University of Minnesota
University of Minnesota
http://www.umn.edu/
612-625-5000

Application and Admissions Procedures for the Ph.D.

Categories Of Applicants

  1. We do have some slots open for very well qualified independent individuals. If you believe you are well qualified (appropriate Calculus, Physics, Biochemistry prerequisites, excellent grades, high GRE scores, preferably with research experience…….) then we invite you to apply.
  2. We are also accepting applications for Ph.D. training from people with previous medical training who are already at the University of Minnesota or are considering the University of Minnesota Medical School for residency or fellowship training. For instance, a surgical resident, a renal or cardiology fellow, or other comparable student may be interested in bundling their required research into a Ph.D. program. The new Physician – Scientist program is an option here.
  3. We are also trying to establish ties to local private industries that are engaged in relevant Physiological projects. For instance, there are people working in various biotechnology and bioengineering companies in the Twin Cities that are already doing work in Physiology, and who may benefit from formal training. (A Twin Cities Special Masters degree may be a better option here.)
  4. Also, people already affiliated with our graduate faculty are encouraged to apply for admission. For instance, appropriate undergraduate students, lab techs, or other people already working in a graduate faculty laboratory may be good candidates for the Ph.D. program.

At this time, we are a small program, but we hope to continuously grow over the next few years. If you fit any of the above criteria, or, if you do not fit the above criteria but still have a unique interest in the Twin Cities IBP Ph.D. Program, then proceed to the next section.

Contact Stephen A. Katz, Ph.D.

Before you apply, you can directly contact Stephen A. Katz, Associate Director of Graduate Studies, Integrative Biology and Physiology.

An individualized discussion with Stephen A. Katz (preferably via phone, e-mail, or in person) will immediately let you know if our Physiology Graduate Program is a good fit for you.

Please feel free to contact:

Associate Director of Graduate Studies

Integrative Biology and Physiology Graduate Program

Department of Integrative Biology and Physiology

University of Minnesota
6-125 Jackson Hall
321 Church Street SE
Minneapolis, MN 55455

Phone: (612) 625-9178
E-mail: katzx001@umn.edu
Website

Prerequisites

Undergraduate degree with at least one year (3 quarters or 2 semesters) of Calculus, one year of Physics, one year of Biology, and two years of Chemistry. (For the Ph.D., Physical Chemistry is not required, but is recommended). Previous research experience is not required, but is highly recommended. Prerequisites are not absolute, and often a tailor-made program can make-up for a particular deficit.

Scores from the Graduate Record Exam (GRE, general test is the only requirement; for more information go to http://www.gre.org/ttindex.html ) are mandatory. As a general requirement of the Graduate School, international student applicants whose native language is not English are also required to take the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL). The IBP Graduate Program does not use an automatic reject threshold for applicants below a set GRE score. We use the GRE scores to help identify potential strengths and weaknesses so that if the applicant is accepted, we can tailor an academic program that best fits the student’s needs.

Three letters of recommendation are mandatory.

Admission is on a competitive basis. Admission decisions and decisions on financial support are made separately. However, for maintaining a high quality program, the faculty requires that all entrants be free to devote full-time to scholarship for the Ph.D. Generally, this means that virtually all students admitted to the Ph.D. program are afforded full financial aid for the duration of their studies.

In considering your application we look at more than your academic record and scores on standardized exams. We search for evidence of creativity and initiative in letters of recommendation, previous laboratory experience or other work experience.

The final deadline for receipt of applications is March 1st. However, we strongly urge that all applications be submitted by Jan 1st so that we can have enough time to determine if you are eligible for special funding. We admit students for entry into Fall (early September) Semester.

Apply Online

The University of Minnesota Graduate school maintains a web site for application to any graduate program including the Integrative Biology and Physioloyg (formerly Cellular and Integrative Physiology) graduate program. (See below.)

Also, the Graduate School catalog has much more information concerning requirements, transfers, and degree programs. Go to their Web site http://www.catalogs.umn.edu/grad/index.html and then click on general information, or choose another topic.

All admissions decisions are made after an individualized review of the applicants’ completed application files. Your application is only complete if you have completed each item below:

A Checklist For Applying for the Ph.D. Program in Cellular & Integrative Physiology

  1. Complete the Application for Admission Form. The web site is the preferred method for filling out the form. Go to: http://www.grad.umn.edu/application.html Under New Applications, click on Start a new application for admission. First time users must create an account. Choose a password and a PIN will be generated for you; then follow the directions.
  2. The electronic application form asks if our program requires electronic (online) submission of (3) letters of recommendation. Our program does require 3 online letters of recommendation.
  3. The current application requires two separate written statements to be uploaded. You do not have to write extensively for each statement. However, we do need to know why you are applying, if you have any specific graduate educational plans, and if you have a research area you hope to specialize in or a specific mentor you hope to work with. If you have anything you want us to consider or any unique experiences, feel free to let us know. This can be accomplished with statement 1. You may briefly answer statement 2, although it is optional.
  4. WARNING! The Application for Admissions form asks what semester you expect to enter if admitted. Carefully choose the semester (and year) you wish to enter. You should understand that the graduate school assumes you will be registering for at least one course in the semester you enter. If you get admitted for a given semester and do not register for a course in that semester, then you must switch your admission to the Graduate School to a latter semester via the admissions office. It is sometimes possible to take graduate level classes (in consultation with Stephen Katz) before official admission, and apply them towards your degree after you are admitted.
  5. The application will ask for your proposed Major and degree objective. Click on Integrative Biology and Physiology or Cellular and Integrative Physiology, Ph.D. Use the following: (Major code = 015360208).
  6. TRANSCRIPTS NOTE: The U of M now requires all graduate applicants to upload unofficial copies of your transcripts as part of the online application process. DO NOT MAIL a copy of your transcripts in to our office, or to the U of M. A PDF detailing this is linked here.
  7. Have your official GRE scores (and TOEFL scores if your native language is not English) submitted to the University of Minnesota Graduate School. If possible, include an additional (unofficial is fine) set of your GRE scores with your application.
  8. The application form will allow you to upload a resume or curriculum vitae. We ask that you upload a brief resume that lists what you have been doing since high school in chronological order. Please do not leave any gaps in time.
  9. You do not have to apply for a fellowship via the online application. The PhD program in Integrative Physiology and Biology typically supports all of our Ph.D. students with a monthly stipend (competitive with other nationally ranked schools) as well as free tuition, and fringe benefits. Financial support is provided through the IBP department and associated graduate program.

Graduate Program and Graduate School Commitment to Diversity

The Graduate School embraces the University of Minnesota’s position that promoting and supporting diversity among the student body is central to the academic mission of the University. A diverse student body enriches graduate education by providing a multiplicity of views and perspectives that enhance research, teaching, and the development of new knowledge. A diverse mix of students promotes respect for, and opportunities to learn from, others with the broad range of backgrounds and experiences that constitute modern society. Higher education trains the next generation of leaders of academia and society in general, and such opportunities for leadership should be accessible to all members of society. The Graduate School and its constituent graduate programs are therefore committed to providing equal access to educational opportunities through recruitment, admission, and support programs that promote diversity, foster successful academic experiences, and cultivate the leaders of the next generation.