About PhD Program,
The interdisciplinary Ph.D. program, established over 45 years ago, trains students in the frontiers of Genetics research and develops leaders that meet the upcoming challenges in the field of Genetics. The program has been supported for 40 years by a NIH grants.
Students enrolling in the program are encouraged to obtain a broad background in genetics while being flexible enough to permit students to choose a program of formal courses that fits their individual needs. Courses are chosen from the Genetics Program list as well as from participating departments.
Currently, about 40 Ph.D. students are enrolled in the program. The program includes over 70 faculty from 18 departments in four colleges at the University of Iowa studying all fields of modern Genetics.
Students conduct research rotations in 3 faculty labs before affiliating with one of these for their thesis research. To earn their PhD in Genetics, students will complete and publish a significant research project. To help prepare students for academic careers, they will participate in an interactive course in scientific integrity, and they will serve as part-time Teaching Assistants for 2 semesters. Thus, our PhD graduates are well equipped to meet the challenges of their postdoctoral paths.
PhD Program Degree Eligibility with GPA,
The Interdisciplinary Graduate Program in Genetics does not direct admit students into a laboratory. Rather following admission, our first-year students participate in three laboratory rotations approximately 10-12 weeks in length. At the end of your first year, you and a laboratory mentor will come to an agreement about joining their lab for the remainder of your PhD studies.
Out of fairness to all applicants, we do not examine informal applications instead, the Admissions Committee waits until all applicants can fairly be compared after their formal applications occur. Application pools vary each year and therefore we are unable to provide an estimate of the likelihood any applicant may be admitted prior to reviewing all applications.
PhD Funding Coverage,
Students in the Interdisciplinary Graduate Program in Genetics are eligible for financial support through a combination of training grants, scholarships, fellowships, research assistantships, teaching assistantships, University support, and revenue from the Carver Trust. Training grants come from the National Institute of Health, National Science Foundation, and Howard Hughes Medical Institute. These opportunities provide for long-term, stable funding for graduate students making satisfactory progress toward their degree.
Genetics students receive a guaranteed stipend ($34,500 in 2024 – 2025), full tuition, mandatory fees, and health insurance allowance. The University of Iowa Students are also encouraged to apply for extramural and U of I Internal Fellowships. The University of Iowa Graduate College has many funding opportunities and resources to assist students with applications.
Application Requirement,
- Submit the application found athttps://grad.admissions.uiowa.edu/academics/genetics-phd
- Once you have submitted your application, you will receive an email instructing you on how to upload your supporting documents.
- CV, Personal statement, and Statement of research experience
- Transcripts: A set of your unofficial academic records/transcripts must be uploaded on your Admissions Profile. If admitted, official transcripts are required
- Letters of recommendation: You will need to provide contact information for 3 faculty members familiar with you who will be contacted to provide a recommendation letter
- International Students: Must submit TOEFLor IELTS scores to comply with the University’s English Language Proficiency Requirements. The University’s institution code is: 6681. Automatic waivers of this requirement are granted for those persons who have completed a bachelor’s degree (or higher) at an accredited university in the United States, or any of the countries listed on the Graduate College Admissions website.
- There is no GRE requirement for this graduate program.
- Complete applications will be reviewed by these dates (completed applications include all required materials).
Application deadline:
December 1st for best consideration with final deadline of January 1st. 2025
Application fee:
Application fee is $60 by credit card, $100 for international applicants (fee waiver details). Visit the Big Ten Academic Alliance FreeApp website to see if you qualify for their Program. International students are not eligible for a fee waiver. Applicants who do not qualify for an application fee waiver, including international students will have their application fee reimbursed by the Program if they receive an interview invitation and complete an official interview.
