Masters+

Ph.D.+

Why Study Biological Sciences?

Explore the structure and function of nucleic acids. Investigate the feeding behavior of animals. Study genes that affect aging and disease progression. Model billions of years of bacterial evolution. Improve your teaching, mentoring, and collaboration skills. In the Biological Sciences PhD program, students can do all this and more under the mentorship of expert faculty who are dedicated to student success.

Explore the structure and function of nucleic acids. Investigate the feeding behavior of animals. Study genes that affect aging and disease progression. Model billions of years of bacterial evolution. Improve your teaching, mentoring, and collaboration skills. As a biological sciences Ph.D. student at UMBC, you can do all this and more under the mentorship of faculty with international reputations in their areas of expertise who are dedicated to supporting your success.

At a Glance

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FINANCIAL AID ↓HOW TO APPLY ↓APPLICATION DEADLINES ↓PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS ↓PROGRAM CONTACTS ↓

What Are My Career Options Studying Biological Sciences?

Tuition, Scholarships & Financial Aid

Find opportunities to further advance your career and academic studies.

UMBC participates in all federal and state student financial aid programs and offers scholarships and assistantships through the Graduate School, Graduate Departments and the Office of Financial Aid and Scholarships.

2025–2026 Graduate Cost Calculator Graduate Assistantships Fellowships Funding Your Education

Ready to Apply?

Review Doctor of Philosophy in Biological Sciences Requirements

GRE tests are not required

Strong undergraduate training in calculus, cell biology, general biology, genetics, organic chemistry, physics, and statistics recommended

Start Your Graduate Admissions Application

Please note that application decisions can take 6-8 weeks after the program’s deadline, and depend on how many applications a department receives. You will receive an email once the department processes your decision letter. You will be able to see your decision letter by logging in to the application website. Your decision letter will be where the application checklist was. You may also check your recommendation statuses to send reminders or update contact information from the user page. If you are having trouble logging back in, you can recover your account.

Have Questions?

Please contact the appropriate Graduate School staff member for assistance, or contact our Main Office at gradschool@umbc.edu or 410-455-2537.

Application Deadlines

Fall Semester

All Students:
Apply by January 1

UMBC Graduate School Application UMBC Grad School Admissions Info UMBC Grad School Admissions Policies

Contact Information

Biological Sciences Program Contacts

Main Contact

410-455-3669

Program Director

Stephen Miller
410-455-3381
stmiller@umbc.edu

Program Coordinator

Brandy Darcey
410-455-3669
bdarcey@umbc.edu

UMBC Graduate School Admissions Office Contact Information

Mailing Address

UMBC Graduate School
1000 Hilltop Circle Baltimore, MD 21250

Admissions Staff

Staff are available from
Mon - Fri, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. 410-455-2537

Request Help

Email Graduate Admissions at gradschool@umbc.edu.

Doctor of Philosophy in Biological Sciences