Admissions FAQs
Admissions Requirements
Who is eligible to apply?
For the Biomedical Sciences Umbrella and Population Health Sciences programs, a bachelor’s degree is required. One may apply while completing their degree, if it is earned prior to matriculation.
For the Post-Baccalaureate Research Education Program (PREP), it is required to be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident, received a bachelor’s degree within 3 years or less of applying, and be an underrepresented student in the sciences as defined by the NIH.
For the Millennium PhD and the MS-Clinical Investigation, a bachelor’s degree is required, and one must be an affiliate of UMass Chan Medical School. An affiliate may include medical students as well as residents, fellows or postdocs who hold an MD, DO, PhD, DNP, PharmD or other relevant degree, or with permission of the Program Director and Dean. Those not affiliated with UMass Chan Medical School are not eligible to apply.
What do the Admissions Committees look for when making decisions?
Applications are reviewed holistically, considering cognitive and non-cognitive variables, as well as fit for the program. Admissions Committees look for strong academics preparation, research and other relevant experience, and career aspirations and research interests that align with the program.
Are there prerequisite courses?
There are no specific prerequisite courses for the Biomedical Sciences Umbrella program. However, academic preparation is assessed by assessment of the transcript, including overall performance and the breadth and depth of preparation in physical, biological, or behavioral sciences. For more information please visit the admissions requirement page.
For the Population Health Sciences program, one year of graduate level biostatistics and one year of epidemiology or other research methods training with a B or better is required prior to matriculation.
Is the GRE required?
No, the GRE is not required nor considered for any program.
What do I need to submit if I am an international applicant?
All international applicants are required to submit a course-by-course evaluated transcript from a NACES member and TOEFL iBT or IELTS Academic scores. Original transcripts are not required, and unofficial transcripts and test scores can be used to apply in lieu of official ones.
Do you have minimum TOEFL or IELTS scores?
The Admissions Committees look for a 100 total TOEFL score and 17 or higher on each subsection, or a 7 or higher overall IELTS score, with no subscore lower than a 6.5.
When do the programs begin?
All programs, except Millennium PhD and MS-Clinical Investigation (MSCI), begin once each Fall semester. The Millennium PhD and MSCI can be started in the Spring or Summer.
Do you take transfer students or credits?
While transfer credit is not available, prior graduate coursework may be considered for waiving certain requirements. Course waivers are granted only after matriculation.
Do you offer part-time programs?
Programs are only offered full-time and as such, are not built to support working outside of graduate school.
What is the funding structure?
All programs are fully funded, with a competitive annual stipend for the duration of the program, a full tuition and fees waiver and health insurance is provided. Please see our funding page for details.
Application Process
How do I apply?
Links to applications can be found on the apply page.
Do I need to reach out to faculty members during the application process?
What are the required application materials?
All applicants are required to submit the application and fee, all unofficial transcripts from any college or university attended, a resume, personal statement, and three letters of recommendation. International applicants are required to submit a course-by-course evaluated transcript and unofficial TOEFL or IELTS scores. Please note all official transcripts, and English test scores if appropriate, are required prior to matriculation.
All other program applicants, upload the documents as part of the application here.
When is the deadline by program for Fall entry?
Applications must be submitted by 11:59pm (EST) on the dates indicated below.
- PhD Biomedical Sciences Umbrella: December 1st
- PhD Population Health Sciences: January 1st priority, May 1st final
- Postbaccalaureate Research Education Program (PREP): February 28th
- Master’s in Clinical Investigation: July 1st
- Millennium PhD: June 1st
What are the next steps once my application is complete?
Qualified candidates will be contacted via email for an interview following an application review process. Please check your status on the online application in the meantime.
May I defer my acceptance?
Upon acceptance, with the permission of the Program Director, one may defer their acceptance for one academic year.
How can I have additional questions answered?
Please reach out to the Admissions Office at GSBSAdmissions@umassmed.edu and visit Connect with Us to schedule a meeting.