Graduate program FAQs
Whether you're exploring the path to becoming a researcher or looking for details about admissions, curriculum or culture, you'll find answers here.
Application Requirements
Q: To apply for an assistantship or financial aid, is a separate application or additional application materials required?
A: No. All applications to our research-based MS or PhD degrees are automatically considered for assistantships.
Q: What are the specific admission requirements for the program?
A: https://www.siumed.edu/mbbs/mbbs-graduate-program-application-and-admissions
Q: As an international applicant, do I need to submit an official English language proficiency report?
A: Only a copy of your English language proficiency report is required at the time of application. Please upload your report at the “Test Scores” section in your application, unless you qualify for an exemption. Exemption details are found here: https://siu.edu/admissions/graduate/apply/international/
Q: As an international applicant, I noticed a “financial statement” and “source of funding” request in the “Application Documentation” section of the application. Is this required?
A: No. At this time, you do not have to submit any financial or funding information. However, if you are admitted to the program and have dependents, you will be required to submit this information.
Q: As an international applicant, am I required to submit a U.S. Grade Point Average (GPA) calculation?
A: Yes. Please ask your former institution(s) to calculate the GPA and enter it on the “Department Requirements” section of the application. Or, you can utilize a service such as WES (World Education Services) to calculate your GPA.
Q: Are standardized tests, such as the GRE or GMAT, required? If so, what are the competitive score ranges?
A: GMAT is not required. GRE is strongly encouraged, but not required. A score of 305 or better is considered competitive. You do not need to send an official GRE report, but please upload a copy of your GRE report in the “Test Scores” section of the application.
Q: What is the minimum GPA required for admission consideration?
A: From undergraduate coursework, a minimum of 2.7 is required for MS degree consideration, and a 3.0 is required for PhD degree consideration.
Q: How many letters of recommendation are needed, and from whom should they be obtained?
A: A minimum of two letters of recommendation are required for all MBBS Concentrations. They should be from former instructors/professors, research mentors or work supervisors.
Q: Do I need to submit a personal statement or a letter of intent, and what should it include?
A: Yes, a personal statement is required and should describe the applicant’s motivation for graduate work, any research experience and goals and ambitions for the future. Lastly, you are encouraged to identify 2-3 faculty members with whom your research interests align, with specific reasons for this selection.
Q: What official documents, such as transcripts, are required as part of the application?
A: Official documents are not required as part of the application. Only copies of transcripts are required at this time.
Q: What are the application deadlines, and are students admitted in both the fall and spring semesters?
A: Application deadlines are continually updated at this link: https://www.siumed.edu/mbbs/mbbs-graduate-program-application-and-admissions
Fall semesters, when the majority of admissions occur, include the option for interdisciplinary rotations, which allows students to complete lab rotations on the selected campus before choosing a Concentration. Spring semesters will have limited recruitment. The non-thesis MS in Biomedical Science has rolling admissions for all three semesters.
Q: How can I stand out?
A: Research experience will help make your application competitive, especially if the methods used are similar to methods used in the Concentration for which you are applying. While we do not require the GRE, we strongly recommend it, and good scores can make your application much more competitive.
Q: Are there application fee waivers available?
A: Unfortunately, no.
Q: Can I defer my application if not accepted?
A: Possibly. The final decision for application deferrals will be at the discretion of the MBBS Graduate Program Director.
Q: Should I identify a mentor before applying?
A: Applicants do not need to have a mentor secured before applying to our program. However, research-based MS and PhD. applicants should identify 2-3 faculty members with whom their research interests align in their personal statement. Provide specific reasons for selecting these faculty members.
Q: Can I apply for a PhD degree with only a Bachelor’s Degree?
A: Yes. All research-based Concentrations allow for direct entry consideration. However, no previous coursework at the graduate level is allowed.
Q: If I have taken some graduate courses at another university, can I apply for the PhD degree in the MBBS program?
A: If any graduate courses were taken elsewhere, but no MS degree was conferred, the applicant can only be admitted to the MS degree. No previous graduate coursework is allowed for direct entry into PhD degree.
Academics and Program Structure
Q: How long does it typically take to complete the program?
A: For research-based degrees, the MS degree is typically conferred within 2.5 years. The PhD is typically conferred within 5 years. The Biomedical Science (non-thesis MS) degree can be completed in as little as one year (3 semesters), but often takes two years.
Q: Is a thesis or dissertation required for graduation?
A: Yes, for research-based degrees, a thesis is required for the MS degree and a dissertation is required for the PhD degree. The Biomedical Science degree does not require a thesis.
Q: How do I distinguish which campus I will be on?
A: The Concentration from which you are admitted will determine your campus location.
Carbondale Campus:
- anatomy & neurobiology;
- biochemistry & molecular biology;
- microbiology;
- molecular and integrative neuroscience; and
- biomedical science or medprep MS degree.
Springfield Campus:
- cell biology, immunology & cancer biology; and
- pharmacology & neuroscience.
Edwardsville Campus:
- medicinal chemistry; and
- pharmacology and neuroscience co-op program.
Q: What is the typical class size and student-to-faculty ratio?
A: Most MBBS coursework is highly tailored to MBBS Concentrations, and classes are typically small. It is possible to be in a class with just a few other students, or as many as 30, especially for the required, core courses.
Q: What are the core and elective courses offered?
A: The MBBS graduate program is designed to be flexible yet comprehensive. Each Concentration has its own set of core courses and electives. Please consult the latest graduate catalog for the MBBS program, where each Concentration’s core and elective courses can be found. https://gradcatalog.siu.edu/
Q: Are all classes taught in person?
A: Most are taught in person, but there may be some virtual, synchronous classes.
Q: What kind of research opportunities are available to students, and is prior undergraduate research experience required?
A: Prior research experience will make your application more competitive. Research opportunities vary by Concentration; please review the list of faculty research interests by visiting each of the Concentration pages here: https://www.siumed.edu/mbbs/mbbs-graduate-program-concentrations
Q: Is it possible to complete the degree as a part-time student or work full-time while studying?
A: No. All research-based degrees are full-time with a part-time work commitment in the mentor’s laboratory, doing research.
Q: Can I defer my admission if accepted?
A: Possibly. Any admission deferral decisions will be made by the Concentration’s Director of Graduate Studies.
Q: If I am admitted as an MS student, but want to pursue my PhD, do I need to confer my MS degree first?
A: No. Most Concentrations will consider MS students for Accelerated Entry into the PhD program.