Our graduate programs combine rigorous training with collaborative opportunities that prepare you for successful careers in academia, industry, and beyond. Students apply for admission through Vanderbilt’s Graduate School.
Vanderbilt's Graduate School processes all graduate applications and provides complete information about the admissions process. An overview of the process is below but be sure to visit the Graduate School website for more details as you prepare to apply.
Choose Your Program: Explore our Ph.D. and master's programs to find the right fit for your research and career interests.
Check Application Deadlines: All new students enroll in the fall, and the admissions process begins nearly a year in advance. Applications generally open August 1 and close sometime between December 1 and February 1, depending on the department. View deadlines by program to confirm your program's specific deadline.
Review Application Requirements: Application requirements vary by program. Some departments require the GRE, while others do not. Application fee waivers are available for eligible students. View all application requirements.
Submit Your Application: Complete and submit your application through the Graduate School's online portal before your program's deadline. Applications are reviewed by individual departments.
We're committed to making graduate education accessible. Ph.D. students receive comprehensive funding packages that typically include full tuition coverage, stipends, health insurance, and more. Funding for master's programs varies by department.
Work with leading faculty on research that addresses real-world challenges. You’ll gain depth in your field and build connections with leading scholars.
Access world-class facilities and collaborate with researchers across the university. Break down traditional boundaries to pursue innovative projects within an R1 institution.
Develop your teaching skills by working with undergraduates. Gain experience in curriculum development, classroom instruction, and academic mentoring.
Build skills for success in any career path. Access workshops and resources focused on academic careers, industry positions, and alternative paths.
Live and study in Nashville, one of America's most dynamic cities. Enjoy a thriving arts and music scene, a growing tech industry, and a range of culinary options.
Engage with nearly 5,000 undergraduate and graduate students hailing from all 50 U.S. states and more than 70 countries. A&S immerses you in a rich environment of ideas, experiences, and cultures.
Astrophysics Ph.D. student KeShawn Ivory received a Digital Science Communication Fellowship from the Museum of Science in Boston.
“I am looking forward to learning how best to build and manage a science communication platform on social media in the year 2026, and to incorporate that experiential knowledge in engaging with the public into my overall science communication framework.”
The application process is administered by the Graduate School. Application deadlines and requirements vary by program.