Molecular Medicine PhD Program

Application Directions

Thank you for your interest in applying for the Molecular Medicine PhD Program. Please follow these directions carefully.

Application Deadline
The deadline for applications is January 5. Application reviews begin immediately after this deadline.

Early Review
The admissions committee may review complete applications and invite applicants to interview prior to the January 5 application deadline. Applications must be received before December 1 to be considered for early review.

Application Process
Applications for the Molecular Medicine PhD Program are processed through Case Western Reserve University School of Graduate Studies via the Slate technology platform.

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Create Account

You will receive an email to activate your account. Follow the instructions provided to complete setting up an account.

Create Application

First time users: click “Start New Application,” select the year you intend to enroll, the school (School of Medicine) and click "Create Application.”

Open Application

Read and follow all instructions carefully.

Program Details

Select “Doctoral” for degree type, “Molecular Medicine (PhD)” for Program, and the semester you plan to begin your studies.

Supplement Materials & Submit

Your essay and short answers are critical components of the application selection process. Please consider your answers carefully with attention to spelling and punctuation. Any literature referenced must be properly cited. We recommend drafting responses in a separate word processer and copying your final answers into the online application form.

Following completion of the application, you will be asked to submit an online application fee.

We have a diverse student body and welcome applications from underrepresented and disabled candidates.
Students with disabilities who need assistance with applications or interviews are encouraged to contact The Molecular Medicine Admissions Team (molmedphd@ccf.org). Cleveland Clinic does not discriminate in admission, employment, or administration of its programs or activities, on the basis of age, gender, race, national origin, religion, creed, color, marital status, physical or mental disability, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetic determination, ethnicity, ancestry, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local law. In addition, Cleveland Clinic administers all programs and services without regard to disability, and provides reasonable accommodations for otherwise qualified disabled individuals.

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Case Western Graduate
Admission Requirements

Course Requirements

All applicants are required to complete the following undergraduate college courses, receiving a grade of C- or better, prior to starting the Molecular Medicine PhD Program. On your application, you must indicate the name of the course and the level, the date taken or when it will be completed. If the course has a different name than listed here, indicate that on the application.

  • General Biology
  • General Chemistry
  • Organic Chemistry
  • Biochemistry

It is also highly recommended, but not required, that students complete a course in Molecular and/or Cellular Biology. Please note that if you are taking a requirement after you submit your application and/or request your transcripts, you must indicate this on your application to be considered.

Research Requirements

Applicants must have taken part in laboratory research at the collegiate level or above.

GRE & English Proficiency Requirements

International students whose first language is not English must demonstrate English proficiency by completing one of the following tests:

  • Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) internet or paper-based
  • International English Language Testing System (IELTS)
  • Pearson Test of English (PTE-Academic)

Please visit Case Western Reserve University Graduate Studies for scoring minimums. Test scores are accepted two years from the date of testing. All testing must be completed before the application deadline.

Letters of Recommendation

On your application, you will be required to provide valid email addresses for three separate references. At least one of your references must be from your current research mentor. Once you submit your application, your references will be notified directly via email from the online application system and asked to submit a recommendation letter online. You will not be able to view the reference letters, but you will be able to check the status of each submission by logging into the Case Western Reserve University application website.

Transcripts

You must upload an unofficial transcript (e.g., student copy) to the application for the Molecular Medicine PhD Program admissions committee review process. Your application will not be considered without your unofficial transcript uploaded to the application.

Application Tips

  • Complete or plan to complete all prerequisite courses.
  • Start early. Give yourself sufficient time to complete the application and for your references to complete recommendation letters.
  • Consider essay and short answers carefully and proofread your drafts.
  • Cite all your sources properly. Essays will be reviewed for plagiarism. Plagiarized application essays will not be considered for admission.
  • Submit all official scores (TOEFL) using the correct institution code (1105).
  • Highlight your research experiences and reference them when applicable.
  • When needed, ask questions or request additional information.