Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences

Immunology Admissions

student working in the lab

Students seeking admission to the Immunology Graduate Program apply to the Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences. Students begin their studies in July.

The Immunology program is committed to diversity and encourages applications from individuals with diverse backgrounds and experiences that will enrich the mix of students on our campus. These include individuals determined by NIH as being under-represented in biomedical sciences, including individuals with disabilities. GSBS offers a full range of services to support its students.

The application is completed online on the GSBS Application Portal.

Information about application deadlines and the application process can be found in the Admissions section of this website.

For Immunology Program specific information and questions, please email Steve Bunnell, Immunology Admissions Director.

GSBS students typically receive financial aid that includes full tuition remission, a student stipend and HMO-based health insurance.

Preparation for the Immunology Program

Prospective applicants are required to have completed a minimum of one year of college-level biology, at least one year of college-level mathematics, and general and organic chemistry. Although not required, successful completion of courses in biochemistry, cell biology and genetics are assets for graduate biomedical study. Most of our current students majored in a biological science during their undergraduate years.

Selection Criteria

Typical highly competitive applicants have GPAs of at least 3.4 (based on a 4.0 system) and have engaged in significant laboratory research during or following their undergraduate education.

Prospective applicants are evaluated based on prior grades, three letters of recommendation, and responses to the short essays that are part of the application. Prior research experience is strongly valued but is not required.

The essay prompts for our program are:

  • Academic Statement of Purpose (750 words maximum): tell us about your development as a scientist, your research experience, your vision for your professional trajectory, and why this particular program, in this particular location, is the right step for you now.
  • Personal Statement (750 works maximum): Anything that can give reviewers a sense of you as a person, and your promise as a member of the Tufts community, belongs here.
  • More Information (Optional, 250 words maximum): Our students have many different backgrounds, experiences, identities, interests, and talents that meaningfully inspired them to pursue a career in science. What inspired you?

Following review of submitted applications, competitive candidates are invited to visit Tufts and meet with students and faculty.