1. What type of preparation is required for a graduate degree in Biology at Texas A&M?
Our admissions committee expects all applicants to have a good background in basic biological sciences. Applicants should have completed introductory inorganic and organic chemistry, mathematics through calculus, and introductory physics. Introductory biology courses should include exposure to the basic principles of cellular and molecular biology, botany, zoology, and microbiology. Intermediate classes should include genetics, biochemistry, cell biology, and molecular biology. We also look carefully at each applicant's performance in advanced classes in microbiology, anatomy, physiology, systematics, developmental biology, ecology, and molecular genetics. Advanced, specialized elective courses in an applicant's area of interest greatly strengthen an application.
2. What if my degree is not in Biology? Or if I have very few of these recommended courses?
We have occasionally accepted strong students with academic backgrounds in areas other than Biology (e.g. education, social sciences), but these students are expected to have completed the introductory science courses listed above and have taken some advanced biology courses at the undergraduate or graduate levels.
3. What are the GPA/GRE requirements for your graduate program?
In evaluating a student's application, we consider not only their GPR and GRE scores, but also the courses taken, letters of recommendation, and research experience and interests. On average, the students accepted into our program have an undergraduate GPA of greater than 3.2. In the recent past, average GRE scores for entering graduate students have been 550 on the verbal section and 650 on the quantitative and analytical sections.
4. Am I required to enter an M.S. program first?
There is no requirement for students to have an M.S. before being admitted to our Ph.D. program. Students who wish to pursue research as a career are encouraged to apply directly to our Ph.D. program.
5. What is your application deadline?
Application packets (application forms, transcripts, personal statement of research interests and career goals, letters of recommendation, and fee) should be complete by January 15th for Fall admission. Although applications received after this date are considered, applications received by the January 15th deadline can be considered for the full range of financial support and for visits to the Texas A&M campus. ( Request an Application Packet .)
6. May I apply to begin graduate study in the Spring semester or Summer?
Students are generally admitted only in the Fall semester.
7. How are graduate students supported?
Graduate students are supported by research and teaching assistantships. The stipend for new students is $1584 per month plus single-coverage health insurance. First-year students receive 12 months of support plus tuition and academic fees. After the first year, all students in good standing receive additional support through Research or Teaching Assistantships. College Station is a relatively inexpensive place to live. The average cost of a nice, one or two bedroom apartment ranges from $500 to $700 per month.
8. How much teaching will I have to do?
Graduate students are required to teach for two semesters as part of their training. The skills learned from teaching are valuable whether the student continues in an academic or industrial career after finishing graduate school.
9. Does the Department of Biology provide assistance with teaching?
Before teaching, all graduate students participate in our week-long T.A. (teaching assistant) training course. The course is a combination of lecture and practicum; students are instructed in the theory and techniques of college teaching and then have the opportunity to practice before their peers the skills they will need to be effective teachers. Students participating in our introductory biology teaching programs have access to extensive support staff and preparatory facilities, as well as faculty mentors and information on teaching techniques.
10. What courses do I have to take?
Students in each of our degree areas (Biology-Cellular and Molecular, Botany, Microbiology, and Zoology) must complete at least one course in each of four areas of specialization. The areas of specialization differ with the degree chosen, but are selected to insure that each student has a breadth of knowledge in their area. Examples of areas of specialization are: Biochemistry, Genetics, Cell Biology, Developmental Biology, Physiology and Anatomy, Evolution and Systematics, or Ecology and Behavior.
11. How do I find a laboratory?
New students participate in rotations, during which they work in faculty research labs for seven weeks. Students should decide on a home laboratory before the end of their second semester. Seminars, orientations, and rotations all provide students with opportunities to meet our faculty and learn about their research programs. However, at the time of application students should identify several faculty with whom they wish to work.
12. How much research do I have to do?
Our graduate programs lead to research based degrees. Students are expected to become settled in a research laboratory as quickly as possible and to establish a research program within the first year. Following the completion of coursework (usually during the second year), students will participate in research full time. Successful completion of the M.S. and Ph.D. degrees requires the production of a thesis or dissertation describing the results of original, independent research undertaken by the student.
13. How many students are in the graduate program?
There are around 100 graduate students in the program.
14. How long does it take to complete a degree?
Ph.D. degrees should be completed in five years, M.S. degrees in three. The actual timing varies with a student's course load and research progress. These times are typical for equivalent programs around the country.