School of Arts and Sciences
Department of Biology

Graduate Admissions and Aid

Application to the graduate program in Biology is made through the Office of Graduate Admissions. Please visit the Graduate Admissions website for information such as:

  • How to Apply
  • Application Deadlines
  • Requirements and Policies for Biology Programs
  • Funding Opportunities - There are a variety of funding opportunities for graduate students. Within the department you can apply for The Lily Glidden Award. Students in the Biology department have received grants from outside sources such as NSF, Fulbright, EPA and DOD. The Tufts graduate school offers awards for research and travel expenses.
  • GSAS Return to Tufts Program (formerly the TuftsPlus Program) - Offers tuition scholarships to Tufts undergraduates who are admitted to a Tufts master's program. It also offers a streamlined application process in which the GRE requirement is waived and only two letters of recommendation are required.
  • Courses at Tufts - Created for people who want access to superior graduate-level courses but don't need or want a graduate degree, through Courses at Tufts, individuals can take the same classes as our graduate students and may enroll, for either credit or audit, in up to four graduate courses per semester.

Admission decisions are made by the Graduate Admissions Committee of the Department of Biology. We prioritize applicants who can demonstrate a high potential for success and passion for their Research Areas.

Note for PhD Applicants

We encourage applicants to the doctoral program to contact possible faculty mentors for further information about specific topics and availability of research opportunities. PhD applicants are also highly encouraged to check off one or two concentration areas of interest, and list potential faculty mentors in the space provided on the application. If the Admissions Committee determines that you are a candidate for our program, you will be invited for an interview and visit to the department in February or March.

Tuition Scholarships

PhD Candidates: Students admitted to the PhD program receive full tuition scholarships, a competitive stipend, and health coverage (guaranteed for six years). The stipend is supported by working as a teaching assistant, or, in many cases by paid research assistantships. If research assistantships are not available, students will continue to be supported as teaching assistants. Thus, the department is committed to supporting students throughout their dissertation research.

Master's Candidates: For students entering the Open Choice MS program, there are limited tuition scholarships available to help defray about 25% of tuition expenses. All students pay health service and other fees and must be covered by health insurance. Students who are U.S. citizens, or foreign students who reside in the U.S. and are fluent in English, are eligible for paid teaching assistantships that will support living expenses. Students admitted from foreign countries who are not fluent in English may not be eligible for paid teaching assistantships until the second year, and must provide evidence of independent support of living expenses for the first year. To apply for tuition scholarships please complete the Financial Aid Application section of the online application.

More Information

FAQs for Prospective Graduate Students

For general information on the Biology department graduate program or application process, please email the Biology Department Graduate Program Assistant or call the department office at (617) 627-3195.

For more specific questions about the academic or scientific aspects of the program not covered on this website, please email the Program Director, Prof. Eric Tytell.