Admission normally requires a minimum grade point average of 3.0 (both biology and overall), as well as an appropriate background for graduate work in biology, including courses in genetics, biochemistry, evolution, organic chemistry, college physics, and calculus. Statistics is strongly recommended.

All foreign applicants, except those from countries where English is the primary language, must take the TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) Examination. The minimal TOEFL score is 550 (paper based test), or 213 (computer based test), or 80 (internet based test). The University requires all incoming foreign students to take an English language exam during orientation week and may require additional courses in English during the first year of graduate study.

Applicants from outside the U.S. must submit completed application and personal data forms. Three letters of recommendation from previous faculty members or other people qualified to assess the applicants' capabilities for graduate study should be sent directly to the Office of International Student and Scholar Services, University of Missouri-St. Louis, One University Blvd. (221), 261 Millennium Student Center, St. Louis, MO 63121-4499. Transcripts of all post-secondary academic work should also be sent to the Office of International Student and Scholar Services. We encourage GRE scores (Verbal, Quantitative, and Analytical) to be sent as well, however, these are not required.