Apply for Undergraduate Admission
The Office of Undergraduate Admissions manages online applications to the university and provides the most comprehensive information on the application process. The admissions office also provides the latest information on application deadlines and university scholarships for S.C. residents and nonresidents. So whether you are applying as a freshman, are looking to transfer to South Carolina or are planning to come to Columbia from another USC campus, you can check the requirements based on your current status and apply now.
Apply to Graduate School
The Graduate School coordinates online applications to our master's and doctoral programs. There may be supporting materials that are required along with your online application for graduate admission, so be sure to review the degree requirements before you apply.
Graduate Application Process
Access the Application Portal on the Graduate School website. You will be directed to establish an account and how to provide the necessary information. Be sure to indicate the correct program to which you wish to apply (Biological Sciences, MS; Biological Sciences, PhD; Accelerated Bachelor's/Graduate Study in Biological Sciences, M.S.; Professional Sciences Masters, PSM; or Sciences MAT).
December 1 is the deadline for applications for admission to the Fall semester of that year. If you have questions please contact Janae Miller. The Department of Biological Sciences makes special admissions for students starting in the Spring and Summer semesters as requested by individual faculty members. Students interested in special admission must first contact prospective faculty mentors.
Applicants are required to provide transcripts, a minimum of two letters of recommendation, a statement of purpose, etc. Applicants should also be sure to fill out the supplemental information sheet available through the Application Portal.
The Department of Biological Sciences accepts students, in part, based upon their interests in relation to those of the faculty. Thus applications should contact prospective faculty mentors with whom they hope to work to determine mutual interests and availability of positions within the laboratory of the prospective mentor.
Graduate students are accepted into the Ph.D. or M.S. programs only if they have financial support. The majority of students in the Biological Sciences are supported through teaching assistantships provided by the Department or research assistantships provided by their faculty mentor. Students with independent financial support (NSF Graduate Research Fellowship, Fulbright Fellowship, etc.) are also encouraged to apply.