Minor in MCDB

Graduate students studying at Iowa State University with an interest in completing a MCDB minor for their Ph.D. are required to complete the following curriculum requirements.

Minor Curriculum Requirements

Admissions Outlook

The MCDB Graduate Program welcomes applications from enthusiastic and ambitious candidates who have interest in leading-edge research and are seeking a challenging Ph.D. program in preparation for a career in research, industry, teaching, or public service. MCDB seeks students with the intellectual aptitude, independence, and motivation to pursue rigorous and challenging scientific research. Toward this goal we utilize a holistic evaluation that includes a candidate’s overall trajectory, research or professional experience, and motivation/dedication for a career in science.

Prospective students are admitted by the MCDB program following receipt of a complete application and after review by the MCDB Admissions Committee. Students are admitted either to participate in research rotations with several faculty before deciding on a major professor and laboratory, or by direct admission into a specific lab and department. Ph.D. students typically enter via rotation and M.S. students typically enter via a direct admit. Those students admitted through a rotation admit are required to complete a minimum of three research lab rotations with faculty of interest and take MCDB 697, Graduate Research Rotation, during their first two semesters. At the end of their second semester, students on rotation must select a major professor from the faculty participating in the program. Current ISU graduate students may be admitted as a co-major or minor with MCDB.

Entrance Requirements

• 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
  • Organic Chemistry
  • Physics
  • Mathematics
• 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. 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 you were 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).

Application Period

September 1 - December 1 (full application) for fall admission – Final deadline for both domestic and international students. MCDB receives a relatively large number of applications from well-qualified candidates, and admissions are competitive. Multiple factors are used in making admissions decisions, including the strength of recommendation letters, previous research experience, grades, and the congruency between our educational program and a candidate’s career goals. Applicants will be informed of admission decisions in the first few months of the calendar year. Decisions are finalized by April 15, and newly admitted students begin study in the fall semester.

• Admissions - Online Application Login
  • Application fee -
    • Domestic applicants (U.S. citizens, permanent residents, refugees, asylees, DACA, or undocumented individuals): $60 (nonrefundable),
    • International applicants: $100 (nonrefundable).
  • For guaranteed consideration, your application needs to be received BY December 1st.
    • Applications received until February 1st, MAY still be considered.
    • There is no Spring admission cycle for the MCDB graduate program.
  • International Graduate Application Instructions
  • U.S Graduate Application Instructions
• Financial Support. Stipend (Fall 2025, starts at $10,436 per semester);  Tuition Scholarships - 100% (Ph.D.) and 75% (M.S., assessed at in-state rates)
• Student & Scholars Health Insurance Program - Paid Single Health Insurance and Subsidized Dental Insurance
• Faculty Directory with contact information, home department, and research interest areas
• Coursework Required to complete a Ph.D/MS in MCDB.
• GRE's are no longer required.  You can send them in with your application if you have them.
• Master's applicants are only admitted if we still have openings after offers are made to PhD applicants or are directly admitted with a faculty member. Master's applicants will need to pay the application fee.  
• FAQ 

The TOEFL or IELTS exam is required of non-native English speakers that have not obtained a degree from a United States college or university.  The English proficiency minimum for these exams are as follows: