How to Apply

Admission to the Human Biology Distinguished Major Program requires formal application and is open to all interested students who are currently in their second year in the College of Arts & Sciences. To apply students need to submit a complete application packet by the stated deadline that consists of the following items:

  • A completed and signed Application Form [HBIO Application Form 2024].
  • A copy of the student's unofficial UVA transcript from SIS and a copy of all transcripts from other colleges/community colleges the student has attended.
  • A personal narrative.  An essay of no more than 1200 words describing clearly your motivation for being in the program, your post-graduation academic and/or career goals, and how pursuing this major will assist in preparing you to achieve these goals. You should also include a brief description of past research experiences you have had that will help in your preparation to undertake the major, and your thoughts concerning potential research or independent study projects you would like to pursue. Any other personal information that we should be aware of that would impact your ability to successfully complete the major can also be included.
  • Two letters of recommendation. The letters of recommendation should be from a faculty-level instructor, research supervisor, faculty advisor or Dean. Letters must be from someone who can directly judge your academic potential for performing well in the DMP. One letter may be from a faculty member with whom you conducted independent research or laboratory work during the summer at another institution. Letters should convey some degree of personal knowledge of your skills and abilities. Letters can be e-mailed to Dr. Timko at mpt9g@virginia.edu.

Complete application packets should be sent via e-mail as a single pdf file directly to Dr. Timko at mpt9g@virginia.edu and files should be be named as follows: Student last name, Student first name - HBIO Application.

All applications must be received by 5:00 pm on Tuesday, March 12, 2024 to receive consideration. Application packets should be complete at the time of submission. If your packet is not complete, your application for admission will not be considered until all requested information is present. No paper copies of the application packet will be accepted.

Please note: It is strongly recommended that students not file concurrent applications to majors or Interdisciplinary programs that require application for admission.

Students accepted into the major will be notified by the beginning of the spring advising and major declaration period. This will allow students to declare a major and select fall courses during the advising session in the spring semester.


TRANSFER STUDENTS:
The Human Biology Program will consider applications from incoming 3rd year students transferring into the University of Virginia College of Arts & Sciences. Transfer students should contact the Program Director to discuss their interest and suitability for the program after they have received official notification of their admission to the College. The application materials above should be submitted by no later than the end of the first week of classes.