Frequently Asked Questions
Admissions & Eligibility
What background do I need?
Applicants should have strong preparation in biology, chemistry, or related discipline.
Previous research experience is highly recommended.
Is the GRE required?
No. GRE scores are not required or considered for admission.
Do I need a Master's degree to apply?
Domestic degrees: No, you do not need a Master's degree.
International degrees: Degree equivalency varies by country and institution. In some cases, a bachelor's
degree alone may not be considered equivalent to a four-year U.S. bachelor's degree,
and additional credentials may be required. Contact bmsgrad@msu.edu if you have questions about your degree eligibility.
What GPA is required?
We recommend a minimum GPA of 3.0 (on a 4.0 scale). Competitive applicants typically have a GPA of 3.6 or higher.
Do you accept applications for spring or summer?
No. We admit for the fall semester only. Select students can begin in July if awarded an early start fellowship. This would
count as your first lab rotation.
Application Process
What is the application deadline?
The application portal opens on August 1st. The submission deadline is December 1st and all materials are required at this time.
Where do I apply?
All applications are submitted online through the MSU Graduate School application
portal here.
What materials are required?
- Three letters of recommendation
- Academic statement (500–600 words): Explain your motivation for pursuing a Ph.D. in BioMolecular Science at Michigan State University, highlight relevant research or academic experiences, and describe what you learned from them. Mention any faculty whose work interests you and outline your long-term research goals.
- Personal statement (500–600 words): Share experiences beyond academics that have shaped you as a strong candidate—such as leadership, community involvement,
overcoming challenges, or contributions to diversity.
- English proficiency test scores (for international applicants)
- CV (submitted after you pay the application fee)
- Academic transcripts: Unofficial transcripts are sufficient for application review. If accepted you will be required to provide official transcripts (submitted after you pay the application fee). If accepted, you must provide official transcripts to be admitted.
How do I send transcripts?
You can upload unofficial transcripts with your application after you have paid the application fee. If you receive an offer, you must submit official
transcripts before enrollment.
Do I need to contact faculty before applying?
Contacting faculty is not a requirement. We use a rotation model that allows you to
explore 3 different labs before selecting your permanent lab. However, contacting
faculty beforehand can help you plan your rotations and gauge which lab environment
will be best for you.
Funding & Financial Support
Are students fully funded?
Yes. All admitted Ph.D. students receive full financial support, which includes:
- A stipend (living allowance)
- Full tuition coverage (9 credits per semester)
- Health insurance (dental and vision not included)
How long is funding guaranteed?
Funding is guaranteed for five years, provided you remain in good academic standing and make satisfactory progress toward
your degree.
Do I need to secure funding or a research advisor before applying?
No. The BMS gateway provides funding upon admission, and you'll choose a research
advisor after completing your lab rotations.
Research & Faculty
How do research rotations work?
Students complete three lab rotations during the first semester to explore different research areas before selecting a dissertation lab.
Curriculum & Training
What courses will I take?
First-year students complete a core curriculum that satisfies the requirements of their degree granting program (e.g. Biochemistry
and Molecular Biology). Depending on the department or program, this curriculum might
cover molecular biology, microbiology, physiology, and quantitative methods.
Are there teaching opportunities?
Yes. Many students gain experience as teaching assistants (TAs) in undergraduate courses, FAST fellowships, and the Graduate Teaching Certificate.
How long does it take to earn your Ph.D?
Most students complete the Ph.D. in 5–6 years.
Can I earn a master's degree along the way?
No. The BMS gateway is designed for Ph.D. study, though students may request to complete
an M.S. under special circumstances.
International Applicants
Do I need an English proficiency test?
Yes. International applicants must submit TOEFL, IELTS, or Duolingo English Test scores.
Are international students funded the same way?
Yes. All BMS students, domestic and international, recieve the same funding package.
Does MSU sponsor visas?
Yes. Admitted international students receive full support from the Office of International Students and Scholars (OISS) for visa processing.
After Admission
When will I hear back?
Admissions decisions are typically released by late January or early February.When does orientation begin?
Orientation and lab rotations begin in mid-August before fall classes start.
Can I defer my admission?
You can defer your admission up to one year.
Who can I contact with additional questions?
BMS Office, bmsgrad@msu.edu.