PhD Biomedical Sciences Admission Requirements for Admission to the Basic Biomedical Science Umbrella Pathway

Applicants are required to have:

• A bachelor’s degree earned prior to matriculation 
• Research experience in biological or biomedical sciences or related STEM field
• Recommended Coursework:
  Successful applicants typically have completed most of the courses listed below with a grade of B or better. Please note all complete applications are reviewed regardless of the number of prerequisites one has taken.
  • Introduction to Biology I and II with labs
  • General Chemistry I and II with labs
  • Organic Chemistry I and II with labs
  • General Physics I and II with labs
  • Biochemistry I
  • One semester of Math, including Calculus or Statistics
  • Advanced Biology, such as Genetics or Immunology
• TOEFL or IELTS scores that meet the minimum score requirements, for applicants whose native language is not English and have not earned a degree in the U.S. 
  • TOEFL: 100 or above on the internet-based test, all subsections 17 or higher 
  • IELTS: 7 or above overall, all sub scores 6.5 or higher 
• The GRE is not required nor considered, applications are reviewed holistically 

Admission Process

Complete applications contain the following, with a December 1, 11:59pm (EST) deadline.

• Application and nonrefundable $80 fee
• Unofficial transcripts from any college attended (stand-alone study abroad work is not required)
  
  • Prerequisites are strongly recommended but not required. The Admissions Committee reviews each complete application regardless of how many prerequisites one has completed.
  • International applicants:
    • Please submit an unofficial course-by-course evaluation from a NACES member
    • Original foreign transcripts, diplomas, or other academic documents do not need to be included. 
    • Please self-report unofficial TOEFL or IELTS scores if your bachelors (or masters, if applicable) degree is completed outside the U.S.
    • The TOEFL/ IELTS requirement may be waived if the registrar at your university submits a letter to GSBSAdmissions@umassmed.edu verifying the language of instruction is English.
• Resume 
• Three letters of recommendation
  • At least one letter should be from someone who can assess your research skills
• Personal and Research Statements 
  

  The statements are a very important part of your application, used to evaluate your scientific interests, research background, knowledge, and potential alignment with the program.

Please provide two statements in one document as follows:

1. 1. Personal Statement: In 500-750 words, please detail your personal experience, including academic preparedness, motivation for pursuing graduate study, any challenges that may have informed your development, what you learned, as well as why you have chosen to apply to UMass Chan. Then, please discuss your career aspirations and how attending the program will help you reach your goals.
   2. Research Statement: In 500-750 words, please discuss your research experience, including at least one project in which you were significantly involved. Please describe hypotheses tested or project goals, approaches taken, your role, outcomes, what you learned, and any publications that may have resulted. Additionally, please share your research interests in graduate school, how they are aligned with our program and UMass Chan, and which faculty members’ research is of most interest. 

Please note all official transcripts, and English test scores if appropriate, are required prior to matriculation. 

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