Master of Science in Molecular, Cellular and Developmental Biology

At ISU we are dedicated to your success as a graduate student. As a first step, we have collected information on application requirements as well as links where you can find further information. We encourage you to explore.
Demonstrate comprehensive understanding of scholarly literature in the area of study.
Form testable hypotheses and articulate research objectives that, when met, will lead to significant contributions to the field of study.
Conduct qualitative and/or quantitative research via appropriate acquisition, analysis, and reporting of data.
Interpret research results appropriately, integrating them into the existing knowledge in the discipline.
Clearly and accurately communicate research findings orally and in writing, and often through the use images (tables, figures, and other forms of imagery) and electronic or other forms of media.
Articulate how the graduate program, including coursework and creative scholarship, fits into life and career goals.
Conduct scholarship, in teams or with independence, in ways that consistently demonstrate ethical practice and professionalism.

Graduate College Requirements:
4 year Bachelor's degree (or equivalent)
Academic Records/Transcripts
Minimum 3.0 GPA (Program may alter requirement.)

Program Specific Requirements:
Program Requires GRE: No
Program Requires GMAT: No
Program Will Review Without TOEFL or IELTS: No
A bachelor's degree from an accredited college, preferably in a biological science, chemistry, physics or engineering. Prospective students should have a strong background in the biological sciences, typically including:
Biological Sciences, two years
Organic Chemistry, one year
Physics, one year
Mathematics, through one year of calculus
Applicants may be admitted without one or more of the above requirements if, in the judgment of the Admissions Committee, any deficiency can be remedied by additional courses within the graduate program
There is no strict GPA requirement. A candidate's prior GPA is viewed as one component of their overall application.
Prior research experience beyond basic class-associated lab courses is preferred (although not required).
Three (3) letters of recommendation are required. These letters are a very important part of your application. The most insightful letters will come from faculty who served as mentors during research experiences (or equivalent positions in industry). Professors of your science-related courses, or who served as your academic advisor can also be good choices. In general, we suggest that you refrain from seeking letters from research technicians, postdocs, graduate students, or members of the community as their overall perspective on life sciences Ph.D. training is typically limited.
Personal Statement (2 pages maximum). Your statement should provide information you think is important to the Admissions Committee's decision.
It should describe any previous research experience and how it prepared you, both professionally and personally, for Ph.D. training. Topics regarding research experiences include the questions you were addressing, what approach were you using (and why!), and what you learned from the experience.
Your statement should communicate why you want to pursue a Ph.D. degree, how, from your own perspective and experiences you are certain of that, and why the MCDB program at ISU appeals to you.
Your statement should include a brief discussion of your broad research interests and potentially include the names of MCDB faculty whose research areas most interest you.
If there are extenuating circumstances related to your application or credentials you may choose to describe them in this statement (Alternatively, one of your letter writers may be appropriately positioned to address such an issue in their letter).

English Proficiency Minimum:
TOEFL Paper (PBT) - 563
TOEFL Internet (iBT) - 85
IELTS - 7