About PhD Program,
The life of an MIT biology graduate student is a rich amalgam of experiences—academic, scientific, social, and recreational. Our first-year students work and study together, forming friendships and creating a supportive, interactive environment. Graduate students fuel research success and frequently contribute to exciting, cutting-edge discoveries. The extraordinary quality of our graduate students is a significant factor in our ability to attract and retain outstanding faculty.
Our department and graduate program have been consistently ranked in the top 5 (often #1) in the rankings published by the National Academy of Sciences and by US News and World Reports. Our students and faculty work hard and take education and research seriously, but we are committed to fostering an atmosphere of excitement, collaboration, and support, not competition.
One of the ways that our program stands out from others is the organization of the first year. Our students engage in an intensive, focused curriculum in lecture and discussion-style subjects. Before choosing a lab and thesis topic, students are introduced to the research interests of all faculty members in the Department through talks, poster presentations, and meetings.
PhD Program Degree Eligibility with GPA,
Students enroll in the PhD program following three stages in the admissions process. Most applications from domestic applicants are read by at least three faculty members, and the top ~25% are discussed by a committee of 22 faculty members with extensive experience in graduate education. Based on this evaluation, students are invited to interview in-person. About 20% of domestic applicants are interviewed. Among all interviewed students, approximately 80% are admitted and 45% of those matriculate in the program. Note that the selection process for international students includes additional screening steps, because we receive a large number of applications for a small number of funded positions.
The current student population is 58% female. About 21% of current students are domestic students from racial and ethnic groups underrepresented in science. International students comprise 14% of current students.
PhD Funding Coverage,
All graduate students receive:
- Full-tuition coverage
- Stipend to cover living expenses
- Individual Health Insurance – MIT Student Extended Insurance Plan.
Graduate fellowships and scholarships
We encourage applicants and current students to apply for independent funding from outside organizations.
Fellowships for U.S. citizens and permanent residents
Fellowships for international students
Fellowships for U.S. citizens and international students
Application Requirement,
Students in the MIT Biology PhD program come from a wide range of disciplines and backgrounds and we value this diversity. We use a holistic evaluation process to identify students of outstanding promise. This includes assessing preparation, aptitude, and motivation based on coursework, previous research experiences, and other scientific accomplishments. Letters of recommendation and a personal essay are key parts of the application that help us understand each student’s interests, preparation, and unique circumstances. We do not require GRE scores and we do not use numerical cutoffs (e.g., GPA) at any stage of evaluation. Importantly, we strive to identify students who have taken full advantage of the opportunities afforded to them, recognizing that the extent or nature of these opportunities will vary widely.
Application Deadline,
Dec 01, 2024
Application Fee,
Please refer official website
