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M3D PhD Program

Application

M3D Applications are closed for the 2026-2027 Academic Year

 

 

The M3D Ph.D. Program trains students to use advances in basic sciences to solve problems relevant to human disease; and to use insights from human disease to processes to solve fundamental biological problems. Three core courses focus on the mechanism of disease, the impact of basic science on medicine, and human genetics, providing a rigorous intellectual foundation. Each student participates in Chief of Medicine rounds and in a mentored clinical rotation in the broad area of human genetics or a more focused area relevant to the student’s thesis research. Students also choose electives reflecting their interests from the deep and varied menu offered by UW’s basic science and engineering departments. Thesis research is supervised by two mentors, one a basic scientist and the other a clinician-scientist. Students complement their experimental work with exposure to relevant problems in the clinic. The M3D Program is designed for students to complete Ph.D. training in five years, ready to take the next step in careers in academia, biotech, the pharmaceutical industry, education, publishing, and public policy.

We encourage all applicants to learn more about the M3D PhD program by reviewing the research interests of our faculty and students. In addition, to learn more about graduate studies at UW, please see our self-guided, online resource (U501) and the BioPHilmD YouTube channel. Please feel free to reach out to us at m3d@uw.edu with any questions.

Applying to the M3D PhD Program

Applications to the M3D PhD program are reviewed holistically. Multiple members of the Admissions Committee review every application, with attention given to the following impressions from your application materials (personal statement, resume/CV, letters of reference, and academic record). Your statement should provide context for the items listed on your resume/CV, for example, research preparation & potential, fit to the research interests of the M3D PhD program, long-term goals, and academic preparation.

The UW M3D PhD program no longer requires GRE scores, and they will not be considered if they are sent.

 

Application Instructions

Create an application online through the University of Washington Graduate School website.

  • Select “Molecular Medicine and Mechanisms of Disease – PhD” from the menu of departments and programs. The interdisciplinary M3D program is based in the Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology
  • Complete all the sections of the application
  • Upload unofficial transcripts
  • Upload CV or Resume
  • Upload Statement of Purpose
    • There are no prompts set by the M3D PhD program. A Statement of Purpose should reflect upon your prior education, research, and life experiences that have influenced you to pursue a PhD in biomedical research and the M3D program. Your statement should also feature reflections on your commitment to making science a welcoming and inclusive endeavor. See the required materials page for more info.
  • 3 Letters of Reference: The application system (Slate) will ask you to identify those who will be submitting letters on your behalf and provide their email addresses. The system will then contact them automatically with instructions on submitting their letters. Be sure to contact them first to confirm that they are willing and able to provide a recommendation.
  • Identify five (5) M3D Faculty whose research interests you or align with your own

Submission 

  1. Submit your application online through the University of Washington Graduate School website.
  2. Pay the UW Graduate School application fee – $90 USD online using a Mastercard or Visa debit/credit card. Please see the Graduate School Application Information page for current information on fee waivers. Waivers are submitted when the application is submitted, plan to submit your application 7 days earlier than the deadline if you plan to apply for a waiver. Please note that the Graduate School, not the M3D program, assesses fee waivers– NOTE: The only individuals who do not qualify based on immigration/residency status are those on F or J visas. This is due to federal requirements tied to eligibility for these visas. All other applicants, including other visa holders and undocumented immigrants, are encouraged to apply.  UW Graduate School Application Fee Waiver Policy
  3. For non-native English speakers, English language proficiency (ELP) is required for graduate study at the University of Washington. Please see Graduate School Policy 3.2: Graduate School English Language Proficiency Requirements for accepted demonstrations of proficiency and submission instructions. Certified TOEFL Score Report must be submitted directly by ETS. The UW Institution Code is 4854. If a department code is required, please use 99.

All materials must be received by December 1, 2025.  Top candidates will be invited to visit the M3D PhD Program and interview with our faculty.

The top applicants will be invited to interview with the program in the first week of February 2026. The first round of admissions decisions will be made in late February 2026, and offers will continue until April 15, following the Council of Graduate Schools agreement.

The Molecular Medicine and Mechanism of Disease (M3D) Ph.D. Program is committed to recruiting participants of all backgrounds, including students with a broad spectrum of scientific interests, students from underrepresented racial and ethnic groups, students with physical or mental impairments that limit any major life activity, and students from economically or educationally disadvantaged backgrounds.

 

Resources for Applicants with Physical or Mental Impairments

  • UW Disability Resources for Students (DRS) is dedicated to ensuring access and inclusion for all students with disabilities on the Seattle campus enrolled in our undergraduate, graduate, professional, and Evening Degree and Access programs for over 38 years
  • Disabilities Services Office (DSO) offers resources and services for UW staff, faculty, and campus visitors with physical and mental impairments.
  • Disabilities, Opportunities, Internetworking and Technology (DO-IT) (Disabilities, Opportunities, Internetworking, and Technology) promotes computer use and networking technologies to increase independence, productivity, and participation in education and employment.
  • The Access Technology Center (ATC) serves users with disabilities, allowing them to fully use campus computing resources. ATC staff provide accessibility consultations and instruct users on the basics of accessible hardware and software.
  • Title IX/ADA Coordinator Office Program provides University-wide compliance support to facilitate equal opportunity and ensure compliance with relevant University policies and local, state, and federal laws.

Additional Resource Offices for UW Graduate Applicants