How to Apply

• US Citizen/Permanent Resident: $75
• International: $95
• Please click this link to submit an application for a fee waiver. Fee waivers are reviewed on a weekly basis. If approved, you'll be notified and then the waiver will be processed once your application has been submitted. Questions? Email the Office of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies (GPS) at gps-office@umn.edu

• Applicants must have a four-year B.S. or B.A degree (BS preferred) that includes the following coursework: general chemistry, organic chemistry, and physics.  A minimum of two upper level biology courses (e.g. biochemistry, genetics, cell biology, molecular biology, microbiology, immunology, etc).  Although students who do not meet all of these requirements may be admitted to the program, they will have to complete additional coursework to remove any deficiences as directed by the Committee on Graduate Studies.
• The Committee on Graduate Studies considers LAB EXPERIENCE important, particularly hypothesis-driven research experience.  We strongly encourage applicants to provide letters of recommendation from supervisors of lab work, and to include a description of the focus and goals of their research.  Relevant undergraduate experience includes honors thesis work, paid or volunteer work in a research lab and summer internships.  It does NOT include laboratory courses that accompany science courses.  Postbaccalaureate research experience is preferred but not required.                                                 
• Students whose native language is not English are required to submit scores from one of the English proficiency examinations.  International students please review the Graduate School's International Student Resources page when considering applying to the MICaB program.   

• Program selection- Microbiology, Immunology, and Cancer Biology PhD
• Term selection- ONLY CHOOSE FALL 2025
• Biographical information
• Citizenship information
• Personal Background
• Biomedical Sciences PhD Programs Information
• Academic History
• Test Scores- English Language Proficiency required for International Students.
• GRE IS NOT REQUIRED
• Employment
• Personal statement - (Should be no more than 1 page)
• Diversity statement - (Should be no more than 1 page)
• Resume/CV
• Research Description - (Should be no more than 2 pages)
• 3 Letters of Recommendation
• Transcript(s)

Unofficial transcripts or academic records must be uploaded directly to the online application.  Please do not mail paper copies of your transcripts; there is no need for official transcripts or academic records for initial review.  If you are admitted, the University will request official copies of your transcripts.  For specific questions regarding transcripts, please reach out to the Graduate School directly at gsquest@umn.edu.

Click here for more information about transcripts and credentials.

Acceptable recommendations will come from current or former professors who can assess your potential for graduate work.  Letters of recommendation from supervisors of lab work are strongly encouraged. Other recommenders, such as employers, are also acceptable. Three letters of recommendation MUST be submitted via the online application. Paper copies are not accepted.

International and domestic applicants whose first language is not English must provide proof of English Language Proficiency.  English profiency exam options can be found here.

MICaB Examination Minimum score requirements
TOEFL: 96-100
MELAB: 85
IELTS: 7.0

In your personal statement describe:

- What makes you tick, what motivates you?
- Why do you want to pursue a PhD degree?
- What areas of research are you interested in and why?
- Why are you interested in the University of Minnesota’s MICaB Program?
- What are your future career goals? 

Please limit your personal statement to one page single spaced 12 point font.

All MICaB students join the program with a significant amount of hypothesis driven research experience. These research experiences can come in a number of forms including, directed research as an undergraduate, participation in a summer research program, internships, participation in a post-baccalaureate research program, working as a technician or scientist in a lab after graduation, or working in research and development within industry. This usually does not include research that was done in conjunction with an undergraduate lab course. In your research statement please describe all the relevant hypothesis driven research that you have participated in during your time as an undergraduate and/or since earning your undergraduate degree.

Please indicate whose lab you worked in, what were the scientific questions you were trying to address, what was your role on the project, what methods were used to answer these questions, and conclusions drawn, if any, from your research. Also, indicate if you presented your research in any fashion (e.g., poster presentation, oral presentation, manuscript, abstract).

Please limit your research statement to a maximum of two single spaced pages with 12 point font.

Supporting the development of a diverse student body is central to the University of Minnesota's mission.  This mission is enacted by the inclusion of academically excellent students with diverse backgrounds, experiences, and/or a commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion.  Please write a statement that identifies the distinctive characteristics and/or life experiences, such as successfully overcoming obstacles or hardships, how these experiences have shaped your identity, what you would bring to your graduate program, and how that could contribute to the education and enhanced perspective of fellow students at the University of Minnesota.

When looking to apply to the MICaB program, please keep the following in mind:

• You do NOT need to contact a faculty member to secure a lab prior to applying to the program.
• You are encouraged to apply as early as possible so that your application is processed efficiently.  November 30th is a hard deadline for our program.
• International application fees are $95.00 USD.
• GRE scores are not required.
• Letters of Recommendation:  Plan ahead.  When filling out your application, you will need to include your recommenders names and contact information.  They will then submit their recommendation via the application system.  No letters should be emailed separately to the program.
• You can submit unofficial transcripts on your application.  Official transcripts/credentials are only required AFTER you are admitted to the program.  
• Students whose native language is not English are required to submit scores from one of the English proficiency examinations.   MICaB minimum score requirements: TOEFL: 96-100, MELAB: 85, IELTS: 7.0

Please review the Graduate School's International Student Resources page when considering applying to the MICaB program.