Frequently Asked Questions Concerning the Graduate Program

The BBSC is composed of foundational courses (Biochemistry, Cell Biology, Molecular Biology & Genetics, Biostatistics, Bioinformatics and Responsible Conduct in Biomedical Research) and a series of 8-week laboratory rotations. Additional available activities include regular seminars and specialized courses. For more information, visit the BBSC Home Page.

There is not a fixed number as such; it depends on the number of applicants and the funding in the department. In the year 2009, we had 24 students admitted in the first year Basic Biomedical Science curriculum within the graduate school.

No, the only way to apply is online.

Unfortunately, we cannot waive the application fee.

Stipend is currently set at $28,000 per year. In addition, students receive a ~$5,000 benefits package which includes a medical health insurance plan. Dental insurance is available for a small charge. Graduate assistant-ships are only available to US citizens and permanent residents (green card holders).

Galveston is a very reasonable place to live compared to most of the cities in USA. For more information on Housing, visit the Student Life Housing page, and Galveston.com

For students awarded a graduate assistant-ship, tuition and fees are paid by the student's mentor. The approximate cost per term is $1,700.00. Graduate students must register each term for a minimum of 9 credits hours.

No, all applicants admitted to the program receive financial assistance. For scholarships and awards visit the scholarship opportunities page.

While there is no specific deadline, application reviews and admissions typically begin December-January, so completed applications should be submitted by this time.

Yes. We start reviewing applications as early as December. However, only completed files will be reviewed.

Although there's no minimum cut off for the GRE scores, we do give a lot of importance to the scores while reviewing the applicants.

GRE scores are valid for 5 years. More details can be obtained from https://www.ets.org/gre/

It's not a requirement, but we strongly recommend it.

International Applicants Only
	GRE	TOEFL		IELTS
	(Subject test is not required)	(³ 550 paper; ³ 81 internet)		(6.5 - academic test)
Institution Code	6887 U Texas Galveston	6887 U of Texas Med Branch Galvston	OR	U of TX Galv, Med. Br.
Dept Code	0299 Biomedical Sciences Other	45 Biomedical Sciences		Grad Sch Biomed Sci
Phone	1-800-473-2255	1-800-468-6335		1-626-564-2954
Web Site	http://www.ets.org/gre/	http://www.ets.org/toefl		http://www.ielts.org

Requests for waivers with a written justification should be sent to Dr. Daniel C. Jupiter, Assistant Dean for Recruitment, Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences.

Prior research experience is an important consideration when applications are reviewed.

Prerequisite coursework includes: mathematics, general physics, general chemistry with laboratory experience, organic chemistry with laboratory experience, biology and English (all applicants must be proficient in written and spoken English). Applicants should have completed at least one years' work in advanced science courses pertinent to his/her proposed area of interest. Examples of possible areas for such advanced work include advanced biology, analytical chemistry, biochemistry, organic chemistry, physical chemistry, computer science, genetics, cell biology, molecular biology, engineering, physiological psychology, etc.

It is NOT necessary for the application. However, you may want to state your area of interest.

Yes, it is possible. Review the web site of the faculty whose research is of interest to you, then contact the Graduate Program office, Taylor Groves, to coordinate a possible tour.

Absolutely; the advantage of our program is its flexibility, which allows students to explore different areas before making their decision about their mentor and laboratory.

No, All the courses offered at UTMB are graduate level courses.

As soon as the decision about your application is made, an email is sent out, the time frame again depends on when the application is received and reviewed. All decisions are made by April.