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.

Application materials include a personal statement. We use this to help us assess your qualifications and how good the match is between you and our program. In this statement please write about a) your interest in biology and what brought you to applying for graduate school, and for graduate school at UMSL, b) your research and other relevant experiences, and c) what your future academic and career plans are. Please mention any particular faculty members that you would like to work with. Your statement should be no longer than 2 pages.

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.