Qualifications

Applicants must have a bachelor’s degree in a science discipline from a Regionally Accredited American College or University, or an equivalent degree from another country as determined by the Office of Admissions. Applicants must also have a minimum grade-point average (GPA) of 3.00/4.00, or the foreign equivalent as determined by the Office of Admissions. In addition, laboratory-based research experience is highly desired. Finally, international students must submit English proficiency test scores that meet institutional requirements. For more information on English proficiency requirements, please go read: Graduate College English Proficiency Requirements.

A subset of applicants will be selected for interviews, conducted either in person or by Zoom. Admission decisions are determined based on academic performance, research experience, letters of recommendation, personal statement and interviews.

Application procedures:

The application process is paperless, with all application materials either entered or uploaded onto the admissions portal. The web portal for application can be accessed at the Graduate Admissions Application Portal.

In addition to providing basic information, applicants will be asked to upload:

• Transcripts from all undergraduate or graduate institutions attended.
• A Statement of Purpose that summarizes your academic career to date, all research experiences, a brief narrative as to why you wish to pursue an M.S. in Pathology, and your future goals.
• A current CV or résumé. It should chronologically list your educational, research and work experience to date. The CV/résumé should also list any awards, conferences, presentations and publications. Applicants are welcome to include items such as volunteering, study abroad experiences, teaching assignments and other achievements.
• Three letters of recommendation are required, and it is helpful if those writing letters are able to comment on your laboratory experience and/or aptitude for basic research. You will be asked to provide the contact information (email address) for three referees, and they will be instructed to upload their letters.  Letters must be submitted on official letterhead and signed/authenticated by the letter writer.

For more information, please go read: Pathology MS Program Admission Requirements

Deadlines and fees:

Fall semester admission: January 15 for international applicants, February 15 for U.S. applicants.

Spring semester admission: September 15 for international applicants; October 15 for U.S. applicants. Please note: Openings for spring semester admission are rare but may exist from time to time. Prior to applying, please inquire as to whether there are any spring openings.

The application fee for domestic applicants is $60 and $100 for international applicants. Applicants may be eligible for a Graduate Application Fee Waiver based upon undergraduate/post-baccalaureate program participation or financial hardship.

Coursework:

All Pathology M.S. students must have a minimum of 21 credit hours of coursework and 9 hours of research. Required coursework is as follows:

• BMED:5207:000A Principles Molecular & Cellular Biology (3 s.h.)
• BIOS:4120:0AAA Introduction to Biostatistics (3 s.h.)
• PATH:6220:0001 Seminar in Pathology (1 s.h. x 2 semesters)
• PATH:5270:0001 Pathogenesis of Major Human Diseases (3 s.h.)
• BMED:7270:0002 Principles of Scholarly Integrity

Required coursework results in:
1. A basic understanding of molecular and cellular biology.
2. A basic understanding of biostatistics.
3. An advanced understanding of pathobiology and mechanisms of human disease.
Remaining coursework consists of electives focused on the area or topic of the student's thesis project. These electives are graduate level courses offered by a range of departments on the biomedical campus. All coursework is completed within the first two years.

Thesis:

The thesis project is carried out under the guidance of the mentor and thesis committee. The committee is composed of the student's mentor and two additional faculty members. In general, the thesis consists of four chapters with the first being a concise review of the literature, the second materials and methods, and the last two a scholarly description of the project results. The student must meet with the thesis committee at least once a year, with a satisfactory report submitted after each meeting. The thesis must be defended before the committee prior to final approval.

Stipend and Tuition:

All Pathology graduate students receive full stipend and tuition support until they complete the program. Stipend amounts are at the same level as other graduate programs on the biomedical campus. Stipend support for the upcoming 12 month fiscal year (ending June 30, 2025) is $34,500. The stipend is paid to students on a monthly basis. Support for new incoming students begins on the first day of classes for the semester.

All Pathology graduate students have their tuition and fees paid until they complete the program.

The program also pays most of the costs for health and dental insurance. For more information on health and dental benefits, please read: Graduate Student Health and Dental Insurance​.

Download the Graduate Student Handbook here.

Who are our students?

Students admitted to the Pathology program consist of recent college graduates, as well as individuals who have been in the work force for several years. Given the requirements for admission, the academic credentials of admitted Pathology students are on par with most biomedical PhD programs on campus. This often leads to questions as to why a student would apply to the Pathology MS rather than a PhD granting program. Although our students are talented and science focused, most enter the program since they have not yet crystallized their long-term goals. As discussed below in Outcomes, the program is very successful in helping students realize their potential, plan careers and understand whether they wish to pursue an advanced degree.

Time to completion

Since 2005, the average time to completion has been 30 months (range = 21-39 months). Since 2010, average time to completion has dropped to 29 months (range = 21-39 months). Time to completion is measured by date of matriculation to date of thesis defense.

Outcomes

Since 2005, graduates of the program have used the M.S. degree to further their professional careers in a number of venues. Some have gone directly into the work force as research assistants or staff scientists in either academic or private sector laboratories. Other graduates have furthered their education by pursuing a range of advanced professional degrees. These include M.D., P.A., Ph.D., and executive M.B.A. programs. Since 2005, 74% of Pathology Program graduates have been accepted into advanced degree programs. To view the thesis projects and academic/employment history of Pathology Program graduates since 2005, please click on the link below:

Pathology M.S. graduates since 2005

Program Director: 

Vladimir Badovinac, Ph.D.
vladimir-badovinac@uiowa.edu

Program Oversight Committee:

Alexander Boyden, Ph.D.
alexander-boyden@uiowa.edu

Kevin Legge Ph.D., Professor
kevin-legge@uiowa.edu

Ashutosh Mangalam Ph.D., Associate Professor
ashutosh-mangalam@uiowa.edu

Munir Tanas, M.D.
munir-tanas@uiowa.edu

Program Coordinator:

Gabriella Young
gabriella-young@uiowa.edu

Department of Pathology Graduate Program
149 Medical Research Center, Carver College of Medicine
The University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa 52242-1181

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