How to apply

Use this webpage to apply for the regular Master’s and PhD Biomedical Engineering programs:

  • PhD
  • MS - Plan A (thesis)
  • MS - Plan B (project)
  • MS - Plan C (coursework-only)

Application instructions

All application materials must be submitted electronically. Do not submit paper copies of any application materials. The application deadline for the PhD program is December 1. MS priority application deadline is December 1. MS applications are no longer being accepted on a rolling, space-available basis after March 15.

A limited number of application fee waivers are available. Please complete this application fee waiver request form no later than November 6 to submit your request. Decisions will be made by November 14.

 

Special instructions and requirements for individuals applying to our program are outlined below, listed by application section. For all other sections of the application, simply follow the on-screen prompts.

Failure to follow application instructions may result in severe delays and/or rejection of the application. Incomplete applications won’t be considered. 

Program selection

Select University of Minnesota - Twin Cities for the campus.

Term selection

Full-time applicants must apply for the Fall term. We don’t admit for Summer term under any circumstances.

Academic history

Upload unofficial transcripts showing all coursework completed/in-progress at the institutions you list in this section.

Test scores

GRE General Test: Applicants should not submit GRE scores. These scores will not be used as part of the admission process.

English Language Proficiency: Required for all international applicants and for domestic applicants whose native language isn’t English. Our program accepts the types of English proficiency evidence listed by the Office of Graduate Admissions. Enter your test scores in this section, and upload an unofficial copy of your score report. Official score reports aren’t required for application review, but the Office of Graduate Admissions won’t issue visa documents to admitted students until official scores have been received. How to submit scores.

Materials: Statements

Personal Statement: Required for all applicants. The personal statement is an opportunity to introduce yourself to the admissions committee, explain your motivation for pursuing a PhD or MS in Biomedical Engineering at the University of Minnesota, and help the committee understand your other application components including your academic record, research experience, and letters of recommendation. Your statement should help the admissions committee understand why you are excited about graduate training in Biomedical Engineering at the University of Minnesota, which research areas or projects excite you most, how you have prepared for graduate training, and how this training will facilitate your personal and professional goals. There is no minimum or maximum length requirement.

Diversity Statement: Required for all applicants. Supporting the development of a diverse student body is central to the University of Minnesota's mission. This mission is enacted by the inclusion of academically excellent students with diverse backgrounds, experiences, and/or a commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion. Please write a statement that identifies the distinctive characteristics and/or life experiences, such as successfully overcoming obstacles or hardships, that you would bring to your graduate program and how that could contribute to the education and enhanced perspective of fellow students at the University of Minnesota. For domestic PhD applicants, this statement will be used in consideration for a Diversity of Views and Experiences (DOVE) Fellowship. There is no minimum or maximum length requirement.

Adverse Experiences or Circumstances: Optional. Students may identify and/or comment on any circumstances or experiences that negatively impacted their ability to obtain a college degree and apply for graduate training.

Materials: Other Materials

Resume/CV: Required for all applicants. Include education; research, work, and teaching experience; publication and presentation citations; and leadership/service.

Recommendations

Three letters of recommendation are required and must be submitted online by the recommenders. In the online application, click on Recommendations in the menu on the left. Recommendation letters can be submitted either before or after you’ve submitted your online application.

Letters should come from current or former professors or research advisors who can assess your potential for graduate work. Letters from current or former employers or supervisors are also acceptable for applicants who have been out of school for several years.

Deadlines

Deadlines apply to both full-time and part-time students.

PhD applicants

The application deadline for PhD applicants is December 1. We only admit PhD students for the fall semester.

Complete applications received by the deadline will be given priority consideration for admission and financial support. Applications received after December 1 may still be considered, but individuals who apply late are significantly less likely to be admitted. Applicants are strongly advised to ensure all materials are received by December 1.

MS applicants

MS priority application deadline is December 1. MS applications are no longer being accepted on a rolling, space-available basis after March 15. 

Financial support

Contact

If you can't find the information you need on this page, please see the frequently asked questions. If you still can't find what you're looking for, contact:

Erica Ratner
Graduate Program Coordinator
bmengp@umn.edu