Graduate Admissions
Advance your research. Shape your future.
Our graduate programs are designed for students who want to deepen their expertise through research, mentorship and discovery. You’ll work closely with faculty, contribute to active research programs and prepare for careers in academia, industry, health and public service.
🎓 Expert Mentorship
Study with faculty who are internationally recognized researchers and committed mentors. Graduate students work closely with advisors, research teams and peers in a collaborative environment that supports intellectual growth and professional development.
🌍 A City on the Rise
Buffalo offers the benefits of a major research city without the high cost of living. You will find strong connections to hospitals, research centers and community organizations in a place that values curiosity, innovation and collaboration. Discover the possibilities waiting in the Buffalo Niagara region.
💼 Career Preparation
Graduates of our programs pursue careers in research, education, health care, biotechnology, industry and public service. Through hands-on research, teaching opportunities and professional development, UB prepares you for what comes next.
Graduate degree programs
The Department of Biological Sciences offers graduate degrees designed to support a range of academic and professional goals:
- MA (SMP) in Biological Sciences: A flexible, coursework-focused program for students preparing for professional or advanced study.
- MS in Biological Sciences: A research-oriented master’s program emphasizing scientific training and mentorship.
- PhD in Biological Sciences: An intensive research program preparing students for careers in academia, industry and beyond.
All programs combine rigorous coursework with active involvement in faculty-led research.
Master's funding options
Most master’s programs are self-funded, and many students use a mix of financial aid, employment and scholarships to support their studies. Continuing your education is an important investment, and UB offers resources to help you explore available options.
PhD funding options
Academic year stipends of $23,690 and a full tuition waiver for all full-time, funded PhD students on 10-month academic teaching assistant, research assistant, or graduate assistant appointments.
- UB’s stipend levels are competitive among public Association of American Universities (AAU) member institutions.
Additional Fellowship Opportunities:
- Arthur A. Schomburg Fellowship Program: Candidates are required to be U.S. citizens or permanent residents and must demonstrate how they have overcome a disadvantage or other impediment to success in higher education. Candidates must also demonstrate a commitment to contributing to the diversity of the student body by facilitating and enhancing diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts in their academic programs and campus activities. Even though financial need is not a requirement for program eligibility, applicants may utilize economic disadvantage as a basis for eligibility. This scholarship program is open to any and all prospective candidates regardless of race, color, national origin, or sex, and is consistent with all current governing federal and state nondiscrimination law. All application submissions will be assessed and evaluated in accordance with the required eligibility criteria. Students may apply for the Schomburg Fellowship on the UB graduate application for their program.
- Presidential Fellowships: To be eligible for Presidential Fellowships, candidates must meet the criteria listed on the Presidential Fellowship page. Both domestic and international students are eligible, if they meet these criteria. For any questions regarding funding for academic year 2025–2026, contact the director of graduate studies or department chair.
Darrell Doyle Travel Award
The Darrell Doyle Travel Award honors Dr. Darrell Doyle, who served as professor and chair of Biological Sciences from 1983 to 1992 and was a dedicated mentor to graduate students. The award supports outstanding student presentations at the department’s annual research symposium.
Graduate admissions follow a centralized, department-level review process. Students are admitted to the program first and later explore research rotations or lab placements.
- You do not need to contact faculty before applying
- All admitted PhD students are automatically awarded an assistantship with funding
Application deadlines
- December 1: PhD and MS programs
- December 31: MA (SMP) Spring enrollment
- July 31: MA (SMP) Fall enrollment
Step 1: Review application requirements
When completing your online application, include the following materials:
Upload scanned copies of all undergraduate and graduate transcripts. Unofficial transcripts are acceptable for review. English translations are required when applicable.
BA/MS applicants:
To be eligible, you must be a current UB junior majoring in Biological Sciences with a GPA of 3.2 or higher and on track to complete BIO 200, 201, 203, 205 and 319 by the end of your junior year.
Include research experience when applicable. Your resume should show how you have applied ideas from coursework, developed research skills and built a foundation for graduate-level work.
Submit at least three letters. A minimum of two should come from faculty members, preferably in the sciences. Additional letters may come from supervisors or professional mentors.
Your personal statement should explain:
- Why you want to pursue a degree at UB
- Experiences that shaped your academic and research interests
- Research topics you would like to explore
- Faculty members you hope to work with and how their research aligns with your goals
- Your long-term career plans and how this program supports them
If your transcript does not fully reflect your academic ability, you may briefly explain the circumstances and how you’ve addressed them.
DAT, GRE, MCAT or PCAT scores may be submitted but are not required.
Step 2: Start your Graduate Application
Apply using UB’s online application system.
- Create an account
- Choose your program and term
- Follow the instructions for the College of Arts and Sciences
- Returning users: Log in to check your status or update your application
International Applicants
International applicants are strongly encouraged to apply early to allow time for student visa processing, which can take 1 to 4 months depending on your country of origin.
Please submit the following in addition to standard program requirements.
For admission review: (uploading unofficial versions is acceptable)
- Transcripts with English translations
- English proficiency scores (TOEFL 79, IELTS 6.5, PTE 55, Duolingo 120 or higher)
- Passport biographical page (showing name, date of birth, and expiration date)
After admission (for visa processing):
- International Applicant Financial Form
- Bank statements showing financial support equal to or greater than the full cost of the first year of graduate study
- Additional documents based on the program's funding, visa status or dependents, if requested
Non-refundable application fee: $75
After you submit your UB graduate application, you’ll be prompted to make your payment online by credit card or ACH through Nelnet.
U.S. citizens or current permanent residents may request a fee waiver through the application portal after completing the graduate application and uploading all required materials.
If you have questions about our programs, please contact:
