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Apply to MMI-VPB Graduate Program

Graduate students are the lifeblood of the department’s research and educational missions. We want you to be a part of the talented group of students entering the MMI-VPB program next year.

To apply for graduate study in the Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, please prepare the following documents and ensure that they are received by the department by the due date. This year the Application Deadline is January 15, 2010. While some preference is given to domestic applicants, exceptional international students are also encouraged to apply. We look forward to seeing you in the Fall.

APPLY ON LINE

Application Materials

  • First, complete the on-line application. If you are unable to apply on line, you may submit a paper copy by following the instructions at the bottom of this page.
    • Personal Statement of Purpose and Goals.
    • Official transcripts from all postsecondary Institutions.
    • Three letters of recommendation (download recommendation form).
    • GRE scores (GRE Institution Code = 6875; Department Code = 0206).
    • TOEFL scores (if applicable, see below) (Institution Code = 6875; Department Code = GRAD 07).

      • Requirements for Admission

      Completed applications that include all of the component parts above, will be considered for the MMI/VPB Graduate Program.

      Criteria. Applicants must present evidence of a solid background in undergraduate work that includes biology, chemistry, physics and mathematics. In addition to the applicant’s scholastic records from all postsecondary institutions, the Graduate Admissions Committee give particular consideration to prior research and professional experience, to a statement of purpose and goals from the applicant, and to the three letters of recommendation.

      GRE Scores. All applications are REQUIRED to take the Aptitude Test of the Graduate Record Examination (GRE), preferably prior to submission of the formal application. For information about the GRE, contact the Graduate Record Examination, Box 955, Princeton, N.J. or log onto www.gre.org.

      TOEFL. All non-native English-speaking applicants are required to provide proof of English language ability. The University of Missouri Graduate School accepts scores from either the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or the International English Language Testing System (IELTS). TOEFL and IELTS scores are considered valid for two years beyond the test date. Required scores vary by academic program. For information about the TOEFL, contact http://www.ets.org/toefl.

      The Interview Visit

      Finalists for admission who are in the United States are typically invited to visit the University of Missouri for an interview. This visit provides an excellent opportunity for the prospective student to interact with faculty members and current students, to view the University of Missouri-Columbia and the Department, and to experience Columbia, Missouri. The program defrays expenses for these visits. In lieu of a personal visit, international student finalists may be interviewed on line.

      All students who are accepted into our graduate program are offered financial assistance, which includes an annual stipend of $23,000 in the form of an “assistantship” appointment ($24,000 upon completion of the comprehensive exam) along with health insurance and a waiver of tuition.

      Exceptionally qualified applicants whose application packages are complete before January 15, 2010 are automatically considered for fellowships that are supported by the Life Sciences Program and the Graduate School at the University of Missouri-Columbia. In addition, minority fellowships are offered through the Gus T. Ridgel Fellowship Program.

      Fall 2008 student profile:

    • 10 Students admitted (total 50 in the program, as of August 30, 2009.
    • 5 Domestic, 5 International
    • 5 Men, 5 Women
    • GRE Range 1180-1430, mean 1213

      Paper Applications

      If you are unable to apply on line, you may mail us a paper copy. You may download a pdf version of the application form, or you may request a paper application by contacting the department. Complete the application materials as described above, and send the application form and personal statement to the address below. ALSO arrange to have all recommendations and copies of your GRE and TOEFL (if applicable) send to this address.

      Jana Clark
      Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology
      University of Missouri
      M616 Medical Science Bldg.
      Columbia, MO 65212

      If you have any questions, please contact the Graduate Studies Coordinator at (573) 882-3938 or email clarkjl@missouri.edu.