1. Personal Statement - Use this component to tell the admissions committee about yourself, your research experience, the area of research you are interested in, why you want a PhD, which researchers at UAB you are interested in, etc. This would also be the place to address any gaps or inconsistencies in your timeline. We recommend uploading all documents as PDFs to maintain formatting.

2. Resume or Curriculum Vita - Include relevant research experience, publications, presentations, awards, etc.

3. Three (3) Letters of recommendation – Letters should be submitted by professionals who are in a position to provide appropriate input with a thorough knowledge on the applicants academic ability and potential to succeed in the Biotechnology PhD program.

4. OFFICIAL Transcripts – For the initial application review, we can accept unofficial transcripts (if from an institution outside the US, they must be WES evaluated). If offered admission, we will then require official documents. Submit transcripts from all post-secondary institutions attended, including community colleges and high school dual-enrollment. If you have any questions about international transcripts or documentation, please contact International Admissions (intladmin@uab.edu).

5. WES evaluation – for international applicant transcripts

6. English proficiency score minimums for international students:

• TOEFL - 80
• IELTS - 6.5
• PTEA - 53
• IELA - 176
• Duolingo - 120

*Scores must not be more than two (2) years old.

7. Online application including all required documents must be “complete in the UAB system” to be considered for review

8. Scientific research or life science / biotechnology industry research experience highly recommended, but not required with excellent undergraduate/master’s level academic performance.

For more Information visit: https://www.uab.edu/gradadmissions/apply. Selected students will also be required to complete an interview with the faculty before final acceptance into the program.

The following items are NOT required for submission:

• Scientific research or life science / biotechnology industry research experience highly recommended but not required.
• GRE scores not required
• Master of Science Degree not required
• No specific course requirements but scientific background preferred

Program requirements for course work may exceed the Graduate School minimum but may not be less than the Graduate School minimum. Applicants must follow the biotechnology program curriculum plan as advised by the program director.

Program Completion Requirements

Credit hours required in program core courses: 27
Credit hours in additional required courses: 30*
     *(9 of these 30 hours are elective or certificate courses)
Credit hours in required research courses: 27
Total credit hours required for completion: 84