Ph.D. in Applied Biology

To provide students an area of focus within the broad field of biology, the Applied Biology program includes four options. 

• Biomedical Science 
• Developmental & Evolutionary Biology 
• Quantitative Biology & Biophysics 
• Cellular & Molecular Biology 

Students select their option anytime during their first two years in the program. Each option contains a list of approved advanced option graduate courses. Students are required to complete at least four advanced courses in their option and two courses outside of their option.

For more information on the curriculum including course listings and degree pathways, visit the Graduate Catalog.

Specific aspects of admission to the Applied Biology Program are described below. These policies are in addition to all the standard requirements for graduate admission described by UMass Lowell Graduate Admissions office.

Faculty Sponsorship

Admission to the Applied Biology Ph.D. program is contingent on securing a faculty sponsor. It is the responsibility of the applicant to identify potential advisors, communicate with them, and secure a letter of sponsorship from at least one. Letters of sponsorship should be uploaded with your application, and are separate from your three letters of recommendation. Applications that lack a letter of sponsorship are not considered complete, and will not move on to the next round of consideration. Many faculty have their own process for selecting among prospective Ph.D. students, so it is best to contact them early in your application process. Students will have the opportunity to select a different permanent advisor during year 1, but it is anticipated that one of the predetermined potential advisors will serve as the permanent dissertation advisor.

Exams

The Graduate Record Exam (GRE) is not required for admission, but may be requested by a faculty sponsor during the evaluation process. The TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language), IELTS, or Duolingo English Test are required from international applicants that come from countries where English is not the primary (official) or second predominant language. A minimum score of 90 is required on the TOEFL.

Personal Statement

A personal statement must be submitted that describes the student’s educational background, research experience, and career goals. The student must identify at least one potential faculty advisor in the statement. Particular attention will be given to students who have research experience and display a commitment to pursuing excellence in science.

Letters of Recommendation

Three letters of recommendation from professional sources must be submitted at the time of application. Sources may include academic professionals or supervisors/colleagues from a current or previous employer. 

Application Deadline

February 15, applications received after 2/15 will be considered depending on RA/TA availability.

See the UMass Lowell online Graduate Catalog for additional requirements of the program.

Visit the Graduate Admissions website for more information about the application process.

To facilitate research and academic achievement, the Department of Biological Sciences offers at least two years of teaching assistant support for Applied Biology students. Support includes tuition, fees and a stipend for living expenses. 

In subsequent years support funding can be supplied by the department, training programs and faculty research grants. Applied Biology is a multi-department program. Additional grants, scholarships or research support opportunities may be available through individual departments/programs. Applicants are strongly encouraged to have established contact with potential research mentors before applying.

Breakdown of tuition and fees

IN-STATE

Cost Per Credit: $842.21*

OUT-OF-STATE/INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS

Cost Per Credit: $1,496.66*

*These estimated graduate charges are for the 2019-2020 academic year. These prices are subject to change by vote of the UMass Board of Trustees.

FINANCING

• Reduced tuition programs: includes scholarships, financial aid and paid internships for qualifying students
• Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA): U.S. residents are eligible to file to qualify for loans and other grant programs

For more information on tuition and financing, visit Costs & Aid for Graduate Programs.