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Joining GMB

Stephanie Bellendir prepares to do some genetics.
Stephanie Bellendir prepares to do some genetics.

Thank you for your interest in the Curriculum in Genetics and Molecular Biology!  We are one of the top-ranked U.S. graduate programs in genetics and genomics, with strengths in a broad array of research areas, supported by state-of-the-art core facilities and strong career training.  A diverse network of UNC centers, programs, and curricula promotes and facilitates exceptionally strong interactions among the faculty and students.

You can find additional information about training and accomplishments of our students in the GMB Students section.

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Current BBSP or MSTP students that wish to select GMB as their PhD program

BBSP and MSTP students that wish to join GMB should apply as follows:

  1. Have your BBSP Thesis Lab Selection form signed by your advisor(s).  Note if your intended advisor is not a member of GMB faculty: It is possible to join GMB and have an advisor that is not on the GMB faculty, but this requires approval of the Steering Committee. To seek such approval, please submit a letter to the Director of Graduate Studies (Dan McKay) explaining why you wish to join GMB and how your proposed research fits under the GMB umbrella. The letter should be signed by you and your advisor(s). This letter will be circulated to the Steering Committee for discussion and a decision will be reported back to the student and advisor within a few days. The same policy applies to students that have already joined GMB but need to change advisors – permission must be obtained to select an advisor that is not a member of GMB. A faculty member who is not a member of GMB may have only one GMB student; before taking another, the faculty member should seek to become GMB faculty. Only students whose advisors are members of the GMB faculty may apply for support on the NIGMS T32 training grant.
  2. Fill out the GMB New Student Information form. The courses section is the most important (MSTP students might not have much to report here; please do not list your medical school courses). We will discuss other parts but they are mostly for guidance and are not binding.
  3. Meet with the Director of Graduate Studies: Schedule a meeting to cover program policies and requirements. This will take about 20-30 minutes. The form from #2 will direct you to a google sheet so you can select a time. If you run into any problems, just send an email to the DGS (dmckay1@email.unc.edu).

Students that hope to come to UNC for graduate school

All applications by prospective students are done through the Biology and Biomedical Sciences Program (BBSP).  BBSP is a unified admissions and first-year training mechanism that spans 14 PhD programs, including GMB.  Students that enter through BBSP have a first-year experience that is both individually tailored (e.g., course selection) and structured to promote professional development (through First Year Group meetings) and selection of a dissertation research laboratory (through laboratory rotations and advising). Questions about admissions requirements should be directed to BBSP staff.