Application Process and Prerequisites

• BS/BA from an accredited college or university in nutritional sciences, biochemistry, molecular biology, chemistry, or in one of the biological, medical, or agricultural sciences with a strong complement of basic science courses.
• Have a minimum 3.0 on a 4.0 scale. 

Minimum coursework required for admission. Course deficiencies are allowed in which the student would take the missing coursework in the first semester of study. In the online application process, you will be asked if you have completed the following prerequisites.

• 2 semesters of General Chemistry
• 2 semesters of Biological Sciences
• 1 semester of Organic Chemistry
• Biochemistry with an Organic Chemistry prerequisite
• 1 semester of Calculus or Statistics
• 1 semester of Physiology

All applications material are submitted through the UW Graduate School Admissions Office. Applicants will need the following:

• Personal Statement/Reasons for Graduate Study. The applicant’s personal statement should be written to describe your scientific and career goals, experiences, and abilities.
• An official or unofficial copy of your transcript from each college or university attended. The transcript should be uploaded to the application website.
• Three or more letters of reference from individuals (faculty, staff, supervisor, mentor) who can comment on your qualifications. The letters of recommendation can be scholarly or academic. The letters must be sent electronically. Directions will be provided in the Graduate School application system.
• A resume/CV.
• TOEFL/IELTS English proficiency scores (international applicants only)

Visit the Graduate School Admission Requirements page to learn more about the admissions requirements including information on financial documentation for international students.

Applicants are not required to take the Graduate Record Examination (GRE).

An applicant’s personal statement/reason for graduate study should include brief statements about your professional goals and a summary of your previous research experiences. Personal statements should be one to two pages in length, single-spaced:

• Highlight your strengths, and address any inconsistencies or challenges within your application
• A concise and compelling description of your goals and interests
• Evidence that you have research experience
• Reasons why our program would be good for you

Start your application via the UW-Madison Graduate School Electronic Application.

Supplemental App:

Part 1: Indicate the prerequisite coursework you have taken. For each prerequisite course, identify the semester in which it was taken, the institution it was taken at, and the grade received.

Part 2: Indicate what faculty trainers you are interested in working with for your graduate study. Please note, this selection will not affect your program admission.

Education: Under the Education tab of the application, you will be asked to submit test scores. Only international students who are required to submit TOEFL/IELTS scores must enter scores here; GRE scores are not required.

Upload unofficial or official transcript(s) from each post-secondary institution attended (undergraduate and if applicable, graduate), even if no degree was received.

• If accepted to the program, final official transcripts will be required by the UW Graduate School.
• Note: International academic records must be in the original language accompanied by an official English translation.

Statements & Resume/CV: Upload personal statement/reason for graduate study and current CV/Resume (PDF).

Recommendations: List names and emails of three references who will submit electronic letters of recommendation. Referrers will automatically receive an email request to electronically submit a letter directly into your application.

Application Fee Payment

• The Graduate School offers a limited number of application fee grants to make sure that the application fee is not a barrier for students from our key recruiting initiatives. Please contact the UW Graduate School at least two weeks prior to the application deadline to obtain fee grant.

Submit Official TOEFL or IELTS scores (if needed).

• Both TOEFL or IELTS scores are accepted by our program.
• Scores should be sent electronically via the Educational Testing Services (ETS) to the UW Graduate School (institution code: 1846, no department code).
• International students may exempt from submitting TOEFL or IELTS scores under certain circumstances. Please check the UW Graduate School Admission website for country-specific information.

For any questions or if you need additional information please go over the Graduate School’s FAQ section of the Admissions page or e-mail the Graduate Program Coordinator, Caitlin Seifert Irland.