Admissions Channel 2


Admission Channel 2 Due Dates

December 1, 2025 for MS and PhD applicants (International)
January 15, 2026 for MS and PhD applicants (US Citizen or Permanent Resident)

Channel 2 applications should be submitted through the CSU admissions portal by the due dates above. Review will begin immediately after this date for the applications that contain all the required review components listed in the table below. Please note that the CMB Program has its own Structured Statement of Purpose that must be completed for review. Applications missing any of these minimal required components may be declined without further review. If you utilize Generative AI (GenAI) tools in preparing your application (e.g., ChatGPT, Gemini, Google Help Me Write, Microsoft Co-Pilot) you are required to share this information with us. If GenAI tools are used we recommend that you ensure your submitted materials are authentic and personalized for your unique life experiences. 

All MS and PhD students admitted through Channel 2 are expected to begin their graduate studies by the next fall semester (e.g., Apply Dec 1, 2025 or Jan 15, 2026 to start PhD Aug 16, 2026) 


Admission Channel 2 Application Requirements

  • Bachelor’s degree in any of the biological, biochemical, or physical sciences 
  • Includes a minimum of one year of biology, organic chemistry, physics, or biochemistry.
  • Additional courses in cell biology, microbiology, developmental biology, immunology, genetics, physical chemistry, analytical chemistry, biophysics, physiology, anatomy, math, programming, and statistics are taken into consideration during evaluation for admission. 
  • Applications are also considered from students who are on track to receive their undergraduate degree before the expected enrollment in the CMB program (e.g., Apply on Dec 1, 2025 [International] or Jan 15, 2026 [US Citizen or Permanent Resident]; Earn final Bachelor’s degree around May 15, 2026; Start PhD on Aug 16, 2026). 
  • Most recently completed degree must meet a minimum GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale. In cases where applicants have not yet completed their Bachelor’s degree by the time of application, their GPA must also meet the 3.0 minimum at the time of application. 
  • Applications from promising students with deficiencies in entrance requirements, including GPA below 3.0, may be reviewed and accepted into the program, provided the deficiencies are justified, and are corrected during the first year in the CMB program. This may be accomplished on a cases-by-case basis by passing an examination, by taking appropriate remedial undergraduate courses, or by successfully completing graduate level courses that require the undergraduate courses as prerequisites. 
  • The CMB Program welcomes qualified international applicants who currently reside in the United States and are in possession of a valid VISA for the United States.
  • Qualified students from non-English speaking countries must meet the same admission requirements as domestic applicants. In addition, these applicants must show evidence of competence in the written and spoken English language as specified below.

Admission Channel 2 Application Components


Channel 2

MS or PhD Application Components

Required by the CMB program to begin the application review process

These items must be submitted by the application due date: December 1, 2025 (International Applicants) or January 15, 2026 (US Citizens or Permanent Residents)
Higher Education Transcripts Unofficial transcript (scan, screenshot or PDF uploaded by the applicant) from the institution where you earned (or will soon earn) your final undergraduate degree. Transfer credit transcripts are not needed at this stage. 
When applicable, Unofficial transcript (photo, screenshot or PDF uploaded by the applicant) from the institution where you earned (or will soon earn) any advanced degree (e.g., MS, DVM, MD, etc). 

All submitted transcripts must be either originally written in English, or must be translated to English. Foreign transcript grades should be converted to the US GPA scale.

Undergraduate degrees obtained at foreign institutions must be equivalent of a 4 year US BS degree or a 3 year BS plus MS.

By the start date of the CMB program ~Aug 15, 2026, students will be required to provide official transcripts (transmitted to CSU directly by the institution) for all undergraduate and advanced degrees obtained, from all institutions you earned course credits from, and from the final institution(s) that granted your degrees. This includes all course credits you may have earned from institutions other than the ones that
granted your degrees.

Letters of Recommendation Minimum of two (2) letters submitted by your recommenders received. Three letters should be submitted if they are available, but these extra letters are not required for initial review. However, applications that only have one (1) letter on file by the due date will be considered incomplete and may be declined without review. If a CMB faculty member is sponsoring your Channel 2 Direct Admission application, your application must include 1 letter of reference from that CMB faculty member submitted by the due date. This letter will count as one of your three reference letters. CMB encourages recommendation letters to be written by research and professional mentors who have first-hand knowledge of the applicant in a research laboratory, a research-based course, or other professional contexts.

Letters from instructors who know the applicant primarily from the classroom environment are also acceptable, although these are typically not as effective in describing the applicant’s potential as a future graduate researcher.

Resume or CV Up-to-date resume or CV. 

Effective resumes/CVs typically include items such as: A list of your degrees with earned (or anticipated completion) dates; A list of your research experiences; A list of other relevant professional experiences; A list of extra-curricular activities, service engagements, or other relevant life experiences that contributed to your preparation for the PhD; A list of publications, posters, talks, and/or other forms of research presentation at conferences or other scientific events. List also any other brief additional information you feel might be relevant. 

Structured Statement of Purpose

CMB-format Structured Statement of Purpose.
Use the appropriate Channel 2 MS or PhD templates for the degree you are applying for.

CMB requires applicants to prepare their statement of purpose using a structured fillable PDF form. This template requires applicants to write short narrative essays covering topics valued in the review process, such as research experiences, lived experiences, your specific interests in the CMB program and our faculty’s research, and other topics.

External funding documentation Upload with your application documents demonstrating that you have a source of external funding which is already secured and committed to your graduate education (e.g., letter from a government agency confirming that a scholarship has been granted). Funding documents must specify the amount ($) committed to you and the duration of the funding, with start and end dates.

Typical examples of acceptable external funding sources include: External fellowships provided by governmental entities or research foundations; Financial support from the US military offered to active service members or veterans. Note that personal wealth or family financial support are not acceptable funding sources. Student educational loans are also not acceptable.

CMB faculty endorsement letter For cases where the planned external funding will be managed by a specific CMB faculty member, a letter certifying this intention must be uploaded with the application. 
The faculty member must communicate directly with the CMB Director to discuss their intention to sponsor the applicant before the application is submitted. 

If the application is recommended for admission, the CMB Director will provide a comprehensive commitment letter template, which the faculty member must fill and sign before final admission can be processed. 

GRE scores

NOT required. If you have already taken the GRE, you may submit your scores with your application if you would like to. Most applicants do not. 

CSU application fee payment

Certain applicants qualify for an application fee waiver through the Graduate School. The CMB Program does not offer fee waivers. More information can be found here: Ways to apply for free – Graduate School (colostate.edu)
English Language test scores (foreign applicants only) One official test score from the options below:

Beginning in January 2026: TOEFL score of 4.5 or higher

2025 or earlier: TOEFL score of 550 or higher (paper based) or 80 or higher (internet based)

IELTS score of 6.5 or higher.

PTE of 58 or higher.

Duolingo of score N or better.

Exemptions: Students are exempted from this requirement if the official language of their country is solely English, if they are a U.S. citizen from a U.S. territory or protectorate (e.g., Puerto Rico), if they have recently earned a degree at a university in the United States or if they have recently earned a degree from a university in a country on the English Language Proficiency Exempt List maintained by the Graduate School.
Specific requirements and exemptions are listed here.


Approximate timeline of CMB application review and admissions 2025-26

MS and PhD Applicants (Channel 2) 

Application due date: December 1 (international applicants); January 15 (U.S. citizens or permanent residents)

Invitations for Virtual Interviews: Approximately January 25 

Virtual interviews: Approximately February 1 to February 10 

Invitations for on-campus interview: Approximately February 15 

On campus interviews: March 27 

First round of admission offers: Approximately April 3 

Subsequent admission offers on a rolling basis: Approximately April 10 to 30 


Channel 2 FAQs

For Channel 2 applications, do I need to identify an advisor before I apply?  

This will depend on the source of your external funding described in your channel 2 application:  

  • YES – for MS and PhD applicants who plan to receive funding managed by a specific CMB faculty member and join their laboratory directly (without rotations). These applicants must secure a funding and mentoring commitment from that faculty member before they submit their application. See instructions in the application components table above.  
  • NO – for MS and PhD applicants who plan to receive funding from other external sources (governments, foundations, etc). If admitted to the program, these applicants would be encouraged to participate in laboratory rotations to identify their advisor after they enroll in the CMB program. See instructions in the application components table above.  

In either case, nothing stops all applicants from reaching out to our faculty members early on in the process. CMB does encourage applicants to communicate with our faculty. This will help highlight your interest in our program, and your application will possibly be stronger if you have communicated effectively with our faculty to learn more about the program and their research. Advice on how to make a connection with faculty can be found  here  and  here.  

  

What proportion of applicants are admitted through Channel 2?  

For channel 2, applications are not reviewed competitively, so the outcome will depend only on the qualifications of the applicant. If the applicant is considered to be qualified, and the external funding is acceptable, the applicant will be offered admission into the CMB program. Approximately 10-20% of CMB students each year are admitted through Channel 2. 

  

With the application deadline so near, can I just upload my unofficial transcripts to my application?    

Yes, the review stage only requires unofficial transcripts, and only from institutions where you earned (or are pursuing) your undergraduate degree (no transfer credits needed), and when available, please also provide the unofficial transcript from the institutions where you earned (or are pursuing) an advanced degree (e.g., MS, DVM, MD, etc).  

 

Is there any recording of the CMB program and admission questions from a virtual session?

A Cell and Molecular Biology Program Virtual Q&A Session was held on October 22, 2025, to showcase the CMB Program, provide an overview of the Fall 2026 admissions process, and give prospective students the opportunity to ask questions directly to the CMB administrative team.

The session was recorded and is available for viewing here.

 

Is there someone I can contact within the CMB program for application and admission questions?  

Yes, but you are first encouraged to navigate through our website and review the comprehensive information provided there. You can also contact us through the methods below (email is fastest, and strongly preferred).  

  

PhD vs. Masters, What’s the difference?  

The link provided below does an excellent job covering the key differences between a Master’s Degree and a PhD. Note that CMB only admits MS students through Channel 2. 

  

What GPA and GRE are required for admission to the program?  

  • The Colorado State University (CSU) Graduate School has a minimum 3.0 GPA requirement for Admission. However, students with GPAs above 2.8 may also be admitted if they have an otherwise strong application.  
  • GRE is NOT required, but applicants may provide scores if they wish. Most applicants do not submit GRE scores.  

  

My GPA is not great. Should I still apply?  

Yes, you should still apply. Our review process is comprehensive, qualitative and holistic. We evaluate all aspects of the application, not just grades. An application that is strong in other areas (extensive lab experience, compelling and relevant life experiences, effective letters of recommendation, publications, etc) can also be favorably reviewed and may receive serious consideration regardless of a relatively low GPA.  

  

When can I start working on my application?  

You can begin to build your online application starting mid-September until the published due dates for the desired CMB admissions channel.  

  • For Channel 2 International Applicants: December 1, 2025. 
  • For Channel 2 US Citizens or Permanent Residents: January 15, 2026.  

  

Do I need to identify an advisor before I apply?  

  • Yes, if your source of external support will come from a specific CMB faculty member.
  • No, if your source of external support will come from fellowships or financial support already secured.

  

Can I apply for a Spring or Summer Admission?  

No. We do not accept applications for Spring or Summer admission. 

  

How do I know whether my application is has sufficient components to begin the review process?  

  • For Channel 2, as soon as the review of applications begins, applicants will receive an email from CMB indicating that their application is complete and will be forwarded for review. This email should be expected within 10 business days of the deadline.
  • Once an online application has been received and processed by the Admissions Office, a checklist will be available when you next open your application.
  • View the status of your application at any time after submission / processing to ensure your application checklist is complete or check on updates.
  • If your application does not contain all the required components listed in the table above, it may be declined without review, in which case you will be notified through the CSU online admissions system.

  

Can I submit my own test scores, and how would I do this?  

  • You may submit a ‘self – reported’ GPA and unofficial transcripts during the application process.  
  • GRE scores are not required, but if you choose to submit them they must be official.  Scores should be sent directly to CSU from the testing facility, using university code 4075.  

  

What if I am still working on my degree and I need to submit a transcript for my current education?  

That would not be a problem. In this case you should provide your latest transcript, and later you can and should update your application after the end of the fall semester.  

  

What are you looking for in the CMB Structured Statement of Purpose (SSoP)?  

Applicants should carefully read and follow the guidelines that are provided for each part of the CMB SSoP. Doing this should enable you to provide answers that are focused on the main topics we want you to address.

More generally, below are some ideas of the points to consider when you write your answers in the CMB SSoP:

  • Try as best as you can to provide evidence that you understand what a PhD or MS graduate degree will entail, and that your career plans need and fit with that degree.
  • Provide evidence that you have had previous hands-on lab experience, and that you know what to expect once you get started in your graduate research training.
  • Provide evidence that you have a passion for research.
  • Include a discussion of some of the transferable skills you already have to offer, such as time management, teamwork / collaboration, problem solving, critical thinking, leadership, mentorship. Discuss how those skills might be valuable for your graduate research.
  • If you have them, highlight examples of your previous successes in research, which can include awards, scholarships, presentations, publications, etc. Tell a story about how you were able to achieve those successes, and what barriers you had to overcome along the way.
  • Demonstrate that you have an ability to clearly describe a research project including background hypothesis, experimental design and outcome / impact.
  • Show evidence that you have thought deeply and carefully about our program and what we can offer to you as an individual and as a member of a team. Write in specific terms as much as you can.
  • Tell us about other valuable broader qualities, skills, experiences that you have and that you would bring to enrich our program and community.

  

I am having difficulty getting the money for the application fee.  Is there a waiver available?  

Some applicants qualify for an application fee waiver. More information can be found here: Ways to apply for free – Graduate School (colostate.edu). The CMB Program does not provide fee waivers.

  

What is the current stipend for CMB students?  

  • The precise stipend for PhD students who enroll in Fall of 2026 has not been determined yet.  For students admitted Fall 2025, stipends were $37,452 for the first year.  We anticipate making offers at this level or higher in 2026. Stipends in subsequent years depend on the advisor/funding source, but will be $29,952 or higher.
  • In addition, GTA and GRA appointments cover health insurance (valued at $4,930 for a year with a minimum 5 credits per semester), 100% of student fees and full tuition.

I submitted an information request via the Admissions / Grad School Inquiry process. When can I expect to receive a response?  

We do not respond to general requests for information as most of this can be found on our website.  If you have specific questions that are not answered on the website then you will receive a faster response by emailing [email protected].

  

Can I pursue the PhD online?  

  • No  
  • There is not an online option.  
  • All Cell & Molecular Biology training includes Face to Face experiences with extensive research done in a lab.  
  • Our classes are Face to Face.  

  

Where can I find the cost of tuition?  

  • All CMB admitted students will have their tuition paid as part of them being appointed through GTAs, GRAs, scholarships, etc.  
  • CMB students do NOT pay tuition from their own incomes, but you can find the cost of tuition (paid by someone other than you) at  this link  

  

Additional FAQs for foreign PhD students  

  

What are the minimum scores for the TOEFL, IELTS, Duolingo or PTE Academic Exams for English Language Proficiency?  

See the application components table above. The only exceptions accepted are listed in the table.  

  

My BS or MS degree was taught in English.  Do I still need to pass an English Proficiency test?  

See the application components table above .

  

What are the funding opportunities for international students?  

Some of the external funding opportunities that foreign students can use to support their Channel 2 application are listed below. Other external funding opportunities, including from foreign governments also exist and will depend on the applicant’s country of origin. Past and current international CMB students have been successful a obtaining funding from these sources: