Northern Illinois University
Department of Biological Sciences
College of Liberal Arts and Sciences

The deadline for admission to the Department of Biological Sciences for fall is January 1. Deadline for spring term is October 1.

Applicants are strongly encouraged to converse with potential faculty advisors before applying and to indicate that they have done so in their statement of purpose. Furthermore, applicants will be viewed more favorably if their statement of purpose and letters of recommendation show evidence of relevant experience, past academic performance, strong writing skills, perseverance, work ethic, independence, service, outreach, and an identified research direction for graduate school (including evidence of a conversation with a potential faculty advisor).

Full applications for admission received after the deadline will only be reviewed if space in the graduate program and funding are available.

Graduate Programs in Biological Sciences

The Department of Biological Sciences has two graduate programs leading to an M.S. degree or Ph.D. degree in biological sciences. Students interested in obtaining a Master of Science degree may select from two options: thesis and non-thesis, or a specialization in Human Anatomical Sciences. Students interested in obtaining a Ph.D. degree are encouraged to apply to our doctoral program.

Want more information on how to apply to graduate school in biology? We recently held a workshop and have made the materials available to anyone interested. View the presentation and Q&A with some of our faculty.