Frequently Asked Questions
How large is the graduate program?
There are between 40-50 students typically enrolled in our graduate
program. On average, between 6-10 students are admitted to the
program each year.
Where do the graduate students come from?
The majority of our students are from the upper midwest, primarily
Minnesota and Wisconsin. However, in recent years we have had students
from the following states: Arkansas, California, Connecticut, Florida,
Iowa, Kansas, New York, North Dakota, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode
Island, South Dakota, and Washington. Comprising about 30% of the
population, international students come from such countries as
Canada, China, Germany, India, Italy, Japan, South Korea, Taiwan,
and Thailand.
What are the minimum GPA/GRE/TOEFL scores accepted?
The minimum score our department will accept for the internet-based TOEFL is 100 (the paper-based equivalent is 600 and the computer-based equivalent is 250). There are no established minimum requirements for the GPA or GRE. The average GPA of the students that were accepted into our program in recent years was 3.5 (on a 4.0 scale). Typically our students have scored above the 60th percentile on the GRE.
What were the undergraduate majors of recently admitted students?
The majority of our students received bachelor's degrees in one
of the life sciences, including Biology, Biochemistry, Cell Biology,
Genetics, Microbiology, Molecular Biology, Neuroscience, and Psychology.
However, we have had a number of successful students who majored
in sciences such as Chemistry and Physics.
Is previous research experience required to obtain admission
to the program?
No. However, many students have had moderate to extensive research
experience.
What is the gender ratio within the student population?
Women represent approximately 50% of incoming students each year.
How old are the students in the program?
Typically, students join our department within one or two years
of graduating from college or university. However, many students
have joined our program after initially pursuing alternate careers
including medicine, dentistry, and pharmacy.
How long does it take to complete the Ph.D. degree program?
On average, students spend four to five years completing their
doctoral program.
Do students pay tuition? Are stipends available?
All Ph.D. students receive a research stipend (contact our Director
of Graduate Studies to obtain the current figure) throughout
their entire graduate career. A full tuition waiver and health
benefits are also provided.
Do students have teaching duties?
No. Our department provides all students with research assistantships.
However, an optional program is available for students who wish
to obtain practical experience in teaching.
What career opportunities do graduates of the program pursue?
Individuals with a Ph.D. in Pharmacology are well suited to pursue
careers in academia, the pharmaceutical or biotechnology industries,
and a host of other 'non-traditional' areas, including patent law,
science publishing, and administration. Profiles of several graduates
of our program can be found in: Where
are they now?
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