Biochemistry, Cell and Molecular Biology

How to apply

Admission requirements

Minimum requirements for applicants for the BCMB Ph.D. and M.S. programs are listed below. In some cases, a deficit in a single area may be compensated for by a clear superiority in another area.

• Bachelor's degree in Biology, Chemistry, Biochemistry, or a related discipline
• Overall GPA of 3.0 and major GPA of 3.0
• A strong background in basic sciences including biology, chemistry, and mathematics
• International students must demonstrate English proficiency
• Research experience is required for the BCMB Ph.D. program
• Applicants must “match” with an advisor in order to be admitted to either program. Follow the application guidelines below to contact potential advisors as part of the application process.
  

Applications

The application process is the same for both the Biochemistry, Cell and Molecular Biology Ph.D. and M.S. programs. Students with a bachelor's degree may apply to either the M.S. or Ph.D. program; however, students with limited research experience should consider the M.S. program first.

Contact potential advisors before applying: During the fall semester before you apply, review the faculty profiles on the Biochemistry, Cell and Molecular Biology website and contact faculty with whom you would like to work. Because of the intentional mentoring process provided by the Biochemistry, Cell and Molecular Biology program, admission is dependent on faculty commitment to mentor a student in their lab from the start. Your communication with faculty should indicate your knowledge of your field of interest, your dedication to extending your education, your maturity in communicating your ideas, and, importantly, reasons for your interest in the specific lab you are applying to. Include your cv and unofficial transcripts to provide evidence of your training and experiences that have prepared you for graduate or doctoral work.

Deadlines

Complete applications received by January 10 will be considered for admission into the program the following fall semester.

• In some cases, applications may be considered after the January 10 deadline provided that: (1) the prospective student has matched with a mentor, and (2) the mentor has requested an exception to the standard admissions timeline.

Only applications with all required documents and forms completed will be reviewed. Students need to email prospective Biochemistry, Cell and Molecular Biology faculty advisors to inquire about openings in labs and be offered a place in a faculty member’s lab. Only students who have successfully matched to a faculty advisor will be considered for admission.

For applications received by January 10, letters recommending admission will be sent by March 15 each year. The deadline for accepting offers of admission is April 15.

Required materials

Applications are submitted in two parts. Both parts must be submitted by the deadline for an application to be considered.

Part I: Upload as part of the standard graduate application: CMU graduate application, official transcripts for all Bachelor's degrees and any MS degrees, letters of recommendation & the application fee. International students will be required to submit proof of English language proficiency. Three (3) letters of recommendation must be requested through the application portal. Letters should be written by people who know the applicant in an academic and/or research setting. Letters should include the applicant’s name and which program they are applying for (Biochemistry, Cell and Molecular Biology MS or Biochemistry, Cell and Molecular Biology PhD). Letters should address the applicant’s research ability, academic ability, communication skills, and ability to work with other people.

Part II: Upload required materials specific to the BCMB application: Download the Biochemistry, Cell and Molecular Biology supplemental application here, complete it, and upload along with a CV/resume into the application portal.

Optional: GRE, MCAT, or other similar test scores may be submitted. Send your scores to CMU (Institution Code: 1106; Department Code: 0203).

Financial support

Graduate students in the Biology, Cellular and Molecular Biology programs are typically supported through a combination of teaching and research assistantships. Graduate teaching assistantships (GTAs) and graduate research assistantships (GRAs) are service-related appointments that require teaching or research, respectively. Through an assistantship, you will receive a stipend, a tuition waiver, travel accident insurance, and special library privileges. During the application process, your faculty sponsor will develop a funding plan that outlines how you will be supported for each semester of the program.

Contact information