Application Information:

  • The application for Fall 2025 is now open. You can attend our Grad Recruitment Events November 8 (in-person) or November 15 (virtual) to learn more about our graduate program prior to applying. Sign up for an event here.
  • You can apply online via the University of Connecticut Graduate Admissions site.
  • We encourage all applicants for the Fall 2025 semester to apply by December 1st, 2024 for consideration in the main group of applicants. Applications after December 1st will be considered on a rolling basis. Please note that the deadline date on the UConn Graduate Admissions site is for the absolute latest that an application can be accepted, and is not the date that PNB begins its acceptance process.
  • The UConn Graduate School application fee is $75. Fee waivers are available if you attend one of the PNB Grad Recruitment Events. Please refer to the UConn Graduate School Fee Waiver Policy for other circumstances under which your application fee can be waived.
  • The PNB Graduate Affairs Committee will begin to review applications in mid-December. Each submitted application will be thoroughly discussed, and top candidates will be invited to an interview in the following weeks.
  • To express your interest or learn more about the program, contact the Director of Graduate Studies, Dr. Randall Walikonis
Start Your Application

Application Instructions:

Applications for admission to the Physiology and Neurobiology Graduate Program consist of a personal statement, transcripts, three letters of recommendation, and an optional resume/CV that is strongly encouraged. See more information below. Please also read through the FAQ provided by the UConn Graduate School, with up to date details on submitting transcripts, requirements for international applicants, and more.

  1. Fill out the online application at the UConn Graduate School Application site.
    • Create an account to start the application, if you have not already done so.
    • Fill out the online application form.
    • List “Physiology & Neurobiology” on the application where it indicates “Field of study and degree”.
    • Up to 3 faculty can be listed as “Preferred Advisors”, which is helpful for the review process. Listing faculty is not a commitment for doing a PhD rotation in a particular laboratory upon entering the program.
  2. Submit a personal statement that addresses most or all of the following questions in 1.5-3 pages.
    • What factors (personal and/or professional) motivate you to apply for a graduate degree in Physiology or Neuroscience? Why have you selected this research field? What are your long-term career interests? What do you find attractive about research as a profession?
    • What is your academic preparation for this degree program, such as coursework at the bachelors and/or graduate level? Include any academic honors, scholarships, and scientific publications. What are your strengths and weaknesses as a student? If there are any areas of concern on your transcript, such as low grades in coursework relevant to the degree, please address them clearly.
    • What is your previous research experience, including summer research internships, lab research during the academic year, post-baccalaureate research, and other research-related experience?
    • Which PNB research labs particularly interest you? Relate your research interests to those of PNB faculty, discussing at least two labs in which you would be interested in doing a PhD rotation or joining directly as a MS student.
    • Is there any additional information that you would like the committee to consider? We strive to promote equity and inclusion in our program, recognizing that many factors impact the path to a STEM graduate degree, such as socioeconomic status, being a first-generation college student, or belonging a group historically underrepresented in STEM fields.
  3. Upload transcripts from all colleges and universities you previously attended
  4. Submit 3 letters of recommendation
    • Letter writers can be mentors, academic or research advisors, or course instructors or faculty who know you and can give their impression of you.
    • Recommendation letters should be written on the official letterhead of the institution represented by the recommender.
    • Please ask your recommenders to submit their recommendation letters electronically in the application.
  5. (Optional) Include a resume or CV that lists your research experience, posters, presentations, and publications.
  6. GRE Scores are optional for the Graduate Programs in Physiology and Neurobiology.
    • You may submit GRE scores if you feel they can enhance your application. They are not required, and it will not count against you if you do not submit them
    • If you choose to submit GRE scores, they will only be accepted when sent electronically through ETS. The GRE code for UConn Storrs is 3915, and the PNB Department code is 0217.
  7. English Proficiency for Admission
    • Regardless of visa status, students whose primary language is not English must show evidence of English profeciency.
    • Several standard tests (including TOEFL and Duolingo) can be used. See detailed requirement on UConn Graduate School Admission.

Additional Notes

* Admission to the program is based in part on lab position availability. We encourage all prospective students to review our research labs to identify faculty whose research programs best align with their own research goals. You are welcome to directly contact PNB faculty whose research programs best align with your own research goals to ask if they are taking any students at this time.

** If you have any questions regarding your application, please email Heather.Hekkala@UConn.edu.