There are a limited number of research assistantships also available, at the discretion of individual investigators, to entering graduate students based on GRE scores, transcripts and recommendations as well as their interests in research programs under the direction of particular investigators. Arrangements for research assistantships are usually worked out between the applicant and the professor and the formal offer is tendered with the admission papers. The Graduate Admissions Committee does not accept unsupported or part-time students.

Entering students are required to have completed the equivalent of a US Bachelor’s degree with a satisfactory academic record. Prior to enrollment, students are required to complete basic undergraduate biology courses (cell biology strong recommended), chemistry and physical chemistry courses (organic chemistry required, biochemistry and physical chemistry strongly recommended), a genetics course (strongly recommended), and physics (required).

Applicants may apply on the Web at http://www.grad.clemson.edu/Admission.php. Applications, along with a $55 nonrefundable
fee, should be received no later than five weeks prior to registration. Every required item in support of the application must be on file by that date. Students are advised to contact the department for the deadlines of the program of proposed study. Applications for financial assistance should be received before February 1 for full consideration. Thus, it is advantageous to apply as early as possible.

If English is not an applicant’s native language, a TOEFL score of 650 (paper based test) or 280 (computer based test) is required to qualify for a teaching assistantship. The applicant must also pass a test of written and spoken English upon arrival at Clemson.

The average GRE scores of students admitted to the program in the last five years were 483 on the verbal and 664 on the quantitative. A GPA of 3.0 or higher on a scale of 4.0 would be required for a competitive application.

For full consideration, application and supporting documentation must be received by January 1 for fall admission and by September 1 for spring admission. Applications completed after these deadlines will be considered for the next term unless you notify us that you do not wish to be considered. The Graduate Admissions Committee meets several times a year to consider applications and will notify applicants of their status at these times.