PhD admissions into the MCDB department
Students pursuing PhDs in MCDB laboratories are admitted into the program through 3 different
routes. The majority of students apply directly to the MCDB department (MCDB general path)
or to the interdepartmental PIBS program (PIBS path). Additionally, a small number of students
who apply directly to MCDB can be admitted to a specific MCDB laboratory (MCDB specific
path).
Admissions to the MCDB department
The majority of students apply directly to the MCDB department (MCDB general). These
students are required to do at least 2 research rotations in MCDB laboratories and typically
choose a thesis laboratory by the end of their second semester. This application pathway is open
to both domestic and international students.
To apply to the MCDB department, follow the directions on the “How to apply” webpage
(http://www.mcdb.lsa.umich.edu/grad.php?&sidenavInfo=grad&sectionOne=apply&sectionTwo
=howtoapply).
Admissions to a specific MCDB laboratory
On occasion, students apply to MCDB because they are interested in thesis work with a
specific MCDB faculty member (MCDB specific). Once admitted, these students immediately
join their thesis laboratory, skipping research rotations. Students wishing to apply to a specific
laboratory must have made arrangements with the thesis laboratory before applying to the PhD
program and must have demonstrated research experience consistent with their designated lab.
To apply as a direct admit student into a specific laboratory, follow the guidelines for the
MCDB department.
(http://www.mcdb.lsa.umich.edu/grad.php?&sidenavInfo=grad&sectionOne=apply&sectionTwo
=howtoapply). Additionally, a letter from the future thesis advisor stating a willingness to accept
the student directly into his/her lab is required and should be submitted to the Graduate
Coordinator in MCDB (Mary Carr, MCDB Department, 1121A Kraus Natural Science Bldg.,
830 N. University, Ann Arbor, MI 48109; carrmm@umich.edu) by Jan 5th.
Note that students must choose, prior to applying to the MCDB program, whether to be
considered as a candidate for the MCDB department or to a specific laboratory. Under no
circumstances will applicants be allowed to switch their application type.
Admissions through the PIBS program
The Program in Biomedical Sciences (PIBS) is an umbrella program for 13 departments
and programs. PIBS students initially affiliate with one program but are free to explore research
opportunities in any of the PIBS groups. Students are required to do at least 2 research rotations
and typically join a laboratory and department/program by the end of their second semester.
Students apply to PIBS through the Rackham Graduate School and are asked to select 3
PhD program/department choices, in rank order. Students most interested in working with
faculty affiliated with the MCDB department should select MCDB as their first choice as it is
assumed that students are most interested in their top choice and admissions decisions are made
accordingly. For specific guidelines, refer to the PIBS website
(http://www.med.umich.edu/pibs/index.html). Only US citizens and permanent residents may
apply to MCDB through the PIBS program. International students interested in MCDB should
apply directly to the MCDB program.
Frequently asked admissions questions:
General admissions questions
What is the difference between PIBS and MCDB?
The Program in Biomedical Sciences (PIBS) is an umbrella program of the University of
Michigan that coordinates the admission, acceptance, and first year training of graduate students
in several departments and programs. After research rotations are completed, all PIBS students
formally associate with one department or program. The department of Molecular, Cellular, and
Developmental Biology (MCDB) is a member of the PIBS program. PhD students in MCDB are
admitted either through the PIBS program or directly through MCDB.
What is the difference between MCDB, CDB, and CMB?
The Departments of Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology (MCDB) and Cellular and
Developmental Biology (CDB) are independent academic departments housed in the College of
Literature, Science, and the Arts (LSA) and Medical School, respectively. The Cell and
Molecular Biology Program is an NIH-sponsored training program. Faculty mentors in CMB
come from a wide variety of departments, including several from MCDB.
To decide which unit is most appropriate for you, it is best to visit the specific web sites.
 MCDB http://www.mcdb.lsa.umich.edu/
 CDB http://www.med.umich.edu/pibs/cdb/index.html
 CMB http://www.med.umich.edu/pibs/cmb/index.html
There are 3 ways to apply to MCDB, which one is best for me?
Most students are unsure of their specific research interest and benefit greatly from research
rotations. Because of the breadth of the MCDB faculty, most students find that the rotation
choices within the MCDB department are more than sufficient and therefore, apply to the MCDB
general path. Some students enjoy the wider options available to them through the PIBS
program, which allows research rotations and final affiliations with faculty in different
departments. Students that are applying to MCDB because of interest in a single faculty member
and have extensive independent research experience may find the MCDB specific path attractive.
Major differences between the 3 application routes
PIBS
MCDB general
MCDB specific
Number of rotations
At least 2
At least 2
None
Choice of rotation
lab
All PIBS affiliated
labs
MCDB labs only
n.a.
Specific admission
requirements
US citizen or
permanent resident
At least 1 year of
research experience in
prospective area and
willingness of MCDB
faculty member to
serve as a sponsor
Do I have to pay the application fee?
What is Rackham’s policy? Do they give waivers for students in need? If so, then I propose:
“The application fee covers the costs associated with processing and evaluating your application.
In nearly all cases, you must submit this fee. Applicants with documented financial hardship may
petition the Rackham Graduate School to waive (or subsidize?) this fee: LINK.”
Who makes the admissions decisions?
In the Department of MCDB, there is an Admissions Committee that evaluates all
applicants and makes admissions recommendations, which must be approved by the Chair of the
department. For applications to the MCDB department (general and specific), files are evaluated
by the MCDB Admission Committee. For PIBS applicants, files are evaluated by the Admission
Committees from the 3 departments or groups listed by the student on their application.
How are applicants evaluated?
All admission decisions, including those concerning students applying for direct admission, are
recommended by the Admissions Committee with final approval determined by the Department
Chair. For all doctoral program applicants, grades, educational background, GREs, TOEFL (if
required) letters of recommendation, and research experience are considered. For students
applying to a specific MCDB laboratory, the following are also considered:

Evidence that the student is applying to the MCDB doctoral program because of their
strong commitment to a specific laboratory. The applicant is expected to have significant
research experience and previous interest consistent with the prospective doctoral thesis
advisor. Ideally, the applicant will have a M.S. degree (with research) or other research
experience beyond undergraduate studies.

The student and prospective doctoral thesis advisor must agree, prior to the submission of
the application, that the specific admission path is appropriate. The prospective doctoral
thesis advisor must submit a letter addressed to the Graduate Coordinator stating a desire
to train the prospective student and a description of the proposed mechanism to fund the
student. This letter will be included with the student's application. The student must state
in their application that they wish to be considered as a specific admission student.

Priority will be given to students applying to faculty mentors with few or no MCDB
graduate students.
Are students interviewed as part of the admission process?
Yes. Students that are living in the United States and deemed qualified by the Admissions
Committee are invited to come to the University of Michigan to talk with prospective research
mentors, Admissions Committee members, and current PhD students. International students are
typically interviewed by telephone although we often send faculty members to China to
interview students in person.
Can I arrange my own visit to the University of Michigan?
We strongly discourage students from making their own travel plans to visit UM prior to hearing
from the Admissions Committee, particularly in January-March. Faculty members are quite busy
hosting and interviewing students during this period.
What are the departmental and institutional GRE codes?
The institutional code is 1839. The department code is 0203.
Can I move directly from the Masters Program into the PhD program?
No. All Ph.D applications must go through the same application process and review.
Questions specific to International Students
You did not accept any students from my university recently. Does this mean you are not taking
students from my institution?
We evaluate all international students as individuals. We do not consider previous institution
biases with our current students in admissions decisions. We always consider students from a
variety of institutions each year.
How do I get my student visa?
Help
Other questions?
Provide a link to the International Center:
http://www.internationalcenter.umich.edu/intlstudents/faq.html
What are the department and institutional TOEFL codes?
The institutional codes is 1839. The department code is 35.
What is the minimum TOEFL score required?
We do not have a rigid minimal TOEFL score ,but rarely consider students with a score below
600, 250, or 100 (PBT, CBT and IBT exams, respectively).
Questions related to life as a first year MCDB PhD student
If accepted into the PhD program, how will I pay for it?
All students receive a stipend (currently $XXX), tuition waiver and health insurance. Funding
will come from a variety of sources, depending on year of study, eligibility for pre-graduate
training programs and faculty mentor.
Do I have to pay tuition?
No. As an MCDB PhD student, you will not pay tuition for any activity associated with the
program.
Will I have health insurance?
All graduate students have free GradCare health insurance. For more information, see
http://www.uhs.umich.edu/gradcare
Will I teach as part of my training?
Teaching and effective communication are integral aspects of PhD training. All MCDB students
must teach twice during their PhD training.
Will I attend national/international research meetings?
Yes. The department provides $1,000 towards a meeting in the second year of study. Thereafter,
the student can apply for (and often receives) travel funds from the department and Rackham
Graduate School.
Can I start early?
Yes. In some cases there may be advantages to starting research rotations in the summer. This is
possible for domestic students but often a challenge for international students because of visa
issues.
How many research rotations do I do?
MCDB students must do at least 2 research rotations (unless admitted directly to a laboratory).
Typically, students will do a full rotation in the fall semester, although other arrangements are
possible. For the winter term, some do another full rotation and some split the term into two
“half” rotations.
Which labs are available for research rotations?
MCDB students may rotate with any MCDB faculty member. Specific research rotations are set
up by mutual faculty and student consent. Students in the PIBS program typically rotate within
their primary department or program but are free to choose additional rotations with any PIBS
faculty member.
When do I choose a thesis laboratory?
PIBS students and MCDB general students and thier potential faculty mentors can make
commitments to each other no sooner than April 15 of their first year.
How long will graduate school take?
Doctoral students typically take four to six years. Our departmental average is 5.3 years.
What classes do I take?
Please see our curriculum site (add link)