Molecular, Cellular, Developmental Biology & Genetics Graduate Program Admissions

Application Process

Applications must be submitted to the University of Minnesota Graduate School through the Slate online system. Please see the Application Checklist for a complete list of required materials.

Prospective students should apply to MCDB&G. 

*Note: MCDB&G and BMBB are two distinct graduate programs. Students accepted into the MCDB&G graduate program can rotate through research labs from either the MCDB&G or BMBB graduate program in the first year (see FAQ #15). MCDB&G and BMBB are two separate graduate programs with independent application review and admission processes. As such, students who wish to be considered for admission into both programs need to apply to each program (MCDB&G and BMBB) independently. If you do apply to both, please indicate that in your personal statement. 

Application Checklist:

  • Online application

  • Application fee ($95.00 international, $75.00 domestic)

  • Unofficial transcripts (official transcripts will be required if you are offered admission)

  • Personal Statement

  • Three letters of recommendation

  • CV or resume 

  • English Language test scores - TOEFL, IELTS, or Duolingo (international students only.)

Optional materials

  • Diversity Statement: If you would like to include a statement that identifies the distinctive characteristics and/or life experiences, such as successfully overcoming obstacles or hardships, and how that could contribute to the education and enhanced perspectives at the University, please upload a separate Diversity Statement with your application. 

  • Description of Research: If you decide to add a description of your research please include how you became interested in your area of research and what direction you might take in the future. Concisely describe what you were studying. Be sure to include which aspects of the research projects you extensively planned and developed. Also describe your contributions to the implementation of the project. Descriptions of Research should have minimal overlap with content in your Personal Statement and should be viewed as a complement and/or supplement to what is written in your Personal Statement.

Reminders:

  • Upload all materials, including transcripts, to the online application.
  • Do not submit your application until all materials are uploaded.
  • Do submit your application even if all of your letters of recommendations have not been submitted.
  • Encourage all your referees to submit their letters online.
  • Check your email frequently. If you are missing materials or if there are any problems with your application, we will contact you only by email.
  • If you have a publication, please submit only the abstract. 

 

Application Timeline:

  • December 1: Application deadline
  • By January 15: Applications reviewed, candidates invited to recruiting visits
  • Late January and early February: Recruiting visits
  • During February: International applicants interviewed
  • By the end of February: Offers begin to be made
     

If you have a question about the admissions process, please see the frequently asked questions below. If you do not see your question listed below, feel free to contact the MCDB&G graduate program.