Admission Updates
You can begin an application at any time. Applications for annual Fall admission are considered until a 24-28 student cohort has committed to attend (usually by May 1st).
All cohorts begin in the Fall semester (September) and all courses are taught in person. There is no Spring or Summer admission.
September 25, 2024 Update
Apply Now for Fall 2025 Admission
Submit an application for Fall 2025 to join the future Class of 2027. Qualified applicants will be contacted to schedule a 30-minute admission interview. Our first interviews typically don’t begin until after January 1st.
International Applicants for Fall 2025
Prospective international students can submit their application for Fall 2025. Please note, we do not offer application fee waivers.
Please review our “for international prospective students” page to learn all the requirements for applying. We receive nearly 100 international applications for 2-4 openings per Fall student cohort. For best consideration, we recommend international applicants apply as early as possible and no later than February.
If you have admissions questions, contact Bryan Husk for guidance, or submit a request through our “Contact with Us” form.
Step-by-Step Application Process
First, complete the Graduate School’s online application:
Follow the instructions for creating a user account, then begin providing information required by the application.
When prompted which program you’re applying to, select “Biotechnology MS“.
Continue adding and uploading information as prompted..
It is alright to submit your application before all materials have been received (for example, Letters of Reference, etc). Any necessary changes to your application can still be made after its official submission. In this way, you can modify and update materials even after your application has been submitted.
Your application will not be considered for recommendation until ALL required materials have been received and the $75 application fee has been paid.
Due to limited financial resources, we do not offer application fee waivers.
Application Materials Reviewed By Program
Once all application materials have been received, your application will be carefully reviewed by the M.S. in Biotechnology Program.
Applicant Considered for Admission Interview
Strong candidates for the program will be contacted to schedule a 30-minute interview with the program’s Admissions Committee.
Admission interviews take place at the program’s office or via video teleconference, such as Zoom or WebEx. Interviewees will be informed of the Admission Committee’s decision within days of their admission interview.
Application Recommended for Graduate School Review
If the program’s Admissions Committee recommends you for admission, your application will be advanced to the Graduate School Admissions Office (Step 3) for further approval for general admission to the University of Wisconsin—Madison.
If the M.S. in Biotechnology Program has recommended you for admission to the program, the next step is the Graduate School evaluating your application for admission to the university.
You will be updated by automated emails from the Graduate School as your application moves through each stage of the Graduate School’s approval process.
Steps for All Applicants
- You will be emailed by the Graduate School to have official copies of your transcripts delivered to the Graduate School Admissions Office. Once received, your official transcripts will be reviewed for authenticity and academic integrity.
- If your calculated GPA is below 3.00, you may be granted admission, but placed on academic probation. If your calculated GPA is too low (2.5 or below), it is possible the Graduate School may refuse admission to the university.
Additional Steps for International Applicants
- If your undergraduate institution’s language of instruction was not taught exclusively in English, an English proficiency test (TOEFL or IELTS) is required. All electronic test scores should be sent to institution code 1846. IELTS scores can be mailed or submitted electronically. Exemption from the English proficiency requirement is possible if prerequisite requirements are met. See “English Proficiency” on the Graduate School “Requirements” page
- You will be required to show “Proof of Funding” for the full cost of attending the first year, which is currently estimated at ~$46,000US. See “Estimate Expenses” in Terra Dotta on the International Student Service website
Upon completion of Graduate School Admission Office’s review of your application, you will be notified whether or not you have been granted admission to the University of Wisconsin—Madison.
If Approved
You will be notified by email, as well as sent an official acceptance letter in the mail. The M.S. in Biotechnology Program will follow up with you regarding course enrollment details, new student orientation and other information for starting fall semester.
If Not Approved
Most applicants who are not accepted into the M.S. in Biotechnology Program are denied by the program itself. If the Graduate School denies your application, it’s likely you did not meet the minimum academic standards for general admission to the university. If that’s the case, contact Bryan Husk to discuss next steps.
For International Applicants Only
- In addition to receiving an official acceptance letter, you will be given instructions to download an I-20 form necessary to apply for your student visa. See International Student Services (ISS) for topics concerning incoming international students, including F-1 student visa information and employment options.
- Important: Students enrolled in the M.S. in Biotechnology Program are NOT eligible to accept graduate Research or Teaching Assistantships that waive tuition. International students in the program often pursue hourly employment in department research labs or elsewhere on campus. See International Student Services (ISS) for employment options for F-1 student visa holders.
Factors for Admission
A Completed Application
A Completed ApplicationPrior degree grade point average, work experience, letters of recommendation, and the applicant’s statement of their academic and professional career goals are the primary criteria used in the admission process. Interviews are only granted to applicants after all necessary application materials have been received and reviewed.
Relevant Work Experience
Preferred consideration will be given to applicants who have some form of work experience outside the classroom. For this reason, applicants applying immediately after obtaining an undergraduate degree are typically denied admission unless they can substantiate the minimum work experience requirements through such activities as independent laboratory experience, internships, job shadowing, or industry-related volunteer work.
If you are a prospective student looking to relocate to Madison to attend the program or are a recent undergraduate interested in starting a career in biotechnology, consider the hundreds of job opportunities in Madison’s thriving biotech industry and contact Bryan Husk for guidance.
Additional Requirements for International Students
About Applying to the Graduate School
Applications are submitted online only (see above). You can get started by reviewing the Graduate School’s Admissions web site:
How to Apply to the Graduate School
The following materials are required by the M.S. in Biotechnology and are submitted with your Graduate School online application:
- A copy of your latest professional CV/resume
- Unofficial copies of transcripts from institutions attended (undergraduate degree and later)
Note, you are not required to send official transcripts to the Graduate School Admissions Office unless the M.S. in Biotechnology Program recommends you for admission. - Three Letters of Recommendation (managed through the Graduate School online application)
- A one- or two-page Statement of Purpose (uploaded via the Graduate School online application)
Provide a brief summary of your professional and academic background, an explanation of your short- and long-term career goals, and how you feel the M.S. in Biotechnology degree will help you meet your goals. (Please be specific to the M.S. in Biotechnology degree.)
Important: Choose “Biotechnology MS” when making your program selection.
The online application and a $75 application fee must be submitted electronically to the Graduate School before being considered for admission.
Helpful Graduate School Links
- Frequently Asked Questions (scroll down https://grad.wisc.edu/apply/)
- Graduate School Admission Requirements
- Additional Steps for International Students (on https://grad.wisc.edu/apply/)