Unless otherwise stated, answers apply to both the Masters and PhD Program.
When is the application due?
Applications for the fall term for the PhD program are due December 12.
Applications for the fall term for the Masters program are due June 1.
Applications for the spring term for the Masters program are due October 1.
Where can I find the application?
You can apply to the Masters or PhD program here.
How can I find out if I am eligible for an application fee waiver?
The Graduate School of Arts and Science (GSAS) has a comprehensive list of circumstances that can qualify you for an application fee waiver on their General Application Policies webpage. It is strongly recommended that all applicants review their eligibility before applying.
Do you accept admission for the spring term?
Our department has two admission periods for the Masters program (fall and spring). The PhD program only accepts students for fall admission.
Is the GRE required for admission?
The GRE general test is not required. Please do not send us GRE test scores. If you do, while the Graduate School will notify you that the scores were received, the scores will not be reviewed or considered by the department's Admissions Committee. This applies to both the general and subject GRE exam.
Are there any specific prerequisite courses required for admission?
There are no specific required courses for admission. Qualified applicants have a strong background in chemistry, biochemistry, math, and/or physics.
What financial aid options are available to me?
Admitted students to the PhD program receive free tuition, healthcare, registration fees for their required 72 credits during up to six years of enrollment. In addition, students receive a guaranteed stipend for at least four years to support them through their graduate studies. Masters students can find information about financial aid options on the GSAS Financial Aid webpage.
Am I required to take the TOEFL or IELTS?
The Graduate School requires applicants who are not native English speakers to submit official TOEFL or IELTS score results. The TOEFL/IELTS requirement is waived if your baccalaureate or master’s degree was (or will be) completed at an institution where the language of instruction is English. If your transcript does not clearly state that the language of instruction is English, then please upload supporting documentation on institutional letterhead along with your transcript.
The TOEFL/IELTS requirement may still be reflected on your application checklist once you submit your application as it takes time to review and determine eligibility for a waiver.
Will my coursework transfer?
If your graduate coursework counted towards another degree (ie BS, BA, MS, MA, etc), it will not be transferred. If you are offered admission, your program will assess your transcript at that time. Note that a maximum of 8 credits can be transferred for credit towards the Masters program (24 units must be taken in residency).
Can you evaluate my chances of admission if I send in my transcripts/resume/test reports/etc?
No, we are unable to evaluate your chances of admission until you submit your completed application.
Where can I learn more about each program?
Please visit our PhD Program Description webpage and/or Masters Program Description webpage for more information.
My question was not answered on this page. Where can I get more information?
The Graduate School of Arts and Science has a detailed FAQ page where you can learn more about submitting application documents, housing, visas, policies, and more.