Biological Science - Graduate Studies
Florida State University
Florida State University
Admission to the graduate program in Biological Science with a focus on Neuroscience requires the sponsorship of a faculty member. While a faculty sponsor is not required prior to application, prospective students will need a faculty member willing to serve as their formal mentor for full consideration during the application review. Therefore, applicants are strongly encouraged to contact and communicate with prospective faculty members prior to applying to the program. Early communication achieves multiple objectives: Prospective students 1) can verify that faculty members are interested in accepting students, 2) can identify faculty members that are a potentially good match and can support their aspirations, and 3) can maximize the probability that their application packets will be fully considered by the faculty members who are willing to sponsor you as a student.
See the Neuroscience Faculty webpage for a list of faculty, their research interests and contact information to inquire whether they are willing to accept students.
The departmental contact person for information on the graduate programs in Biological Science is the Graduate Coordinator, April Wooten, e-mail: gradinfo@bio.fsu.edu
The application to Florida State University must be submitted online. The Admissions pages prompt you to choose the Ph.D. or M.S. degree and to select the graduate program (select the Major "Biological Science"). Applications will not be reviewed until all materials, including the application processing fee, have been received.
Priority deadline for applications is December 1st.
Previous Degree(s) earned and GPA: A bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited U.S. institution, or comparable degree from an international institution, with a minimum 3.0 (on a 4.0 scale) GPA in all upper-division undergraduate coursework, OR a graduate degree from a regionally accredited U.S. institution, or a comparable degree from an international institution.
Transcripts: Official transcripts from each college and/or university the applicant attended will be required prior to admission. University policy allows for application review based on unofficial transcripts uploaded by the applicants. See the FSU Graduate Application Process for further information.
GRE: GRE scores are not required for students who are granted a GRE waiver based on meeting specific criteria demonstrating readiness for graduate work. To apply for a waiver click here
English Language Proficiency Requirements (International Only): The following are minimun scores required for admission:
TOEFL: 92 total, 26 on speaking
IELTS: 7.0 total, 6.5 on speaking
You should request that official test scores be sent to FSU (school code 5219). Although official scores are required for admission, we will begin to review your application with self-reported scores, which you can submit along with your application.
TOEFL/IELTS scores are not required if you are from a country where English is the primary spoken language or if you have a graduate degree from an institution in an English speaking country. More information of English Language Proficiency requirements is available on the Graduate School International Admissions website.
Letters: 3 letters of recomendation to be uploaded into your application by the individuals who will be submitting the letters. These letters should be from faculty and/or employers familiar with your academic background and/or research experience who can comment on your experience, capabilities, and/or promise in research and academic settings.
Be sure to notify your recommenders in advance that they will receive email instructions for uploading their letters directly to your application.
Graduate Research Statement: Tips for preparing your statement of research intersests are available.
Curriculum Vitae (CV): An up-to-date CV or resume that includes all your education and employment information, research experience, skills and any scientific presentations and publications.
Biological Sciences Supplemental Application: This form will be available on the Status Page of your online application. On this form you'll specify Neuroscience as your area of interest and list at least one faculty member with whom you have communicated and identified as a potential faculty sponsor. As each area conducts their own independent review process, this step is essential to ensure that your application is identified as a Neuroscience Area application and directed to your potential faculty sponsor(s) and the Neuroscience area faculty for review.
Application Fee: An application fee of $30.00 USD can be paid by credit card, debit card, or e-check. Unfortunately the Office of Admissions is unable to waive application fee payment for graduate applicants.
Note: Meeting the minimum admissions requirements does not guarentee admission into our program.
IMPORTANT: Many of FSU's official communications, inculding your admission decision are sent electronically by the FSU Graduate School. Please make sure that we have your most up-to-date email address and check it regularly. Adding graduateadmissions@admin.fsu.edu to your address book can prevent missed emails due to incoming or inbox filters.
Please contact the FSU Biology Graduate Office at gradinfo@bio.fsu.edu if you need assistance or have any questions about the application process.