Admission to Zoology

The program in the Field of Zoology leading to the Ph.D. degree is designed to prepare graduates for positions in research and teaching. The conduct of independent research is an essential feature of training, and a commitment to the pursuit of research is expected.

Admissions Information: Application deadline is December 15 for admission in the fall semester of the same year.

Ph.D. applications are given preference; applications for a Master's program are accepted only under unusual circumstances.

A Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution is required for admission into the program.

All students in the Field of Zoology should have extensive undergraduate training in the biological sciences, as well as preparation in physics, calculus, and chemistry. Students should discuss their background and course preparation with individual faculty prior to admission. It is recommended that students have some experience with at least one foreign language, or computation language as well.

All applicants must submit:

• A completed application with Statement of Purpose (paper applications should be submitted directly to the Field of Zoology using the address below).
• Official scores from the Graduate Record Examinations General Test and G.R.E. Subject test in Biology. The applicant should request that ETS send official scores to Cornell University Graduate School, university code 2098; if a department code is asked for, use 0220. Applicants should have a combined score of at least 1200 on the verbal and quantitative portions of the general test.
• Foreign applicants whose native language is not English must provide proof of competency in English by submitting a TOEFL score of at least 550 on the paper-based test, at least 213 on the computer-based test or minimum scores of Writing 20, Reading 20, Listening 15, Speaking 22 on the internet-based test. Official scores are required for admission and should be sent from ETS to Cornell University Graduate School, university code 2098; if a department code is asked for, use 52 (Zoology).
• Official transcripts from all previous universities and colleges attended. These records may be sent directly to the Field at the address below. (Please note: the Graduate School requires official transcripts from previous institutions showing degree received in order for a student to register at Cornell).
• Two (2) letters of recommendation.
• All supporting documents should be sent to:
  
  Director of Graduate Studies, Field of Zoology
  Cornell University, College of Veterinary Medicine
  Schurman Hall S3-016, Vet Box 38
  Ithaca, NY 14853-2602
  E-mail: graduate_edcvm@cornell.edu
  Fax: (607)-253-3756
  
  
  Application deadline is December 15 for admission in the fall semester of the same year.

Financial Aid All students who are accepted into the Field of Zoology are guaranteed financial support for the duration of their program (contingent upon satisfactory performance in academic, research and teaching aspects of their program). This financial support consists of full tuition, health insurance and a stipend. For 2008-9, this stipend has been set at $27,613.

Students are also encouraged to apply for funding from national and international sources and from private foundations and industry. Fellowship opportunities are listed in the Fellowship Database on the Graduate School site. Assistance in writing grants is provided by the Office of Graduate Education.

Cornell University is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action educator.