Candidates for admission are evaluated on the basis of undergraduate records and letters of recommendation. See the How to Apply tab for more information. 

General Requirements for Admission

• Four-year BA or BS degree (or equivalent) in life or physical sciences
• Personal statement
• Three letters of recommendation

Research Experience 

While previous research experience is not formally required for admission to the Molecular Pharmacology and Therapeutics (MPaT) Graduate Program, our most competitive applicants may have some research experience. Please note that we do not require additional documentation beyond the CV/Resume and Narrative Statement (also referred to as the Personal Statement or Statement of Purpose). 

Additional International Applicant Requirements

A test of English-language proficiency (TOEFL or IELTS) is required for most applicants whose first language is not English, regardless of country of citizenship. Please review the guidelines here for more information about test exemptions. We do not require WES certification or other validation of international transcripts. Additionally, please find information about the visa process, transcripts, and credentials here.

Minimum Scores

TOEFL

• Internet: 100
• Paper: 600
• Computer: 250

IELTS: 7.0 band score 

GPA: the average GPA of matriculating students is 3.5/4.0

GRE: the GRE is no longer required, and we ask that students do not provide this information 

Evaluation

Candidates for admission are evaluated on the basis of their undergraduate record, letters of recommendation, statement of goals and interests, previous research experience, perceived program fit, and results of an English-language proficiency test (where applicable).

Applications for the 2026-27 academic year will open on September 1, 2025. Applications must be submitted by 11:59pm CST on December 1, 2025, for admission the following year. The Molecular Pharmacology and Therapeutics (MPaT) Graduate Program only admits students in the fall term. All application requirements, including payment of the application fee, must be fulfilled before applications are reviewed.

Please read and follow the instructions below to prepare your application, and note that the Graduate School now requires that all materials are submitted electronically. The application and more detailed information can be found here.

Application

Required fields: Personal Information, Application Information, Educational Background, Languages, Awards and Activities, Residence Information, Financial Support, Application Statement, and Recommendations. 

Optional fields: All other fields are optional but will be taken into consideration if submitted. Please do not submit a Writing Sample. The citation of your publications on your Resume or Curriculum Vitae will suffice.

Letters of recommendation

The Molecular Pharmacology and Therapeutics (MPaT) Graduate Program requires three letters of recommendation supporting your application. Individuals providing these letters should be familiar with your academic/professional work and they should be able to appraise your probability of success in our program. Enter the names and email addresses of your references into the application. The system will automatically email your references, requesting that they upload their recommendations.

Personal statement

Please provide a “personal statement of goals” explaining your interest in pharmacology and MPaT in the context of your immediate and long-range career goals. We recommend that you comment on your specific area(s) of research interest, whether you have any specific graduate training plans, and if you have identified specific advisors whose work appeals to you. The personal statement is a 1-2 page single-spaced document.

Resume or curriculum vitae

Please upload an up-to-date resume or curriculum vitae that includes your work history, list of academic honors and awards, and research and/or teaching experience to the “Program Supplemental Information” section of the application.

Application fee

Applications are not complete and will not be reviewed until the fee is paid. Instructions for payment options are included as part of the online Graduate School Application process. The application fee is $75 for US citizens and permanent residents and $95 for international applicants.

Transcripts

Unofficial transcripts or academic records should be uploaded directly to 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; 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. View tips and instructions for uploading your transcript.

English language test scores (TOEFL, IELTS)

In most cases, official scores on the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) are required if English is not your native language. ETS should send your official TOEFL score to institution code: 6874. There is no department code. Note that if you have taken the IELTS, your scores must be mailed to the Graduate School. More information on the English-language requirement may be found here. You are required to report your scores on your application but are not required to submit your official scores until after admission has been offered.

Other information

Describe current registration information if you are currently enrolled at an academic institution. List all courses you expect to complete as part of your present program. Include department, course number, descriptive title, and number of credits for each course.

Additional supporting documents

Other supporting documents may include articles or other publications of any research, inventions, or creative work you have done.