Admissions

We aim to recruit students from a variety of different backgrounds including all areas of biology, physics, chemistry, computer science, engineering, and mathematics, who will work together to forge a new approach to biology that combines theoretical and experimental approaches. The typical student has a strong background in one of the disciplines relevant to Systems Biology and a strong interest in interdisciplinary research. Although cross training is not required, many of the students admitted have had some experience in biology and some exposure to quantitative or theoretical approaches. Each application is considered individually, and a coherent explanation of why you are interested in the Program, the strengths that you bring to it and what you hope to learn is always helpful.

The Systems Biology Program is one of the programs in the Harvard Integrated Life Sciences Programs, which facilitates collaboration and cross-disciplinary research. To request an application, you must contact the GSAS Admissions Office. Please refer to the GSAS Admissions Page for further information on applying. Some of the most important details are noted here for your convenience.

  1. We encourage on-line submission of the application. Please make it clear that you’re interested in the Systems Biology PhD Program 89.
  2. You can make an online Request for an Application here.
  3. Request an application by phone by calling (617) 495-5315.
  4. Request an application by writing to:
    5. Harvard University Graduate School of Arts and Sciences 1350 Massachusetts Avenue Holyoke Center 350 Cambridge, MA 02138-3654

Online applications for a given year are updated and become available during Fall. The admissions deadline for the 2007-2008 academic year is Friday, December 7, 2007. Please note that application materials are not available through the Systems Biology Program Administrative Office.

Interviews will be conducted in late January or early February. Final decisions concerning admission are made by the dean of the Graduate School of Arts and Sciences, and candidates are notified by letter from the Admissions Office.

MD/Ph.D. Program at Harvard Medical School

Students admitted to Harvard Medical School as candidates for the MD degree may also apply for admission to the Systems Biology program in order to earn a PhD degree in systems biology.

This program may be of particular interest to prospective medical students with a strong theoretical background and to students enrolled in the Harvard-MIT Division of Health Sciences and Technology.

Financial Support

All students accepted into the program are awarded full support, including a stipend, full tuition, and health fees. Students can apply for outside fellowships from the National Science Foundation, The Howard Hughes Medical Institute, or the Hertz or Ford Foundations. Students are strongly encouraged to apply for these fellowships in their senior year of undergraduate study.