Ph.D. Degrees in Basic Sciences
Important Dates
The online application and all supporting materials, including three letters of recommendation, must be submitted by 11:59 pm Central Standard Time, Dec. 1st. The Admissions Committee will begin reviewing completed applications in late November and extend interview offers to U.S. applicants on a rolling basis. The interview slots and entering class are filled on a first-come, first-served basis.
- Sept. 1: Application Opens
- Dec. 1: Application Deadline; ALL supporting materials, including letters of recommendation and English language proficiency test scores, must be received by 11:59 pm.
- January–March:
- Interviews and offers made
- Admitted student visits
- April 15: Applicants must inform Graduate School of decision
- Mid-August: Courses and rotations begin
Jump to "A Complete Application Includes"
Jump to "FAQs"
Requirements
How do I apply?
The application is online. You may apply and find more information about the admission timeline here. Admission to the basic science PhD programs is granted for the fall semester only. The UT Southwestern Graduate School’s Division of Basic Science has three distinct programs and you may apply to one, two, or all three. If you receive invitations to interview with more than one program, interviews for all programs will be conducted during the same week.
Basic Biomedical Sciences
Biomedical Engineering
- Biomaterials, Mechanics, and Tissue Engineering
- Biomedical and Molecular Imaging
- Computational Biology
- Translational Nanomedicine and Drug Delivery
- Medical Physics
Organic Chemistry
Molecular Metabolism & Metabolic Diseases (3MD) Track
A complete application will include:
- Finalized and Submitted Online Application
How do I apply?
The application is online. You may apply and find more information about the admission timeline here. Admission to the basic science PhD programs is granted for the fall semester only. The UT Southwestern Graduate School’s Division of Basic Science has three distinct programs and you may apply to one, two, or all three. If you receive invitations to interview with more than one program, interviews for all programs will be conducted during the same week.
When is the application deadline?
The application deadline, including receipt of all supporting materials, is December 1st, 11:59 pm Central Standard Time. Three letters of recommendation must be received no later than 11:59 pm on December 1st for your application to be reviewed. English language proficiency test score reports must have been uploaded by 11:59 pm Central Standard Time on December 1st. You may apply for the program and find more information about the admission timeline by clicking here.
What is the application fee?
There is no application fee.
Where do I send additional application materials?
All application materials should be submitted electronically and directly within the online application. If, for some reason, an item cannot be uploaded within the application, please email it to admissions@utsouthwestern.edu. Official transcripts sent by your previous institution(s) will be required prior to matriculation only if an applicant decides to attend UT Southwestern.
- Unofficial Transcripts
Do I need transcripts from all of the institutions I attended or just from the institution from which I received my bachelor’s degree?
You must upload an unofficial transcript from every institution that you attended as part of the online application.
IMPORTANT! International applicants with a degree from a country other than the US or Canada: You are required to upload an unofficial student copy of a NACES-member Foreign Credential Service evaluation of your transcript at the time of application.
- Three Letters of Recommendation
Please have the names and email addresses of your three references before you begin the application
How many letters of recommendation are we allowed to submit?
A minimum of three letters is required, but you may submit up to five.
Do my letters of recommendation need to be received by December 1?
Yes! Three letters of recommendation must be received by 11:59 pm Central Standard Time (CST), December 1st, for your application to be reviewed. We cannot make exceptions to this deadline.
When will my recommenders be notified of my request?
While completing the application and prior to submission of your application, you should send the requests by clicking the button to the right of that recommender’s completed information.After your application has been received and you have been provided access to your student self-service area of the application system, you have the ability to resend letter requests to any writers whose letters have not been received. - GRE Scores
Are GRE Scores Required?
No
- Language Proficiency Exam scores – for international applicants only
Are Language Proficiency Exam scores required for international applicants? Is there a minimum score requirement?
Yes, International students whose native language is not English must submit Language Proficiency Exam scores. We accept the following test scores – TOEFL iBT, TOEFL Essentials, IELTS, and DuoLingo. While there are no minimum score requirements, competitive scores are typically equivalent to a TOEFL iBT score of 100 or above. Applicants whose education medium of instruction is English but in a non-English-speaking country must still submit Language Proficiency Exam scores. In addition, a Master's degree from an English-speaking country does not automatically meet waiver criteria.
What is the school code for TOEFL/IELTS score reporting?
Our Institutional code is 6686. No departmental code is needed.
Can the Language Proficiency test be waived?
Yes, Language Proficiency Exam scores can be waived upon request and will be determined on a case-by-case basis. In general, international applicants who have completed an undergraduate degree in a country whose Official Language(s) include English, a waiver is typically granted. Applicants whose education medium of instruction is English but in a non-English-speaking country must still submit Language Proficiency Exam scores. In addition, a Master's degree from an English-speaking country does not automatically meet waiver criteria. In order to request a waiver, please follow the instructions in the application.
My previous Language Proficiency Exam score is expired. Can I use the previous score for my application?
Yes, you may submit previous, even expired scores for application review. The score AND a copy of the score report MUST be submitted in the application. Official unexpired scores may be required at a later date.
Applicant Evaluation
The Admissions Committee seeks to identify applicants whose qualities, attributes, and accomplishments indicate that they will contribute to the missions of the Graduate School and be successful in their course of study. During this admissions process, the Division of Basic Science (DBS) considers the following factors as part of its individualized, holistic review of each applicant (in no specific order):
- Prior academic achievement in college and graduate school (e.g., college or university, majors, courses, grade-point average).
- Recommendations from appropriate professors and/or mentors.
- The applicant’s personal statement and the motivation indicated therein.
- Experiences in scientific research activities, where appropriate for program sought.
- Personal qualities (e.g., extra-curricular activities, motivation, grit, resiliency, tenacity, integrity, maturity, and leadership).
- Ability to communicate in English.
- Rigor of the undergraduate curriculum and its appropriateness as preparation for study in the graduate program sought.
- Responsibilities as an undergraduate student such as employment; involvement in community activities; commitment to a particular field of study; socioeconomic background; and first generation in their family to graduate from college.
The DBS extends interview offers to applicants who have the greatest likelihood of succeeding in graduate study based on the listed considerations. The interview provides further evidence of an applicant’s qualifications. Following interviews, an additional individualized, holistic review of each interviewed applicant occurs with careful consideration given to the interview results and all factors described above. This approach facilitates the selection of qualified applicants who possess the educational and research experience as well as the personal qualities needed to succeed in their program. The DBS does not use a point system to evaluate applicants.
Stipend/Research Assistantship
- From research grants awarded to their dissertation mentors
- From one of the institutional National Institutes of Health (NIH) training grants associated with various areas of research training
- Or through successful competition for individual predoctoral fellowships.
FAQs
- About the Ph.D. Programs, Tracks, and Curriculum
What is the Division of Basic Science?
The Division of Basic Science, or DBS, encompasses 10 research training programs leading to Ph.D. degrees in the basic biomedical sciences. The DBS includes 270 participating faculty and offers doctoral training in: Biological Chemistry; Biomedical Engineering; Cancer Biology; Cell and Molecular Biology; Genetics, Development, and Disease; Immunology; ; Molecular Biophysics; Molecular Microbiology; Neuroscience; and Organic Chemistry. There is also a special emphasis track in Molecular Metabolism and Metabolic Diseases (3MD).
Which programs are part of the Biomedical Sciences umbrella program and which are not?
Organic Chemistry and Biomedical Engineering are not part of the Basic Biomedical Sciences umbrella program. The Basic Biomedical Sciences umbrella program includes: Biological Chemistry; Cancer Biology; Cell and Molecular Biology; Genetics, Development and Disease; Immunology; Molecular Biophysics; Molecular Microbiology; and Neuroscience.
What is the Basic Biomedical Sciences Program, and how does the BBS umbrella program work?
The UTSW Graduate School recognizes that many undergraduates do not know exactly what field they want to pursue for their Ph.D. studies at the time of application. With a single online application, prospective students apply to the Basic Biomedical Sciences umbrella program if they are interested in any one or more of the following eight programs: Biological Chemistry; Cancer Biology; Cell and Molecular Biology; Genetics, Development, and Disease; Immunology; Molecular Biophysics; Molecular Microbiology; and Neuroscience. Once accepted into the BBS, first-year students take 3 core courses, each covering one of the major themes of proteins, genes, and cells. They also rotate through at least two labs as they narrow down their research interests and potential faculty mentors. Toward the end of the first year, students choose a lab and PhD program to join. Program-specific coursework is completed in the spring of first year and fall of second year.
How do the curricula differ between the BBS, Organic Chemistry, and Biomedical Engineering programs?
Please refer to each program’s specific Degree Plan for coursework schedules. Organic Chemistry and Biomedical Engineering students follow plans that differ from the BBS students’ but details cannot be covered adequately here. A link to each program’s degree plan can be found on its home page under “Helpful Documents”.
How many lab rotations do students have to complete?
Students are encouraged to explore potential research areas by participating in at least two research rotations. The average number of rotations our students complete is three.
When do I have to choose my permanent lab and mentor?
During the first year, each student chooses a research topic, lab, mentor, and specific PhD program. During the second year, students take qualifying exams to be admitted into candidacy and form dissertation committees that will monitor their progress through completion of the degree. The remainder of their time is spent focused on their dissertation research.
How many years will it take to finish the program?
Completion time varies for each student. Our average time to degree completion is 5.7 years.
What types of research experiences do admitted students typically have?
Admitted students typically have participated in multiple research experiences. The most competitive applicants have completed 12-24 months (full-time equivalent) of experience in basic science, hypothesis-driven and research-intensive environments. During those research experiences, they have made intellectual contributions to the project(s).
Do most of your graduate students start their work immediately after undergrad, or do students generally take time off?
Our students come from a variety of backgrounds and experiences. Students who do not come directly from undergraduate studies typically use the time between degrees to compensate for some aspect of their application that they perceive needs to be improved. If someone has grades that are not high enough in science courses, they will enter either a Masters or a Post-Baccalaureate program to remediate those classes and bring in better grades. If a student has not had significant research experience or they have had clinical research experience and they want to enter a basic science graduate program, they will seek out a research experience that fills the gap. If a student is not 100% sure that they want to pursue a career in science that benefits from a PhD, then the best way to answer that question, is to get a job as a research technician, and judge whether that type of experience ignites a passion in them.
Some schools require students to take their courses during their first and second years. What about UT Southwestern?
At UT Southwestern, all required coursework is completed in 1.5 years. There may be mini-courses that are offered on an elective basis that can be taken at any point in a student’s career.
If you have any problems in a class, are there tutors or other classroom help available?
The graduate school supports a small cadre of tutors to help students who qualify for assistance with the genes, proteins, and cells courses. You can also contact the professor who gave the lecture with further questions. The professors are very willing to help with any questions.
Does the Division of Basic Science (DBS) offer a Master’s degree?
No, the Graduate School’s Division of Basic Science offers only Ph.D. programs.
Can the Biomedical Engineering (BME) students work with faculty from the Basic Biomedical Sciences (BBS) program?
Yes, students in the BME PhD program can work with faculty in the BBS program.
Can a BBS Ph.D. student pursue the computational biology track?
No, not formally. However, all the courses and journal clubs for the Computational Biology track will remain available to BBS students as well as Computational Biology students.
Do you accept students for Spring entrance into the program?
No, we only accept students for fall admission.
Do you accept transfer students into the program?
No, we do not accept transfers. For more information, please email us at DBSINFO@utsouthwestern.edu
- Application
What are the most heavily weighted factors in selecting students for the graduate program?
The most heavily weighted factors are letters of recommendation and research experience(s). As far as the research experiences, not only who, what, when and where, but also how well you understood the research itself beyond just the techniques that you carried out, and ultimately, how you communicate these elements in your research statement. The committee will review all your materials, including transcripts, research and personal statements, reference letters, CV, etc to reach a decision.
Do I need to contact the professor whom I'm interested in prior to or during my application?
It is not necessary for you to contact the professor you are interested in. Contacting them will not have an impact on your application.
When is the application deadline for BBS, BME and Organic Chemistry?
The application deadline, including receipt of all supporting materials, for all 3 of these programs is December 1st, 11:59 pm Central Standard Time. Three letters of recommendation must be received no later than 11:59 pm on December 1st for your application to be reviewed. English language proficiency test score reports must have been uploaded by 11:59 pm Central Standard Time on December 1st. You may apply for the program and find more information about the admission timeline by clicking here.
What is the application fee?
There is no application fee.
Can I apply for two programs?
Yes, you can apply to more than one program. The three Ph.D. programs available are the Basic Science Umbrella program, the Biomedical Engineering Program, and the Organic Chemistry program. Each program will make an independent admission decision.
How do I apply to the Molecular Metabolism and Metabolic Disease track?
Application at this time to the Molecular Metabolism and Metabolic Diseases (3MD) track is not necessary. Check the “yes” box where the application asks if you are interested and you will learn about how to apply or join during your first year at UT Southwestern.
Where do I send additional application materials?
All application materials should be submitted electronically and directly within the online application. If, for some reason, an item cannot be uploaded within the application, please email it to admissions@utsouthwestern.edu. Official transcripts sent by your previous institution(s) will be required prior to matriculation only if an applicant decides to attend UT Southwestern.
How many letters of recommendation are we allowed to submit?
A minimum of 3 letters is required, and you may submit up to 5.
Can I submit unofficial transcripts when applying?
Yes, an unofficial transcript from each institution you have attended must be uploaded to your application before you will be able to submit it.IMPORTANT! International applicants with a degree from a country other than the US or Canada: You are required to upload an unofficial student copy of a NACES-member Foreign Credential Service evaluation of your transcript at the time of application.Does it count against me if I have submitted an application already but send in an updated CV?
Not at all. In fact, you can log back into the portal yourself and upload the updated CV under the document tab.
How can I check if my application is complete?
The username and password used to create your account in our admissions portal will provide access to your profile and will allow you to check on the completion status of your application and which letters have been received. When your application is complete, you will receive an email that confirms this status.
Do my letters of recommendation need to be received by December 1st?
Yes! Three letters of recommendation must be received by 11:59 pm Central Standard Time (CST), December 1st, for your application to be reviewed. We cannot make exceptions to this deadline.
Who should I ask to write my letters of recommendation?
Letters of recommendation should be written by credentialed scientists who know your work in the lab. Letters that do not come from scientists who supervised an applicant in the lab are less helpful. The most helpful letters from professors will be from advanced courses with smaller sizes in which the professor knows students by name and intellectual contribution to course content and/or advisors familiar with your goals and experiences.
I made a mistake on the application, but already submitted it. Now what do I do?
Please send an email to admissions@utsouthwestern.edu and you will be given further instructions.
When will applicants be notified about admissions decisions?
Admission review is conducted on a rolling basis, with invitations to interview emailed directly to the primary email address provided by the applicant no later than February 1st. If an applicant has not received an invitation by this time, they are not being considered for an interview for a DBS program.
How do I check my application review status?
Administrative staff cannot inform you of your application status via email or phone.You will be notified via the primary email address you supplied if you have been invited to interview for our program. All other applicants will be contacted with a final status determination when all interview invitations have been extended.Would a MARC adviser be a good letter writer (in addition to research mentors)?
Yes, a McNair, RISE, MARC, PREP or postbaccalaureate program adviser can write a strong letter as one of the three required letters, especially if they know your goals and are familiar with your research experiences. A letter from your direct research mentor would also be expected.
Are letters of recommendation from Ph.D.'s who work in the (pharma/biotech) corporate sector accepted equally to those from Ph.D.'s who work in academia?
Yes, as long as the writer knows of your work directly and understands your aspirations.
What are common weaknesses you see in the research statement?
Grammatical errors are very common and should be avoided. Please proofread your statements very carefully and ask others to proofread for you as well. In terms of content, applicants need to demonstrate an understanding of the science behind their project(s), including how it fits into the larger biomedical landscape, why they are asking these questions, the hypothesis and how the experiments have attempted to support this, any results and brief discussion of the impact. Some applicants write a research statement that focuses only on the techniques they learned and carried out which results in a weaker application.
How many students typically apply each year, and what percent do you typically accept? Among accepted students, is deferral permitted for a year?
The statistics differ by citizenship status. We typically receive about 600 applications from U.S. citizens or permanent residents and accept approximately 180. We receive over 1500 applications from international students and accept about 80.
If I have only conducted research in one lab, who should I ask to write the additional two letters of recommendation? Does adding a professor or professional we have worked with help us?
A single research experience is often sufficient if your research has been hypothesis-driven and for a significant period of time. Your research mentor should be able to write a very strong letter that details your motivation, intellectual contributions to the lab/project, critical thinking skills, and productivity in the lab in terms of presentations and/or papers. Collaborators for your research project and academic professors are good choices for other letters in this case. Make sure they are familiar with your goals and can comment on your intellectual contribution to the lab or class. Non-research-related professional experiences are less helpful.
If I receive an offer of admission and something prevents me from joining the following fall, can I defer my admission?
Deferral for one year is allowed. After a year, a new application is required.
Are official transcripts required if you accept an offer of admission?
If you accept an offer of admission, prior to matriculation, you must arrange official transcripts to be sent directly to you or to UT Southwestern in sealed envelopes, bearing the official letterhead, from EACH college/university attended (even if no credit was awarded) and ALL institutions from which any credit has been awarded (even if the credit it indicated on a subsequent institution's transcript as transfer credit). If appropriate, you must also send updated transcripts as additional course work is completed.
Where do I send official transcripts?
After an offer of admission is accepted and prior to matriculation, official transcripts should be sent to:UT Southwestern Medical CenterOffice of Enrollment Services5323 Harry Hines Blvd.Dallas, Texas 75390-9162Are there special instructions for those students that attended university outside of Canada and the US?
Both official transcripts and official credential service reports are required for each university attended regardless if a degree is/was expected.
- GPA and GRE
Is the GRE exam required?
No
Is there a minimum GPA requirement for your program?
UT Southwestern’s Graduate School has no minimum GPA, but incoming students historically average a GPA of 3.6 on a 4-point scale. We consider each applicant holistically when reviewing for admissions.If your GPA was generated on a scale other than a 4.0 scale: You must enter a WES or Scholaro – generated 4.0 equivalent GPA in the application.What is the average GPA of a student at UT Southwestern?
Our average GPA is 3.6.
- International Students
Do you offer admission/funding for international students?
Yes, international students are eligible to apply. International applicants will be considered with their cohort during the admissions cycle. Positions in the program are highly competitive. Funding for all students in good academic standing is the same regardless of citizenship.
Is a TOEFL/IELTS/DuoLingo score required for international applicants? Is there a minimum score requirement?
Yes, International students whose native language is not English must submit Language Proficiency Exam scores. We accept the following test scores – TOEFL iBT, TOEFL Essentials, IELTS, and DuoLingo. While there are no minimum score requirements, competitive scores are typically equivalent to a TOEFL iBT score of 100 or above. Applicants whose education medium of instruction is English but in a non-English-speaking country must still submit Language Proficiency Exam scores. In addition, a Master's degree from an English-speaking country does not automatically meet waiver criteria.
What is the school code for TOEFL score reporting?
Our TOEFL institutional code is 6686. No departmental code is needed.
Do you accept the IELTS exam in place of the TOEFL?
We accept IELTS, DuoLingo, and TOEFL scores.
Can the English language test be waived?
Yes, Language Proficiency Exam scores can be waived upon request and will be determined on a case-by-case basis. In general, international applicants who have completed an undergraduate degree in a country whose Official Language(s) include English, a waiver is typically granted. Applicants whose education medium of instruction is English but in a non-English-speaking country must still submit Language Proficiency Exam scores. In addition, a Master's degree from an English-speaking country does not automatically meet waiver criteria. In order to request a waiver, please follow the instructions in the application.
I completed my Master’s degree in the US or in an English Language course. Can the TOEFL/IELTS be waived for me?
Instruction in English or a Master’s degree from an English speaking country is not sufficient criteria for a waiver. Language scores, even if expired, can be submitted for review of your application. If you believe you are eligible for a waiver, you must apply for the waiver within the application. Follow the instructions in the application very carefully according to your specific situation.
My previous English language proficiency exam score is expired. Can I use the previous score for my application?
Yes, you may submit previous, even expired scores for application review. The score AND a copy of the score report MUST be submitted in the application. Official unexpired scores may be required at a later date.
If my institution does not use the 4.0 GPA scale, how do I enter my GPA?
If your GPA was generated on a scale other than a 4.0 scale: you must enter a WES or Scholaro – generated 4.0 equivalent GPA in the application.
Do I need to use an international transcript translation service to submit my grades and/or transcript?
Yes, international applicants with a degree from a country other than the US or Canada are required to upload an unofficial student copy of a NACES-member Foreign Credential Service of each international transcript at the time of application.
I am currently in the U.S., but not on an F-1 Visa. What kind of visa is needed to be a graduate student at UT Southwestern?
Our International Office requires that graduate students hold an F-1 Visa which provides the maximum flexibility for your graduate studies and transitions to employment after graduate school. We will help you transfer visa types as applicable.
Do you interview international applicants?
All international applicants are interviewed virtually.
- Stipend, Tuition, Fees & Insurance
In terms of funding, do you apply for it or does the department find that for you?
There are no worries regarding your funding while at UT Southwestern. Your stipend is paid by the graduate school until you join a lab, and your PI will fund you for the remaining time, provided you are in good academic standing and progressing to the completion of your Ph.D. We highly encourage students to apply for external fellowships. Additionally, some programs have NIH-funded training grants that can be applied for and support a subset of students.
Are graduate students in the DBS guaranteed funding?
Yes, as long as a student is in good academic standing, funding is guaranteed. All students enrolled in the 10 basic science programs receive a nationally competitive stipend of $40,000 (2025-2026) per year and tuition, student service fees, and health insurance are paid by the institution.During rotations, support is provided by the graduate school and allows students to choose freely among the graduate programs and their participating faculty mentors. In subsequent years, students receive financial support from research grants awarded to their dissertation mentors, from one of the institutional National Institutes of Health (NIH) training grants associated with various areas of research training, or from individual predoctoral fellowships obtained through an external competition such as NSF or HHMI. Many of our students have been awarded the NSF-GRFP fellowship, Gilliam Fellowship, and the Ford Fellowship.How much is your stipend?
Graduate students in the BBS, BME and Organic Chemistry programs at UT Southwestern receive a nationally competitive stipend. The stipend for the 2025-2026 year is $40,000/year and tuition, health insurance, and student service fees are paid by the institution.
Do you waive tuition?
Tuition and fees are paid by the institution. There is no need for a waiver.
Is health care paid for by the institution?
Health insurance for the student who enrolls in the Academic Health Plan is covered at no additional cost. Optional coverage for family members is available at the student’s expense.
Who do I contact with additional questions?
Please email us. DBSINFO@utsouthwestern.edu
Contact the Graduate School
Arnaldo Diaz Vazquez, Ph.D.
Associate Dean
arnaldo.diazvazquez@utsouthwestern.edu
Phone: 214-648-2527
