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Admission to the Graduate Program

The Department of Molecular Biosciences recognizes the importance of investing in the careers of future biomedical scientists.  We welcome graduate students into our vibrant scientific community, where they have the opportunity to become outstanding researchers and prepare for exciting futures in science. 

All students seeking a Ph.D. degree must submit a formal application to the Graduate Program in Molecular Biosciences via the link below. Applicants from US institutions must have a GPA above 3.0 (on a 4.0 scale). All non-native English-speaking applicants must be proficient in the English language, achieving a minimum of 22 or 8 on the speaking portions of the TOEFL or IELTS, respectively.

Complete applications received by December 1st are reviewed by a committee of Molecular Biosciences faculty, typically in January.  Admission into our program is competitive, as we receive a large number of applications each year.  Evaluations are based on several criteria, including GPA, GRE scores, strength of recommendation letters, previous research experience, and fit of the prospective student’s career goals with our educational program. Most students will be informed of admissions decisions by mid-March.  Admissions decisions are finalized by April 15, and newly admitted students matriculate in August.

Application Materials for the Graduate Program in Molecular Biosciences at the University of Kansas include:

  1. Completed Application Form
  2. One official copy of all academic transcripts (International students will need a translated copy as well)
  3. Curriculum Vitae or Resumé (1-2 pages)
  4. Official GRE Scores (General Exam)
  5. Three letters of recommendation from qualified individuals using the Graduate Letter of Recommendation Form
  6. A Statement of Research Interests and Goals.  A strong statement will include: (a) A description of previous research experiences, discussing how these have prepared you for graduate school both professionally and personally, (b) A discussion of your broad research interests, and (c) A description of your future career goals, discussing how a PhD from our department will help further these goals. (1-2 pages)
  7. Application Fee ($65 domestic; $85 international)
  8. International applicants are required to have a Minimum iBT SPEAKING score of 22 AND all parts scores at least 20; or IELTS SPEAKING score of 8.  Scores should be no older than 2 years.

All supporting documentation should be uploaded to the online application; If this is not possible, please send the information to:

John Connolly
Graduate Program Assistant
KU Department of Molecular Biosciences
1200 Sunnyside Avenue, Haworth Hall #2034
Lawrence, KS 66045-7534

785-864-4311
785-864-5294 FAX
jconnolly@ku.edu