The PMB program encourages applications from students who are excited to use a variety of organisms and approaches to answer fundamental scientific questions and who are aiming to pursue research careers in academia, industry, or government. Washington University gives consideration to all applicants regardless of race, color, age, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, veteran status, or disability.
Requirements for admission to the PMB graduate program include a baccalaureate degree, generally in the natural or physical sciences or a field of engineering, and a strong background in biology with courses in mathematics, general chemistry, organic chemistry, and physics. Exceptions will be considered on a case-by-case basis. Graduate Record Examination (GRE) scores are optional. Foreign students not educated at English-speaking institutions must take the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or equivalent test.
An essential criterion for admission is evidence of potential as an independent research scientist, as demonstrated by undergraduate or postgraduate research.
Please see the DBBS Admissions Site for more information.
The Process
PMB is one of twelve Ph.D. programs offered within DBBS. Applications to DBBS are open from September 1 to December 1 and are forwarded to the appropriate program admissions committee. Because all programs use the same application form, be sure to specify that you are applying to PMB.
After applications are reviewed, outstanding candidates are invited to visit St. Louis at the University’s expense to meet faculty and current students and to learn more about ongoing research, educational opportunities and the graduate experience.
Students are admitted only once per year to begin classes in the fall semester. Admitted students can matriculate in the summer and receive stipend support before classes begin, if they wish, in order to get settled and begin their first research rotation.
Each admitted student in DBBS is guaranteed a competitive stipend (click here for current DBBS stipend levels), health insurance coverage, and free tuition for the entire duration of training, provided that all academic standards are maintained.