Admission to the Program

The deadline for application is December 15, and study begins in the fall semester only. Click here for Online Application. Applications are welcomed from students with ambition, enthusiasm, and outstanding undergraduate records in the fields of biology, biochemistry, and physical sciences who are seeking a challenging graduate level program to prepare for careers in research, teaching, or public service. Admission to the program is based on evaluation of applications by the admissions committee, composed of five faculty members, two senior graduate students, and a program assistant. Applicants must have a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college with a minimum cumulative grade point average of 2.75 (on a 4-point scale).

Undergraduate coursework in genetics, cell biology, developmental biology, organic chemistry, biochemistry, general physics, and differential and integral calculus is highly recommended. Students lacking coursework in one or two of these areas will be given an opportunity to make up the deficiency after enrollment. Some research experience is highly desirable. All applicants must take the Graduate Record Examinations (GREs) for general verbal, quantitative, and analytical aptitude and an advanced examination in biology or chemistry is optional. The general exams are offered as computer-based tests. The paper-based only subject examinations must be taken in November (registration deadline is September 27) in order for scores to be received by the December 15th deadline. Three letters of recommendation are required, preferably from faculty members who know the applicant well through coursework or (preferably) research or both.

FOR MORE INFORMATION AND GRADUATE ADMISSIONS QUESTIONS CONTACT:

Karen Brown,
MCD Biology, 347 UCB
University of Colorado, Boulder, CO 80309-0347
Telephone (303) 492-7230
e-mail: mcdbgrad@colorado.edu