CARNEGIE MELLON UNIVERSITY · UNITED STATES
Ph.D. in Biological Sciences
PhD · Taught in en
At a glance
60 mo
Duration
6.5
IELTS
€45k
Tuition / yr
en
Language
PhD
Level
- Interdisciplinary research across molecular biology, genetics, neuroscience, biochemistry, bioinformatics, and more.Cutting-Edge Research
- Close mentorship with faculty to develop your scientific identity.World-Class Mentorship
- Professional development in scientific writing, oral presentation, leadership, and team management.Professional Development
- Career planning support to explore diverse paths and align training with long-term aspirations.Career Planning
- Access to advanced facilities and collaborative research centers.Advanced Facilities
- Integration with Pittsburgh’s vibrant scientific community.Scientific Community Integration
The Ph.D. program in Biological Sciences at Carnegie Mellon University aims to train future scientific leaders who will make significant contributions to society. The program focuses on empowering students to define their research goals while developing essential skills for the global scientific community. You will gain comprehensive training in experimental design, data analysis, scientific communication, and teaching. Graduate students are integral to the department's research and educational mission, engaging in cutting-edge research across various biological disciplines.
Curriculum
The program involves coursework, lab rotations, thesis proposal defense, and extensive research. Students typically complete their dissertation in 5-6 years.
- Year 1
- Lecture Courses (6 total, including 4 graduate-level)
- Lab Rotations (3)
- Maintain minimum cumulative QPA of 3.0
- Year 2
- Thesis Proposal Defense
- Proposal Preparation and Peer Review Course (03-747)03-747
- Years 3–Final Year
- Yearly Research Advisory Committee (RAC) evaluations
- Yearly Research Club presentations
- Final Year (Typically Year 5 or 6)
- Dissertation Defense
Careers
The program prepares students for leadership roles in academia, industry, and beyond. Graduates are equipped with the skills to make impactful contributions to their fields.
- Scientific Leaders
- Researchers
- Educators
- Industry Professionals
Frequently asked questions
- What are the tuition fees for the Ph.D. in Biological Sciences program?
- For the 2026-2027 academic year, doctoral tuition is $52,300 per year. The estimated total cost of attendance, including tuition, fees, and living expenses, is $34,018 plus tuition and health insurance.
- What are the English language proficiency requirements for international applicants?
- Non-native English speakers must submit scores from TOEFL (overall 86), IELTS (overall 6.5), or Duolingo (overall 115). Exemptions are only granted for degrees earned in the U.S. or majority English-speaking countries within the last 4 years.
- What is the application deadline for the Ph.D. in Biological Sciences program?
- The application submission deadline is December 1st. All supporting materials, including letters of recommendation, should be submitted by December 5th for priority review.
- How long does the Ph.D. program typically take to complete?
- Students typically complete their dissertation in 5-6 years. The program involves coursework, lab rotations, thesis proposal defense, and extensive research.
- What documents are required for the application?
- Required documents include unofficial transcripts (with a WES evaluation for international transcripts), English language proficiency scores, three letters of recommendation, and a statement of purpose. GRE scores are optional.
- What career paths can graduates pursue?
- Graduates are prepared for roles such as Scientific Leaders, Researchers, Educators, and Industry Professionals, with opportunities in academia and beyond.
Entry requirements
Bachelor's DegreeA strong undergraduate record is expected. Specific prerequisites are not explicitly listed, but coursework in life sciences, statistics, and programming is recommended for related programs.
IELTSOverall 6.5 (Reading 6.5, Listening 6.5, Speaking 6.0, Writing 6.0)
TOEFLOverall 86 (Reading 22, Listening 22, Speaking 20, Writing 22)
DuolingoOverall 115 (Literacy 105, Conversation 95, Comprehension 115, Production 90)
English proficiency is a key application criterion for non-native speakers. Minimum scores are required, but meeting them does not guarantee admission. Exemptions are granted only for university-level degrees earned in the U.S. or majority English-speaking countries within the last 4 years, or for CMU undergraduates graduating within the past 4 years. Study at international branch campuses or English-language universities outside majority English-speaking countries does not qualify for an exemption.
Fees
Tuition (international)Doctoral tuition for the 2026-2027 academic year is $52,300 per year.
Tuition (home)Doctoral tuition for the 2026-2027 academic year is $52,300 per year.
LivingEstimated total cost of attendance (including tuition, fees, and living expenses) for the 2026-2027 academic year is $34,018 plus tuition and health insurance.
The estimated living expenses for 2026-2027 include housing ($14,752), food ($8,664), books and supplies ($2,212), personal and miscellaneous ($4,098), travel allowance ($1,756), transportation fee ($302), and technology fee ($490). Health insurance and potential loan fees are additional.
How to apply
1. Create an AccountRegister an account on the MCS Graduate Application Portal.
2. Select ProgramChoose "MCS Graduate Application" and then "Ph.D. in Biological Sciences".
3. Submit TranscriptsUpload unofficial transcripts from all previously attended colleges/universities. International applicants require a WES evaluation for all transcripts.
4. GRE Scores (Optional)GRE scores are not required but will be considered if submitted. Use Institution Code: CMU 2074, Department Code: Biology 0203.
5. English Language ProficiencyNon-native English speakers must submit scores from TOEFL, IELTS, or Duolingo. Specific score requirements apply for each test. Duolingo: Select “Carnegie Mellon University – Mellon College of Science”. TOEFL: Institution Code CMU 2074, Department Code 35. IELTS: Select “Carnegie Mellon University, Mellon College of Science”.
6. Letters of RecommendationSubmit three letters of recommendation from individuals who can evaluate your academic and research potential. At least one letter should be from your most recently attended college.
7. Statement of PurposeWrite a 1-2 page essay detailing your previous research experience, areas of interest, motivations for pursuing a Ph.D., and reasons for applying to Carnegie Mellon's program.
8. Finalize ApplicationEnsure all required materials and the application fee ($25) are submitted before the deadline of December 1st. All supporting documents, including letters of recommendation, should be submitted by December 5th for priority review.
Scholarships
Rales Fellowship Program—
Frequently asked questions
What are the tuition fees for the Ph.D. in Biological Sciences program?
+
For the 2026-2027 academic year, doctoral tuition is $52,300 per year. The estimated total cost of attendance, including tuition, fees, and living expenses, is $34,018 plus tuition and health insurance.
What are the English language proficiency requirements for international applicants?
+
Non-native English speakers must submit scores from TOEFL (overall 86), IELTS (overall 6.5), or Duolingo (overall 115). Exemptions are only granted for degrees earned in the U.S. or majority English-speaking countries within the last 4 years.
What is the application deadline for the Ph.D. in Biological Sciences program?
+
The application submission deadline is December 1st. All supporting materials, including letters of recommendation, should be submitted by December 5th for priority review.
How long does the Ph.D. program typically take to complete?
+
Students typically complete their dissertation in 5-6 years. The program involves coursework, lab rotations, thesis proposal defense, and extensive research.
What documents are required for the application?
+
Required documents include unofficial transcripts (with a WES evaluation for international transcripts), English language proficiency scores, three letters of recommendation, and a statement of purpose. GRE scores are optional.
What career paths can graduates pursue?
+
Graduates are prepared for roles such as Scientific Leaders, Researchers, Educators, and Industry Professionals, with opportunities in academia and beyond.