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BBS PhD Program

Admissions

Apply Now ButtonThe BBS Program accepts applications for PhD study only. Admissions decisions are made on an annual basis; the application deadline is December 1 for admission in the following Fall semester. 

The success of the BBS Program is dependent on the quality of the graduate students enrolled.  We, therefore, take great care in the selection of potential students: the  BBS Admissions Committee reviews and evaluates all applications. Candidates come from many academic backgrounds. The BBS program is searching for applicants who we believe can flourish in the program and have research interests that align with funded projects in our research labs. Applicants are judged on the entire application package, including academic credentials, statements of purpose, and letters of recommendation. The majority of our admitted applicants have prior research experience. 

Application Requirements

In order for your application to be considered complete (and reviewed) you must meet the following eight requirements. 

  1. Review the Research Areas to identify at least three faculty members whose research interests you. In the educational section of the PhD application, you will be asked to specify which faculty members you are particularly interested in working with. You should also include these faculty names in your academic statement of purpose. It would be beneficial to contact potential faculty rotation mentors to determine if they are accepting new graduate students; however, this step is not required.
  2. Choose a concentration that most interests you.

Immunology and Infectious Disease

The concentration of Immunology and Infectious Disease has a substantial cadre of faculty members and students working in the areas of infection and immunity, cellular immunology, immune regulation, immunogenetics, and immunopathology. There are also members currently carrying out studies in the areas of immunotoxicology, membrane biochemistry, developmental immunology, immunoparasitology, and related fields.

Molecular and Cellular Medicine

Molecular and Cellular Medicine faculty and trainees are engaged in investigations of fundamental cellular processes and the mechanisms that control them in health and disease. Research projects range from molecular interactions, protein folding, and membrane biophysics to development and function of organ systems and whole animals. Fundamental research, using cutting-edge technologies, enables researchers at Cornell to make significant advances in broad scientific disciplines such as cell and developmental biology, genetics and genomics, neurobiology, pharmacology, and physiology.

Population Medicine and Epidemiology

Population Medicine and Epidemiology represents the study of health and disease in a population and the underlying factors that lead to these conditions. The goal of this research is to prevent the spread and/or future incidents of illness. As such, it is considered the cornerstone of public health, production medicine, and preventive medicine.

Translational Medicine

Translational medicine seeks to leverage basic science discovery for the development of new therapies that will improve the health of animals and humans. Basic scientists and clinicians partner in drug and biomarker discovery, stem cell and regenerative medicine, and development of imaging technology to tackle problems in reproductive biology, infectious disease, cancer, cardiovascular disease, and other clinically relevant areas.

Zoology and Wildlife Conservation

Zoology and Wildlife Conservation integrates three broad realms: animal biology, conservation science, and One Health. 

From a conservation science perspective and using a One Health lens, a PhD student could focus on the conservation of free-ranging wildlife from a range of entry points. Wildlife, livestock, and human diseases will continue to have a significant impact on the development of sustainable land uses, protected areas, transboundary natural resource management, other biodiversity conservation approaches, and of course, livelihood opportunities around the world. Experience at the interface of wildlife health, domestic animal health, and human health and livelihoods has demonstrated that a One Health approach can build new constituencies for conservation and strengthen existing ones, while mitigating key threats to conservation success. The survival of threatened species and places requires innovative and integrative ideas and approaches to wildlife conservation, and our faculty includes experts who focus on individual animals, species, and ecosystems— as well as on policy.  Please visit the wildlife conservation research area website for more information.
  1.  The Academic Statement of Purpose is an important part of your application and is your opportunity to tell the admissions committee more about yourself.  Please use the Academic Statement of Purpose to describe (within 1000 words) the substantive research questions you are interested in pursuing during your graduate studies and explain how our program would help you achieve your intellectual goals. Additionally, detail your academic background, intellectual interests, and any training or research experience you have received that you believe has prepared you for our program. Within your statement, please also identify specific faculty members whose research interests align with your own interests.
  2. Your Personal Statement should provide the admissions committee with a sense of who you are as a whole person and describe how your background and experiences influenced your decision to pursue a graduate degree. It should also provide insight into your potential to contribute to a community of inclusion, belonging, and respect where scholars representing diverse backgrounds, perspectives, abilities, and experiences can learn and work productively and positively together. Additional information and a detailed writing prompt are located in the Statements & Funding section of the PhD application.
  3. Unofficial transcripts from all colleges attended must be uploaded to the online application. Applicants must have received, or be on track to receive a baccalaureate degree from a college or university of recognized standing prior to matriculation in the Graduate School. For students with foreign credentials, an equivalent international degree is required. Please visit this website for the transcript requirements for domestic and international applicants.
  4. English language proficiency (TOEFL or IELTS).  The BBS program requires that all international applicants demonstrate English Language proficiency using IELTS Academic or TOEFL iBT scores or can provide proof of an exemption.  IELTS Academic: An overall band score of at least 7.0  TOEFL iBT: Speaking: 22 or above, Reading: 20 or above, Listening: 15 or above, Writing: 20 or above. Minimum scores and exceptions can be found on the ELP Requirement Page.
  5. Convert your GPA to a 4.0 scale. All applicants must indicate their undergraduate GPA on a 4.0 scale. Utilize this free GPA converter.
  6. Letters of Recommendation (2 letters minimum, 4 letters maximum)  Alert your recommenders of the  December 1st deadline as soon as possible. Your application will not be considered complete unless two recommendations have been received by December 1st. You will find advice on requesting letters of recommendation here.
  7. Resume - uploading a resume to your online application is optional. 

Application Fee Waivers

In cases of extreme financial need or participants in special programs, the Graduate School will consider a request for a fee waiver. Visit the Pay Fees page on the Graduate School site for detailed instructions. 

Recruitment Interviews

Once initial admissions decisions are made, virtual interviews will be conducted in January. Admitted students will then be invited to campus for an in-person visit in March.

Our two-stage admissions process is designed to maximize both accessibility and connection. Virtual interviews in January allow us to engage with a broad and diverse pool of applicants early in the cycle, while the March campus visit gives admitted students the opportunity to experience our community, resources, and research environment firsthand before making their final decision.

Admissions Decisions

Admissions decisions are made by mid-February.  Admissions decisions are based on the quality of the student’s prior academic and/or professional career, the fit of their research interests with funded faculty in our program, and the admissions committee’s assessment of the student’s ability to complete doctoral-level work.

Cornell University expects all applicants to complete their application materials without the use of paid agents, credentials services, or other paid professional assistance. The use of such services violates University policy, and may lead to the rejection of application materials, the revocation of an admissions offer, cancellation of admission, or involuntary withdrawal from the University.