University of North Texas 
For step-by-step instructions on the graduate application process, please visit the UNT Graduate Admissions website. This will include details on how to submit application materials including transcripts, letters of recommendation, and other required items.
Departmental Graduate Application Deadlines:
Our graduate programs begin in Fall or Spring. All applications, forms, and other required material must be recieved by the deadline.
- Spring entry application deadline: August 1
- Fall entry application deadline: December 1
Important: Only students who meet the minimum requirements should proceed with completing an application. It is the responsibility of the applicant to determine if all the required application materials have been submitted. Incomplete applications are not reviewed for an admissions decision and will be denied. Applications received after the deadline will not be considered for admission and/or financial assistantship.
Degree and GPA Requirements:
- Bachelor's degree with 24 hours in life science or appropriate related scientific field with 12 hours of advanced related coursework
- Undergraduate GPA greater than or equal to 3.0 overall and greater than or equal to 3.2 in the last 60 hours
- Master's degree in life science with a research-based thesis is desirable for Ph.D. programs in Biology or Biochemistry and Molecular Biology.
- GPA greater than or equal to 3.4 overall for any prior graduate work.
Major Professor Requirement:
- Agreement by a faculty member to serve as the applicant's major professor (i.e., advisor) or the Biochemistry & Molecular Biology Rotation Entrance Committee (see BMB rotations) is required to apply to the M.S. (thesis) or Ph.D. degree programs in Biology or Biochemistry & Molecular Biology.
English Proficiency Requirement:
- For international students whose native language is not English, scores on the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL), or equivalent, that meets or exceeds the International Admissions Office requirements. See this link for more details on accepted English Language: https://www.unt.edu/admissions/international/english-language-requirements.html
GRE Requirements:
- We no longer require the GRE, but you are welcome to upload your scores with your application if you have them.
Required Application Materials for Consideration:
A statement of purpose should demonstrate your potential to make meaningful contributions to your field of interest and succeed in a rigorous academic environment and provide insights into your development as a scientist. The statement should address the following:
- Long-Term Goals - Describe your academic/professional aspirations and explain how graduate studies align with your long-term career objectives.
- Motivation for Pursuing the Chosen Graduate Degree - Explain why you want to pursue this specific degree and how the program will help you achieve your goals.
- Academic Preparation and Training - Discuss how your academic background, training, and experiences have prepared you for success at graduate level study. Include relevant laboratory, internship, professional or research experiences, including the research goals, role you played, any resulting presentations or publications, and significance of the experience.
- Research Interest and Program Fit - Articulate your research interests and explain how they fit with the ongoing research within the Department. Discuss how your interests connect with the work of your intended major professor (graduate advisor) or faculty who participate in the Biochemistry & Molecular Biology rotation program.
- Additional Information (optional) - Address any academic challenges, transcript discrepancies, or other circumstances that may not accurately reflect your potential for graduate study or anything else you feel is important for consideration.
Your updated academic resume or CV.
Three letters of recommendation from professionals who can attest to your academic or research potential. Applicants should input recommender emails when completing the application, and recommenders will receive requests to upload their letters. Please instruct your recommenders to upload their signed letters on university or company letterhead. It is the responsibility of the applicant to ensure that all recommendation letters are received by the application deadline.
The agreeing major professor or Biochemistry & Molecular Biology Rotation Entrance Committee chair (see Biochemistry & Molecular Biology rotations) must upload a Major Professor Form (link).
Please input the information of your major professor (or the Rotation Entrance Committee chair) in the 4th recommender request slot in the application portal and they will upload the Major Professor Form.
In the event your major professor is also providing a letter of recommendation (primarily applies to current UNT student applicants), you will be unable to input their email twice in the application portal, so the applicant must request that the major professor email the completed Major Professor Form to the Student and Program Coordinator at biology.grad@unt.edu and it will be attached to your application. It is the responsibility of the applicant to ensure that the major professor has submitted the “major professor form” by the application deadline.
Admission to the graduate program does not guarantee financial support. We encourage discussing financial support with your major professor. Students can be self-supported or supported by research- or teaching- assistantships. If an applicant would like to be considered for a Teaching Assistantship (TA), they must include the TA Application Form (link) with their application.
Upload scores on the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL), or equivalent, that meets or exceeds the International Admissions Office requirements.