college’s advisors for help in creating one. If you already have a resume, then you will easily be able to convert it into a CV.

What admissions officers are looking for in your activities is primarily signs of research. This should be in whatever field you intend to pursue a PhD in. Publications are also incredibly valuable. All of academia runs on publication, and getting an early start helps your career at every step.

You should try to do research while still in undergrad. What this looks like depends entirely on what field you are pursuing. While the research does not have to exactly line up with what you wish to pursue, it should teach you skills which are cross applicable. Higher level academic research has its own set of methods and language which must be learned, and students who are already familiar with the forms and structures of research have a leg up in graduate school. 

Publication is not required, but is nice to see. If you have completed a master’s degree, you should have some publication history; of your thesis if nothing else. Speak with your academic advisors about getting your work published.

Each graduate school you apply to will ask for an essay. You will be able to use the same basic form for each, but will need to edit it to be about the particular program you are applying to. Most schools only require a single essay, although some programs ask for a second on diversity.

The purpose of this essay is to explain your research interests, what you have studied, your intended area of specialization, and what your focus will be on. Every PhD student is asking and trying to answer a very specific research question. This question forms the basis of their dissertation, and will be the focus of your life for several years if you are accepted.

Thus the essay is the most important part of your application. Your grades and GRE are required to see if you are academically ready for graduate school, but the essay lets readers know if you are a match for their program, and serious about your research.

Your essay should begin by stating which program you are applying to, and why. Next, go through your previous academic experience in the field, both coursework and research. You don’t have to go through every class, but cover the ones most relevant to your desired research topic.

You should discuss any prior research you have done in the field. If you completed a thesis for your undergraduate degree or a master’s program, cover that here. If you have any publication credits, cover those as well. This should relate directly to the field you are trying to enter. If you wish to pursue lab work, discuss your previous experiences; if instead you are pursuing field work, talk about your experiences there.

Next you should talk about the research you specifically wish to pursue through a PhD. You don’t need to have an exact research question worked out, but it is helpful to have some idea; you should at least know the subfield you will be focusing on. The more specific you are, the better. Having some discussion of methodology can be nice, but is not always necessary.

If there are any ongoing research projects ongoing at the school you wish to work on, cover those next. You should discuss how these projects specifically relate to your own research interests. Finally, you should talk about which professors you wish to work with. Professors take on graduate students to advise, and you ideally want one with a specialization at least tangentially related to your field of interest. The more closely related the professor’s studies are to your own, the better.

You will be able to leave much of this essay the same for each school you apply to, changing only the name of the program, the research projects, and the professors you wish to work with. 

This essay should be a page and a half to two pages long, single spaced. You should go into sufficient detail for those reading it to understand the research you want to pursue. These essays are reviewed by the faculty who run the department, and they make the admissions decisions for PhD programs. There are many more applicants than there are spaces, and admissions rates are low. The more specific and detailed you are in this essay, the better the faculty will understand your research aims, and the better your chances will be.

Diversity Statements

Not all programs ask for these, but you will likely be able to reuse the same essay for those that do. The purpose of the diversity statement is to see what unique points of view and experiences you will be able to contribute to the program. PhDs are about learning, and the more viewpoints and ideas within a program, the broader the experience will be.

If you are a member of an underrepresented group, an immigrant, come from an underprivileged background, or come from an area which is generally underrepresented, we suggest discussing that in this essay. You should not write an essay about your interactions with members of these groups, or a study abroad experience.

Above all, this essay should be authentic to you and your experience. The goal is to show how your background has shaped you as a person, and how it impacts your view of the world.

As with college applications, letters of recommendation are required for PhD admissions. These tell admissions committees who you are as a student and researcher, and give their opinion on how you will perform when doing graduate level work. Academic fields are small and often insular, and the professors writing your letters will often be known by those reading them, either by reputation or in person.

Programs ask for two to four letters. These should primarily come from professors who know you and your work well. If you had a thesis advisor, they should write one of your letters. If you’ve worked doing research for some time, then a mentor or lab director can also be a good source of a letter, even if they haven’t taught you in class. Letters should not come from non-academic sources, unless you have worked professionally in that field. 

While you have the option to read the letters that are written for you, you should always waive that right. If you don’t trust your writers to craft good letters for you, then you shouldn’t be asking them for letters. Asking to see letters is considered a sign of lack of trust, and is gauche. Many professors will decline to write letters if you insist on seeing them.

You should ask for letters well in advance of when they are due; we recommend at least a month or two. If you are asking non-tenured faculty for a letter, more leeway is recommended, as they have more on their plate, and are often more stressed. You may need to send a reminder as deadlines approach. You should also share a copy of your essay with letter writers, so they know exactly what subfield you intend to pursue, and can discuss this in their letters.

Finally, you should be aware of politics when asking for letters. Some professors do not like each other at all. If you are seen as the protege of a professor who others detest, this can impact your admissions chances. Always discuss which schools and programs you are applying to with your letter writers. You should also discuss your choices of writers with an advisor (for example a thesis advisor) familiar with the field. Academic politics are incredibly petty, but if you plan to pursue a PhD you need to be aware of the game, and how it is played.

If your application passes the first review, you will be invited to do an interview. This will be with faculty in the program you are applying to. This is to further get to know you, and to understand your research objectives. 

You should be able to clearly explain what you want to research, and how this program will help you do so. The people talking to you will all be familiar with the field, though not necessarily your specific subfield. They are looking for your ability to communicate and explain your view. Be prepared to answer some questions about the specifics of your goals, though it’s ok if you don’t know everything right now.

Interviews are generally in person, though due to the pandemic, virtual interviews have become more common. This is also your chance to ask any questions you have about the program you were unable to find answers to online. You can practice for this interview with an advisor or mentor; many schools have career centers which hold mock grad school interviews as well.

When and How to Apply to Grad School

There is no unified platform for PhD applications. Instead you must apply to each program individually, through the school’s website. This will mean filling out information multiple times, but they fortunately don’t ask for much. Once you have your documents in order, the rest is personal, demographic, and contact information.

You will need to pay to have your GRE scores sent to each school you apply to. Even though this is all electronic, they still charge dearly for it. 

Applications are generally due in December or January, with interviews held over the next few months. Applications open in September or October. We recommend getting your applications in before the due date, though most programs don’t use rolling admissions. Each program sets their own deadlines, so you should track when each of your applications is due carefully to make sure nothing gets overlooked.

Paying for Grad School

PhD programs are for the most part fully funded. This means you will not be paying tuition, and will also get funding to live on. This funding is generally contingent on academic standing, and doing work TAing, teaching, or on ongoing research projects (or most commonly, all of the above). Many grad students also work full or part time to support themselves. 

While you will not need to take on additional debt to pay for graduate school, you will not be well paid either. While the exact amount graduate students receive varies by school and program, it is generally in the range of $20-30,000 annually. This goes towards food, housing, and supplies.

While you are in a PhD program, you will not have to make payments on any government loans you took out to pay for undergrad, though they will continue to accrue interest. Making payments on them during grad school is difficult, but will greatly cut down on the amount you need to pay back later.

There are also outside scholarships available to help pay for graduate studies. While the amounts offered by these vary, most are small. They can help greatly with paying for the necessities however, and applying to them is usually worth the time investment.

Grad School Admission FAQ

Now we’ll answer some of the most common questions about applying to PhD programs.

Can older students apply?

Yes. Many professionals return to school for a PhD long out of undergrad. We suggest taking some courses at a local university in the field you plan on entering before you do this however. Academic research advances quickly, and this will familiarize you with the latest developments. Further, this will introduce you to professors who can provide you with letters of recommendation.

What are my odds of acceptance?

This depends on both your field and program. Generally, however, it is quite difficult to gain admissions to a PhD program, and admission rates hover around 10%. Only the best students get accepted, and this is even more the case at the top schools and programs.

When should I start thinking about applications?

When you choose your major, you should decide what level you want to reach within that field. Some majors lend themselves to PhDs if you want to work in that field, while others allow employment at various levels.

Where should I apply?

You should find programs with professors who are dedicated to your particular subfield. A prestigious institution which does not focus on your area is far less useful, regardless of how famous its name is. You are looking for someone who will be able to advise you, and help you perform worthwhile research. Further, professors are looking for students studying fields similar to their own when they admit graduate students.

How long are PhD programs?

Generally programs last 4-5 years, though this can vary based on field. The exact structure of the programs also varies a lot based on field and program.

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How to Select a Graduate School Program for a PhD in Biomedical Science

Carly l. lancaster.

1 Department of Biology, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA

2 Department of Cell Biology, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA

3 Graduate Program in Biochemistry, Cell, and Developmental Biology, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA

Lauryn Higginson

4 Department of Biological Sciences, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90089, USA

5 Graduate Program in Molecular and Computational Biology, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90089, USA

Brandon Chen

6 Department of Molecular and Integrative Physiology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA

Lucas Encarnacion-Rivera

7 Department of Bioengineering, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA

8 Department of Biology, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA

Derrick J. Morton

Anita h. corbett.

The goal of this article is to provide guidance for those who have made the decision to apply to graduate school with the plan to obtain a PhD in biomedical science. Choosing an appropriate graduate school and program can seem like a daunting choice. There are numerous graduate training programs that offer excellent training with multiple specific program choices at any given institution. Thus, the goal of identifying a program that provides an optimal training environment, which aligns with the applicant’s training and career goals, can be daunting. There is no single training program that is ideal for all applicants and, fortunately, there is no sole perfect place for any individual applicant to obtain a PhD. This article presents points to consider at multiple phases of this process as collected from the authors who include a senior faculty member, a junior faculty member, and four current graduate students who all made different choices for their graduate training (Now Figure1 ). In Phase 1 of the process, the vast number of choices must be culled to a reasonable number of schools/programs for the initial application. This is one of the most challenging steps because the number of training programs is very large, and most applicants will rely primarily on information readily available on the internet. Phase 2 is the exciting stage of visiting the program for an interview where you can ask questions and get a feel for the place. Finally, Phase 3 suggests information to collect following the interview when comparing choices and making a final decision. While the process may feel long and can be stressful, the good news is that making informed decisions along the way should result in multiple options that can support excellent training and career development.

A decision funnel to guide your choices as you select a graduate school program.

Introduction

So, you decided you want to go to graduate school to pursue a PhD in biomedical sciences? Now is the time to take the next step– choosing the graduate school you would like to attend. Graduate school can be a very fulfilling and stimulating experience, particularly for those who choose graduate programs best suited for their unique needs and aspirations. However, choosing the right school is not like choosing between regular or decaf, paper or plastic, or wake-up or snooze. A PhD is a major time investment and a significant career decision that requires in-depth analysis of all your options. Beyond selecting a specific school, the proliferation of different graduate programs means that even within a single school, there could be a dizzying array of program options, often with confusing and interrelated names. Thus, choosing both a school and a program that align with your personal and professional goals is paramount. There are many wonderful PhD programs and several important factors you should consider when selecting the program best tailored to your learning style, training goals, and future career aspirations.

Choosing a graduate school is an intimidating task when you do not know what you are looking for. Moreover, there are many significant considerations to be made at each step of the selection process. Here we break down the selection process into three key phases: Phase I: Research for Applications; Phase II: The Interview; and Phase III: Follow-Up Research ( Figure 1 ). Within each of these Phases, there are multiple factors that require careful examination to determine the graduate program(s) that will provide you with the best training aligned with your needs and ambitions ( Figure 1 ). We hope that by defining these key considerations, one can more easily determine what to look for in a prospective PhD program.

A key consideration for graduate training is that most of your training will take place within the context of your research laboratory. This constitutes a substantial shift from the undergraduate mentality where classes are the main venue for training. While the curriculum in graduate school can be important and should be considered, most STEM graduate programs limit coursework to the first one or two years of training. Thus, prioritizing research options and secondarily considering the curriculum and course structure is recommended.

The purpose of this article is to help those seeking a PhD in STEM-related fields select a graduate school that will provide them with an excellent training experience by narrowing down key factors one should consider throughout the selection process. Although comprehensive, this article does not encompass all considerable factors of the graduate school selection process which will vary from student to student. Thus, we advise prospective students to take these, and other personal considerations into account when choosing the right graduate school. We will solely focus on the key factors one should consider at each phase of the graduate school selection process.

Ph.D. or Master’s?

While the advice offered here is directed to those who have made the decision to pursue a PhD, there are other options for graduate school. Those who are uncertain about whether they are willing to commit to a PhD may consider enrolling in a Master’s program. However, there is large variation in the value of a Master’s degree across STEM fields. For example, in many biomedical sciences, a Master’s degree brings the same value as two years of experience, such as would be gained working in a research laboratory. For a Master’s degree program, the tuition is likely to be substantial with no stipend provided, which contrasts with many PhD programs that provide a full tuition waiver and a stipend. Master’s programs are typically revenue-generating, requiring tuition commiserate with other professional degrees and significant scholarships to offset the cost of tuition are rare. Some Master’s programs are gateways to university PhD programs and this may be appropriate for an individual who is not yet ready to commit to a PhD, but the cost of the Master’s phase of training may be substantial to ultimately end up in a PhD program where one could have been fully funded from the start. While a Master’s program may be an option for some, it is important to carefully consider the cost/benefit of such a program in your specific field. For example, in basic biomedical sciences, an investment in a Master’s degree is often not the most cost efficient choice.

An alternative to Master’s program for some students are post-baccalaureate training programs. These programs typically provide some graduate coursework together with a focused research experience. They can be ideal for the student who is still exploring their interest in a research career. While some of these are revenue-generating and as costly as Master’s programs, those supported by the National Institutes of Health termed Postbaccalaureate Research Education Programs or PREP can be excellent choices Schwartz, Risner, Domowicz, and Freedman (2020) .The goal of PREP is to support educational activities that enhance the diversity of the biomedical research workforce. Unlike Master’s programs, PREP programs are designed for students who plan to pursue a PhD or a combined degree such as an MD/PhD. These programs can be an excellent alternative for students who are uncertain if they want to pursue a PhD and do not want to accumulate burdensome debt while they make their decision. However, this does not mean that Master’s degrees are not worth the time and money for all STEM students. Thus, we encourage students who are considering enrolling in Master’s programs to carefully consider whether a Master’s degree in their respective STEM field in necessary and beneficial for their future endeavors.

Phase I: Research for Applications

Choosing where to apply to graduate school can be an overwhelming and burdensome task. With over 1,000 graduate schools with PhD-track programs in the United States alone ( Bennett, 2022 ; State, n.d. ), selecting the schools you want to apply to may seem daunting. Moreover, the average cost of a graduate school application ranges between $50-$100 USD ( Bennett, 2022 ; GradSchoolMatch, 2021a ; Roberts, 2017 ) and each application takes approximately 10 hours to complete and submit ( Minnesota, 2022 ). Given the pricey and time-consuming nature of graduate school applications, you owe it to yourself to make an informed and carefully thought-out decision when choosing where to apply. General industry advice is to apply to between three and eight graduate schools ( GradSchoolMatch, 2021b ), but how do you narrow down your search when you have over 1,000 options? Here we present six key considerations to help you narrow down the list of graduate schools to apply to.

Location, Location, Location

Studies show that nearly 87% of students choose to relocate to attend graduate school ( GradSchoolMatch, 2016 ). The location of your graduate school may not seem like a top priority on your list of things to consider, however, you are not just picking a school– you are picking a location where you will spend the next 5-7 years of your life. Although picking schools based on location may seem superficial, enjoying the place you live makes enduring the stresses of graduate school much easier. There are many reasons why students choose to live in specific geographical regions including proximity to family and friends, climate, as well as career opportunities. Whatever your reasons may be, it is important to ensure that the location of your graduate school is a good fit for you.

While most students choose to relocate to different cities for graduate school, over half of students who relocate choose to remain in the same geographical region (e.g. Southeast, Northeast, Midwest) ( GradSchoolMatch, 2016 ). This is generally because students want to remain near family and friends. If proximity to family and friends is something important to you, consider how far is “too far” away for you. For instance, if a plane is required to make the trip home in a days’ time, you may consider schools that are within reasonable driving distance to your family and friends. Many students seek the emotional and financial support that living close to home has to offer and therefore, may only consider schools within a 100-mile radius of home. On the other hand, many students choose to push themselves outside of their comfort zone and experience graduate school far away from the familiarity of their hometown. These students may instead decide to apply to schools located on opposite sides of the country and spend a several years exploring a new city. Regardless, understanding where you want to live in proximity to your current location will largely influence the graduate schools you choose to apply to.

Another factor to consider when thinking about the location of your graduate studies is the seasonal and social climate within the region. For example, if harsh, cold winters are not your style, you may decide to apply to schools located in warmer climates. If you abhor big cities and heavy traffic you may want to avoid applying to the plethora of schools located in urban metropolitan areas. If you want to avoid driving and the overall cost of car maintenance during your PhD, you may consider locations with superior public transportation. Moreover, each city you consider will have its own cultural values and unique atmospheres. Thus, ensuring that you select a city favorable to both work and play will go a long way toward helping you guarantee happiness and perform your best.

Finally, you may consider applying to graduate schools in geographical regions in which you want to pursue your future career. For instance, students interested in careers in biotechnology may choose to apply to graduate schools in Boston, California, or in the Research Triangle Park area of North Carolina as these schools are near a diverse range of biotechnology companies. Selecting schools close to careers of interest may allow for enhanced networking and thus may aid in achieving professional goals.

Taken together, the location of prospective graduate schools is a significant determinant of those that you may want to apply to. Whether you pick locations based upon distance from home, climate, or proximity to potential careers, determining the geographical location in which you would like to attend graduate school can really help narrow down the list of schools to apply to.

A PhD program typically takes 5-7 years, including 1-2 years of coursework and several years of intensive independent research. Thus, it is critical that applicants consider their research interests when deciding which graduate schools and subsequent programs to apply to. The specific research area and research opportunities available should impact not only your choice of graduate school but also your choice of graduate program within a school. Faculty at a given graduate school can be members of one or more graduate programs within that school, meaning that they teach and mentor graduate students within the programs that they have appointments. As you delve into your research, you might consider whether schools allow you to work with faculty only specifically within a certain program or whether there is more flexibility. For instance, some schools only allow students to join the labs of faculty members with appointments in that students’ graduate program, and others allow students to explore labs across program lines. Prospective students who have yet to decide what area of research they want to pursue may consider applying to schools with umbrella programs which allow new students to rotate with faculty among a diverse array of programs within the graduate school. These umbrella programs are designed to allow students to explore multiple different types of research opportunities before deciding what lab they want to join.

When considering your research interests, a key point is to ensure that multiple scientists within a graduate school or program work in that area. Common and astute advice is to never select a school or program because of a single faculty member performing your dream research ( Baghdassarian, 2021 ) That faculty member may not be taking students, or you may not work well with that individual. Thus, a recommendation is to ensure that there are at least three professors studying an array of topics you can see yourself working on. Moreover, if you are particularly interested in certain professors, you may try reaching out to these professors prior to the application deadline. This will allow you to get your foot in the door and talk to someone that can tell you more about the program, the learning environment, and provide details about their willingness to accept new graduate trainees ( Baghdassarian, 2021 ). This will also allow you to get a better sense of whether you are still interested in these labs and could see yourself working for the advisor long-term. Another suggestion is to simply keep an open mind. Many students enter graduate school with limited research experience, so considering areas beyond their current expertise may be the best approach. Finally, research dynamically evolves with time as new global threats and cutting-edge technologies emerge, so the topics that were of interest during the application process could easily change as new opportunities arise.

Another point to consider is that graduate school is about research training . An ideally suited graduate program should arm you with key skills you need to develop into the best scientist you can be, including experimental design, hypothesis generation, data analysis, and the many other transferable skills such as scientific writing and communication, teaching, mentoring, and project management ( Melanie Sinche, 2017 ). While you need to select a research topic that engages you, this topic is unlikely to be the focus of your career. You may be passionate and driven to tackle a specific research area, but you do not need to work on that specific topic in graduate school. Instead, try to focus on identifying a program where you can acquire the skills needed to develop into a scientist who is best equipped to pursue that research question at a future stage in your career.

When and if you decide to attend a specific PhD program, most schools require that students take time (approximately six months to one year) to perform laboratory rotations. Rotations are designed with the students’ best interest in mind. These rotations allow students to explore different research topics and environments. Moreover, rotations are an invaluable opportunity for students to decide whether a specific advisor and laboratory environment is a good fit for their individual needs, goals, and learning styles, without the pressure of scientific productivity. Although somewhat uncommon, there are schools that will allow you to join a lab directly upon admission to the program. The challenges of graduate necessitate that students make a thoughtful and informed decision when picking a lab that they will spend the next 5–7 years of their life in, and lab rotations are an important part of this process. Unless a student has steadfast confidence that a specific lab and mentor is the best choice for them, we highly recommend that students do lab rotations to ensure that their graduate school experience is a pleasant one.

School choice is often driven by reputation. While there are many published rankings of graduate schools, the key thing to recall is that the rankings are typically for the school overall and not the specific programs that you may be considering. Thus, while all students are likely to take reputation into consideration, this should not be a primary driving force. Some schools are better known nationally or internationally because they have excellent athletic teams, but the national ranking of the football team is unlikely to impact your STEM PhD to any significant extent. Determining the reputation of a specific graduate program or research area is more challenging than determining the reputation of a school. For this reason, reputation is an area that should be considered most extensively later in the decision tree when the choice is between a specific set of options.

Although many prestigious schools presumably have excellent graduate programs in your field of interest, it is not necessarily true that these programs are superior to the those at schools without the big name. In fact, you will find stellar graduate programs at schools that US News and World Report has ranked third tier ( Report, 2018 ), and potentially weak graduate programs in otherwise highly ranked schools. Moreover, a PhD from a highly ranked school does not necessarily ensure a better job or a higher starting salary after graduation. Companies and hiring committees tend not to focus on the school a candidate graduated from, but instead look for the relevance and quality of a candidates research and how well this research fits with the needs of the company or department ( Barr, 2020 ). Thus, it is critical that prospective PhD students look for graduate schools and programs that foster supportive and innovative research environments that allow their students to thrive.

In sum, if you want to find a program that will make you a skilled and competitive job applicant, your priority should be finding a graduate program that places emphasis on graduate student training. But how do you decipher between schools that emphasize training and those that do not? Graduate programs that place importance on graduate student training and development will often provide students with opportunities to take courses in grant writing, public speaking and communications, and expose students to a diverse array of research throughout their graduate career. Moreover, these programs will cultivate student collaborations and often have access to a multitude of core facilities that aid students in effectively using the latest technologies to support their individual research. By keeping in mind that the quality of your schools’ training environment is more important than the schools ranking or reputation, your final list of schools will guarantee that you make the right choice when it comes time to enroll in a specific program.

Fortunately, most STEM PhD students in the US, particularly those enrolled in biomedical science programs, are typically paid a living stipend for the duration of their graduate career with a complete tuition waiver. As many programs offer such a stipend, take care in considering any program that does not guarantee a stipend. Moreover, the ways in which this stipend may be provided can differ. For instance, some programs require a significant amount of teaching in the form of teaching assistantships (as discussed in the Teaching section) to cover a large portion of their stipend, while other programs fully support their students’ stipends and require minimal teaching as a part of the required curriculum. Thus, prospective students should consider their desire to teach as well as their research priorities before applying to programs that require significant amounts of teaching to cover their stipend.

Despite offering a living stipend, this stipend typically just enough to keep food on the table, bills paid, and gas in your car, leaving very little room for extra expenses. Thus, it is vital that prospective graduate students consider the stipend and assess their financial responsibilities. More importantly, do not get distracted by schools that offer more money than others. It is not uncommon for schools that offer bigger stipends to be located in areas with a higher-than-average cost of living. Wherever you apply, you need to ensure that the stipend matches the cost of living and will be enough to keep your ‘head above water’ throughout graduate school. A PhD can be very long with lots of stressful ups and downs, and financial insecurity is the last thing you want to worry about.

At the time this article was written, the average graduate student makes a yearly stipend of approximately $32,000 ( Glassdoor, 2022 ). If you are going to graduate school right out of your undergraduate studies, this may be the most money you have ever made. On the other hand, if you are leaving a job to go to graduate school, this may be a significant pay decrease. It is not impossible to live on a graduate student stipend and most schools provide yearly cost-of-living increases to student stipends. So, when deciding between graduate schools, make sure that the stipend is livable given the cost-of living in that area. You may consider utilizing MIT’s living wage calculator (found at https://livingwage.mit.edu/ ) ( Glasmeier, 2022 ), which can help you determine the cost-of-living in different areas around the United States to help you make an informed decision when choosing what schools you want to apply to.

PhD curriculum varies widely between graduate schools and even between different PhD programs within a given school. Although you certainly cannot avoid taking difficult classes during your PhD, it is worth understanding what courses you will have to take, when you will have to take them, and how these courses are structured to ensure you are getting the most out of your educational experience. However, it is also important to recall that graduate training primarily takes place within the context of your research project, so curriculum and coursework are not the driving force to consider in the same way that choices are made for an undergraduate school.

When analyzing your graduate school and program options, you want to ensure that the program you are interested in offers excellent training for enrolled PhD students. But what should this training venue look like? You should consider the broader context of the training, including curriculum as well as other professional development opportunities. Most programs require that first and second-year students take foundational courses to both deepen and broaden the students’ knowledge of the field in which they are pursuing a PhD ( National Academies of Sciences, 2018 ). Depending on the school and program, these courses may take place in lecture hall settings with a large group of graduate students, or in small, intimate classroom settings with a smaller number of students. Here, it is important to consider how you learn best. Do you know whether you have a more favorable learning experience in passive learning environments with large groups of students, or in smaller groups where you are free to engage and ask questions during class? This consideration is unique to the individual applicant but can be an impactful consideration when determining the learning environment that is best suited for you. Many students applying to graduate school may only have experiences in large-seminar type courses rather than small, intimate learning settings and therefore may not understand the benefits of small class sizes. Thus, we encourage students to keep an open mind when considering their graduate learning environment. Moreover, many graduate schools require that students take other courses including courses in statistics (depending on which STEM program you are applying to), writing, ethics, and seminar ( National Academies of Sciences, 2018 ). These courses are designed to enhance the students critical thinking skills as well as written and verbal communication skills ( National Academies of Sciences, 2018 ). These courses are all taken while students simultaneously focus on their respective dissertation research. It is important to get a good sense of what courses you are expected to take and when you are expected to take them to ensure that you can sufficiently meet the requirements of both your program and your advisor without overextending yourself.

Graduate Records Exam (GRE)

If you are thinking about going to graduate school, you have probably heard about the Graduate Records Examination (GRE). The GRE is a standardized test created and administered by the Educational Testing Service (ETS), which is designed to test a student’s overall preparedness for graduate-level studies ( Kowarski, 2021 ). The GRE is like the SAT college entrance exam and seeks to assess general competence in areas such as analytical writing, mathematics, and verbal reasoning ( PrinstonReview, 2022 ). Recently, however, the utility of the GRE as a predictor of graduate student success has been intensely debated. A 2014 study published in Nature illustrated that women and individuals from underrepresented groups often score lower on the GRE than their white male counterparts ( Miller & Stassun, 2014 ). Moreover, the exam cost approximately $205 which is prohibitively expensive for many low-income students, further impeding promising students from entering graduate school ( Blanco, 2021 ; Miller & Stassun, 2014 ). Interestingly, these studies show that GRE scores are very poor predictors of a graduate students’ scientific productivity ( Hall, O’Connell, & Cook, 2017 ; Miller & Stassun, 2014 ). Fortunately, many leading STEM graduate programs have begun to recognize that the GRE is a weak predictor of PhD student success and have dropped the GRE as an admissions requirement ( Moneta-Koehler, Brown, Petrie, Evans, & Chalkley, 2017 ). Therefore, students can easily apply to a slate of top biomedical graduate programs without taking the GRE. For information about the many programs that no longer require the GRE, see Dr. Joshua Hall’s public spreadsheet (BioGRE.info), which lists many of the biomedical PhD programs that have dropped the GRE admissions requirement( Hall et al., 2017 ). To be crystal clear, most of these programs no longer accept or consider the GRE in admissions decisions, so taking the GRE brings no value for such applications. Moreover, there are no graduate fellowships or grant opportunities that require the GRE. However, there are some specific areas of graduate education that continue to rely more heavily on the GRE than others, so whether the GRE is required for applications may depend on your specific area of study. Regardless of whether you choose to take the GRE before applying to graduate school, it is important to know that your performance on this standardized exam does not directly correlate with your readiness for the hands-on intensity of a PhD program.

Phase II: The Interview

Congratulations! You have been invited to interview at some of the schools you applied to. Many applicants consider this to be the most stressful part of the application process but fail to realize that while the school is interviewing you, you are also interviewing the school . This is your chance to get an up-close and personal look at the life of a typical graduate student in each of these programs. Here you can ask the nitty-gritty questions your late-night google searches left unanswered. There are also many questions you may not know you should ask! Thus, we have provided a chart of key questions prospective students may consider asking faculty and current students during their interview weekend ( Figure 2 ). These questions may help with one of the key stages of the interview where you are likely to be asked, “Do you have any questions?” A key piece of advice is to always have one or more question because this shows your interest. You can ask multiple people the same question. In fact, this can be an invaluable approach as you can test whether you get the same answer from multiple sources. Importantly, you will have the chance to have candid talks with the current students and get a feel for their overall satisfaction with the program. Moreover, you may get a chance to speak with faculty members whose labs you are interested in joining.

Questions an applicant may wish to ask faculty and/or current students during the interview process.

All in all, the interview process is one of the most important steps to deciding what graduate school would be the best for your training and career development. Here, we have outlined things to consider finding out when you embark on your interviews.

Funding mechanism(s)

During Phase I of the process, you should have narrowed your choices to schools that provide a tuition waiver and offer a living stipend. At this stage, you should gather more information about the mechanisms to fund your stipend. In the ideal situation, your stipend is guaranteed if you are making satisfactory progress. You should seek options that clearly state this to be the case. Typically, such a situation means that the university has some resources to support your stipend early in training (1–2 years) and then your research mentor has grant funding to support your stipend and any associated fees. This model can differ from program to program, but you should seek clarity during the interview about the source of funding. There are also some options that may offer additional training or opportunities.

Some schools or programs will require you to commit to serving as a teaching assistant. While teaching experience can be valuable, be sure you understand the commitment. Will you be responsible for teaching a whole section of a course or are you acting as a teaching assistant? Even if you enjoy teaching, the need to teach each semester while trying to balance your research progress can be daunting. Ensure you understand the commitment and speak to more senior students to gather more information about the time required.

Many programs have some form of training grant support. These training grants can be provided from various sources, including federal agencies such as the National Institutes of Health (NIH) T32 training grants or the National Science Foundation (NSF). These training grants can support student stipend at specific training stages and offer some additional perks such as funds for travel or supplies. As such training grants require a clear plan for training, schools or programs that have such a support mechanism may offer additional training that is mandated by such funding mechanisms. The NIH National Institute of General Medical Science (NIGMS) funds many such training mechanisms and this institute has led the way in requiring training to produce well rounded ethical scientists that are prepared to function within the biomedical research community. These funding mechanisms must be renewed every five years, so this is essentially a required regular refresh of the training offered. Checking whether the school or program you are interested in has such funding mechanisms can provide you with information about how the school of program values graduate training because such funding mechanisms also require significant institutional support.

Some schools will offer support for students to apply for their own independent research funding ( Kahn, Conn, Pavlath, & Corbett, 2016 ). There are several mechanisms for this support where the graduate student is the principal investigator (PI) for the grant. Some schools also offer an increase in the stipend to those students who secure their own extramural research funding. Like a training grant, these individual pre-doctoral fellowships often have some funds available to support travel and purchase supplies. The experience of crafting a persuasive proposal to see your research to those who make funding decisions can be a very valuable part of graduate training.

In summary, learning the details of the funding, including the sources available should be a key part of your investigation during the interview process. You should ask questions on this important topic of both program leadership and current students to paint the full picture. A goal should be to select a school or program that aligns with your goals and offers you stable funding that aligns with your needs.

Teaching Requirements

Most graduate students are required to teach at some point during their graduate career. However, at some universities teaching is necessary to make up a significant portion of your stipend, while other universities ask students to teach for only a semester or two as a part of the standard curriculum. While teaching can be a fun and enriching experience, for students who do not necessarily need in-depth teaching skills for their future career, having multiple semesters of required teaching can become distracting and burdensome when trying to focus on thesis work. Thus, it is important to understand the teaching requirements at the different programs you interview with.

Teaching assistantships are designed to help postgraduate students develop invaluable teaching and assessment skills. After meeting curricular requirements, some students choose to continue teaching to earn extra money and/or gain valuable teaching experiences (a skill that can easily be applied in your future career and added to your CV). The responsibilities of graduate student teaching assistants (TAs) include leading undergraduate classes, grading papers, as well as providing laboratory supervision and demonstration ( Taylor, 2022 ). Teaching as a graduate student is an excellent opportunity to expand your horizons, gain invaluable scientific communication skills, and put your knowledge to the test. Whether you teach for one semester, or you decide to teach throughout your graduate career, try to take pride in the fact that you will be teaching and engaging undergraduates in your academic discipline.

Career Exploration

Career Exploration, sometimes referred to as professionalization, is an important aspect of your graduate career. After completing your PhD, you will need to enter the job market with transferrable skills– skills that can be applied in your future career. Although some graduate students remain in academia after completing their PhD, over 50% of STEM PhD graduates do not work in academia or even perform research as their primary job ( Lautz, 2018 ). Instead, many talented graduate students pursue careers in industry, government, or even medical writing. Moreover, it is very common for graduate students change their career goals during the duration of their graduate studies ( Cornell, 2020 )Therefore, we recommend that applicants consider attending graduate programs that adequately prepare students for a diverse set of careers after graduating.

But what professionalization and career exploration opportunities should you look for in a graduate program? Lautz et al . recommend that graduate programs invested in student professionalization and career exploration hold a student-led foundational seminar course to address career needs. These seminars should provide students with early exposure to multiple career pathways to develop a sense of community as well as a professional network ( Lautz, 2018 ). Moreover, graduate programs should encourage and support students seeking professional training specialization and internships in academic and non-academic sectors( Lautz, 2018 ). By showing STEM graduate students multiple career options, graduate programs can adequately meet the needs of today’s PhD students and prepare them for life beyond graduate school.

Support Network

Every successful graduate student has a support network ( Studies, 2020 ). This support network typically includes faculty and staff, other graduate students, postdoctoral students, technicians, friends, and even family. Graduate school is a long and challenging process. Therefore, having a network of people to support you and help you along the way is essential to your success.

Although prospective students are not yet ready to build their support network, it is important that they get a feeling for the current support networks within prospective schools. When interviewing, ask the current students about their support networks. Are these support networks made up of diverse group of people at different stages in their career? You may also consider asking if these students feel supported by the programs’ faculty and staff or whether the program has built-in student support systems. Many graduate schools also have graduate student unions (GSUs). These unions serve to protect graduate students’ rights and advocate for support from multiple branches of the university. Moreover, many schools have graduate student associations (GSA) comprised of graduate students from many different departments ( Studies, 2020 ). Attending GSU- and GSA-like events can be a great way to get to know people outside of your program and will help you build a support network that will last even after graduation.

Community, Diversity, and Inclusion

Building a community of supportive colleagues and mentors as you transition to graduate-level research training will be instrumental to your overall success as a scientist. Commonly, ambivalence and/or feelings of doubt about one’s abilities almost always accompany any major transition, the decision to kick-off your professional academic career by enrolling into graduate school will be no different ( Joseph, 2022 ). It is important to note that you are not alone, and the community you build will play a pivotal role in helping you steer the ins and outs of graduate school. These supportive connections are very important for several reasons: First, your network of colleagues and mentors can act as a team of advocates, providing support and guidance as you develop personally, academically, and professionally. Second, this network often becomes your “family away from home” – helping you to not only navigate deeply personal issues that inevitably arise during graduate school, but also making themselves available to grab ice cream after a long day in the laboratory. Ultimately, the community you build will play an essential role in you living a healthy, balanced, and fulfilling life while in graduate school.

As noted above, the decision to apply to graduate school, interview, and ultimately weigh the multitude of factors that inform where you will spend the next 5–7 years of your life is a very challenging, but rewarding process—for everyone. However, often, individuals from groups that are historically excluded and underrepresented in STEM fields face unique challenges that many of their graduate school peers do not have to consider when deciding what graduate school program best suits them. For example, many of these students face the challenge of finding a program that includes faculty that reflect the diversity of the broader population. In fact, only 10% of STEM faculty members in the US are from underrepresented groups, according to a recent NSF-funded report (Bennett, 2020). Therefore, in the eyes of interviewees from underrepresented groups, this reality emphasizes the sentiment of a familiar quote by Marian Wright Edelman, “You can’t be what you can’t see”, which in turn intensifies doubts about the likelihood of success. In addition to finding mentors with similar backgrounds, many of these students often have the additional pressure of trusting that diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) values espoused by programs are not just lip-service, but closely held beliefs of the faculty, staff, and students. Thus, students must have a great deal of faith that graduate programs will invest the time and resources to support stated DEI values. Taken together, the process of choosing a graduate school presents unique challenges for all students, but particularly for students from underrepresented groups that span the application phase through matriculation.

While there has been a long-standing push to diversify and create a sense of belonging in STEM, universities in the US and by extension graduate programs still trail behind in establishing an inclusive community for its faculty, students, and staff. Historically, US institutions of higher learning have supported hierarchies of race and other forms of difference since their founding, and remnants of this very ideology persist in the academy broadly including graduate education. However, the recent rise of social justice movements has led to a renewed sense of urgency to break social barriers and pave the way for the realization of true DEI in all US institutions. As in many sectors of life in the US, graduate schools still have a long way to go before achieving their goals specific to DEI. These efforts will need to address all aspects of student differences, including many that have not been the focus of efforts such as ableism ( R. J. Peterson, 2021 ). Recent support for social, gender, and racial equity by leaders in higher education are an important first step and provide hope to many graduate students who are from groups historically excluded and underrepresented in STEM fields. As you navigate graduate school, build and leverage your community to be a force for social change. Thus, leaving behind a more inclusive and equitable environment for junior trainees. Importantly, DEI in STEM is a continuous effort that does not have a finish line and will require action from the entire scientific community to keep improving. While navigating through the interview process, it is critical that you begin to identify efforts made by the program to establish an equitable and inclusive environment. For example, as you converse with current students and faculty, ask about initiatives for diversification and inclusion, such as student-led empowerment organizations, community outreach, and DEI committees.

Program Responsibilities

Graduate school, like a ‘real job’, occurs in a matrixed environment where students are a part of multiple chains of accountability and therefore have responsibilities not only to their thesis advisors, but also to their program ( R. Peterson, 2021 ). Thus, it is necessary to determine what your responsibilities outside of the lab will entail and if these responsibilities change as you progress through your degree. For example, many students are required to help with recruitment of new students, organize program-related events, and attend program seminars. These responsibilities, while important, may serve as a distraction from your thesis work. Thus, it is critical that you determine what your program responsibilities are within each graduate program. These answers are likely not found on the internet but can be readily discussed with current graduate students and faculty members at your interview.

Phase III: Follow-Up Research

The interviews are finally over, and you have solidified acceptances from several schools. Take a deep breath and pat yourself on the back! The bulk of the work is over, but now comes the hard part-deciding which graduate school and program you would like to attend. You may be able to see yourself at multiple different schools/programs making the decision burdensome and potentially anxiety-inducing. At this point, reminding yourself that there is no single “right choice” may relieve some stress. However, there is some follow-up research which may not have been provided during the interviews that can be beneficial as you consider your options and make your final choice.

Student Fees

Unfortunately, student fees do not disappear in graduate school. Despite the fact that the average graduate student stipend is $32,000 a year ( Glassdoor, 2022 ), most schools still require that graduate students pay fees each semester. While most of the price of the fees is covered by the graduate school, the burden of the remainder of the fees falls on the student. The average graduate student pays some amount in student fees per semester. These fees typically include technology fees, health and wellness fees, athletic fees, and even activity fees. However, the types of fees and the semesterly rates vary greatly between schools and programs. Thus, we recommend that applicants research student fee rates for each of the schools they are interested in. Unfortunately, these data may be hard to find with a simple google search and a scroll through the university website. Applicants may instead consider reaching out to current graduate students to get an idea of the cost of student fees as well as how these students feel about the fees. You may consider asking current students if they are able to easily pay the fees with their current stipend, or if they feel that the fees are fair. Regardless of where you attend, you will probably have to pay some amount of student fees, but it’s a good idea to know how much and how often you will have to pay as a graduate student.

Health Benefits

Health benefits can be a stressful topic for many incoming graduate students, especially for students previously covered under their parents’ health insurance plan. Typically, student health insurance plans are offered by the institution, however these plans can vary greatly in cost and coverage. Unforeseen medical expenses, such as those related to treating a cold or a simple rash can cost hundreds of dollars, and you do not want to be blindsided by a medical situation in which you do not have adequate financial coverage. This can cause students financial hardship and lead to added stress. Therefore, as you contemplate your graduate school options, it is important to compare the health benefits each school has to offer.

What should you look for in an acceptable student health insurance plan? According to U.S. News, students should expect that plans offer a minimum coverage per year with an annual deductible ( Martin, 2013 ). Moreover, plans should provide coverage for both inpatient and outpatient services anywhere in the U.S. as well as coverage for mental health services, prescription drugs, and physical therapy ( Martin, 2013 ) . Applicants should also determine when their coverage starts and lapses as well as whether they are required to use specific doctors, hospitals, or clinics to be covered.

Gut Feelings

When you know, you know. We cannot emphasize enough the importance of trusting your ‘gut feelings’ when considering if a graduate school and program is the right one for you. This refers to relying on inclination that you cannot readily explain. Although you should not disregard objective facts, balancing an objective outlook with your subconscious intuition is ideal when deciding what program suits you best. The American Psychological Association reports that decisions recruiting gut feelings are often a reflection of one’s true self ( Association, 2018 ), and when picking a graduate school which you will attend for the next 5-7 years, it is best to make a decision that is an authentic reflection of your goals.

Concluding Remarks

Seeking out a stimulating and supportive environment where you can gain the skills needed for the next stage of your career is a daunting, but exciting task. We have presented many different factors applicants should take into consideration when selecting a graduate training program. However, each decision is unique to the individual and there is no single “right” choice, especially when presented with many excellent options. Selecting a graduate school and subsequent program is a major life decision, thus, considering your individual values and aspirations is critical to ensure your success and happiness throughout your graduate career. PhD training can potentially be a consuming and strenuous process; therefore, we advise students to seek training environments that encourage a healthy work-life balance and offer a breadth of training opportunities to support their values and future goals. Although deciding where you want to carry out your graduate studies is a challenging task, we hope that the information presented here will arm you with the knowledge necessary to select a graduate training program that will allow you to thrive personally and professionally. We wish you the best of luck in your graduate school-hunting and future endeavors!

Acknowledgements

The authors acknowledge funding from the National Institutes of Health to A.H.C (R25GM125598, R01NS125768) and C.L.L (F31NS127545) as well as fellowships from NSF (L.E.-R.) and the Department of Defense (B.C.). We would like to acknowledge Dr. TJ Murphy for his insight and intellectual contribution to the creation and ideas presented within this article. We would also like to acknowledge Dr. Raven Peterson who has contributed insightful commentary on topics included here. The authors declare no conflict of interest.

Biographies

Carly Lancaster is a third-year Ph.D. candidate in the Biochemistry, Cell and Developmental Biology Program at Emory University co-mentored by Drs. Anita H. Corbett and Kenneth H. Moberg. Presently, Carly is working on characterizing the role of a conserved RNA binding protein in the regulation of RNAs critical for neurodevelopment. After graduating, she plans to complete her postdoctoral studies and pursue a career in biotechnology.

Lauryn Higginson is a first-year Ph.D. student in the Molecular and Computational Biology Program in the Department of Biological Sciences at the University of Southern California. Lauryn recently joined her thesis lab and will be utilizing the Drosophila model to investigate how defects in subunits of a ubiquitous and critical RNA processing complex cause tissue-specific disease. Following graduate school, she plans to become a postdoctoral researcher and ultimately pursue a faculty position in biological sciences.

Brandon Chen is a third-year Ph.D. candidate in the Cellular and Molecular Biology Program at University of Michigan co-mentored by Dr. Yatrik Shah and Dr. Costas Lyssiotis. Brandon’s research focuses on understanding how endoplasmic reticulum (ER)-mitochondria contact sites contribute to tumor metabolic rewiring. His long-term career goal is to pursue an academic position and eventually become a primary investigator.

Lucas Encarnacion-Riviera is a second year Ph.D. candidate in the Neurosciences Interdepartmental Program at Stanford University co-advised by Dr. Karl Deisseroth and Dr. Liqun Luo. Lucas is studying how the brain generates internal states and how motivated drives transform into behavior. After graduate school, Lucas plans to become a professor of neuroscience and lead his own research lab.

Derrick Morton, PhD is an Assistant Professor in the Molecular and Computational Biology section of the Department of Biological Sciences at the University of Southern California. His research focuses on defining tissue-specific roles of RNA processing, surveillance, and decay machinery. He attended Clark Atlanta University (CAU), a Historically Black University, for graduate school. The supportive training environment he experienced at CAU played a major role in him pursuing postdoctoral fellowship and ultimately an independent career in science.

Anita Corbett, PhD is Samuel C. Dobbs Professor of Biology at Emory University. She plays numerous roles in graduate program leadership and has a strong commitment to building an inclusive STEM community. When she applied to graduate school, the internet did not exist, and her resource was a dusty file cabinet drawer in the chemistry department conference room; however, even under these archaic conditions, she chose a graduate school, obtained a PhD, and proceeded to an academic career.

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Easiest Grad Schools to Get Into [2024 Guide]

What are the easiest grad schools to get into? Getting into graduate school takes work no matter what school or program you’re applying to, but easier admissions and coursework requirements might make the experience less demanding.

Some factors that can make a master’s program seem easier than others include 100% online classes, no thesis requirement, or a curriculum that isn’t heavily focused on mathematics or science.

Editorial Listing ShortCode:

Read on to discover grad programs from various fields of study that are considered less difficult to get into and complete.

Easiest Grad Schools to Get Into

While getting into any graduate school takes dedication and work, there are a few things that can make getting into a graduate school easier for most students.

Some factors that can make getting into a graduate school more difficult include a high minimum GPA requirement, a thesis or internship requirement, a high tuition rate, and a low acceptance rate. The easiest graduate schools to get into may not require prerequisites, GRE test scores, or internship experience.

Some master’s programs may be considered easier because they offer a more flexible schedule or major coursework that you’re comfortable with.

Select the program that most interests you to jump to that section of the guide:

• Online Masters in Accounting
• Online Master of Business Administration
• Online Masters in Communications
• Online Masters in Criminal Justice
• Online Masters in Education and Teaching
• Online Masters in Healthcare Administration
• Online Masters in Human Resource Management
• Online Masters in Human Services
• Online Masters in Information Technology
• Online Masters in Liberal Arts
• Online Masters in Marketing
• Online Masters in Nursing
• Online Masters in Psychology
• Online Masters in Social Work
• Online Masters in Sports Management

You may want to explore your options to decide which program is right for you.

Masters in Accounting

A master’s in accounting can be one of the easiest master’s degree programs for those who have an undergraduate degree in accounting.

While accounting graduate programs involve studying complex formulas and financial concepts, many of these topics are introduced in undergraduate accounting courses. Some topics typically explored include taxation, financial and managerial accounting, and fraud examination. This degree may be useful for mid- to senior-level positions in finance or accounting.

Master of Business Administration (MBA)

An MBA can help prepare you for a business career as a manager, chief executive officer, or similar administrative role.

A background in business or a similar area of study can be helpful in understanding business and leadership concepts explored in an MBA program. An MBA can be a flexible degree because specializations are usually offered so you can study a certain aspect of business, such as project management or business analytics.

Masters in Communication

Communication can be one of the easiest masters programs to get into, depending on the school, because it usually doesn’t require a specific undergraduate degree for entry.

Communication graduate programs can be useful for pursuing a career that requires advanced communication techniques, such as marketing manager or public relations manager. Topics typically covered in this program include digital media, mass communication, and public and media relations.

Masters in Criminal Justice

A masters in criminal justice studies criminology and various aspects of crime, such as cybercrime, the justice system, forensics, and crime and justice policies.

Some master’s in criminal justice programs are offered fully online and have accelerated semester schedule options, making the program more flexible. A master’s in criminal justice can be useful for senior-level positions, such as senior correction officer, fraud investigator, federal agent, or criminologist.

Masters in Education and Teaching

A masters degree in education and teaching can help you advance in your career and increase your earning potential. Some education careers that typically require a masters degree include instructional coordinator, dean of students, and principal.

If you currently hold a bachelor’s in education and enjoyed taking the undergraduate coursework required, you might find the courses in a master’s in education easier to complete.

Masters in Healthcare Administration

A masters in healthcare administration focuses on the development of leadership skills and practices in the healthcare industry.

Some courses typically offered in this program include organizational behavior, data-driven healthcare management, and legal and ethical issues in healthcare. A master’s in healthcare administration is designed to prepare you for a leadership position in various sectors of the healthcare industry, such as hospital administration, healthcare advocacy, or healthcare consulting.

Masters in Human Resources

Some masters in human resources programs are available fully online with a non-thesis track option. Your coursework may review foundational topics relating to HR functions before diving into advanced HR topics related to employment law and ethics, talent management, organizational development, and HR information systems.

This degree can be useful if you want to pursue a leadership position in HR, such as chief HR officer, training and development manager, or HR director.

Masters in Human Services

A masters in human services can introduce you to strategic management practices for human services programs. Financial management, human services program design and evaluation, and social policy and advocacy are a few of the topics that may be studied.

With a master’s in the field, some professionals pursue a career as a human services administrator, human services program director, social and community services manager, or similar leadership role.

Masters in Information Technology (IT)

An IT masters program builds upon IT fundamentals and concepts typically studied at the undergraduate level. Some topics explored in a master’s in IT program might include IT systems planning and development, database design, and data visualization.

This program may help you develop skills and knowledge in IT and computer science that can be applied to a career in data analytics, IT security, software engineering, or information systems management.

Masters in Liberal Arts

A masters in liberal arts is generally considered a flexible degree program because you have the opportunity to focus your studies on several subjects within the arts and humanities.

This multidisciplinary program may help you develop effective communication, critical reasoning, and problem-solving skills that are essential to a variety of careers. A master’s degree in liberal arts can be applied to numerous industries, such as education, business, or art and entertainment.

Masters in Marketing

A master’s in marketing can be valuable if you’re interested in pursuing a leadership role in the marketing sector of the business environment.

Some careers that may be attainable with this degree include market research analyst, marketing manager, sales manager, and public relations manager. Major coursework for this degree focuses on advanced marketing concepts, such as marketing management, product development, brand management, pricing strategy, and consumer behavior.

Masters in Nursing (MSN)

A Master of Science in Nursing is generally a career-oriented program that allows current or aspiring nursing professionals to specialize in a specific area of nursing.

Advanced nursing and healthcare topics are the primary focus of major coursework. Some online programs may have in-person residency requirements. An MSN can be useful for many nursing-related careers that typically require a master’s degree, such as advanced practice registered nurse (APRN), nursing educator, or nurse manager.

Masters in Psychology

A masters degree in psychology studies various types of psychology, along with research methods, psychophysiology, and psychopharmacology.

Specializations for this degree are usually available to allow students to concentrate on a specific aspect of psychology, such as industrial-organizational psychology, clinical psychology, or applied developmental psychology. This degree can be useful for many careers in the psychology field that require an advanced degree, such as psychologist, guidance counselor, and clinical social worker.

Masters in Social Work (MSW)

A Master of Social Work provides an overview of the fundamentals of social work and human behavior before diving into more advanced topics, like research methods for social workers, psychopathology, and social policy.

Most major coursework typically falls under one of the branches of social science. Some careers that typically require a master’s degree in social work or a similar field include school counselor and clinical social worker.

Masters in Sports Management

Online masters in sports management degrees introduce students to management strategies and practices relevant to the sports industry.

Some topics that might be explored include sports event and organization management, strategic marketing, sport finance, and facility management. Some careers this degree can be useful for include athletic director, coach, sports event coordinator, and sports facility manager. Non-thesis tracks for this degree are available, which may be completed in less than 2 years.

How to Choose an Easy Graduate School to Get Into

There are several factors that can influence how easy it is to get into graduate school. To find the easiest graduate schools to get into, you can ask yourself these questions:

• What is the acceptance rate?
• Does the school require test scores?
• Is there a minimum GPA requirement?
• Are there any prerequisite requirements?

Schools often post their acceptance rates online, which is one of the best ways to determine how easy it is to get into the school. Schools with a low acceptance rate are more competitive than schools with high acceptance rates. A high acceptance rate is generally considered at least 50% or higher. This means that at least half of the students who applied were admitted.

Other factors to consider are admissions requirements. Some schools have more rigorous admissions requirements than others. For example, some degree programs require students to hold a specific undergraduate degree to be admitted.

Common Graduate School Admissions Requirements

Admissions requirements can differ between graduate schools, but these are some basic requirements you may encounter:

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution
• Official transcripts
• Minimum GPA
• GRE or GMAT scores (only some schools require them)

The most basic admissions requirements that nearly every grad school will have include an undergraduate degree and official transcripts.

Some schools may have additional requirements, such as a minimum GPA or standardized test scores. While not all schools request them, many graduate schools also ask for letters of recommendation and a personal statement.

Easiest Master Degrees Accreditation

Accreditation is an important factor to consider no matter what degree you want to pursue. Colleges and universities can choose to seek regional accreditation from a regional accrediting agency. Accredited institutions are recognized as offering quality educational services and resources.

Accreditation can be important for graduate school admissions eligibility, employment opportunities, financial aid eligibility, and overall assurance that you’re receiving a quality education. You can search the US Department of Education ’s school database to find accredited postsecondary institutions.

Financial Aid and Scholarships

When narrowing down your list of easy graduate schools to get into, affordability can play a key role. To determine if you’re eligible for federal aid, such as student loans, you can submit a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) through the US Department of Education.

Many schools offer financial assistance to students who demonstrate financial need based on their FAFSA results. Your state may also use these results to determine your eligibility for any state aid opportunities. Financial assistance for college can come in many forms, including loans, grants, work-study programs, employer programs, and scholarships.

Is It Hard to Get Into Grad School?

The level of difficulty to get into grad school can vary and ultimately depends on the school and program of study. Some graduate schools have more rigorous admissions requirements, such as GRE test scores, an admissions interview, or a high minimum GPA. Is it hard to get into grad school ? Grad schools that are considered hard to get into generally have low acceptance rates.

Easy grad schools to get into typically have high acceptance rates. Some also do not require additional admissions criteria outside of the basic requirements of a bachelors degree and official transcripts.

What Do Grad Schools Look For?

While every school is different, here are some things graduate admissions offices often look for when considering prospective students:

• Strong personal statement
• Academic performance
• Coursework completed in your undergraduate program
• Relevant internship, volunteer, or work experience

So, what do graduate schools look for in applicants? If a personal statement is required, graduate schools usually want to know what your interests are and how they relate to the program you’re applying for. Grad schools may also take any relevant work experience you have into consideration. Official transcripts are used to review academic performance and relevant coursework.

Can You Get Into Grad School with a Low GPA?

There are low GPA masters programs available. A satisfactory GPA score for many graduate programs is a 3.0 or higher. But, there are master’s programs that set the minimum GPA requirements at 2.5 or lower.

While having a low GPA may limit your choices, there are still grad schools that accept students with a lower GPA. There are also other opportunities in the application process—such as in a statement of purpose or letters of recommendation—where you can highlight your academic achievements and strengths.

What Are Easy Masters Degrees That Pay Well?

Some masters degrees that are considered less difficult and can lead to high-paying careers include those in communication, education, human resources, business administration, and information technology.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics , here are the median annual salaries of high-paying careers that may be attainable with a master’s degree:

• Computer and information systems managers — $164,070
• Marketing managers — $140,040
• Human resources managers — $130,000
• Public relations managers — $129,430
• K-12 education administrators — $101,320

Salary ranges and job availability can vary depending on your chosen industry, level of education, work experience, employer, and location.

Is Grad School Worth It?

Yes, grad school is worth it for many students. Earning a masters degree may demonstrate to employers that you have the skills and abilities to perform specialized tasks or take on additional responsibilities.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the unemployment rate for professionals with a master’s degree is lower compared to professionals with an undergraduate degree or no college experience. There are also many graduate degree careers that are expected to have a faster or much faster than average job growth rate over the next ten years.

Universities Offering Easy Masters Degree Programs Online

Methodology: The following school list is in alphabetical order. To be included, a college or university must be regionally accredited and offer degree programs online or in a hybrid format.

The Academy of Art University offers a limited number of online graduate programs for students seeking a career in the arts. The school does not require GRE or GMAT scores or letters of recommendation to apply. A master’s degree can potentially be earned in just 4 semesters. Many courses are asynchronous or available via Zoom.

Academy of Art University is accredited by WASC Senior College and University Commission.

Bellevue University does not require test scores from graduate applicants. To apply, prospective students must hold a 2.5 GPA in the last 60 credits of their bachelor’s degrees. A graduate degree may be earned fully online through asynchronous courses. Many courses are taken in an accelerated format, and there are start dates offered throughout the year.

Bellevue University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

Brigham Young University does not require test scores or letters of recommendation for graduate applicants. Students must complete an ecclesiastical endorsement and hold a bachelor’s degree with a 3.0 GPA. Students may be able to complete most of their courses in an online or blended format. Graduate programs are offered in athletic training, chemical engineering, and educational leadership.

BYU is accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities.

Letters of recommendation and GRE and GMAT scores are not required to apply to Colorado Technical University’s graduate program. The program requires students to have a 2.0 baccalaureate GPA. A graduate degree may be completed fully online or in a hybrid format. Fields of study offered include criminal justice, healthcare management, and computer science.

Colorado Technical University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

Many of DePaul University’s graduate programs have no test score requirements and only require a 2.5 undergraduate GPA.

DePaul offers several graduate degrees that may be earned in online or hybrid formats. Most programs offer start dates four times per year, with courses offered in the fall, winter, spring, and summer. Fields of study offered include game programming and artificial intelligence. DePaul University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association.

Grand Canyon University does not require students with baccalaureate GPAs of 2.8 to submit test scores. Those with lower GPAs may be admitted with qualifying GMAT or GRE scores. Grand Canyon University offers convenient graduate programs with online and evening classes for working students. Programs are offered in urban ministry, addiction counseling, forensic science, and more.

GCU is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

Most graduate programs at Herzing University require a 2.7 baccalaureate GPA and a graduate interview to apply. GRE and GMAT scores are typically not required. Herzing offers online graduate degrees in four industries: nursing, healthcare, behavioral health, and business. There are multiple start dates offered throughout the year.

Herzing University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

The University of Maryland Global Campus requires graduate applicants to have a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution.

Most programs allow students to enroll and start earning their first 6 credits as long as official baccalaureate transcripts are submitted before the last day of the first term of enrollment. Graduate degrees may be earned in online or hybrid formats. Courses follow a semester schedule. Fields of study offered include cybersecurity management and policy, transformational leadership, and cloud computing systems.

UMGC is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.

Wayne State College does not require graduate applicants to submit GMAT or GRE scores. The school offers several graduate degrees at an affordable tuition rate. All courses are fully online. Courses follow a semester schedule and are offered in the fall, spring, and summer. Many courses are asynchronous. Studies are offered in business administration, special education, and more.

Wayne State College is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

Weber State University only looks at a student’s last 60 hours of undergraduate credit or their GPA in specific courses for graduate admission.

The school offers graduate programs in fully online and hybrid formats. Most courses follow a semester schedule. Fields of study offered include radiologic sciences, taxation, nursing education, and systems engineering.

Weber State University is accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities.

Getting Your Master’s Degree Online

Whether you’re interested in advancing in your field or pursuing a career that requires a graduate degree, earning an online master’s degree could help you work toward your goals.

There are many reasons why a graduate school could be considered easy to get into, such as them having less strict admissions requirements, greater affordability, or a high acceptance rate. Depending on your chosen field of study, online programs may offer more flexibility that makes it easier to get your graduate degree.

You can take your first steps toward getting a graduate degree by researching accredited schools and online programs that best support your interests and career goals.

Best Global Universities for Biology and Biochemistry in the United States

These are the top universities in the United States for biology and biochemistry, based on their reputation and research in the field. Read the methodology »

To unlock more data and access tools to help you get into your dream school, sign up for the  U.S. News College Compass !

Here are the best global universities for biology and biochemistry in the United States

Harvard university, massachusetts institute of technology (mit), stanford university, university of california berkeley, university of california san francisco, university of california san diego, university of washington seattle, johns hopkins university, university of california los angeles, cornell university.

See the full rankings

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• # 1 in Best Universities for Biology and Biochemistry
• # 1 in Best Global Universities

Founded in 1636, Harvard University is the oldest higher education institution in the U.S. The bulk of Harvard's... Read More

• # 2 in Best Universities for Biology and Biochemistry
• # 2 in Best Global Universities

Massachusetts Institute of Technology, founded in 1861, is located in Cambridge, Massachusetts, near Boston. Around... Read More

• # 3 in Best Universities for Biology and Biochemistry
• # 3 in Best Global Universities

Stanford University was founded in 1885 and is located in California’s Bay Area, around 30 miles south of San Francisco... Read More

• # 4 in Best Universities for Biology and Biochemistry
• # 4 in Best Global Universities

The University of California—Berkeley is situated roughly 15 miles from San Francisco in what is known as the Bay Area... Read More

• # 5 in Best Universities for Biology and Biochemistry
• # 16 in Best Global Universities  (tie)

The University of California—San Francisco is a public institution that was founded in 1864. The health sciences-focused... Read More

• # 7 in Best Universities for Biology and Biochemistry
• # 20 in Best Global Universities

The University of California—San Diego is a public institution that was established in 1960. It is located in the La... Read More

• # 8 in Best Universities for Biology and Biochemistry
• # 6 in Best Global Universities

The University of Washington is a public institution that was founded in 1861. The school's oldest and largest campus in... Read More

• # 10 in Best Universities for Biology and Biochemistry
• # 10 in Best Global Universities

Johns Hopkins University is a private institution that was founded in 1876. The school has campuses located in and... Read More

• # 12 in Best Universities for Biology and Biochemistry
• # 14 in Best Global Universities

The University of California—Los Angeles, commonly referred to as UCLA, is a public institution that was founded in... Read More

• # 13 in Best Universities for Biology and Biochemistry
• # 21 in Best Global Universities

Cornell University is a private institution that was founded in 1865. The Ivy League school is located in Ithaca, New... Read More

Department of Biology

Graduate Studies

The application deadline for the  2024-2025  cohort is February 1, 2024. There is no application fee.

The Portland State Biology graduate program offers M.S.T, M.A., M.S, and Ph.D degree options. Admission into our program is highly competitive. Our multi-disciplinary faculty offer admitted graduate students the opportunity to conduct cutting edge research, gain professional teaching experience, and pursue an academically rigorous program which fosters professional research development. Our students graduate with the skills, knowledge, and experience necessary to be successful contributors to the scientific community.

Our campus is located in the heart of Downtown Portland, and our program draws top graduate students from around the world. Our research faculty expertise spans a broad range of disciplines within the field of Biology. Research is conducted in state-of-the-art laboratories and in field locations, from the glaciers of Antarctica, to the jungles of Central and South America, to the bamboo forests of central China. Regional collaborators include public, state and federal agencies as well as other regional institutions including, but not limited to, the Oregon Zoo, Oregon Museum of Science & Industry (OMSI), Oregon Health & Science University, and Oregon State University.

Degree Requirements

• Biology M.A./M.S.
• Biology M.A.T./M.S.T.
• Biology Ph.D.

Graduate Thesis or Dissertation

All Biology graduate students must defend a thesis or dissertation to complete the degree program. The first part of the graduate defense is a one-hour seminar that is open to the public followed by a closed-door review of the student's research with the student and the student's graduate committee.

PDXScholar maintains a  complete list  of all theses and dissertations submitted to the University.  

How to Apply

Applications to the Biology Graduate Program must be made through the Graduate School ; please do not send any application materials directly to the Biology Department.

Applications are reviewed only for admission for fall term. There is no application fee. 

• Graduate School
• Thesis & Dissertation Info
• Grad Dates & Deadlines
• Graduate School Forms
• Joint Campus Registration
• Biology Grad Handbook
• Graduate Learning Objectives

Biology Graduate programs that are easy to get into?

<p>I don’t have the greatest GPA In the world (3.2), but I do have a lot of research experience. I wanted to know if there are programs easy to get into that I could use as my kind of “if all else fails” option. Thanks ! </p>

<p>No STEM graduate departments are easy to get into. And what you hear from PhD candidates is that their departments look not only for a decent GPA (at least 3.0 but most candidates have much higher marks) but also for an applicant’s sense of team work and ability to collaborate. You’ve got to do some significant investigation to find out what these programs are searching for. “Fit” in a grad department is critical.</p>

<p>Do you think my GPA is too low?</p>

<p>No, you can find a program which will admit you. Graduate admissions is a holistic enterprise. GPA is not the end-all.</p>

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How to Choose a Graduate School: 7 Tips for Success

So you’ve made the decision to go to grad school. You’ve weighed your options , researched the benefits of a graduate education , and discovered the value of having an advanced degree . Now it’s time to choose which program to pursue—a task that can seem overwhelming given the number of options available.

But the process doesn’t have to be so daunting. There are actions you can take to make choosing a graduate degree program more manageable—exciting, even. As you take the next step toward your personal and professional goals, take note of the following tips to help you choose a graduate school and degree program best suited for you.

Difference Between Grad School and Undergrad Programs

Before you start searching for the right graduate school for you, it’s essential to know what to expect for this new career trajectory you’ll be embarking on. Unlike an undergraduate program, grad programs are highly specialized and much more advanced in your field of study.

Prospective graduate students can expect a far more individualized experience as they work closely with students and professors. Due to this specialization, entering a graduate program will be an investment of time that’ll ultimately help elevate your expertise and career choices.

Tips for Choosing a Graduate School

1. Take inventory of your passions and motivations.

Pursuing a graduate education is a big investment, so it’s critical to understand the unique “ why ” behind your decision. What do you hope to achieve by going back to school? Whether you’d like to gain more specialized knowledge, change careers, earn a promotion, increase your salary potential, or achieve a lifelong personal goal, make sure the program you choose will help get you there.

Examine the curricula and course descriptions of various degree programs, and assess how each offering aligns with your passions and interests. Graduate school is challenging, but it will feel more manageable if you’re working toward something that matters to you. Understanding your expectations and what you want to get out of the program is the first step in choosing a degree that will be a good fit.

2. Do your research and explore your options.

Once you’ve determined your motivations for returning to school, leave yourself time to research the types of degree programs available in your preferred area of study and the opportunities each can create.

Resources like the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics’ Occupational Outlook Handbook can give you a sense of typical career paths by industry, along with the educational degree requirements for each. The handbook also provides market growth forecasts and earning potential to help inform your decision.

It’s also important to note the structure and focus of each program. Even in the same discipline, a program’s focus can vary among institutions. Does the curriculum emphasize theory, original research, or a more practical application of knowledge? Whatever your goals may be, make sure the program’s focus aligns with the educational experience that will provide you with the most value. Career changers, for example, who likely don’t have industry experience, might prefer a program with access to hands-on learning opportunities or a path for completing prerequisites like Northeastern’s Align and Bridge programs.

While conducting your research, don’t be afraid to utilize your professional network. Speak with colleagues who have pursued an advanced degree in your industry and reach out to alumni of the institutions you’re considering. Listening to their experiences as a graduate student and in the job market post-degree can help you gauge if the program is in line with your goals.

3. Keep your career goals in mind.

After exploring your range of program options, consider your career goals and how each specific graduate program can help you get there.

If you’re seeking a specialized area of focus, be sure to examine the program concentrations offered at each institution. One graduate program in education might prepare you to specialize in higher education administration or elementary instruction, while other institutions may offer concentrations in special education or classroom technology. Make sure the program you choose reflects your career interests.

Alternatively, if you’re unsure of exactly where your career path may take you, you may want to consider a broader degree that can give you flexibility in its application. Some degree programs, such as a Master of Business Administration , teach skills that can be applied across multiple professions. If this is the path you’d prefer to pursue, pick a degree that will remain relevant as you move around in your career.

Examine the types of credentials professionals in the industry possess and research the types of skills potential employers are looking for. Check to see that the degree program offers opportunities to learn and develop those same skills. You’ll want to make sure the program you’re investing your time in will arm you with the knowledge you can actually apply in the real world.

Some professions also require board certification and/or state licensure. For example, someone interested in becoming a ​​project manager must complete 35 hours of relevant training before gaining eligibility to sit for the certification exam. You’ll want to ensure that the graduate program you ultimately decide on is fully accredited and will help you meet any certification or licensure requirements.

Location is also an important factor to consider when thinking about potential employment opportunities after graduation. Individuals interested in financial services may consider schools in a major banking center, such as Charlotte , while those pursuing a technology career might look for programs in Silicon Valley .

Further, if your goal is to work for a specific company, do your research to determine where graduates of the programs you’re looking at are working. Universities often have corporate partnerships in which employers recruit graduates to work at their organization. Check to see if your dream company partners with any nearby universities.

4. Make sure the program fits your lifestyle.

While aligning your career goals, make sure the degree program you choose will realistically fit within your lifestyle, and determine what level of flexibility you need. There are many options available that will allow you to earn an advanced degree at the right pace and in the right format for you.

Some degrees can be earned in as little as 12 months, while others can take years. Determine how much time you’re willing to invest, considering your personal values, work and family commitments, and the type of graduate experience you’d like to have.

Full-time graduate studies are not for everyone. If you’re a working professional, you may benefit from the increased flexibility provided by a part-time degree program. You might also consider the benefits of online or hybrid graduate programs that provide access to worldwide institutions that may have otherwise not been an option.

5. Consider your finances.

Decide what you can afford for graduate school, and don’t forget to factor in both the up-front costs, such as tuition and textbooks, and hidden fees, like transportation and student activity costs. While your education is an investment, make sure you can cover the costs associated with earning your graduate degree.

Paying for graduate school can seem intimidating, but there are many different options available to you. While you narrow down your list of schools, be sure to check out the financial aid options at each institution. Along with scholarships , loans, and grants, some schools may offer assistantships or fellowships for graduate students.

For those who may already be working in their industry, your employer may offer tuition reimbursement , which pays for a predetermined amount of continuing education credits or college coursework to be applied toward a degree. Contact your company’s human resources department to determine whether tuition reimbursement is available to you and if your program of interest meets the eligibility requirements.

All of these options will help ease the costs associated with your education and could help you earn valuable experience to enhance your resumé. You may also want to consider your future earning potential and job opportunities when weighing your options—you want your degree to be worth the money, time, and energy you put into earning it.

6. Talk to admissions advisors, students, and alumni.

When determining your graduate school options, it’s important to talk to current students and alumni. Begin by creating a list of questions to ask, such as:

• Do you have enough academic and career guidance?
• What do you like and dislike about your program?
• Are you happy with your professors?
• Are there co-op and internship opportunities available to you?
• How do you feel about the student community?
• What do you wish you knew before enrolling?

What students and alumni tell you might surprise you and could be extremely valuable in determining the right graduate school for you.

Speak With a Student Ambassador

 Talk to an ambassador who’s been there and done that.

You can also speak with graduate admissions advisors to help you narrow your options. They have experience guiding students to make this type of decision and can provide you with the outcomes of past students whose goals were similar to yours. In speaking with the institution’s alumni and mentor network, you also have the opportunity to assess the type of connections you can make there and how they may help you get ahead after graduation.

7. Network with faculty.

Faculty can make or break your graduate school experience. Take the time to reach out to your potential professors and get to know them. Don’t be afraid to ask specific questions about their background to see if it aligns with what you want to learn.

Apply to universities that have one or more professors who focus on your area of interest and with whom you can imagine collaborating while earning your degree. Determine if they can help facilitate your growth, and go with a program where you’re comfortable with the faculty.

Applying to Graduate School

After narrowing down your options and determining which graduate programs align most closely with your career goals, lifestyle, and personal interests, you’re ready to begin the application process. It might seem intimidating, but applying to graduate school is simple so long as you remain organized and are well-prepared.

While the application requirements may look different depending on the institution and type of degree program you’re applying to, there are certain materials that you’ll likely be asked for as part of your grad school application. These include:

• An application form
• Undergraduate transcripts
• A well-optimized professional resumé
• A statement of purpose or personal statement
• Letters of recommendation
• GRE, GMAT, or LSAT test scores (if required)
• An application fee

Do your research to determine what the application requirements are for your program of choice, and remain conscious of deadlines. 

Remember that Graduate School Is a Stepping Stone

When deciding which program to pursue, it’s important to remember that graduate school is a stepping stone toward your personal and professional goals—not the final destination. That said, the clearer you are on what you want to do following graduation, the easier it will be to find a program that aligns with your goals.

Start early, keep your search organized , and reach out for support. In the end, only you can decide which program will be best for you. No matter what program you choose to pursue, with commitment, resilience, and hard work, you can find success.

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About shayna joubert, related articles.

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Did you know.

Advanced degree holders earn a salary an average 25% higher than bachelor's degree holders. (Economic Policy Institute, 2021)

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