Stem Cell Biology

The Stem Cell Institute (SCI) of the University of Minnesota was founded in 1999 and was the first such center in the U.S. The faculty undertake research on the properties of embryonic and adult stem cells, and associated developmental biology problems. Most of the work is basic science research although there is also some clinical research particularly in the area of hematopoietic cell transplantation. The SCI currently comprises 39 faculty.

About half are located in the McGuire Translational Research Facility (MTRF) on the East Bank campus, along with core facilities such as flow cytometry (equipment and personnel for separating live cells according to their properties). The remainder are located in other buildings of the East Bank and St. Paul campuses. They include members of the College of Veterinary Medicine and Institute of Technology, as well as the Medical School and College of Biological Sciences.

Stem cells are the cells responsible for tissue renewal in humans and animals. They can both reproduce themselves, and produce functional differentiated cells to make up the tissue in question. Embryonic stem cells are cells that can be cultured in vitro from early embryos, can reproduce themselves, and can form any cell type in the body. Stem cell biology embraces the range of topics from understanding how stem cells work, in terms of basic molecular and cellular biology, to practical methods for producing cells for transplantation and other clinical applications.

This degree program offers training in stem cell biology, which is a rapidly growing interdisciplinary field that rests on foundations provided by molecular, cellular, and developmental biology. Students will take lecture, lab, and seminar classes in these various disciplines, in addition to stem cell biology. They will interact with members of the Stem Cell Institute through participation in research seminars and journal clubs, and will spend a full calendar year conducting stem cell research in the laboratory of a Stem Cell Biology Graduate Program faculty member. This research will form the basis of the Master’s thesis.

Admission to the Stem Cell Biology M.S. program will depend on the following requirements:B.S., B.A., or a foreign equivalent in biological sciences or a related field.An operational standard of 3.20 GPA or better (on a 4-point scale) at the undergraduate level.Competitive GRE scoresComplete the Graduate School's online application form and upload the following:A personal statement (500 words or less) outlining previous research experience, research interests, and long- and short-term goals. Upload your personal statement to Statement #1 in the Applicant Statements section of the online application.A curriculum vitae or resume. Your CV or resume can be uploaded to the Graduate Program Supplementary Information section of the online application.The names of 3 individuals whom you have asked to write a letter of recommendation addressing your previous research experience and ability to pursue graduate study.Transcripts - unofficial transcripts can be uploaded; official transcripts will be requested upon enrollment.GRE - general test scores English Language Requirements IELTS band: 6.5 TOEFL paper-based test score : 550 TOEFL iBT® test: 79

Accreditation

The University of Minnesota Duluth (UMD) is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC) and a member of the North Central Association.