All our students receive a guaranteed five years (PhD) and three years (MS) support package that includes salary, tuition waiver, and partial fees/insurance during the Academic Year, during which time they receive training and mentorship in research, teaching, as well as myriad opportunities for professional development. In addition, students can fund their research and education through competitive internal scholarships and grants. We also offer workshops geared specifically for graduate students to help them prepare grant proposals for external funding sources, like the National Science Foundation Graduate Research Fellowship Program.
Individual graduate programs emphasize a variety of topics including:
- Biogeochemistry
- Cell Signaling
- Conservation Biology
- Ecology & Animal Behavior
- Evolution & Systematics
- Genomics
- Insect Biology & Pest Management
- Neurobiology
- Microbiology
- Molecular Plant Physiology
- Molecular & Synthetic Biology
- Physiology
- Plant & Insect Pathology
- Public Health
GPC
Anthony Sterenchak
Graduate Programs Coordinator
Biology
Opportunities
- Chris Smith, Department Head
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Joining the Biology Graduate Program
Find a Potential Advisor
Calendar icon Summer/Early Fall
USU Biology admissions are advisor-based — you must have a faculty member agree to advise you before you can be admitted.
Start by exploring the list of Biology faculty.
Email your potential advisor(s):
- Introduce yourself
- Attach your CV and a short statement of interest
- Share why you’re interested in their research and how you’d fit in
- Ask to meet or talk to see if it’s a good match
Use this guide for choosing an advisor to help you evaluate fit.
Complete Your Application
Calendar icon By November 30 (for full funding consideration)
Apply through the USU School of Graduate Studies
Before applying:
- Make sure your potential advisor supports your application
- Review application requirements, but note:
- GRE scores not required
- Some requirements can be waived—ask your advisor
Checklist:
- Name your preferred advisor in the application
- Submit 3 letters of recommendation
- Upload transcripts and your Curriculum Vitae (CV)
- You might find this "Guide to Writing a Curriculum Vitae" helpful in preparing yours
- Double-check everything is submitted (including reference letters)
- Need a fee waiver? Ask your advisor about options.
Weekend Visit (By Invite)
Calendar icon Mid-February
If invited, attend the USU Biology Weekend Visit (invites usually go out in mid-January). At the weekend visit, you'll:
- Meet faculty and current students
- Explore the department and Logan, UT
- Stay with a grad student
- Attend events, research talks, and optional recreational activities
Note: Attending is encouraged, but not required for acceptance.
Await Your Decision
Calendar icon Early March
Faculty and the Grad Committee will review applications holistically (see Holistic Evaluation Rubric). Interviews may happen via Zoom if you didn't attend the visit.
If accepted, you'll get a funding offer. You'll have until April 15 to accept. Plan to arrive in Logan by late July/early August.