Applying to the DRS PhD Program

Applications for admission into the DRS PhD program next Fall must be submitted by December 1st. Applications submitted by November 1st are eligible to apply for an Application Fee waiver (see below).

Applications to the DRS PhD Program are only accepted online. Apply Online here. Address inquiries to the DRS PhD Program Administrator, Ms. Marina Gonzalez (marina.gonzalez@utsa.edu).

Required Components of the Application

The complete application must include and/or be accompanied by:

All information requested on the application form.
A personal statement indicating why you wish to pursue a PhD in Developmental & Regenerative Sciences and what you hope to do with the degree once you receive it.
A resume summarizing past education and work experiences, particularly any previous experience conducting research in an individual laboratory.
Official transcripts from previously attended institutions showing your GPA in each case. Please see the application portal for degree and credit hour requirements.
Transcripts from institutions located in countries other than the United States must be accompanied by an evaluation from any agency approved by the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES).
Three letters of recommendation. Preferably sent by individuals who know you well and have observed you working in a research setting.

Note: Online applications must be submitted by December 1st; however, supporting documents will be accepted for up to two weeks after the deadline. Applicants who upload all of their materials by Nov. 1st (priority application deadline) may apply for an application fee waiver. Please contact Marina.Gonzalez@utsa.edu to inquire about waivers.

Deadlines

November 1: Priority Deadline – to be considered for application fee waivers and special additional funding opportunities

December 1: Final Application Deadline – to be considered for admission into next Fall’s class

Criteria for Admission into the UTSA DRS PhD Program

An admissions committee of seven tenured or tenure-track faculty members reviews all applications for admission into the DRS PhD program. Although there is no single, specific set of minimum criteria required for admission into the program, multiple aspects are considered. These include academic background, GPA, laboratory research experience, letters of recommendation, and the applicant’s personal statement.

Note: you do not need to identify or communicate with any of our program faculty prior to submitting your application, though you are welcome to do so if you wish. Selection of a faculty member’s lab for the dissertation research project is made at the end of the first year in the program following completion of three 10-week lab rotations.

If you have previously worked with one or more of our program faculty, or if there are faculty associated with our program with whom you think you might particularly like to work, you should note that in your personal statement and/or your resumé.