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Indiana University School of Medicine
Indiana University School of Medicine
Bloomington Campus

Admissions

The Cell, Molecular and Cancer Biology PhD Program at IU School of Medicine-Bloomington evaluates applicants based on their entire application package. The goal of the program’s admissions committee is to identify individuals with the potential for successful completion of the PhD degree and beyond. The committee evaluates candidate academic achievement and research experience to help assess whether the candidate can likely complete the PhD degree. A strong emphasis is placed on high quality research experiences, strong letters of recommendation from research mentor and an enthusiasm for research in the areas of expertise by the program’s faculty investigators. 

Requirements

Admission requirements include:

  • The equivalent of a bachelor’s degree in the sciences (Biology, Biochemistry, Chemistry, Molecular/Cell Biology) from a recognized institution of higher education
  • A completed University Graduate School application
  • TOEFL or IELTS scores for non-native English speakers
  • Official transcripts from all universities attended (unofficial copies from the Registrar may be accepted for the review process but an official transcript must be on file for matriculates.)
  • Curriculum Vitae or Resume
  • Essay responses to the 3 questions about experience, interest, and career goals
  • 3 letters of recommendation
  • Non-refundable $70 application fee

IU School of Medicine Graduate School Application

To begin the online application process, complete the online application via the University Graduate School website.

When completing the online application, make the following selections in the Intended Program and Plan section:

Prompt Response
What type of degree do you intend to pursue? Doctoral/PhD
Academic Program IU Medical Science
Academic Plan Cell, Molecular and Cancer Biology
Are you applying to a dual degree program? Yes or No

There is a non-refundable $70 application fee required when completing this application. You may request a fee waiver for the application through B1G Academic Alliance. Additional opportunities for application fee waivers are available through the Indiana University graduate School. For more information, contact Jackie Breeding.

International applicants may also seek assistance from the Office of International Services. Request a paper copy of the application for international students by emailing newtoiu@iu.edu.

Questions regarding the admissions process can be directed to cmcb@indiana.edu.

Transcripts

Admission to the Cell, Molecular and Cancer Biology Program requires completion of the equivalent of a bachelor’s degree in the sciences (Biology, Biochemistry, Chemistry, Molecular/Cell Biology) from a recognized institution of higher education. Applicants are required to provide proof of the completion of this requirement via transcripts from the institution in which the degree was obtained. At the time of application, applicants may upload unofficial transcripts; however, official transcripts must be sent before an official offer for admission can be made. Official transcripts may be sent electronically to cmcb@indiana.edu or via postal service to:

Domestic Applicants:
Cell, Molecular and Cancer Biology Program
IU School of Medicine-Bloomington
1001 E. 3rd Street, Jordan Hall 104
Bloomington, IN 47405

International Applicants:
Office of International Services
Indiana University
Ferguson International Center
330 North Eagleson Avenue
Bloomington, IN 47405

Supporting Documents

As part of the application process, applicants will need to upload the following supporting materials:

Curriculum VitaeResume

Applicants may upload an updated resume or curriculum vitae with the online application.

Graduate Application Essays: These should include the applicant’s goals and motivations. Applicants should consider including the following information in their responses:

  • Summary of previous research experiences
  • Reasons for attending graduates school
  • Career goals
  • Reasons for choosing IU School of Medicine and the Cell, Molecular and Cancer Biology Program
  • Specific faculty within the program in which the applicant is interested in working with

Applicants must submit three or more letters from advisors and/or professors who are familiar with their work and achievements, and can assess the applicant’s potential to succeed in a PhD program. Successful applicants will have referees that can comment on their performance in a scientific and research setting. Letters should be submitted by the referee. Instructions for submitting these letters are provided in the online application.

No GRE scores required. For international applicants a TOEFL or IELTS exam score is required. An exception is made if the applicant attended a college taught in English, in a country where English is the official or primary language (i.e. United States, England, Nigeria). Official scores should be sent to the IU Graduate School (Institution Code 1324), a department code is not needed. Recommended scores are 100 or higher for TOEFL and 7.0 or higher for IELTS.