Students seeking a PhD in Medical Sciences from the University of South Florida are selected by an admissions committee that considers the overall qualities of the applicant. Areas of consideration include academic achievement, research experience and interests, and letters of recommendation. All selected candidates will be required to have personal interviews with members of the PhD admissions committee.

The PhD Program typically receives more than 150 applications each year, and fewer than 30% of applicants are admitted.

The undergraduate GPA of the middle 50% of students admitted for Fall 2024 was 3.28-3.83.

Application

The Medical Sciences PhD Program priority deadline is December 1. Students should apply and submit all required documents (including letters of recommendation) by this date for the best chance of consideration. Our final application deadline is February 15. 

Interviews

Well-qualified applicants will be invited to participate in interviews with faculty members prior to final admissions decisions being made. An interview is required to be eligible for admission into the program and invitations to participate in interviews are sent between mid-December and mid-March. Interview dates will be posted here when determined. 

During interview weeks, interviewees are typically invited to a virtual program overview on Monday evening, then select from one of six available interview times (Tuesday morning or afternoon, Wednesday morning or afternoon, Thursday morning or afternoon). This schedule is subject to change, but additional details will be communicated to selected applicants. 

Review & Notification

Students who participate in an interview are typically notified of the committee's admission's decision within 7-10 days of interviewing. Admitted students will be invited to visit campus. Visit dates will be posted here when determined. 

Admitted students have until April 15 to notify the PhD office if they will attend USF.

1. Submit an online application.
   Select the Medical Sciences program. 
   
   
2. Pay the $30 application fee.
   You will be prompted to pay as soon as you submit your application. If you are unable to pay when you submit, you can do so within 30 days by logging into your OASIS account at my.usf.edu. 
   
   
3. Submit transcripts. 
   To upload documents to your application, log into the application website, then navigate to My Workspace > My Documents.
   
   Unofficial copies can be uploaded directly to your application and can be used for our admissions review. If you are offered admission, you will be required to submit official transcripts from all postsecondary institutions you have attended (undergraduate and graduate).
   
   
4. Submit supplemental information.** 

• Curriculum Vitae or Resume 
• Personal Statement addressing:
  • Research background
  • Reasons for selecting the Morsani College of Medicine to pursue a PhD
  • Future career goals following graduation from the Medical Sciences PhD program
• Three letters of recommendation
  • Recommendations should come from faculty or other professionals familiar with applicant's academic performance and/or research potential
  • Applicants may share the Recommendation Letter Guidance with their recommenders for additional details
    
    

**If you are applying to more than one program at USF, it is imperative that your supplemental information clearly indicate that it should be used for your application to the Medical Sciences PhD Program. This is especially important for letters of recommendation. Failure to appropriately indicate the PhD program may prevent your application from being reviewed.