Standards of Admission

The Microbiology program is sufficiently flexible to accommodate students with a relatively wide range of backgrounds. Students with a bachelor's degree in any of the biological, biochemical, engineering or physical sciences who have a strong desire to pursue research-oriented career are encouraged to apply.

The minimum requirements for admission to the Graduate College are:

  • A bachelor's degree from a Regionally Accredited American College of University, or an equivalent degree from another country as determined by the Office of Admissions.
  • A minimum grade-point average (GPA) of 3.00/4.00, or the foreign equivalent as determined by the Office of Admissions.

U. S. applicants may be eligible for a Graduate Application Fee Waiver through the Graduate Admissions Office based upon program participation or financial hardship. Please note that waivers may have early deadlines. 

Note to International Applicants:

The strongest international applicants will have TOEFL scores of 100 or greater or an IELTS overall score of 8.0 or higher.

International students do not qualify for a graduate admissions application fee waiver.

Important Dates

December 1, 2024
Priority deadline 
January 24-25, 2025
On-campus admission interviews 
February 7-8, 2025
On-campus admission interviews 
April 15,  2025
Deadline to respond to offers of admission

Interviews

Learn more about our interview process and timeline

Let's Go
APPLY
FAQs

How to Apply

Submit the online application to UI Graduate Admissions, including: 

  • Application fee
    • For U.S. applicants, $60 by credit card  (fee waiver details)
    • For International applicants, $100 by credit card (No fee waiver for International applicants)
  • GRE scores are not required
  • Self-report English proficiency test score (TOEFL or IELTS) if applicable

Note: All Applicants will have their application fee reimbursed by the Department of Microbiology and Immunology if they receive an interview invitation and complete the interview process.

Upload supplemental materials: 

  • Upload your unofficial academic records/transcripts
  • Three Letters of Recommendation
  • Resume or Curriculum Vitae
  • Research Statement
  • Personal Statement

If you are admitted, you will need to provide official transcripts.

Your Admissions Profile includes an electronic letter of recommendation feature. You will be asked to give the contact information of your recommenders including their email. The recommender will then get an email with instructions on how to upload the recommendation letter.

All applicants must submit a resume or curriculum vitae that includes all:

  • Employment
  • Research experience
  • Teaching/tutoring
  • Publications and presentations
  • Conferences attended
  • Relevant academic awards and prizes
  • Professional memberships

Your personal statement should describe your:

  • Reasons for pursuing a PhD
  • Career goals
  • Reasons for choosing to apply to the University of Iowa       

Use your HawkID and password to log into your Admissions Profile on MyUI. Check the status of your application frequently and follow up with the appropriate institution(s) or person(s) to facilitate the timely submission of the required materials. Applicants will be notified via email if invited for an interview.

If you are admitted, you will need to provide an official score report from TOEFL or IELTS if English is not your first language.

International applicants whose first language is not English must submit results of the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) in compliance with the university's English Language Proficiency Requirements. TOEFL scores must be reported directly from the Educational Testing Service (ETS), which administers the TOEFL. The University's institution code is 6681. Automatic waivers of this requirement are granted for persons who have completed a bachelor's degree (or higher) at an accredited university in the United States, United Kingdom, Ireland, Canada (excluding French Quebec), Africa (English speaking), Australia, or New Zealand.

Application reviews start after the priority deadline of December 1st. Decisions are typically finalized within 2 weeks. Selected applicants will receive notifications for on-campus interviews. International applicants will have virtual interviews. For those chosen to participate in on-campus interviews, the Department will cover travel expenses.