Apply to The Graduate College at Rush University
A Message From the DeanCOVID-19 Updates for Graduate College Applicants
March 20, 2020
Dear Graduate College Applicants,
The Rush University Graduate College remains fully committed to removing barriers that applicants face during the COVID-19 pandemic.
In light of federal, state, and city mandates for individuals to shelter in place, the Graduate College will temporarily suspend the requirement of the GRE and professional school standardized test scores (MCAT, PCAT, DAT, etc) scores for admission to the Integrated Biomedical Sciences and Biotechnology MS Programs. (See below for full admissions requirements.)
In the absence of these test scores, I am charging our admissions committee to (1) modify how parts of the application is weighted, (2) continue to review each application in a holistic manner, and (3) make recommendations based on the merit of the sum of the components of the application and likelihood to succeed in respective Programs.
For applicants who have received degrees from institutions outside of the United States, we will accept WES scores as an alternative to the ECE. Also, alternatives for the TOEFL will be considered on a case-by-case basis via a written email request to the admissions team at gc_admissions@rush.edu. (See below for full admissions requirements.)
If you have specific questions related to admissions, please contact Dr. Marenda Wilson-Pham (marenda_wilson-pham@rush.edu) or the admissions team at gc_admissions@rush.edu.
Thank you for your interest and patience during this time. I want you to know that the Graduate College looks forward to welcoming you in the fall.
I hope you and your family are safe and well.
Kind regards,
Andy
Admissions
The Graduate College provides access to a research environment. It offers MS and PhD degrees in the biomedical sciences and prepares students to be next-generation leaders though rigorous coursework, research training, professional development and community outreach for students at all stages of their lives and careers.
All materials will be collected via our online application system. Below is a list of required materials that are required to complete the application process.
All components of the application must be submitted electronically by applicants. Please note that there is no need to submit official transcripts or tests scores as part of the preliminary application process. Copies of your transcript and test scores will need to be uploaded by the applicant to the online application system. Once we complete the preliminary admissions process, we will contact you directly to request official documents if needed.
- Application form - You must create an account to apply. Please click the following link to begin the process:
Apply Now - Unofficial transcripts - An unofficial copy of your transcript from each college and university attended is required. Copies should be uploaded online via the application system only.
- Grade point average - GPAs must be converted to a 4.0 scale.
- Standardized test scores - Applicants applying to the Integrated Biomedical Sciences Program are required to submit GRE scores. Please upload a copy of your ETS score report online with your application (even if you have already sent in an official copy to the Graduate College via ETS). Applicants applying to the Biotechnology and Clinical Research MS Program may submit GRE, MCAT, PCAT, GMAT or DAT scores. In light of federal, state, and city mandates for individuals to shelter in place, the Graduate College will temporarily suspend the requirement of the GRE and professional school standardized test scores (MCAT, PCAT, DAT, etc) scores for admission to the Integrated Biomedical Sciences and Biotechnology MS Programs. See the COVID-19 Updates for Graduate College Applicants message for more information.
- TOEFL scores - Scores must be submitted for international applicants who have received a diploma from a university at which English is not the language of instruction. TOEFL scores will be waived for non-native English speakers who have completed a Bachelor’s degree or higher from a US accredited institution and have demonstrated language proficiency supported by the interview.
- Applicant fee - A $50 application fee is required to submit the application.
- CV/Resume - A CV or resume is required and should include academic honors, awards received in college and/or graduate school, employment history, internships, summer research programs, education history, etc.
- Statement of purpose - Describe your current research interests as they pertain to your desire to complete the program to which you apply. Please also include specific details about your past research experience.
- Three letters of recommendation - Recommendation letters should come from professional or academic sources. Letters must be uploaded by the online application by your recommenders.
- International students (those with a degree outside the U.S.) must also submit the following:
- Official Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) scores. Send scores to Rush using school code 1676. We will waive the TOEFL requirement if you completed your degree in a country where the official language is English. We do not accept International English Language Testing System scores.
- Official course-by-course evaluation from Educational Credential Evaluators (ECE). Send international transcripts to ECE for evaluation. They can then email the formal evaluation directly to Rush. We do not accept evaluations from World Education Services.
- For applicants who have received degrees from institutions outside of the United States, we will accept WES scores as an alternative to the ECE. Also, alternatives for the TOEFL will be considered on a case-by-case basis via a written email request to the admissions team at gc_admissions@rush.edu. These alternatives are in light of federal, state, and city mandates for individuals to shelter in place. See the COVID-19 Updates for Graduate College Applicants message for more information.
- Rush/Stroger residents and fellows need to submit United States Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE) scores.
Integrated Biomedical Sciences PhD Program: January 4
Integrated Biomedical Sciences MS Program: deadline extended to August 28
Biotechnology MS Program: deadline extended to August 28
Clinical Research MS Program: May 15 (International applicants); August 28 (US citizens and permanent residents)
Tuition, fees and aid
Clinical Research MS Program applicants
Stroger affiliates can qualify for a reduced tuition rate.
Rush employees can qualify for tuition reimbursement through the Linking Education and Performance, or LEAP, program. With the LEAP benefit, you will pay $5,000 total for the program ($2,500 per year). Contact your benefits specialist for LEAP benefit and qualification information.
Rush offers financial aid and scholarships to qualified applicants.
Integrated Biomedical Sciences PhD Program applicants
Students who are admitted to the doctoral program will be offered competitive financial support, including a tuition scholarship, health insurance, monthly stipend and professional development support. Details will be communicated upon admission.
Annual program activity fee: $250
**Please note that non U.S. residents are not eligible for NIH training grant support or University fellowships**
Biotechnology and Integrated Biomedical Sciences MS Program applicants
We have a limited number of scholarships for the program, including academic and diversity-based scholarships. You will automatically be considered for these scholarships if you apply by the priority deadline.
Rush offers financial aid and scholarships to qualified applicants.
