Application Process
In general, students interested in the M. S. or Ph. D. program in the Department of Cell Biology and Molecular Genetics (CBMG) should plan to apply for admission to the Fall semester. All material should be submitted by the deadline of January 7 for timely consideration of the application. Only exceptional students will be considered for admission in the Spring semester. Apply online at the Graduate School's web site or contact our department's graduate office.
M.S. or Ph.D.
The department does not give preference to either M.S. or Ph.D. applicants, insofar as we admit the students with the best records and the greatest potential for future success. Entering students are encouraged to select the M.S. or Ph.D. program based on their professional objectives. Typically, the appropriate professional objective for a M.S. student is a research technician position or an equivalent position, whereas the appropriate objective for a Ph.D. student is a research scientist, college professor, government administrator, or another position requiring advanced training at the Ph.D. level.
Requirements
The minimum requirements for admission are a Bachelors degree earned from an accredited institution and an overall grade point average of at least 3.0. Successful applicants have usually obtained a broad course background and significant research experience in the biological or physical sciences. A more specialized background in cell biology, molecular genetics, microbiology, or plant biology is desirable but not essential. However, the lack of background courses in the subject corresponding to an applicant's research interests may lengthen the time required to earn a degree.
All applicants must submit:
- Three letters of recommendation from professional or academic references
- Official college transcripts
- A statement of purpose for pursuing the degree, including goals and objectives for future work in the field
- Graduate Record Examination (GRE) scores
- International applicants must also submit Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) and Test of Spoken English scores.
Prospective applicants should also be aware that admission into the CBMG graduate program is very competitive. For instance, the combined average credentials of the new students entering in the Fall 2006, 2007, and 2008 semesters were: a GPA of 3.43/4.00 and GRE verbal, quantitative, and analytical writing of 566/800, 726/800, and 4.4/6.0, respectively. Admissible applicants whose academic credentials fall significantly below these numbers should have extensive research experience, strong recommendation letters, and/or compelling life experiences that compensate for their lower academic credentials.
Contact the Graduate Office
Sarah Biancardi
Graduate Secretary
CBMG Graduate Program
1125 Microbiology Building
Telephone: (301) 405-6991
Fax: (301) 314-9921
cbmggrad@deans.umd.edu
sbiancar@umd.edu