Genetics, Cell Biology, and Development

December 1

No, we do not accept applications after the December 1 deadline. 

You must apply to the Graduate School online via the Slate online system. Please visit https://www.grad.umn.edu/admissions and select “Apply Now” to begin your application.

No, you must upload all materials to the online graduate school application, including transcripts. Do not send paper documents to the Graduate School.

The most successful applicants have significant and productive research experience. They are able to effectively describe the rationale and biological context for their research, as well as what was accomplished. Exceptional research experience (Master’s Degrees, years of experience, publications, etc.) may offset minor deficiencies in GPA. Applicants that have not worked in a laboratory in the past year or two should consider updating their research skills by volunteering in a laboratory or finding a paid laboratory position.

You can either leave it blank or 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.

Yes, a CV or resume is required.

Your Personal Statement should be no longer than two single-spaced pages. Your list of research publications is excluded from this two-page limit.  If there is a lapse in time for your education or employment, explain why. At the end of the Personal Statement, list any research publications on which you are an author. The best personal statements show enthusiasm for science, your research experiences, and career goals. Convey to the committee that you are seriously considering the University of Minnesota based on your indication of specific labs who are doing work you would be interested in joining.

1. Here are some questions to think about when crafting your personal statement: 
   1. Did you concisely describe your research experiences and career goals?
   2. Did you perform an independent research project where you were extensively involved in planning and developing experimental approaches? 
   3. What was your project and contribution? 
   4. Do you have any scientific achievements such as publications, leadership roles, awards, and acceptance into internships? 
   5. Why are you considering the University of Minnesota? 
   6. Are there specific faculty or labs that you are interested in? 

No, however we encourage you to submit a 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. 

Check out this link for examples and guidance on how to write a Diversity Statement.

Three letters are required. Letters of recommendation from persons familiar with your academic and research capabilities are strongly encouraged. It is important to have a strong letter of support from your direct research supervisor. Names and complete contact information for the three referees must be entered online.

Referees will be sent instructions from the Slate application system from the email addresses you’ve provided.  Referees are strongly encouraged to follow these instructions and directly upload their letters to your online application. If they are unable to upload letters online please contact the MCDB&G graduate program.

No. The GRE general and subject scores are NOT required to apply to the program. Note that the University's Graduate School application system still includes a spot for GRE scores; however, you are not required to enter them.  Our application review committee will NOT view these scores, even if you do submit them.

No, we admit only for the fall semester.

No. Unofficial transcripts should be uploaded to the application. Official transcripts are only required when you accept an offer of admission to the program. If you are an international student, check out the international student resources page for more information.

We review applications starting in December and invite our top candidates who are currently residing in the United States to visit campus at our expense in January and February. Skype or Zoom interviews are conducted for the top international applicants sometime in February. 

For the MCDB&G graduate program, we receive around 150 applications and after an Admissions Committee reviews the applications we invite between 40-50 students to come for a campus (in-person) visit. After offers have been made, the MCDB&G graduate programs enrolls approximately 8-12 students. Roughly 2-4 of these students are international students.

Competitive applications will have a GPA of 3.3 or better (on a 4.0 scale). If your GPA falls below 3.3, additional graduate level courses can be taken to demonstrate academic ability. General average GPA of applications is usually 2.8-4.0.

Recommended (but not required) academic preparation includes a strong background in basic biology, including biochemistry and genetics. Excellent grades in the sciences and evidence of improvement over time will help your application.

Yes, many students are admitted into the programs who are in their final semester of their undergraduate degree. 

No, only the admissions committees can review your application and offer admission. 

At the beginning of the program, students go to the Itasca Biological Field Station for a week-long course. During that time, they have the opportunity to meet with faculty during modules and talks. After that week, there is an additional week during which students can contact faculty about rotating in their labs. 

Once the school year starts, students conduct three 7-week rotations in faculty research laboratories with the first beginning in September and the last finishing in February. MCDB&G students can rotate in labs with confirmed funding that are a part of either the MCDB&G or the BMBB Graduate Programs. Students then select thesis laboratories and enter either the BMBB or remain in the MCDB&G program for their Ph.D. degree, depending upon the laboratory that they join. This is handled on a case by case basis with involvement of both programs, the DGSs and the student, with their best interests being the priority.

Yes, international students will be contacted for a Skype or Zoom interview prior to receiving an offer of admission. The MCDB&G program interviews approximately 2-6 international students each admissions cycle.

Yes. Scores must be less than two years old. Your self-reported scores are acceptable, but official scores will be required if you are accepted and decide to join our program. If you attended an English speaking University full time (at least 16 semester credits of 24 quarter credits) during the past two or more years while living in an English speaking country, and the coursework does not include ESL courses, the TOEFL or IELTS score is waived. If you are an international student, please see the English Language Proficiency page from the Graduate School.

Yes, there is no limit to the number of programs that you apply to at the University of Minnesota. There will be an application fee for each application submitted.

If you opt-in to the University’s health care benefits, there is a small portion (~$210) that you have to pay per semester towards your benefits, which is the premium. 

No, completion of these financial aid forms is not necessary.

No, MCDB&G only offers the Ph.D. degree.

Contact the MCDB&G graduate program. It is very important that you do not mail any paper documents to the Graduate School Admissions Office.

Yes, the graduate school does not offer a fee waiver. The application fee is $75 for domestic students and $95 for international students.