Please note: Application to the Biomathematics Graduate Program (PhD or Masters in Biomathematics) is separate from applications to the applied mathematics, mathematics, statistics or bioinformatics programs. Please check that you select “Biomathematics” as your major subject. Contact us if you think you might have mistakenly applied to the wrong program!

Biomathematics Admission Requirements

Applicants to the program are expected to have either a bachelor’s degree in biology with evidence of aptitude and interest in mathematics, or a bachelor’s degree in a mathematical area with evidence of aptitude and interest in biology. Well-prepared applicants will have taken advanced (multivariate) calculus, linear algebra, and general biology with good grades. Some of these courses can be taken while enrolled in the program, but this may mean spending an additional semester in residence.

You can get more information on the biomath curriculum by looking at the course requirements on our PhD requirements page.

Biomathematics Application Procedures

All applications must be made online, at http://www.ncsu.edu/applygrad.

All applications must include the following:

  1. Application fee ($85 for U.S. citizens and permanent residents; $95 for international applicants).
  2. A transcript from each previously attended institution (beyond high school) must be uploaded as part of the online application process. You may use an electronic copy of a web-based transcript or academic record from your current institution and/or scanned copies of transcripts. See Graduate School FAQ page for more details on uploading your transcripts.You only need to have official transcripts mailed to NC State Graduate School if and when you are admitted to the program, and decide to enroll.
  3. GRE scores are optional. If you have taken the GRE, and are confident that your scores will be an advantage to your application, you can submit your unofficial score report as a part of your application materials.
  4. A narrative statement (1-2 pages) of the applicant’s goals and reasons for interest in the Biomathematics Graduate Program.
  5. Three letters of recommendation.
  6. Optional, but highly recommended: A sample of written work (e.g. project write-up, term paper, manuscript draft). If this work is co-authored, please include a statement that explains your contribution to the work, including your role in writing.
  7. All non-U.S. citizen applicants (i.e., non-resident aliens and permanent residents) must demonstrate proficiency in English at a level necessary to be successful in a graduate program at NC State. This requirement can be met by providing either Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL), International English Language Testing System (IELTS) or Duolingo English test scores. The test must have been taken within two years of the date of anticipated admission. The minimum scores are:
Listening Reading Writing Speaking Total/band score
TOEFL 18 18 18 18 for admission
23 for TA
26 for lecturing TA		 80
IELTS 6.5 6.5 6.5 6.5 for admission
7.0 for TA		 6.5
Duolingo 110

The TOEFL, IELTS and Duolingo test will be waived if the applicant is a citizen of a country where English is an official language and the language of instruction in higher education. The test requirement will also be waived if the applicant has successfully completed at least one year of full-time study in a degree program at a four-year U.S. college or university.

Application Deadlines

A completed application for admission automatically serves as an application for financial aid.

To receive full consideration for financial aid, the completed application and all supporting documents should be returned no later than January 15 for Fall semester admission, and no later than September 15 for Spring semester admission. Applications received after these deadlines will be continue to be accepted but may be given lower priority for financial aid.

For U.S citizens and permanent residents, applications for admission without financial aid must be received no later than June 25 for fall, and November 25 for spring. International applicants are strongly recommended to apply for fall admissions only, because there is a the shorter turnaround time between Fall and Spring semester than between Spring and Fall semester. This poses severe challenges for international applicants who require visas to study in the US, and as such we do not encourage Spring application in these cases.

Please note that Spring admission is somewhat uncommon, in part because our funding cycle follows the academic year (Fall/Spring). We recommend that Spring applicants should email us so that we can discuss their situation.

Admissions Questions?

Answers to many commonly-asked questions about admissions procedures (e.g. submitting scores, TOEFL requirements) can be found via the Graduate School’s Admissions FAQ page or the Biomath admissions FAQ page. If your question isn’t answered there, please feel free to email us.