Apply to the PMB graduate program
PMB accepts students for fall admission only. Application deadline: December 1
Admission criteria
You must have earned a B.S., B.A., or equivalent undergraduate degree at an accredited institution of higher education. Required academic preparation includes coursework in biology (plant and animal), genetics, chemistry (organic and inorganic), calculus (differential and integral), and physics. For students with demonstrated academic abilities, coursework deficiencies can be filled during the first year of graduate study.
Competitive applications will have GPAs of 3.0 or better (on a 4.0 grading scale) and for international students, TOEFL scores of at least 79, with at least 21 on writing and 19 on reading. Students with M.S. degrees or prior research experience are given stronger consideration.
Application process
Upload all application materials directly in the UMN online graduate school application.
Do NOT mail any paper documents to the Graduate School Admissions Office or to PMB.
> December 1: application deadline
> mid-December: applications reviewed
> late-December to early January: invitations to campus visit sent out to top candidates
> mid- to late February: campus visit
> early March: admissions offers made
Application FAQ
Application Materials
Make sure all materials are included before you submit. You will NOT be able to add or change any materials after you have submitted. If you forget materials, email pmb@umn.edu for assistance.
Required materials are denoted with an asterisk (*).
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Application for graduate admissions*
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Go to the University of Minnesota online application. Complete all required fields (personal information, educational background, English proficiency scores, languages, awards and activities, employment/residence information, financial support).
NOTE: As of fall 2019, the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) is no longer required for admission to PMB. Note that the online application system is used university-wide and still includes a spot to submit GRE scores. We cannot remove this GRE field. You may self-report scores, but these will not be included in the application review process.
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Application fee*
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$75 for U.S. applicants, $95 for international applicants. This fee cannot be deferred. (Get more information on the application fee.)
This fee may be waived in some specific, limited circumstances. Please see the application fee waiver information.
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Transcripts*
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Upload unofficial transcripts or academic records directly through the online application.
International students should also upload an English translation if the transcript is not in English.
Please do not mail in paper copies of your transcripts, as this may cause serious delays in the processing of your application.
There is no need for official transcripts or academic records for initial review. If you are admitted, the University will then request official copies of this material. Check the Graduate School's application instructions page for details.
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GRE and TOEFL or IELTS scores*
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NOTE: As of fall 2019, the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) is no longer required for admission to PMB. Note that the online application system is used university-wide and still includes a spot to submit GRE scores. We cannot remove this GRE field. You may self-report scores, but these will not be included in the application review process.
International students:
Enter your TOEFL or IELTS scores through the online application on the "Test Scores" section. PMB will evaluate your application using these unofficial scores. If you are admitted, official scores must be sent by ETS to the Graduate School (school code 6874). TOEFL and IELTS scores are valid for two years.
Minimum TOEFL score: 79
writing subscore: 21
reading subscore: 19
Minimum IELTS score: 6.5
writing subscore: 6.5
reading subscore: 6.5
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Personal statement*
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The personal statement is required. It is an integral part of your application; the PMB admissions committee will read it closely for content and coherence.
Please limit this statement to no more than a total of three (3) pages with 1" margins and 12-point font.
Your statement should outline your:
- personal, educational, and work background
- what motivates you
- research experience
- research interests and why this interests you
- career goals and your view of how graduate school will help you attain those goals
- why you are interested in PMB
In this statement, please list the PMB faculty member(s) with whom you wish to work.
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Diversity statement*
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In the PMB Graduate Program, we strongly support and value a diverse, equitable, and inclusive learning community that fosters the academic and personal growth of students, faculty, and staff of all backgrounds. With this in mind, please describe how your experience and background have prepared you to be an active participant in this kind of environment.
(We are aware that discussions of diversity, equity, and inclusion are shaped by each applicant’s country of origin. As such we encourage you to express yourself in a way that is reflective of your own life experience.)
U.S. citizens and permanent residents: Note that we use the diversity statement to help determine who we nominate for the Diversity of Views and Experiences Fellowship (DOVE Fellowship). Your statement should indicate how your background, experiences, and achievements will contribute to the University's goal of promoting excellence through diversity. You are encouraged to include examples of educational, cultural, or other life opportunities or challenges you have experienced, and how these are likely to contribute to your overall success in our graduate program and beyond.
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Extenuating circumstances
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This statement is not required but is allowed, if you want to explain particular aspects of your educational or work history.
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Resume/CV*
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Upload your resume or CV in PDF format. Do not upload more than one copy.
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Letters of recommendation*
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Three letters of recommendation are required. Acceptable recommendations will come from current or former professors who can assess your potential for graduate work. Additional referees, such as employers, are also acceptable.
All letters must be submitted via the online application system.
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Research and faculty of interest*
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- Names of one or more PMB faculty members with whom the student would like to work
- Brief (10 words) description of your research interests
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