Basic Science (MS, PhD) Admissions

Applying to Graduate Research Programs at Albany Medical College

Albany Medical College’s Office of Graduate Studies offers PhD and MS degree programs in the basic sciences. This section contains information you need to make sure the admissions process is as clear and straightforward as possible. For more detailed information on specific requirements including curriculum and training goals for each of the Basic Science Departments please view the department sites:

Who should apply?
Prospective students are afforded the opportunity to join in the excitement of discovery, engage in the challenges of research, and contribute to the scientific community. If you are interested in being part of a research team in one of our basic science departments and accept the challenge of improving the health of the public by scientific advancement, you are encouraged to apply. Upon completion of the program, students become independent biomedical scientists equipped with scientific and technological expertise in their chosen field of specialization.

Commitment to Diversity
Albany Medical College is committed to offering educational opportunities to all eligible persons without regard to race, creed, color, age, gender, sexual orientation, religion, marital status, disability, or national origin. Our policies, practices, and procedures reflect and support this belief.

Learn more about diversity initiatives at Albany Medical College.

Application Process

Applying to graduate school is easier when you know what to expect. For insight into Albany Medical College’s Office of Graduate Studies application process and what it entails, see below. And remember that this application process is just as much an opportunity for you to learn about us as it is for us to get to know you.

Prerequisites

Admissions to Albany Medical College’s Graduate Studies research programs are open to students who have successfully completed the requirements for a Bachelor's degree or an equivalent academic degree. GRE or other examination scores are NOT required, but they are optional for the Regenerative and Cancer Cell Biology degree programs. There are no specific GPA requirements, but grades are looked at along with other accomplishments and experience

Application instructions

Use this link to apply online now and follow the instructions.
When prompted to choose the program you are applying to, select the degree program you are seeking admission.

Completed applications received by the Graduate Studies Program are forwarded to the appropriate program. That program then reviews the applicants and compiles a list of their prospective students. Those students are then presented to the Graduate Studies Operating Committee (GSOC) for final approval.

Information required to complete the application includes:

Contact information
- Addresses, phone numbers, and emails where you can be reached.
Curriculum vitae
- Information on your education, relevant employment, research experience, experience with relevant techniques, honors and awards, publications, and leadership experience.
Personal statement (<500 words)
- Reasons for pursuing graduate study and your career goals.
Transcript from all courses/schools taken at the college and university level
- Official transcripts must be sent from the INSTITUTION via email to [email protected] or via regular mail to Office of the Graduate Studies Program MC-16, Albany Medical College, 47 New Scotland Ave., Albany, NY 12208-3479.
Contact information for three letters of recommendation
- The letters of recommendation will be automatically requested from the names and contact information you provide. References should explain why (i) you would be an excellent addition to the program for which you are applying; (ii) your skills are appropriate to the program and would be the best choice.
English Proficiency Exam score (TOEFL or IELTS)
- If English is not your first language and you have not attained a degree from a U.S. college or university.

Key dates

Albany Medical College’s Office of Graduate Studies programs utilize "rolling admission," where the best students can be accepted upon receipt of a completed application. We highly recommend that you submit your application and supporting materials early in the application cycle for the best chance of consideration. The application periods for each program are as follows:

Molecular and Cellular Physiology
- PhD and MS programs: September 1 - March 31
Regenerative and Cancer Cell Biology
- PhD and MS programs: September 1 - May 31
Immunology and Microbial Disease
- PhD program: September 1 - December 1
- MS program: September 1 - March 15
Neuroscience and Experimental Therapeutics
- PhD program: September 1 - December 1
- MS program: September 1 - March 15

All students begin in the following Fall after their acceptance.

Application evaluation

Each applicant is looked at on a case-by-case basis along with other accomplishments and experiences. A virtual interview will be required as part of the admission process. The applicant can request an in-person interview which will be granted pending the availability of the admissions committee. All costs incurred during an in-person interview are the responsibility of the applicant.

Information for International Applicants

Applicants to our Albany Medical College’s Graduate Studies research programs should have a TOEFL / IELTS score that reflects a good ability to read and write English. You will need official transcripts from all undergraduate/graduate school(s), a $60.00 application fee (waivable), and documentation of financial support to live in the U.S.

Program Contact Information

We look forward to receiving your application and getting to know you. Please direct all questions about the program you are interested into your program’s graduate director.

Department of Molecular and Cellular Physiology
Young-Hwa Goo, PhD
Graduate Director

Mailing Address
Albany Medical College
47 New Scotland Avenue
Albany, NY 12208-3479

email address: [email protected]

Telephone: 518-262-8102
FAX: 518-262-8101

Department of Regenerative and Cancer Cell Biology
Ralf-Peter Czekay, PhD
Graduate Director

Mailing Address
Albany Medical College
47 New Scotland Avenue, MC-165
Albany, NY 12208-3479

email address: [email protected]

Telephone: 518-262-2246
FAX: 518-262-5669

Department of Immunology & Microbial Disease
[email protected]
Graduate Director

Mailing Address
Albany Medical College
47 New Scotland Avenue, MC-151
Albany, New York 12208-3479

email address: [email protected]

Telephone: 518-262-6750
FAX: 518-262-6161

Department of Neuroscience and Experimental Therapeutics
Kristen Zuloaga, PhD
Graduate Director

Mailing Address
Albany Medical College
47 New Scotland Avenue, MC-136
Albany, NY 12208-3479

email address: [email protected]

Telephone: 518-262-5303