We welcome applicants from all scientific backgrounds including early-career clinicians who wish to pursue a translational research career.
Applications for the 2020 entering class are now closed. Subscribe to our email list to receive program updates and a reminder when the application period is closing.
How to Apply
We require an online application and additional supplemental materials.
Complete an Online Application
In the online application, you will be asked to provide demographic information and the following materials (please check application for accepted file formats).
- A curriculum vitae describing your academic background, including all degrees, research experience, awards, publications, presentations, and other achievements.
- A brief essay of your prior research experience.
- A one-page summary in lay language describing your most important contribution to research. Please focus on your best research experience, including how it contributed to the overall project and demonstrates your suitability for graduate studies. Do not send published work.
- A two-page personal statement that outlines your reasons for pursuing a graduate degree in biomedical sciences, your career goals, and how you determined that the St. Jude Graduate School is the best program through which to attain those goals.
- A transcript of your academic record from each institution you attended. You may submit an unofficial copy in the online application.
- No Graduate Record Examination (GRE) or Medical College Admission Test (MCAT) scores or percentiles are required.
You may save your application at any time and complete it later, as long as it is submitted before the December 1 deadline.
Required Supplementary Materials
In the online application, you will be asked to provide email addresses of up to five (and no less than three) individuals who will be providing letters of reference. The system will automatically contact them. Referees should be prepared to describe your academic successes, background in research, potential for achievement at the graduate level, and capacity for creative, self-directed study.
Admissions Timeline (Entering Class)
| Dates | Admission Process |
|---|---|
Summer |
Application period opens |
December 1, 11:59 p.m. PST |
Applications must be submitted with all supporting materials |
Second week of January |
Candidates visit St. Jude campus for interviews and tours |
February |
Issuance of decision letters begins |
April 15 |
Acceptance of admission offer due |
July 20 |
Orientation |
August 3 |
First day of class |
Eligibility
Candidates must meet the following minimum criteria for enrollment.
- Undergraduate degree (BA, BS or equivalent) in biology, chemistry, physics, mathematics or similar science discipline. Advanced degree holders (MD, DO, PharmD, DVM, or DDS) will also be considered and are encouraged to apply.
- Previous exposure to laboratory research
- U.S. citizenship or permanent resident status
- Proficiency in English language
Environment of Diversity and Equal Opportunity
St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences encourages diversity on campus and does not discriminate on the basis of race, national origin, sex, genetic information, sexual orientation, age, religion, disability, veteran’s status, disabled veteran’s status or any other status protected by federal or Tennessee law. The St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences is committed to creating an inclusive learning environment that provides cultural and ethnic diversity. Underrepresented minorities are encouraged to apply to the program.
More detailed admissions and eligibility information is available in our general catalog.