Apply

Identify a Prospective Mentor

Explore our Faculty Directory to find a mentor whose research aligns with your interests. You can sort the directory by the following broad categories: behavioral, cellular and molecular, cognitive, computational, developmental, systems, and translational/clinical.

Confirm Mentor Availability

Check the faculty member’s INP profile for an icon indicating they are currently accepting new graduate students.

Contact Prospective Mentor

Email the faculty member(s) you are interested in working with. To increase your chances of a response:

• Share your research experiences and explain why you are interested in their specific lab.
• Demonstrate clear knowledge of their work.
• Ask to discuss if they have any current graduate-level projects that align with your goals and if they have funding for a graduate assistantship.

Review Admission Requirements

Ensure you meet the minimum admission requirements set by the Graduate School. International applicants may also have minimum English language requirements to meet.

Prepare Your Application Materials

Gather the required application materials.

• Statement of Purpose: Discuss your motivations for pursuing a graduate degree.
• Research Statement: Describe your previous research experience and how it shaped your current interests.
• Resume: Include research experience, publications, conference presentations, awards, teaching experience, and relevant extracurriculars.
• References: Contact information for three individuals who can speak to your potential for success in graduate-level research and teaching.
• Unofficial transcripts
• English proficiency exam results (as applicable)

Submit Your Application by December 15

Complete your submission through the MU online application system by December 15 and pay submission fee ($75 for U.S. citizens/permanent residents; $100 for international applicants). Check the Graduate School website to see if you are eligible for an application fee waiver.