Stanford University

Overview

The Coterminal Program in Biology at Stanford University offers a unique opportunity for eligible undergraduates to pursue graduate-level coursework while completing their undergraduate degree. This program integrates advanced biology classes with hands-on research training, equipping students for further academic pursuits or careers in research.

What you'll study

Students in the coterminal program will engage in a combination of graduate-level coursework and research training. The curriculum is designed to deepen understanding of biological sciences and foster research skills under the mentorship of faculty.

Typical academic components

• Graduate-level courses covering essential and advanced topics in biology, including molecular biology, genetics, ecology, evolution, cell biology, and organismal biology.
• Research training through collaboration with faculty research groups, which may involve laboratory work or field studies based on the student's focus area.
• Directed study or structured academic projects to enhance expertise in a specific domain of biology.

Example course themes

• Genetics and molecular mechanisms
• Cell biology and physiology
• Ecology, evolution, and environmental biology
• Integrative and organismal biology

Research and mentorship

Students will cultivate their research skills through supervised projects, collaborating closely with faculty members. The specific requirements for research components, including units and final deliverables, should be verified with the Biology department.

Entry requirements

Eligibility note: The coterminal program is primarily designed for current Stanford undergraduates who meet specific internal criteria set by the department. Prospective students are encouraged to verify the most up-to-date eligibility requirements and application processes.

Academic and application materials

• Completed Coterminal Online Application
• Statement of Purpose detailing motivations for entering the program, goals during the coterminal period, and how prior academic experiences align with these objectives.
• Letters of recommendation (typically two) from faculty members in Biology at Stanford.
• Unofficial Stanford transcript reflecting relevant coursework.
• Preliminary Program Proposal outlining intended coursework and research focus.

English language proficiency

• TOEFL iBT is accepted; applicants should confirm the minimum score requirements with the current policies of Stanford's Graduate School.

Standardized tests

• GRE: The requirement for GRE scores should be confirmed with the Biology department's current admissions guidelines.

Career prospects

Graduates of the coterminal program in Biology will be well-prepared for various career paths in research, academia, healthcare, and environmental fields. The combination of advanced coursework and practical research experience positions students for success in graduate studies or professional roles in biological sciences.