Admissions
The students we primarily target are those with interdisciplinary backgrounds, for example, those with undergraduate (or Master’s) degrees in computational biology or bioinformatics. However, since interdisciplinary undergraduate programs are still scarce, we also target students with multi-disciplinary backgrounds, for example double majors or majors/minors in biology and a quantitative science field (e.g., computer science, physics, etc.) or engineering. In some cases, extraordinary students with backgrounds only in biology or only in a quantitative science are also accepted, in which case they are required to take undergraduate courses in the other field. The figure above provides an overview of the prior educational backgrounds of our current trainees.
For undergraduates who would like to plan ahead for this program, a list of recommended courses is provided. Admissions procedures are discussed in more detail below.
Students from groups underrepresented in math, science and technology are especially encouraged to apply.
The online application is available now!
The deadline for completing your application is January 5. The admissions committee will review files for admission to the subsequent fall term.
The admissions process takes place only once per year. Spring admission is not offered.
Please complete the following steps in order to apply to the program
- read about the research interests of the training faculty and identify at least three faculty with whom you would be interested in doing thesis research
- submit the on-line application form
- submit official transcripts from all colleges and universities attended
- submit an official report of GRE scores (general + subject)
- Use Institution code - 2927, University of Pittsburgh, GRE code - 0609, Medical Sciences
- Submission of a GRE subject score is strongly recommended but not required
- submit an official report of TOEFL or IELTS score (required for foreign applicants from countries other than Canada, Australia, the United Kingdom, or New Zealand)
- A minimum score of 250 (600 paper, 100 iBT) on the computer TOEFL or a minimum of 7.0 on the IELTS is required for admission to the program. Scores must be less than two years old.
- For TOEFL submission, use Institution code - 2927, University of Pittsburgh, TOEFL code - 45, Biomedical Sciences
- For IELTS submission, submit an official copy to the address below
- submit the application fee of $50 (paid either online or via check to "Carnegie Mellon University")
All materials must be received by January 15, 2009. Transcripts and other hardcopy materials should be submitted to:
Computational Biology Admissions,
3064 BST3
3501 Fifth Ave.
University of Pittsburgh
Pittsburgh PA 15213.
Questions about the application process can be directed to admissions at compbio dot cmu dot edu
Admissions procedure
Applications will be reviewed by the Joint CMU-Pitt Program's Admissions Committee. Each admitted student will be assigned an initial research advisor and receive an admissions offer letter from the University in which that advisor has his/her primary appointment. Students will have the ability to change advisors (subject to agreement of the new advisor and availability of support) and to transfer between the two universities to reflect advisor changes. Upon completion of the program, students will receive a Ph.D. in Computational Biology from the thesis advisor's university.