Admission Requirements

In addition to the University’s admission requirements:

• Baccalaureate degree, preferably in biology or related major.
• Applicant should have had at least one course each in general biology and genetics.
• It is recommended that applicants have taken one year of chemistry and math.
• Cumulative grade point average of no less than 3.00 on 4.00 scale (GRE not required).
• Students applying from countries where English is not the language of instruction should have a satisfactory score on the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or other assessment accepted by the University and provide a recognized translation of their degrees and transcripts.

Application forms and graduate catalogs are available from the William Paterson University Graduate Office. To complete your application file, submit the following: completed application form, two letters of recommendation, official college transcripts, and scores from the General Test of the Graduate Record Examination. Application fee is $50.​

The Biology Department and WPU offer several ways to support your graduate studies. For exceptional candidates we offer graduate assistantships with tuition and fee waiver with a stipend of $6,000. These awards are competitive and require a separate application through the Provost's Office. Preference is given to students interested in individual research ​

The WPUNJ Department of Biology is pleased to announce the availability of Biology Adjunct Faculty Teaching Opportunities for Graduate Students, a new initiative to provide financial support and teaching experience for exceptionally qualified graduate students in Biology or Biotechnology.  Students accepted under this initiative will be admitted as graduate students into the M.S. Biology or M.S. Biotechnology program and will be appointed simultaneously as Adjunct Faculty in Biology with a teaching assignment instructing laboratory sections of undergraduate biology courses.  Students with teaching assignments do not receive tuition waivers but are paid on a per-credit basis according to the current Adjunct Faculty salary schedule.  If you are considering the MS Biotechnology program at WPUNJ, this opportunity provides a new route to defraying the costs of your graduate education.  Contact Biology Graduate Director Dr. David Slaymaker for further information.​

Financial aid is also available through the Federal Stafford Loan Program. Additional information on financial assistance can be found on the Graduate Admissions Page.