Masters Frequently Asked Questions

Applicants must submit applications and ALL required documents using Tulane's web-based application site. All relevant documentation must be uploaded BEFORE clicking submit.

Click here to view Tulane’s web-based application.

Tuition and Fees

Q: What is the tuition for the 2023-2024 school year?
A:   Microsoft Word - Grad Rate 2023-2024.docx (tulane.edu) 

Q: Do I need to pay a deposit once I'm accepted and decide to attend your program?
A: Yes. Upon acceptance, a $500 deposit is required, which is applied toward tuition.

Q: Do I need to pay a fee to apply to your program?
A: Yes, there is a $50 application fee.

Q: Where can I get financial aid information?
A: Tulane does not provide financial aid in the form of teaching or research assistantships or tuition waivers for the One-Year Masters program, although students may be able to obtain loans or grants (see the Financial Aid website).

Application and Acceptance

Q: What are the average acceptance scores for the program?
A: Our Fall 2021 entering class average undergraduate GPA(s) & test score(s) were:

  • Medical Track: Average MCAT 504 with an average GPA of 3.4
  • Research Track: Average GRE 159 (verbal) 157 (quantitative) with an average GPA of 3.4
  • Dental Track: Average DAT (total science: 20) (academic average: 20) with an average GPA of 3.2

Please remember these are averages. The entire application of each applicant is considered.

Q: Is there a minimum GPA requirement?
A: Applicants accepted have a 3.0 or higher.

Q: What are the institution and department codes for the GRE?
A: GRE Institution Code: 6173; GRE Department Code: 0206 (Cell and Molecular Biology).

Q: What are the institution and department codes for the TOEFL?
A: TOEFL Institution Code: 6173; TOEFL Department Code: 35 (Biology).

Q: Are there any scholarships or teaching positions with this program?
A: There are no scholarships or teaching assistantships available for this program.

Q: Do I have to be a Biology major to apply to the program?
A: No, all students are encouraged to apply to our program. See Admission Requirements.

Q: If I have not completed my prerequisites for my chosen professional school, can I still apply to the program?
A: Yes, however, such students will be required to complete the necessary prerequisites on their own time, outside of our program. We do not encourage taking any of these prerequisites while in our program due to the rigorous schedule.

Q: Where do I report my MCAT, DAT, GRE or OAT scores in the online application?
A: You can self-report your MCAT and/or GRE, DAT or OAT scores in the spaces provided on the application. Please upload a copy of your scores with your application before clicking submit.

Q: Is there a deadline for accepting my spot in the program?
A: Yes. When you receive our offer of admission, you will be required to respond by the deadline given. If we do not receive your response by the specified date, you will forfeit your spot in the program. This is necessary due to the high number of qualified applications we receive and the limited number of spots available in the program.

Q: How do I apply to the program?
A: See How to Apply.

Q: What is the deadline for applications?
A: There is no deadline to apply to the program. However, applications are reviewed as they become complete, so students are therefore encouraged to apply as early as possible.

Q: What do I need to include in my application?
A: See How to Apply.

Q: Do you accept committee letters in lieu of individual letters of recommendation?
A: Yes. We accept committee letters from all processing centers (Interfolio, University Pre-Health Professional offices, etc).

Q: Is there a maximum length for the Statement of Purpose?
A: No, there is no maximum. However, the committee recommends around two pages in length.

Q: What happens after I submit my application?
A: The committee will begin reviewing complete applications in early February. Acceptances will be made on a rolling basis, and applicants who are waitlisted may receive an offer as late as early August. Applicants who are waitlisted may continue to submit updated transcripts and/or standardized test results.

Q: When do I register for classes?
A: As soon as you formally accept our offer and are processed in the University system (receive a Tulane email account) you can register. You will be contacted via email regarding course requirements and options prior to the start of the fall semester. Advisors will be available via email and phone if you have any questions regarding your schedule. There will be two mandatory core courses per semester and you will receive information regarding these courses via email. We make sure there are adequate spaces in the required courses for our MS students.

General Questions

Q: Do you have an orientation for the new masters students?
A: Yes, an orientation is held in August each year for our new students. You will be contacted by the Department of Cell and Molecular Biology via email shortly after acceptance with more information.

Q: Do I have to register for classes during preregistration periods?
A: No. At the beginning of each semester, you will meet individually with the Directors of the program to go over their transcripts and come up with a personalized course plan. Seats are reserved for MS students so there is no need to register prior to your arrival. You will be contacted in August by the Cell and Molecular Biology Department with information regarding this meeting and other aspects of orientation.

Q: What is the academic calendar for the program?
A: The Master's program follows the same academic calendar as the undergraduates at Tulane. You can look over the calendar here.

Q: Does your program require a thesis?
A: No. Our program does not require a thesis.

Q: Should I apply to professional school while enrolled in the program?
A: Yes, it is strongly encouraged that you do apply while in the program.

Q: Do you accept students for the spring semester?
A: No, students must start each fall semester.

Q: If I have reviewed the website and still have more questions, who do I contact?
A: Please contact Dr.Jim Cronin, MS Program Director.

By Mail
Jim Cronin
Tulane University
Department of Cell and Molecular Biology
One-Year Masters Program
6400 Freret Street
2000 Percival Stern Hall
New Orleans, Louisiana 70118

By Phone
(504) 865-5618

By Email
cronin@tulane.edu