Graduate Studies

How to Apply

Applications for admission are accepted throughout the year, however students are strongly encouraged to submit completed applications prior to December 1 , 2009. The application process involves sending materials to both the Graduate School and to Graduate Admissions Committee of the Biochemistry, Microbiology, and Molecular Biology Graduate Program (BMMB) program.

1) Graduate School On-line application:

• Follow the link below for the Graduate School On-Line application. At this page you will need to Create an Account to proceed. Once you have created an account and entered the application system, please read all of the instructions for the on-line application before beginning (tip: when filling out the on-line application do not use your browser's back or forward buttons to move between pages).
  • On-line Application

• A non-refundable application fee is required.

  Note: The Biochemistry, Microbiology, and Molecular Biology graduate program is located at the main campus of Penn State University in University Park, PA and is part of the Eberly College of Science.

2) Biochemistry, Microbiology, and Molecular Biology Graduate Program Application:

The following materials are required for application to the BMMB graduate program in addition to the Graduate School On-line application.

Please send these documents directly to the BMMB Graduate Admissions Committee, The Pennsylvania State University, 108 Althouse Laboratory, University Park, PA  16802-6004:

• Application for Visa Document (International Applicants Only)  
• Graduate Record Examination (GRE) scores (verbal, quantitative, and analytical writing). Subject scores, if available (see FAQ section)
• TOEFL scores (International Applicants Only)
• Two official transcripts from all institutions of higher learning attended, both undergraduate and graduate. A Transcript Request Form can be found at this link.
  • Notarized copies are not sufficient.
  • International applicants must submit official or attested university records, with certified translations if the records are not in English.

Application review:

Applications to the program are reviewed by the BMMB Graduate Admissions committee. All materials must be received before the application can be evaluated. Following review of the applications, prospective students will be contacted about scheduling a personal interview at Penn State (or by telephone for overseas applicants). Final decisions will be made following the interview process.

You may check the status of your application at Student Status Application.