The application cycle for Fall 2026 admissions opens in September 2025 and ends on January 15, 2026.
Fall-term admissions only are accepted.
Admission Requirements
- Baccalaureate degree
A baccalaureate degree in a natural or physical science, or engineering program is required - Minimum grade point average of 3.0
A minimum grade point average of 3.0 (on a scale of 4) or its equivalent from an accredited institution is required - Three letters of recommendation
Minimum of three letters of recommendation. (Letters from faculty familiar with the applicant's research accomplishments are of particular value to the evaluation process.) - English language proficiency scores
English language proficiency scores are required from citizens of countries where English is not the official language (including the Province of Quebec, Canada). Applicants who have earned a bachelor's degree or higher from a regionally accredited institution in the United States are exempt. Applicants must submit scores fewer than 2 years old. The following English language proficiency tests and scores are acceptable for admission:- Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL)
TOEFL scores higher than 600 (paper test), or 250 (computer test), or 100 (iBT internet test). TOEFL scores can be submitted to the OCS Graduate Studies Office using DI Code: 2408. - International English Language Testing System (IELTS)
The minimum acceptable IETLS score is 7.0. IELTS results certificates are to be sent directly to the OCS Graduate Studies Office. - Duolingo
The minimum acceptable Duolingo score is 120.
- Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL)
Application Materials
- Personal Statement
This statement is a vital part of the application, and carries the most weight in our admissions decisions. Discuss on one page your intellectual and professional interest in graduate study in Oral and Craniofacial Sciences. Include your primary interests within your chosen field of study (i.e., Craniofacial Genetics or Tissue Regeneration), describe and list any relevant background experience that might make you a good candidate, suggest names of faculty mentor/lab would you like to work with. Describe where you see yourself after graduate school (what type of career are you training for).
Submit your personal statement to GradCAS > - Three Letters of Recommendation
Only references sent directly to GradCAS are accepted.
Submit your letters of recommendation to GradCAS > - Official Transcripts
Official transcripts must include all undergraduate and prior graduate coursework. International applicants are required to submit an official transcript evaluation (ECE or WES) directly to the OCS Graduate Studies Office for all education completed outside of the U.S., but should also submit an unofficial copy through GradCAS.
Submit your official transcript to GradCAS > - Official TOEFL, IELTS, or Duolingo Scores
Official TOEFL, IELTS and Duolingo scores must be submitted directly to the OCS Graduate Studies Office (for applicants from non-English speaking countries; TOEFL DI Code: 2408), and applicants must also self-report TOEFL, IELTS or Duolingo through GradCAS.
Application Deadline
All interested students should submit their application for admission no later than January 15.
Application Instructions
Applications may be made online through GradCAS.
Please review the GradCAS Applicant Help Center if you have any additional questions.
Please visit this GradCAS Applicant Help link for browser compatibility and other technical requirements.
Application Fees
The fee to apply to the program is $50, in addition to a GradCAS processing fee of $38 for each program you apply to. The fees to apply total to $88. The program does not wave the application fees.
Notification of Admissions Decisions
Admissions review begins after January 15, 2026. Upon review of all application materials, a phone or video interview may be scheduled with the applicant.
Applicants can expect to be notified of the department's decision within 8-10 weeks.
Financial Aid
All PhD applications will automatically be considered for financial aid in the form of Graduate Student Research (GSR) fellowships. There are no separate forms for financial aid. Oral and Craniofacial Sciences graduate student tuition rates are based on rates charged by the Pitt Schools of Health Sciences.