How to Apply
Step One: Application overview
Before you begin, let us know if you have any questions.
To begin, create an account here.
Select "MCS ChemE Biotech M.S." once your account has been set up.
There is a $50 application fee for all applicants.
Application review begins in mid-December and applications are reviewed on a rolling basis after that. The final dates that applications are accepted are as follows:
All applicants: The priority admissions deadline is December 15th. Additional applications will be reviewed until the dates below or until all slots are filled. If you apply after December 15th, the sooner you apply, the higher your chances of admission.
International applications: March 18th application deadline to submit (LORs need to be submitted within 2 weeks after the application is submitted). The early deadline is to allow for us to have enough time to process visa requests.
Domestic applications (including foreign scholars who are currently F1 visa holders studying and living at a college/university in the US): April 29th application deadline to submit (LORs need to be submitted within 2 weeks after the application is submitted)
Step Two: Transcripts
Transcripts – We require transcripts from all colleges and universities you have attended, including any that you didn't get a degree from. For all applicants: the MS in Biotechnology & Pharmaceutical Engineering program prefers unofficial copies of transcripts for application purposes, we will collect official transcripts from you if you are admitted and decide to come (required before you can start).
International applicants: The admissions committee will not review an application without transcripts in English. If your school will not provide English transcripts, then a WES evaluation will be required; however, if the transcripts from your school are available in English, third-party (e.g. WES) evaluations are NOT necessary for application.
Step Three: Optional GRE
GRE scores – An official report of the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) general test and subject test are not required, but will be reviewed if submitted with your application. Photocopies of GRE scores are also accepted, but if those are sent then you will need to provide official scores in the Spring if you are admitted. We do not accept GRE subject tests.
If you want to submit official copies with your application, please use the information below:
- Institution code: CMU 2074
- Department code: Biology 0203
Step Four: English proficiency for non-native speakers
International applicants – All non-native English-speaking applicants must submit an English proficiency score, unless the applicant has completed a university-level degree in the U.S. or in another majority native English-speaking country in the last 4 years. Recommended scores and minimum required scores for MS programs in Biological Sciences (including this program which is joint with Chemical Engineering) are available here. Student who completed their undergraduate degree at Carnegie Mellon in the past 4 years do not need English proficiency scores. Photocopies of TOEFL/IELTS/DUOLINGO scores will be accepted for admission purposes only, and scores must be no more than two years old. However, if you are accepted to the program, it will be on a provisional basis until we receive your official English proficiency score. If admitted, please send your scores to the following codes:
- Duolingo English Test: Select “Carnegie Mellon University – Mellon College of Science”
- TOEFL: Institution Code: CMU 2074; Department Code: 35
- IELTS Program Code: Select “Carnegie Mellon University, Mellon College of Science”
Step Five: Letters of recommendation
Letters of Recommendation – Three online letters of recommendation should be from individuals who are in a position to evaluate your ability to successfully complete a M.S. in Biotechnology and Pharmaceutical Engineering; at least one letter should be from the college most recently attended.Step Six: Statement of purpose
Statement of Purpose – The Statement of Purpose should be a well-written, 1-2 page essay describing primary areas of interest, motives for a M.S. in Biotechnology and Pharmaceutical Engineering and reasons for considering the Department of Biological Sciences and the Department of Chemical Engineering. You should also discuss relevant educational and work experiences and how they relate to your plan with our graduate program and in your future goals.
Step Seven: Finishing up
All materials need to be received before the application deadline.
Application Status – Check your application status page.
Contact us with any questions.
Step Eight
Decision Process – The application review process begins immediately after the deadline. Acceptances will be received within 2 months after the admissions review begins.