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)

Students interested in an integrated or dual degree program should visit that program’s page for application instructions:

Application instructions

All application materials must be submitted electronically. Do not submit paper copies of any application materials.

Our application fee waiver request form closed on November 7. We are unable to make exceptions for additional application fee waiver applications at this time.

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: Not required for full-time applicants. There is no penalty for not reporting a score. If you do choose to report, enter your scores in this section, and upload an unofficial copy of your GRE score report. Official score reports aren’t required for application review but you can submit them to institution code 6874. You don’t need to list a department code.

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. Include a description of your research and/or work experience and how it has prepared you for graduate study in biomedical engineering, noting any particular reasons for applying to the University of Minnesota. There is no minimum or maximum length requirement.

Diversity Statement: Required for all applicants. The goal of the Diversity Statement is to provide the committee with a narrative of your background, perspective, and experiences, and share how this will shape your participation in our program and as a future leader in the biomedical field. Domestic PhD applicants have the option to be considered for a Diversity of Views and Experiences (DOVE) Fellowship, in which case the narratives should mention any hardship or obstacles you had to overcome to complete your post-secondary education (e.g., first-generation college student, low-income family, etc.). All applicants must answer one question from each category below (two questions total). There is no minimum or maximum length requirement.

Category 1:
1a. Based on your lived experience, in what ways do you plan to contribute to inclusivity in
Biomedical Engineering at the University of Minnesota?
or
1b. Please describe ways in which you have contributed to a culture of inclusivity in any
organization.

Category 2:
2a. Please describe ways in which you would contribute to the diversity of the biomedical field.
or
2b. Please describe a diversity or equity related challenge relevant to your field or research and
what steps you might take towards reducing this challenge.

Extenuating Circumstances Statement: Optional.

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 8. 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 8 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 8.

MS applicants

The fall application deadline for MS applicants is March 31. Complete applications received by the deadline will be given priority consideration for admission.