‌‌Admissions

Admissions for the PhD program:

Important Note:  All PhD applicants will apply to the Integrated Program in Biomedical Sciences (IPBS) by following the “Apply Now” link and selecting "Integrated Program in Biomedical Sciences PhD". Applicants are instructed to indicate areas of interest in the Statement of Purpose, which will aid in the evaluation by the Admissions Committee, but have no bearing on acceptance. If interested in the Physiology track, please indicate on your IPBS application.

At the end of the first year, students will select a Dissertation Advisor and associate with one of the following six tracks of study:

  • Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
  • Cell and Molecular Physiology
  • Integrative Cell Biology
  • Microbiology and Immunology
  • Molecular Pharmacology and Therapeutics
  • Neuroscience

Each track of the IPBS will allow some flexibility for interdisciplinary study.

To be accepted for graduate study, students must have completed a Baccalaureate degree and/or coursework in relevant sciences (e.g. biology, chemistry, microbiology) from an accredited university or college. All applications are made on-line, and there is no application fee. 

Early application is strongly encouraged.  Review of applications will begin in November and acceptance for admission will proceed on a rolling basis. The criteria used to evaluate an applicant for successful entry into the program include academic record and overall GPA, prior laboratory research experience/publication, personal statement and letters of recommendation.  Only complete application files will be evaluated. ***Please note: GRE scores are no longer required for application, and their submission is optional.  Quantitative measures are not used in the screening of applications.***  Early in the year (January through March), select applicants will be invited to interviews, to learn more about our program. Therefore, it is highly recommended that all materials be submitted by December 31st. 

The application deadline for Fall 2021 admission is December 31, 2020.    

International applicants must have all transcripts evaluated by Education Credential Evaluator (ECE). In some cases, the Program may require the ECE evaluation prior to the review; please refer to individual MS Program websites for further information. International applicants must also submit a score from the TOEFL or IELTS exam, or from PTE Academic.  Students receiving less than a passing score on the exam may be required to take an ESL (English as a Second Language) course.  

In many cases, applicants will be notified of the admission decision soon after the interview. If you do not reply to our letter of acceptance by April 15, the Graduate School has the discretion to rescind the offer of admission. Loyola University is a member of the Council of Graduate Schools and subscribes to its agreement regarding this reply date. If your application is received and considered after April 15, and if a letter of acceptance is sent to you for the Fall semester of that year, your reply may be expected within a limited, specified time frame, after which the Graduate School has the discretion to rescind the offer of admission.

Admissions for the MS in Cell and Molecular Physiology program:

Applicants for the Cell and Molecular Physiology MS program may apply online for free. Early applications are encouraged as we use rolling admissions and the first round of applications are evaluated in early December and the committee only reviews complete applications. Please contact the Graduate Enrollment Office at gradapp@luc.edu for any updates regarding your application materials. 

International applicants must have all transcripts evaluated by Education Credential Evaluator( ECE). International applicants must also submit a score from the TOEFL or IELTS exam, or from PTE Academic. Students receiving less than a passing score on the exam may be required to take an ESL (English as a Second Language) course.  

Admissions requirements include:

  • Students with STEM career bachelor’s degrees conferred by the time of matriculation are encouraged to apply.
  • Successful applicants take at least one (but usually two) semesters or the equivalent of the following courses and laboratories (when applicable): Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, Organic Chemistry and Biology.
  • Minimum GPA of 3.2
  • Submission of official GRE or MCAT scores are strongly encouraged. If you don’t have any of these tests you may still apply, please contact mscamp@luc.edu to let us know.
  • Two letters of recommendation from individuals with direct knowledge of the student’s academic performance and/or their research experience in a laboratory setting or in silico.
  • Applicants must agree to an Illinois State criminal background check. Self-disclosure of these types of issues is in the best interest of applicants.

Admissions for the MS in Medical Physiology (MSMP) program:

To learn about our MS in Medical Physiology (MSMP) admissions process, please visit the MSMP website.