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PH.D. Program Admissions

Intensely curious and ready to explore?

Seeking applicants from around the world for the pursuit of innovative and creative investigations in the biological sciences


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Schedule at a Glance

  • 2024

    Sep

    09

    Application Open

  • 2024

    Dec

    01

    Application Deadline

  • 2025

    Feb

    20-21

    Interview Dates

Ph.D. Program applications are now open

We are excited to announce the application process for the Stowers Institute Graduate School Ph.D. Program is now open for fall 2025 admissions. Apply by Dec. 1, 2024. 

Click here to apply

Learn more about our Ph.D. program

For more information about our program please email education@stowers.edu.

Admissions Criteria

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Previous research experience

The Graduate School seeks applicants with strong undergraduate and postgraduate research experiences, as demonstrated through the summary of research submitted with the application, mentors’ recommendation letters, and any publications.

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Bachelor’s degree or equivalent

All applicants are required to have obtained a bachelor's degree (B.S. or B.A.) or equivalent as a prerequisite for admission.

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Strong scientific background

The majority of entering predoctoral researchers have a solid background in modern molecular biology and biochemistry. The Graduate School also encourages applications from candidates who want to enter the biological sciences and have majored in mathematics, physics, chemistry, or computer science.

What you’ll need to apply

The Graduate School encourages applications from both U.S. and international candidates. Read over your application carefully before submission. It cannot be altered afterward. The application deadline is at 11:59 PM Eastern Time on December 1, 2024.

What you need:

A completed online application form which includes:

  • Biographical and demographic information
  • Educational background
  • Detailed summary of at least one undergraduate or post-bachelor's degree research project
  • List of publication(s) on which the applicant is an author (if any) with a description of their contribution to the paper
  • Description of an interesting unanswered question in the field of study of a Stowers Institute principal investigator that is of significant interest to the applicant. Information about Stowers research can be found at www.stowers.org/research/scientists
  • Candidate personal statement
  • Description of any additional relevant research experience
  • Transcript(s) from all post-high school institutions
  • Three recommendation letters

You DO NOT need:

  • Test scores (GRE, TOEFL, etc.) are NOT required. If you have them, you may enter test scores in the “Standardized Tests” section or mark “I am not adding any standardized tests.” The Admissions Committee does not consider these scores when making admissions decisions.
  • Grade point average (GPA) does NOT need to be calculated.
  • There is NO application fee.

Questions?

The Admissions FAQ answers common questions from prospective Ph.D. program applicants from academic topics to technical assistance. The Application Guide (PDF) can help you through submitting your on-line application.

Read Admissions FAQ

Application review and interviews

After review by the Admissions Committee the applicants under consideration will deliver a brief scientific presentation to faculty members virtually and are invited to visit the Graduate School in-person to participate in a thorough interview process in February or March, meeting individually with faculty members, touring the Stowers Institute, and meeting with predoctoral researchers.

The admissions committee, participants in the interviews, and other decision-makers do not have access to the demographic data collected through the application process.

Diversity and Inclusion

The Graduate School of the Stowers Institute for Medical Research is committed to creating a welcoming and inclusive learning environment for all. We continually strive to create a culture where predoctoral researchers, research scholars, and summer scholars have equal access and equal opportunity regardless of race, ethnicity, nationality, gender or LGBTQ+ identity. Inside and outside our walls, the Graduate School stands opposed to all forms of discrimination and racial injustice. We acknowledge that the roots of systemic racism throughout society are deep and tangled, and that bias and discrimination still exist within a scientific research community where not all scholars have equal access or recognition. While opposing blatant injustice in the world around us, we remain steadfastly committed to equality within our own program and to the long-term goal of dismantling all forms of discrimination in science.

The Graduate School is committed to providing equal opportunities for all persons and does not discriminate or retaliate on the basis of race, creed, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, pregnancy, national or ethnic origin, age, sex, disability, military status, marital status, or any other status protected by law (“protected status”). This Policy extends to admissions, employment (as set forth in the Equal Employment Policy), housing, services, and in the other educational programs and activities that the School operates (collectively “programs and activities”). Harassment, whether verbal, non‑verbal, or physical, that is based on any protected status constitutes a form of discrimination if it denies or limits a person’s ability to participate in or benefit from the School’s programs and activities. This Policy covers employees, program participants, applicants for employment or admission, contractors, vendors, visitors, guests, and participants in School sponsored programs and activities (collectively, the “School Community”). (Nondiscrimination Policy 943, 2020)


Meet a Ph.D. Alum

Why choose Stowers?

Ph.D. Program Resources

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Ph.D. Program Benefits

The Graduate School is committed to giving each predoctoral researcher the best research experience in an unrivaled research environment which is enhanced by outstanding benefits.

Ph.D. Benefits

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Admissions Frequently Asked Questions

FAQ answers common questions from prospective Ph.D. program applicants from academic topics to technical assistance.

Admissions FAQs

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Academic Calendar

The Graduate School terms begin in August, January, and June. Each year, the new class of predoctoral researchers begins in August and completes their first year together.

Calendar

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Retention & Placement Data

The Graduate School tracks retention, persistence, completion, and placement outcomes.

Retention & Placement

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Catalog & Handbook

The Catalog & Handbook provides important program and course information.

Download PDF

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Policies & Protocols

Program participants, faculty, and staff comply with the policies and protocols of the Graduate School.

Policies & Protocols

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