Application & Admissions

How do I get into the program?

The Graduate Program in Genetics and Genomics (GPGG) participates in the interdisciplinary umbrella PhD program, Program in Biomedical Sciences (PiBS). Students begin their first year as a PhD student under the PiBS umbrella, and after approximately a year in the program, the student then selects their thesis lab and which track they would like to pursue, such as the Program in Genetics and Genomics (GPGG).

Participating program/departments under PiBS:

• Biochemistry
• Biophysics
• Genetics & Genomics (GPGG)
• Immunology Training Program
• Microbiology
• Molecular & Translational Medicine
• Nutrition & Metabolism
• Oral Biology 
• Pathology & Laboratory Medicine
• Physiology

Requirements and Deadlines

All prospective students must meet the requirements for admission into the graduate programs as delineated by the Division of Graduate Medical Sciences. For application deadlines and instructions, please click here. Questions on admissions can be directed to pibs@bu.edu.

Students must have completed a minimum of a B.A. or B.S. in a scientific discipline prior to beginning as a graduate student; M.A. or M.S. students will also be considered for admission. Students with training in scientific disciplines that are not directly related to the biological sciences, such as computer science, chemistry, and mathematics, are especially encouraged to apply. Applications from women and minorities are also actively solicited.

Applicant credentials should reflect academic and scientific excellence, evidenced by prior research experience, grades in previous degree programs, and letters of recommendation. For students whose native language is not English, TOEFL scores are also required. Students should have demonstrated an interest in genetics and genomics through previous research and education.

Application to the Graduate Program in Genetics and Genomics is carried out through the Division of Graduate Medical Sciences’ online application form.

Additional application materials include:

• A personal statement describing prior research experience and interest in genetics and genomics
• Letters of reference
• Copies of transcripts (coming directly from the awarding institutions)
• TOFEL is required for international students.

**The admission materials through the Division of Graduate Medical Sciences can be earmarked for PiBS.

Recruiting Weekend

To supplement the online application process, PiBS arranges two recruiting weekends at Boston University to give prospective students an opportunity to evaluate the program first-hand. The recruiting weekend will include interviews, opportunities for candidates to interact socially with both faculty and students, and activities to introduce the students to the Boston area. During the visit, prospective students can request to interact with faculty and students in the Genetics and Genomics program, as well as the umbrella program. After the recruitment program, all candidate credentials will be reviewed by an Admissions Committee consisting of PiBS faculty members; Offers of admission will be extended to the selected students after interviews are conducted. PhD students will be offered financial support covering tuition, a stipend, and health insurance through institutional support of PiBS and the Graduate Program in Genetics and Genomics.