biochemistry phd admission requirements

Application Requirements

Application to the Field is made through the Cornell University Graduate School.  General information about Grad School admissions requirements and insights on the process of applying can be found on the Graduate School Admissions website .  They also provide a useful list of FAQs for common questions . Information on application requirements for the Field of Biochemistry, Molecular & Cell Biology (BMCB) are detailed below. Please take care in filling out this important document and review it before submitting it; we cannot make changes to it after it is submitted.

Our faculty and research interests can be explored in the Faculty & Research . You can learn more about our program and current student life using the Current Students section of our website . You are encouraged to explore these pages for information as you move through the application process. If your research interests are more genetics/genomics based, we encourage you to investigate our sister program, Genetics, Genomics & Development .

The deadline for admission is December 1 for Fall admission (we do not admit students in Spring). Applicants to our program must submit their application on-line through Apply-Now , including supporting documents by the December 1 deadline.  Applications can be submitted prior to receipt of all required letters of recommendation, but recommenders should be encouraged (and reminded) to submit their letters by this deadline or within 48 hours after.  The Admissions Committee begins reviewing completed applications shortly after the deadline.

Application Requirements :

Academic & Personal Statement of Purpose (within the application):  The intent of this statement is to provide the Admissions Committee with a sense of you as a whole person and your potential to contribute positively to a diverse and inclusive community.  The Grad School provides general suggestions about the application process on their admissions website .

Academic Statement of Purpose (up to 1,200 words): Please submit an Academic Statement of Purpose (ASOP) that outlines your reasons for pursuing graduate research and explains your academic interests and your broader background, experiences, and skills that can lead to a successful graduate school experience. General suggestions as to how to approach the Academic Statement of Purpose are available by following this link to the Cornell  Graduate School admissions website .

Please describe (in up to 1,200 words) your motivation to apply to a PhD program, the experiences that informed this choice, and how these experiences have prepared you for graduate school. You may include whatever information you think speaks to these points, but please be sure to specifically address the two areas outlined below.

• Past and ongoing research experiences: We would like to hear about your research experiences, including your research goals, outcomes (positive or negative!), and what you have learned relating back to your initial research goal (your research conclusions). Please also provide the specifics of your research experience(s), including where and when they took place, and the average weekly hours of commitment.
• Program and future research interests: Please describe your future research interests, and why you chose to apply to the BMCB program. If there are faculty members that you find resonate with your interests, please include that information. We appreciate that your research interests will evolve throughout graduate school, and we would like to hear what research areas and questions interest you most now, as you apply to start graduate school.

Personal Statement (in up to 1,000 words): We strive to build a diverse and inclusive community that strengthens our intellectual and collaborative program. The Personal Statement helps to provide a more holistic sense of who you are , including how your background and experiences influenced your decision and ability to pursue graduate studies. Within this statement, p lease provide insight into your potential to contribute to a community of inclusion, belonging, and respect where scholars representing diverse backgrounds, perspectives, abilities, and experiences can learn and work productively and positively together.

Additional information to consider including within the Academic and Personal Statement of Purpose are:

• How your personal, academic, and/or professional experiences demonstrate your ability to be both persistent and resilient especially when navigating challenging circumstances. Consider including examples where you overcame obstacles, showed creativity, or demonstrated initiative.
• How you engage with others and have facilitated and/or participated in productive teams.
• How you have experienced or come to understand the barriers faced by others whose experiences and backgrounds may differ from your own.
• Your service and/or leadership in efforts to advance diversity, inclusion, access, and equity especially by those from backgrounds historically underrepresented and/or marginalized.
• Additional context around any perceived gaps or weaknesses in your academic record.

Current transcripts for all colleges you have attended must be uploaded into the application. (Note: Official transcripts are not required at time of application). Our Admissions Committee wants to see your full academic background; upload transcripts from all colleges attended even if you did not get a degree unless the courses you took transferred to a subsequent school and are included on that transcript along with the grades. For more information and specific instructions for international applicants, see the Graduate School website .

Three (3) letters of recommendation: The Cornell Graduate School has a website with some great tips regarding letters of recommendation . We encourage you to read them. Note that you are able to request more than three letters. However, we would discourage asking for more than three letters with the goal of obtaining three completed letters; you should be confident that your recommenders will upload a letter, since lack of a requested letter will be noticeable in your application. Please request that your recommenders submit their letters through the on-line system unless there are extenuating circumstances that prevent them from doing so.

Proof of English language competency : All applicants must provide proof of English language proficiency. This is a Graduate School/University requirement; complete information can be found on the Cornell Graduate School website . Applicants who are not exempt from this requirement by virtue of a standing exemption should self-report their scores in the application; these scores can be used for evaluation prior to the official scores being received.  No offer of admission can be made without official scores where they are required.

• TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) or IELTS tests are required for applicants whose native language is not English. This is a university requirement, and the Graduate School has set minimum scores for each section of the test: Reading – 20; Writing – 20; Listening – 15; Speaking – 22. To be considered for admission, an applicant must receive at least the minimum score on each individual section of the test . Official scores should be sent from ETS to Cornell University, university code #2098 (department code is not required).
• Those taking the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) test must score 7.0 or higher. Scores must be sent electronically (e-delivery) to the Cornell University Graduate Admissions, Caldwell Hall e-download account. E-delivery may also be referred to as an e-TRF by your test center.

Research Area/Faculty of Interest : You are not required to contact faculty as a requirement of admission; students in our program are not admitted directly into faculty labs, but spend the initial part of their first year rotating through faculty labs in order to identify a mentor.  However, applicants are encouraged to indicate a faculty person and/or a specific area of research that they are interested in pursuing. We recognize that your research interests will evolve throughout graduate school, and this is not a commitment to that research area or faculty person. It is intended to give the Admissions Committee more information about what research areas and questions interest you most now, and also what faculty you consider potential mentors and/or faculty you may like to engage with during the admissions process.

Application Review: Your your application will be reviewed by a select group of faculty and graduate students that form the Admissions Committee.  All members of the Admissions Committee are instructed to respect your privacy rights with regard to information disclosed in your application.

Application Fee Waivers:  The Cornell Graduate School will consider requests for fee-waivers for applicants who are experiencing financial hardship and also applicants who have participated in specific pipeline programs.  More information on application fee waivers can be found on the application fee portion of the Graduate School web site .  Please note: the Field of BMCB is not able to issue fee waivers.

Recruitment Events :  Top-ranked applicants being considered for an admissions offer are typically invited to campus to interview. Interviews are an important part of our admissions process, allowing us to interact with you and learn more about you beyond your written application.  Should an invited applicant be unable to attend one of our in-person Recruitment Weekends, they will be invited to interview with faculty via Zoom or Skype.

Diversity and Inclusion

Cornell University and the Graduate School are committed to providing a supportive and inclusive environment for all Cornell students.  The Field of BMCB strongly supports this mission and, as a result, our graduate student community is a vibrant and diverse one. BMCB students come from all areas of the globe and all walks of life. We are committed to the equality of educational opportunity and success for all students. The Field encourages individuals from groups who have been historically underrepresented in STEM to apply and participate in many programs on campus to recruit and retain these students and other diversity students (including first-generation college students).

Students with disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply. The Field of BMCB has established a partnership with the Cornell University Student Disability Services Office . Any student who is invited to our recruitment events and requires special accommodations to participate should contact the GFAs to request necessary arrangements.

Admission Decision Timeline

The BMCB Admissions Committee will meet weekly starting in late November to evaluate completed applications. A select number of applicants will be invited to interview at our on-campus Recruitment events in February . Invitations are extended in December. Those who are unable to attend our Recruitment events (i.e. some international applicants residing outside the U.S.) are offered Zoom or Skype interviews.  Admissions decisions are made by mid-to-late March, once all interviews have taken place.

Dept. Molecular Biology & Genetics 526 Campus Road Biotechnology Building Cornell University Ithaca, NY 14853 bmcb@cornell.edu

If you have a disability and are having trouble accessing information on this website or need materials in an alternate format, contact  web-accessibility@cornell.edu  for assistance.

News Archive

Ph.D. in Biochemistry

General info.

• Faculty working with students: 31
• Students: 55
• Students receiving Financial Aid: 100%
• Part time study available: No
• Application Terms: Fall

Application Deadline: November 30

Meta Kuehn Director of Graduate Studies Department of Biochemistry Box 3711 Duke University Medical Center Durham, NC 27710

Phone: (919) 681-8770

Email: [email protected]

Website:  http://www.biochem.duke.edu

Program Description

Graduate students in the Duke Biochemistry Department engage in faculty-mentored research and graduate coursework that develops an understanding of fundamental concepts in biochemistry, physical biochemistry, as well as the critical analysis of published research. Students choose thesis topics from a wide range of research projects under current study by primary and secondary faculty in the department, which include: enzyme mechanisms, signal transduction, cell cycle control, cytoskeleton structure, prokaryotic and eukaryotic transcription, genetic diseases, glycoproteins, DNA partitioning/segregation, plasma membrane receptors, cellular differentiation, gene regulation, mechanisms of DNA repair and DNA repair defects in tumor biology, processing of DNA, RNA modification, mRNA decay and translational control, multidrug resistance and tolerance, membrane vesicle biogenesis, microbial toxin activity, endocytosis, insertion of proteins into membranes, ion channel structure and function, metalloproteins, post translational modification, drug design, analysis and design of protein and RNA structure, and X-ray crystallography and NMR studies on macromolecular structure and folding. The department is located in a large, research-oriented medical center, which is immediately adjacent to the arts and sciences campus, fostering a productive and collaborative scientific community.

• Biochemistry: PhD Admissions and Enrollment Statistics
• Biochemistry: PhD Completion Rate Statistics
• Biochemistry: PhD Time to Degree Statistics
• Biochemistry: PhD Career Outcomes Statistics

Application Information

Application Terms Available:  Fall

Graduate School Application Requirements See the Application Instructions page for important details about each Graduate School requirement.

• Transcripts: Unofficial transcripts required with application submission; official transcripts required upon admission
• Letters of Recommendation: 3 Required
• Statement of Purpose: Required
• Résumé: Required
• GRE General: Optional
• GRE Subject tests (Biology, Chemistry): Optional This program does not require applicants to provide GRE (Graduate Record Examination) or other graduate entrance exam scores, but does allow you to upload scores if you feel they enhance your application. If you choose to submit test scores, you may enter them on the Test Scores page. If you choose to enter self-reported test scores, official test scores will become a required component of your application.
• English Language Exam: TOEFL, IELTS, or Duolingo English Test required* for applicants whose first language is not English *test waiver may apply for some applicants
• GPA: Undergraduate GPA calculated on 4.0 scale required

Department-Specific Application Requirements (submitted through online application)

Statement of Purpose Guidelines The mission of the Duke University Biochemistry Graduate program is to educate and mentor students from diverse background in the fundamentals of biochemical principles and practice though courses and research by (1) guiding students in their thesis research project, and (2) preparing them for a career in research, education, or other disciplines. The program promotes a commitment to excellence in research scholarship and fosters a spirit of creativity, service, and respect, within an environment that is ethical, inclusive, and diverse.

Writing Sample None required

Additional Components Optional Video Essay: How would a Duke PhD training experience help you achieve your academic and professional goals? Max video length 2 minutes; record externally and provide URL in application.

We strongly encourage you to review additional department-specific application guidance from the program to which you are applying: Departmental Application Guidance

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Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

Offered By: Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology

Onsite | Full-Time | 5 – 6 years

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About the PhD in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Program

In the Biochemistry and Molecular Biology PhD program, faculty, and students work together to increase knowledge of the biochemical and molecular bases of normal and abnormal cellular processes. Our program trains students to be successful independent scientists and gives them the knowledge, research training, and leadership skills to continue to provide new insights into the biomedical issues that have a profound impact on public health.

Students engage in a rigorous course curriculum and a range of structured and informal activities outside the classroom and lab to build their skills. They will pursue their thesis research in the lab of one of our over forty training faculty across the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health and the Johns Hopkins School of Medicine.

Visit our dedicated PhD program website to learn more about the diverse research training opportunities of the program.

PhD in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Program Highlights

Our position within the School of Public Health provides a unique setting in which students learn how biochemistry, molecular biology, physical chemistry, cell biology, and genetics can be used to solve significant problems in public health and medicine. Our program offers:

• Training faculty from across the School of Public Health and the School of Medicine
• A strong grounding in the science of biomedical and public health research through a core curriculum that includes courses taught by leading experts from the Schools of Public Health and Medicine
• Training outside the lab and classroom in key skills such as communications and leadership
• Opportunities to build strong communications skills through a range of speaking venues including journal club, research colloquium, department retreats, and national meetings
• Access to the Johns Hopkins School of Medicine Professional Development and Career Office , offering excellent career services and professional development,  including the BMB-required OPTIONS program, a guided process of career exploration for paths from medicine to biotech to academia and beyond for careers paths from medicine to biotech to academia and beyond
• Opportunities to participate in community service and outreach, with a focus on our East Baltimore neighborhoods, through the Johns Hopkins University community engagement and service-learning center, SOURCE

Training faculty across the School of Public Health and the School of Medicine

Schools that students can take courses in: Public Health, Arts & Sciences, Medicine, and Engineering

Two-month rotations in the first year prior to selecting thesis lab

Average number of incoming students in the BMB PhD degree program each year

What Can You Do With a PhD In Biochemistry And Molecular Biology?

The Biochemistry and Molecular Biology PhD program prepares students for a range of biomedical and health sciences careers, including in academia, industry, policy, and beyond.

Sample Careers

• Research Scientist
• Science Policy Adviser
• Biotech Executive
• Senior Scientist
• Patent Lawyer
• Science Policy Analyst/Advocate
• Science Writer/Journalist
• Biological Sciences Teacher

Topic Areas

The BMB PhD program faculty conduct research to gain new insights into the cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying normal and abnormal cellular processes, and their relevance as targets for improving health and treating disease. Our training program places particular emphasis on mechanistic approaches to research problems.

Common topic areas within our faculty's diverse research interests include:

• Biophysics and Structural Biology
• Cancer Biology
• Chemical Biology and Proteomics
• Cell Biology
• Cellular Stress and Cell Signaling
• Genetics, Genomics, and Gene Regulation
• Immunology and Infectious Diseases
• Translational Research

Curriculum for the PhD in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology

The BMB PhD offers students a rigorous course curriculum, including a set of common core classes from the Schools of Public Health and Medicine. A rich array of seminar programs and journal clubs are also available to all students.

Browse an overview of the requirements for this PhD program in the JHU  Academic Catalogue  and explore all course offerings in the Bloomberg School  Course Directory .

Courses in core curriculum

Minimum elective credits

Seminars on current research presented by experts from across Johns Hopkins and other biomedical research institutions

Courses available across Johns Hopkins Schools of Public Health, Medicine, and Arts and Sciences

Admissions Requirements

For the general admissions requirements see our How to Apply page. The specific program also requires:

Prior Work Experience

Laboratory research experience (from academia, industry, etc.) is required

Prior Coursework

Strong background in the sciences, particularly in chemistry, biochemistry, or biology

Standardized Test Scores

Standardized test scores (GRE) are optional for this program. The admissions committee will make no assumptions if a standardized test score is omitted from an application, but will require evidence of quantitative/analytical ability through other application components such as academic transcripts and/or supplemental questions.  Applications will be reviewed holistically based on all application components.

Program Faculty Spotlight

Ashani T. Weeraratna

Ashi Weeraratna, PhD, studies how cancer cells move to distant sites and how changes in the normal cells around a tumor contribute to their movement, especially as we age.

Michael J. Matunis

Michael Matunis, PhD, studies how protein modification by SUMO—the small ubiquitin-related modifier—drives changes in key cellular pathways from stress response to DNA repair.

Jennifer M. Kavran

Jennifer Kavran, PhD, MS, MPhil, is a biophysicist who investigates how cells communicate with each other and their environment.

Danfeng Cai

Danfeng Cai, PhD, combines advanced microscopy, genomics, and proteomics to tease out the functions of protein condensates in cells, with a focus on cancer.

Vivien Thomas PhD Scholars

The  Vivien Thomas Scholars Initiative (VTSI)  is an endowed fellowship program at Johns Hopkins for PhD students in STEM fields. It provides full tuition, stipend, and benefits while also providing targeted mentoring, networking, community, and professional development opportunities. Students who have attended a historically Black college and university (HBCU) or other minority serving institution (MSI) for undergraduate study are eligible to apply. To be considered for the VTSI, you will need to submit a SOPHAS application, VTSI supplementary materials, and all supporting documents (letters, transcripts, and test scores) by December 1 , 202 3 . VTSI applicants are eligible for an application fee waiver , but the fee waiver must be requested by November 15, 202 3 and prior to submission of the SOPHAS application.

All full-time PhD students receive the following support for all years of the program: full tuition and fees, individual health insurance, University Health Services fee, vision insurance, dental insurance, and a stipend for living expenses for students who remain in good academic standing. PhD students are required to serve as a teaching assistant for at least one term, in either their 2nd or 3rd year.

Need-Based Relocation Grants Students who  are admitted to PhD programs at JHU starting in Fall 2023 or beyond can apply to receive a $1500 need-based grant to offset the costs of relocating to be able to attend JHU.   These grants provide funding to a portion of incoming students who, without this money, may otherwise not be able to afford to relocate to JHU for their PhD program. This is not a merit-based grant. Applications will be evaluated solely based on financial need.  View more information about the need-based relocation grants for PhD students .

Questions about the program? We're happy to help.

Mike Matunis, PhD PhD Program Director

Roza Selimyan , PhD BMB Executive Director for Academic Affairs and Education Programs

Erika Vaitekunas Administrative Specialist

[email protected]

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Biochemistry, PHD

On this page:.

At a Glance: program details

• Location: Tempe campus
• Second Language Requirement: No

Program Description

Degree Awarded: PHD Biochemistry

The PhD program in biochemistry through the School of Molecular Sciences provides students with the training they need to solve biological problems at the molecular scale and to be successful, independent scientists who can challenge current societal issues.

Students earning a doctoral degree in biochemistry are fully trained in all fundamental aspects of the discipline. Most also choose to join transdisciplinary teams that work on larger, mission-based contemporary problems in areas such as:

• biogeochemistry
• energy and sustainability
• fundamental chemical biology
• materials and nanoscience
• medicine and health
• structure function and dynamics

Students should visit the prospective student site to learn more about this doctoral program and the graduate research page to learn more about the advanced transdisciplinary research being conducted in the School of Molecular Sciences.

Degree Requirements

84 credit hours, a written comprehensive exam, an oral comprehensive exam, a prospectus and a dissertation

six graduate-level courses (12--18) enrollment in a BCH 501/CHM 501 seminar (8) BCH 792 Research (46--52) BCH 799 Dissertation (12)

Additional Curriculum Information The program consists of coursework and seminars selected by the student in consultation with the student's supervisory committee and based on the student's area of research. Qualifying exams consisting of a written comprehensive exam, an oral comprehensive exam and a prospectus are required to advance to candidacy. Students must successfully defend their dissertation during a public final oral defense. Students must also maintain a minimum GPA of 3.00 (scale is 4.00 = "A") or better.

Admission Requirements

Applicants must fulfill the requirements of both the Graduate College and The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences.

Applicants are eligible to apply to the program if they have earned a bachelor's or master's degree in chemistry, biochemistry or a closely related field from a regionally accredited institution.

Applicants must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.00 (scale is 4.00 = "A") in the last 60 hours of their first bachelor's degree program.

All applicants must submit:

• graduate admission application and application fee
• official transcripts
• personal statement
• three letters of recommendation
• proof of English proficiency

Additional Application Information An applicant whose native language is not English must provide proof of English proficiency regardless of their current residency.

In addition to the admission application, applicants must complete an online supplemental application to the School of Molecular Sciences. The supplemental application is available 24 to 48 hours after submission of the admission application. The personal statement and contact information for the letters of recommendation are submitted as part of the supplemental application. Information about the supplemental application can be found on the department's website. Applications lacking a supplemental application are not reviewed.

Next Steps to attend ASU

Learn about our programs, apply to a program, visit our campus, application deadlines, career opportunities.

The doctoral program in biochemistry prepares students for professional careers in industry, government and academia. Professionals with training achieved in pursuit of a graduate degree in chemistry or biochemistry have opportunities in five general areas:

• academia (high school and higher education)
• entrepreneurship (consulting, startups)
• government (research, policy)
• industry (research and development, quality control)
• nonprofit (policy, public education)

In addition to specialized technical skills, graduates possess high-demand skills like critical thinking, teamwork and collaboration, time management and many others.

Some career examples include:

• chemistry lecturer
• drug discovery scientist
• government scientist
• pharmacology scientist
• research and development scientist
• research group leader
• science consultant
• university professor

The American Chemical Society also provides helpful resources and a more exhaustive list of possible careers on their website at https://www.acs.org/careers/chemical-sciences.html .

Program Contact Information

If you have questions related to admission, please click here to request information and an admission specialist will reach out to you directly. For questions regarding faculty or courses, please use the contact information below.

• [email protected]
• 480/965-4664

Admissions & Application FAQs

The application deadline for Fall 2023 is November 30, 2023. Please apply here . Please sign up to receive information about our biochemistry program and follow us on Twitter . 

  Qualified applicants will have strong undergraduate training in the chemical and/or biological sciences. All applications and related material are received by the Graduate School and complete applications are reviewed by the Biochemistry Admissions Committee, which is composed of departmental faculty members.

Select applicants will be invited to virtually interview with faculty and be able to meet with current students during online events. There will be on-campus visits scheduled for January or February (because of COVID this is subject to change).

Application Refund

We are fully committed to having as diverse a community as possible at Duke Biochemistry.  The Graduate School  offers fee waivers to qualifying students with US citizenship or permanent residence. If students have been denied the fee waiver, the Department of Biochemistry will consider refunding the $95 application fee for prospective students who contribute to the diversity of the department, are members of specified organizations, or show exceptional need. To be considered for a fee refund, you must fulfill the following requirements:

• Show that you applied for a fee waiver by the Duke Graduate School but were denied.
• Paid the application fee in full.
• Show exceptional need or be affiliated with at least one of the following  organizations or partnerships .

For students who are not eligible for the Graduate School fee waiver (e.g. international students), please contact the DGSA . The department will consider fee waivers based on applicant needs and available funds. Applicants who contacted us before November 1st will be prioritized. 

Application Quick List

• Transcripts including GPA
• 3 Letters of Recommendation
• Statement of Purpose
• Resume  (Strongly recommended, but not required)  
• The Graduate Record Examination General Test (GRE) is optional. We consider the applicants holistically, including their experience, academic record, and recommendations.  
• Subject Tests in Biochemistry, Biology, Chemistry, or Cell & Molecular Biology are optional.
• Official TOEFL scores (Required for International Students, but may be waived)

Note : Students seeking admission to the PhD in Biochemistry must  apply  to the Graduate School of Duke University. Before you begin, please read the entire  Admissions website  carefully, as it gives you further information on your requirements. Pay close attention to the  Application Instructions —it’s a "checklist" for mandatory materials and provides answers to frequently asked questions. 

For more information about the application process, please read our frequently asked questions below or if you’d like to speak with someone directly contact:

Director of Graduate Studies (DGSA) 251 Nanaline H Duke Box 3711, DUMC Durham NC  27710 919.681.8770 [email protected]

"Rigorous yet welcoming perfectly summed up my first impression of Duke’s biochemistry program. But I chose to matriculate because of the collective efforts to help each student become a future scientist. The values incorporated into the program—critical thinking, a growth mindset, a passion for discovery—have challenged and encouraged me to reach my potential, alongside like-minded fellow candidates.  —Duc Huynh, 2018 Matriculant

Application FAQs

You must apply through the Graduate School’s  online application  service. The Department of Biochemistry can review and make an admissions decision based on your scanned unofficial transcript, electronic letters of recommendation, self-reported  GRE  (optional) and  TOEFL  scores while we wait for the Educational Testing Service (ETS) to submit your official scores to Duke University. If you have admissions-related questions, contact  The Graduate School  or  Peggy Wilkison in the Biochemistry Graduate Student Office.

Submit them through the Graduate School’s  online application service. Supporting application materials that cannot be uploaded must be sent directly to the Graduate School (NOT to the department), at the following address:

Duke University Graduate School Office of Admission 2127 Campus Drive Durham, NC 27708-0065 USA 

* Please do  NOT  mail any of your application materials to the department. We cannot guarantee they will be included in your review for admission.

The application deadline is November 30, 2023.

The Department of Biochemistry offers fall admission only.

The Biochemistry Admissions Committee takes many factors into account when considering applications. The most important are your:

• Research experience (at least one semester of independent research is recommended)
• Academic rigor
• Letters of recommendation (at least one from a research mentor)
• Personal statement

Your achievements within your undergraduate program and optional GRE scores provide a useful tool to evaluate the difficulty of your curriculum compared with those of others across the nation and around the world. You can view our  Admissions and Enrolment Statistics  from students who have matriculated in past years.

Although not required, you can submit a  GRE subject test  in Biochemistry, Cell & Molecular Biology, Biology, or Chemistry. 

Please note:  Your optional GRE scores must  not  be more than five years old from July 1 of the application year. An official copy of your GRE scores must be sent to the Graduate School directly from the ETS. The institution code for Duke is 5156 and a department code is not needed. If the ETS requires you to enter a department code, select any one of the department codes listed on their site. Regardless of the department code entered, the scores will come to the Graduate School and be routed to the department indicated on your application. 

Yes. You should submit your application as soon as you have:

• Completed each section
• Sent recommendation requests
• Asked that the ETS send your TOEFL, if required, or optional GRE scores to Duke.

After you submit your application, the Graduate Admissions Office can add your recommendation letters and official test scores as they are received. 

Please note:  While it is fine for recommendations and official test scores to arrive after you submit your application, we must receive them by or before the application deadline for review purposes.

We only have a limited number of slots for international students, therefore admission can be especially competitive. International students are strongly encouraged to carefully consider their research experience, English skills (spoken and written), and commitment to biochemistry before submitting an application. Select international applicants will be interviewed virtually.

The Graduate School requires all international applications, whose native language is not English, to submit the results of an English language proficiency test ( TOEFL  or  IELTS ). Your score must not be more than two years old from July 1 of the application year. Study in the U.S. does not exempt you from reporting this score however, you may request a  waiver  at the time you submit your application if you have studied or worked in an English-speaking country and feel that your English skills are strong. 

Please note  that no action is taken on waiver requests until all application materials have been received and we have evaluated a review of your English skills.

Financial aid  for graduate school is not based on financial need but on the academic strength of your candidacy. Therefore, no proof of financial need is required to apply although you must indicate “YES” on the financial aid section of the online application. It is our practice to work with the Graduate School to ensure that you will be financially supported for at least six consecutive academic years, provided that you continue satisfactory progress in our program. As a member of an outstanding graduate community, we also strongly encourage you to apply for other  institutional and outside fellowships .  These awards will add distinction to your graduate record and enhance our ability to support additional highly qualified students in Duke’s graduate programs.

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Ph.D. Program Information

The major goals of the Ph.D. program in biochemistry are to master known principles and techniques, develop the intellectual tools for collecting and analyzing data, to produce new fundamental knowledge through research, and to be able to effectively communicate the results of original research through oral and written means. 

The academic and other requirements for obtaining a Ph.D. degree are outlined below. Students are responsible for understanding their degree program and fulfilling these requirements. In addition, other pertinent information is provided for course registration, salary support, health insurance, exams, and other topics.

This page is provided as a reference, however, the most complete and up-to-date information for current students can be found in the  Departmental Rules for Advanced Degrees , available in the Helpful Links & Useful Documents section below.

Ph.D. Program Timeline

Arriving on campus.

1 st  year students begin at the University of Colorado Boulder in August with a series of orientations. The department will reach out to students with more detailed instructions prior to the beginning of the semester.

Fall and Spring Semesters of Year 1

The 1 st  year typically consists of laboratory rotations, coursework, and a teaching assistantship.

Laboratory Rotations  – Students participate in four rotations during their first academic year (two during each semester). The rotation lasts ~8-weeks. A rotation is a time when a student previews joining a laboratory by participating in research and attending laboratory events/meetings. The goal of laboratory rotations is to help students find a match with prospective thesis advisor. Biochemistry Ph.D. students can rotate with investigators from across the University but must perform their first rotation with a Biochemistry faculty member.

Coursework  – Students take a number of graduate-level courses within their first year. The most important are two semesters of Biochemistry Core, a class only for Biochemistry Ph.D. students that provides a foundation in principles of biochemistry and essentials for research.

Teaching Assistantship  – Students are typically funded as Teaching Assistants for their 1st year. In subsequent years, students are typically funded by their thesis advisors lab as Research Assistants.

Joining a Lab

1 st  year students typically “join a lab” at the end of Spring Semester of their first year. Joining a lab consists of selecting a thesis advisor (also called mentor) with whom to perform their dissertation research. Labs may begin financially supporting students at this time. Students are encouraged to apply to one of the NIH training grants at the University of Colorado Boulder during this time.

After joining a lab, 2 nd  year students in Biochemistry labs usually no longer teach. This year typically consists of applying for fellowships, taking qualifying exams (also known as COMPs), completing elective coursework, and dissertation research.

Applying for Fellowships  – Biochemistry Ph.D. students are encouraged, but not required, to apply to fellowships to support their stipend and research. Our students have received the National Science Foundation Graduate Research Fellowship (NSF GRFP), National Institutes of Health (NIH) F31 Predoctoral Fellowship, and many other prestigious fellowships.

Qualifying Exams (COMPs)  – During the second year, students take qualifying exams. Passing these exams advances students to Ph.D. Candidacy.

Coursework  – Students complete the remaining coursework required to fulfill their degree. Typically, second year students take electives on specialty topics they choose.

Dissertation Research  – After joining a laboratory, students spend virtually all of their time working with their thesis advisor to perform research for their dissertation.

After advancing to Ph.D. candidacy, students spend virtually all of their time working with their thesis advisor to perform research for their dissertation. Students in Biochemistry convene a Thesis Committee of 3–5 faculty members who meet annually to provide advice and guide students through their degree.

Graduation and Degree Conferral

Students who have fulfilled the degree requirements for a Ph.D. in Biochemistry prepare a written Dissertation/Thesis and hold a Thesis Defense. The average time to completion is 5.5 years.

Ph.D. Degree Requirements

• General Requirements
• Academic & Registration Requirements

All students in the Biochemistry Ph.D. program must be admitted through the University of Colorado Boulder Graduate School. For more information on applying to Biochemistry, see Prospective Graduate Students .

Ph.D. students are required to complete a minimum of 30 hours of approved coursework and 30 dissertation credits.

Students must be enrolled as a full-time, degree seeking graduate students each semester, maintain satisfactory academic performance, and maintain progress toward their degree.

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Helpful Links & Useful Documents

Biochemistry resources.

• Annual Committee Meeting Report 
• Biochemistry Handbook Year-by-Year
• Departmental Rules for Advanced Degrees
• Example Written Exams (COMPs)

Graduate School Resources

• Graduation requirements
• Establishing CO residency
• Graduate school rules 
• Doctoral final examination form

Other Resources

• Campus resources for graduate students
• Comprehensive list of crisis resources
• Assistance for students in distress

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Degree Requirements

Qualifying process, comprehensive examination process, dissertation requirements.

Along with courses and seminars, students embark on lab rotations, dissertation research, qualifying and comprehensive exams and committee meetings, culminating in the dissertation defense. Prior to successfully completing the comprehensive examination, a student must complete nine credit hours per semester, or four per summer, to remain a full-time graduate student. Following successful completion of the comprehensive exam, each student should register for a minimum of two hours of thesis/dissertation research per semester (or one in summer) to maintain continuous enrollment. More than the minimum may be needed to obtain the 72 credit hours required by the  MU Graduate School  for completion of the PhD.

All graduate students are required to earn a grade of B or better.

A student who earns a grade of C or lower in any of these courses must retake the course.

Department Seminars

Students are expected to attend all  department seminars .

Teaching Experience

An important part of graduate education is learning to communicate effectively as a teacher. Enrollment in  BIOCHM 9001  helps prepare the students for their teaching assistant experience, which consists of one semester in an undergraduate laboratory or lecture venue. This is a required component of PhD degrees and typically is performed in the second year of graduate study. Students must satisfy this teaching experience requirement with a grade of B or better to remain in good standing as a graduate student in Biochemistry. This teaching experience usually involves assisting a faculty member in one of several courses and interacting with the students fairly extensively. Missouri requires that students whose first language is not English demonstrate adequate oral proficiency before assisting in teaching.

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The Qualifying Exam (QE) assesses the student’s foundational knowledge, including knowledge of proteins and enzymes, metabolism, nucleic acids and gene expression, and supramolecular structure and gene expression. The decision of the timing and format of the QE is at the discretion of the student’s Doctoral Program Committee (DPC). However, the QE should be completed before the end of the fall semester (December) of their second year. The format can be oral or written. The criteria and format of the QE component can range from basic questioning of the student, including specific assessments in the context of the student’s research interests or as extensive as providing a student in advance with a formalized set of specific foundational concepts or topics and evaluating the student orally or in a written format.

Students who have passed the qualifying exam should complete the Comprehensive Exam during the next two semesters following a satisfactory performance of the Qualifier Exam and in any case no later than five semesters following matriculation. This examination involves writing a proposal for doctoral research in the format of a federal postdoctoral fellowship application. The student must then orally defend the proposal before his/her doctoral program committee plus a member of the graduate education committee. This is designed to assess the student’s ability to think critically about science and to communicate effectively both in writing and in an oral presentation.

BIOCHM 9087

Students should enroll in the first round of the one-hour seminar  BIOCHM 9087  during the first semester.  BIOCHM 9087  in the fall semester is designed to teach the fundamental techniques of oral presentation of scientific information, slide preparation, computer graphics, overhead preparation, etc., as well as research-compliance training. Students should complete three additional semesters of  BIOCHM 9087  in spring semesters for a total of four credit hours. A student’s first spring  BIOCHM 9087  seminar is devoted to a presentation of the proposed dissertation research. The second should provide an update of research progress or a review of major journal papers in the student’s research area. The third should be a practice for the dissertation defense. The student’s thesis committee is expected to attend these presentations at the invitation of the student. A meeting with the doctoral program committee (DPC) can be arranged after the seminar presentation and may serve as the required annual meeting.

Thesis/Dissertation Research

Biochm 9090.

Prior to successfully completing the comprehensive examination, a student must complete nine credit hours per semester, or four per summer, to remain a full-time graduate student. Following successful completion of both parts of the comprehensive exam, each student should register for a minimum of two hours of thesis/dissertation research per semester (or one in summer) to maintain continuous enrollment. More than the minimum may be needed to obtain the 72 credit hours required by the  MU Graduate School  for completion of the Ph.D.

Research Rotations

Starting in the fall semester of the first year, each student completes three laboratory rotations with the aim of identifying a lab in which to conduct PhD thesis research. By the end of the second semester, most students have chosen their labs. Each rotation should be conducted for a period of at least eight weeks. Two rotations are performed in the first semester, with the second rotation ending Dec. 31. The third rotation begins Jan. 1 or soon after. One-half of the student's time and effort should be directed toward the rotation project and the other half toward course work. The rotation laboratory should serve as an academic home, and the student should participate in all usual laboratory activities, including weekly group meetings. 

Applicants are required to meet two sets of minimum qualifications for admission: the  requirements of the PhD in Biochemistry program and the minimum requirements of the Graduate School . Because requirements vary, you must refer to a degree program's graduate admission page to learn about specific admission criteria, application deadlines, eligibility and application process.  Before official admission to the University of Missouri, your application materials will be reviewed by both the Graduate School and the degree program to which you've applied.

Biochemistry Graduate Admissions Support 117 Schweitzer Hall Columbia, MO 65211 (573) 882-4846, (800) 647-2414 [email protected]

Published by the University Registrar, 125 Jesse Hall, Columbia, MO 65211 Phone: 573-882-7881

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Ph.D. Program

The Ph.D. program in the Department of Biochemistry at Virginia Tech prepares students for careers as independent researchers in biochemistry, molecular and cellular biology, molecular microbiology, biotechnology, and related areas.

Graduates of our program are employed in industry, academia, and government positions, typically following one or more years of postdoctoral training.

Fellowships and research assistantships are available to qualified Ph.D. students. In Fall 2023, the assistantship stipend for entering students was $31.4k for the calendar year. In addition, tuition waivers are granted to all students receiving assistantships. Students on assistantships are also eligible to enroll in university-subsidized health insurance. All students are responsible for fees, purchase of textbooks, and thesis/dissertation printing costs.

Benefits of the program

• Receive your Ph.D. in Biochemistry in 4-5 years
• A $31,404 minimum stipend, with the opportunity for higher from fellowships
• Free tuition for the duration of the degree
• Eligibility for a substantial subsidy on the premium of the university-sponsored health insurance plan 

Training involves a combination of advanced course work, participation in seminars and journal clubs, and laboratory research conducted under the guidance of a faculty committee selected by agreement of the student, the faculty advisor, and the departmental Graduate Committee. Currently, our Department's total annual research expenditures exceed $3.9 million.

We invite applications from highly motivated students to join our program in pursuit of a Ph.D. in biochemistry from a dynamic and productive department with investigators that produce high-impact research in the following general research areas:

• Molecular Biology of Cancer
• Vector-Borne Diseases
• Drug Discovery
• Protein Structure-Function
• Host-Pathogen Interactions
• Metabolomics
• Molecular Microbiology
• Computational Biochemistry

More information on classes can be found  here.

Requirements

• Advanced coursework
• Qualifying exam consisting of a written and oral defense of an original research proposal (first year)
• Preliminary exam consisting of a written and oral defense of your dissertation project (second year)
• Seminar presentations
• Two semesters of serving as a graduate teaching assistant
• Annual committee meetings
• Written dissertation and oral dissertation defense to be awarded a degree

Training involves a combination of advanced course work, teaching assistantships (minimum two semesters required), participation in journal clubs and seminars by nationally and internationally renowned scientists, and laboratory research, with research as the primary focus of the program.

Advanced coursework on proteins, genes, and molecular and cellular mechanisms  is tailored to meet students' needs and research interests and is typically completed in the first two years of studies.

Students entering the department complete research rotations with three different faculty members prior to joining a laboratory at the end of the first year. All students must pass a qualifying examination (by the end of year 1), oral preliminary examinations and successful defense of an original research proposal (by end of year 2) to continue in the doctoral program. Students that do not successfully pass the preliminary examination and research proposal requirements for the Ph.D. degree may be eligible for a Master's degree (thesis required).

All graduate students are required to hold annual meetings with their dissertation committee to discuss research progress (via written report and oral presentation) and enhance their technical writing and public speaking skills. Successful defense of dissertation is required for completion of the Ph.D. degree.

How to apply

To apply to our Ph.D. Program, you need to submit an application electronically. Instructions and forms for applying online are available  here . Students who are most successful in our Ph.D. program have earned a Bachelor's degree with a grade point average of at least 3.0 on a 4.0 scale, and have completed the following course work:

• at least one year of biology
• at least one semester of biochemistry
• at least one year of organic chemistry

Applications will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis. If you have questions concerning specific requirements, please contact the our Graduate Program Chair, Justin Lemkul  ( [email protected] ).

A complete application includes the following:

• Online application for admission.
• Three letters of recommendation. Names and e-mail addresses of the individuals providing letters should be included with the online application to facilitate electronic submission and review of the letters.
• Official transcripts from all institutions previously and presently attended. To expedite review, official transcripts should be sent directly to:

Department of Biochemistry 111 Engel Hall Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA 24061

International students must also submit TOEFL scores. TOEFL score of 577 or higher (233 on the computer-based test, 90 on the internet-based test) are desirable.

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PhD in Chemistry and Biochemistry

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Admissions requirements for the PhD in Chemistry and Biochemistry

Students entering the program are required to have completed a B.S. degree in chemistry or biochemistry or related areas with appropriate chemical/biochemical/pharmaceutical/biological sciences background. This background will include courses in organic chemistry (one year plus lab), biochemistry (one year plus lab), analytical chemistry, inorganic chemistry and physical chemistry. Students will be required to address deficiencies in any of these subjects prior to beginning the Ph.D. curriculum. Students who have previously completed an M.S. degree may request an evaluation of M.S. degree coursework to judge whether it counts toward the coursework requirements for the Ph.D. in Chemistry and Biochemistry. Students will also be able to transfer into the Ph.D. program from either of the Department’s M.S. programs (Chemistry or Biochemistry), as long as all admissions requirements have been fulfilled.

Students must have a minimum GPA of 3.0 and must meet the requirements for admission of the Graduate School of UNCG. Students may submit GRE scores if they choose to do so.  The absence of GRE scores will not impact a decision, and any included GRE scores will be considered when making decisions.

Documents to be Submitted for Admission

• Graduate Application
• Official transcripts of all academic work attempted after high school, including evidence of the completion of a Bachelors degree
• OPTIONAL – Official report of GRE scores
• Personal statement indicating the applicant’s interest in the program (1-2 pages)
• Three letters of recommendation from former Instructors, advisors, or employers
• A current  Curriculum vitae 
• For international students, official TOEFL scores

Degree Requirements

1. Total hours required

Minimum credits (semester hours) required for the Ph.D. program will be 64, distributed between coursework and research credits.

2. Proportion of courses open only to graduate students to be required in program (graduate programs only)

All core coursework counting toward this degree will be at the 600- level and above (graduate students only). A minimum of 75% of all non-dissertation coursework for the degree must be at the 600 level or above.

3. Grades required

Graduate students must have a GPA of 3.0 or above to graduate from the program. Students receiving a grade of C or worse in two courses will be dismissed from the program. Only grades of B or better will count toward the Ph.D. degree.

4. Amount of transfer credits accepted (if applicable)

Students entering the program with graduate credits received while enrolled in another doctoral program may transfer up to 1/3 of the total required non-dissertation credits. Students must provide syllabi from the courses for which they would like to receive transfer credit.

5. Other requirements:  Directed graduate research. Students will choose a research advisor and should begin their dissertation research within the first 3 months of the starting the program.

• Qualifiers:  Students will be required to pass two oral examinations for full admission into the program. These examinations must occur within 24 months of entering the program. The first examination will be given after the student has chosen a dissertation advisor and will be in the form of a public presentation of a research proposal, based on the research the student will be performing. A second exam will follow in which that proposal, written in the NIH style, will be defended in a private meeting with the students dissertation committee. The student must satisfactorily complete the oral presentation before defending the written proposal. Students will be given one opportunity to re-take the qualifiers if they are unsuccessful on the first attempt. After successful completion of the qualifiers, students may begin enrolling for dissertation research, CHE 799. Prior to the completion of the qualifiers, students may enroll in “Research Problems in Chemistry and Biochemistry” CHE 780.
• Internship:  A particularly novel aspect of the PhD in Chemistry and Biochemistry is the potential for internship experience. During one summer or semester, the student may work in a full time internship position in a pharmaceutical or biotechnology company within North Carolina . This experience will provide the student with first-hand knowledge about how industry works. Students will work on a project to be determined by the company sponsoring the internship, with the approval of the student’s dissertation committee. Students whose future workplace is in industry will have a distinct advantage after this experience, because they will have gained knowledge about industry that cannot be acquired in an academic department. Students whose future workplace is in academia or government laboratories will also have gained a valuable understanding of how industry works.
• Seminar:  Students are required to attend all departmental seminars on Friday afternoons.
• Dissertation Committee:  Students must choose a dissertation committee prior to the completion of 18 semester hours in the program. The committee must consist of 4 members of the graduate faculty, two of which must be full members. The chair of the committee must be a graduate faculty member of the home department.
• Dissertation:  Students must complete a written research dissertation and give a public oral presentation of their completed work while registered for Che 752 seminar. In addition, the student must defend this dissertation orally to his/her dissertation committee. The seminar and dissertation defense should occur in the same term that the student applies for graduation.
• Annual Reports:  Each year students meet with their committee and review a brief written report (prepared by the student), which details research progress made during the preceding year.

6. Time limits for completion:  A student must spend at least 4 years, and must have completed all requirements in the program for graduation. Students must successfully defend the dissertation within 7 academic years to successfully complete all of the requirements for the PhD degree.

A completed application for any of the graduate programs will include:

• Personal statement indicating the applicant’s interest in the program (1-2 pages).
• A current  Curriculum vitae
• For international students, official TOEFL scores.

Fall term application due dates:

Ph.D. in Chemistry and Biochemistry : January 15 Best consideration by December 15 All Ph.D. students receive financial support (teaching assistantship plus tuition waiver or funds) M.S. in Chemistry and MS in Chemistry – Biochemistry Concentration: March 15 for full consideration (admission plus financial support) We accept applications after March 15, however, it is likely we cannot offer financial support to late applicants.

In some circumstances, students may be admitted for a term other than fall, including spring and/or summer with the approval of the Graduate Program Director and the Director of Graduate Admissions. Requests for an exception would need to be emailed to the Graduate Program Director. For other information about the Chemistry or Biochemistry program, contact:

Dr. Nicholas Oberlies Director of Graduate Studies [email protected] 336-334-5474

Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry The University of North Carolina at Greensboro Patricia A. Sullivan Science Building PO Box 26170 | Greensboro, NC 27402-6170 Phone: 336.334.5714 | Fax: 336.334.5402 Copyright © 2022. The University of North Carolina at Greensboro. All rights reserved

[email protected]

Questions about the graduate program in Stanford Biochemistry can be directed to

Student Services and Postdoc Affairs Administrator of Biochemistry Stanford University School of Medicine Beckman Center, Room B400C 279 Campus Drive Stanford, CA 94305-5101

Email: [email protected]

Graduate Admissions

The Stanford Biosciences Admissions Office, not the Department of Biochemistry, processes applications for the Ph.D. program. All materials should be uploaded electronically to the online application. Graduate Admissions  only requires admitted applicants who accept the offer of admission to submit official transcripts that shows their degree conferral. Please do not send or have sent any official transcripts to us at this time.

The Biochemistry Department does not consider the GRE in the application review process.

Fee waivers might be available to you for your application to Stanford Biosciences. Please learn more here .

The Department of Biochemistry recognizes that the Supreme Court issued a ruling in June 2023 about the consideration of certain types of demographic information as part of an admission review. All applications submitted during upcoming application cycles will be reviewed in conformance with that decision.

The Department of Biochemistry welcomes graduate applications from individuals with a broad range of life experiences, perspectives, and backgrounds who would contribute to our community of scholars. The review process is holistic and individualized, considering each applicant’s academic record and accomplishments, letters of recommendation, prior research experience, and admissions essays to understand how an applicant’s life experiences have shaped their past and potential contributions to their field and how they might enrich the learning community at Stanford.

Postdoctoral Positions

Please contact individual faculty members directly to inquire about the availability of postdoctoral positions in our labs.

Faculty Jobs

https://facultypositions.stanford.edu/en-us/job/494620

Graduate Admissions

Biochemistry and Molecular Biology (PhD)

The Biochemistry and Molecular Biology PhD is awarded by the Graduate College. Instruction is offered through the Carver College of Medicine.

Applicants must meet the  Admission Requirements of the Graduate College  and the department offering the degree program (review the department's website or the General Catalog for departmental requirements).

International students whose first language is not English are advised to review the English language proficiency recommendations  for prospective applicants.

Students admitted to the PhD program receive a stipend and a health insurance allowance in addition to full payment of their tuition and mandatory fees.

• Fall semester—Dec. 1
• Spring semester—not offered
• Summer session—not offered

The graduate application process has two steps

• You must first submit the online application to the Graduate College and pay the $60 application fee by credit card ($100 for international applicants).
• Once you have submitted your application, you will receive an email instructing you on how to upload your supporting documents and submit letters of recommendation. All supplemental material must be uploaded from your Admissions Profile in MyUI , our online service center for applicants and students. You can only access this AFTER you have submitted your application.

GRE scores are not required for this program.

Degree Program Supplemental Materials

• Résumé or Curriculum Vitae
• Research Statement
• Personal Statement

Recommendations

The application requirement section of your Profile includes an electronic letter of recommendation feature. If your program of study requires letters of recommendation, you will be asked to give the contact information of your recommenders including their email on your Admissions Profile. The recommender will then get an email giving them instructions on how to upload the recommendation letter and/or form.

• Three letters of recommendation

Materials to send to Admissions

• A set of your unofficial academic records/transcripts uploaded on your Admissions Profile. If you are admitted, official transcripts will be required before your enrollment. For international records, all records should bear the original stamp or seal of the institution and the signature of a school official.  Documents not in English must be accompanied by a complete, literal, English translation, certified by the issuing institution.
• International students may also be required to submit TOEFL, IELTS, or DuoLingo scores to comply with the university's English Language Proficiency Requirements .
• Once recommended for admission, international students must send a Financial Statement .

Apply Online , the $60 application fee ($100 for international students) is payable by Discover, MasterCard, or Visa.

Fee Waiver - Applicants for whom payment of the application fee presents a significant financial hardship may request an application fee waiver . Reimbursement - Applicants to the PhD in Biochemistry will have the application fee reimbursed by the Department of Biochemistry if (1) the applicant receives an interview invitation and (2) the applicant completes the interview.

Department of Biochemistry The University of Iowa 4-403 Bowen Science Building Iowa City, IA 52242 [email protected] 1-319-335-7931 

Enrollment Management The University of Iowa 2900 University Capitol Centre 201 S. Clinton St. Iowa City, IA 52242 [email protected] 1-319-335-1523

Course Catalog

• Biochemistry, PhD

for the Doctor of Philosophy in Biochemistry

The Department of Biochemistry offers a graduate program leading to the Doctor of Philosophy degree. For an application and departmental materials that provide greater detail on programs, offerings, admission, degree requirements, and financial aid,  visit our website . The Department of Biochemistry is a part of the School of Molecular and Cellular Biology (MCB), which also includes the Departments of Cell and Developmental Biology, Microbiology and Molecular and Integrative Physiology as well as Programs in Biophysics and Neuroscience. The Department is part of an umbrella program in MCB that encompasses over 70 different research laboratories. Students admitted into any of these departmental graduate programs can select faculty thesis advisors from these active research laboratories in the School. Close ties are also maintained with the School of Integrative Biology, the School of Chemical Sciences, the College of Medicine, and the College of Veterinary Medicine.

Admission Applicants interested in the Biochemistry, PhD program will need to apply directly to the  School of Molecular and Cellular Biology (MCB) PhD program .  The MCB PhD program is an umbrella program that requires admitted students to spend their first semester rotating among three different labs to explore their interests before joining one of our four departments. 

MCB Admission requirements include a bachelor’s degree in biological or physical sciences, a grade point average of a 3.0 or higher (A = 4.0), prior research experience and three letters of recommendation from individuals who can attest to the applicant’s academic and research background. The Graduate Record Examination (GRE) is  not  required. Applicants interested in pursuing a PhD in Biochemistry should have a strong background in chemistry, biology, physics, and calculus.  In addition to these requirements, non-native English-speaking applicants must attain a minimum Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) overall score of 96, with at least a score of 22 on the speaking section . MCB does  not  accept the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) to show English proficiency. Graduate College requirements also apply.

Graduate Teaching Experience Experience in teaching is considered a vital part of the graduate program and is required as part of the academic work of all Ph.D. candidates in this program.

Centers, Programs, and Institutes Biochemistry faculty are appointed and active in several cross-campus academic and research units, including the Center for Biophysics & Computational Biology, the Beckman Institute for Advanced Science and Technology, the Institute for Genomic Biology, as well as the interdepartmental graduate programs in Biophysics & Computational Biology, and Neuroscience.

Faculty Research Interests Faculty research in the Department of Biochemistry covers a broad spectrum of the most dynamic areas of current research in biological chemistry and molecular biology: physical approaches to the structure and function of macromolecules and membranes; nucleic acid biochemistry and enzymology, enzyme mechanisms and evolution; membrane biochemistry and bioenergetics; protein-lipid interactions; protein-nucleic acid interactions and molecular recognition; molecular biological approaches to gene organization and expression; immunology; microbial physiology, and signal transduction.

Facilities and Resources Campus resources for science research are state-of-the-art and available to all faculty research programs. Notably among these is the Roy J. Carver Biotechnology Center, which comprises the W.M. Keck Center for Comparative and Functional Genomics (Custom Library Services, High-Throughput Sequencing and Genotyping, DNA Core Sequencing, Fragment Analysis, Oligonucleotide Synthesis, Functional Genomics and Bioinformatics), Proteomics Services (Protein Science Facility, Immunological Resource Center and Flow Cytometry Facility), a Metabolomics Center and a Transgenic Mouse Facility. It also provides career counseling through the Career Services Office. Many other cross-campus facilities are important for the faculty research programs in Biochemistry, including the Fred Seitz Materials Research Laboratory, the National Center for Supercomputing Applications (NCSA), the high-field VOICE NMR Laboratory, Mass Spectrometry Center, Microanalysis Laboratory, Cell Media Facility, and many electronics, machine and glass shop service facilities.

Financial Aid Financial aid for Ph.D. graduate students in biochemistry is available in the form of fellowships, teaching and research assistantships, and tuition and partial fee waivers. In addition, interdepartmental training grants from the National Institutes of Health support multidisciplinary training programs. Qualified candidates are considered for financial support upon application.

For additional details and requirements refer to the department's  Graduate Program Handbook  and the  Graduate College Handbook . 

Other Requirements

The Biochemistry Department has the following expectations and goals for graduates of its Ph.D. degree program: Many basic outcomes from Standards for the Ph.D. Degree in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology. Recommendations of the Education Committee of the International Union of Biochemistry. TIBS(1989)14:205-209.

At the conclusion of the degree program students will be able to:

• Develop and demonstrate an in-depth knowledge of a specific area of biochemical research, which may include (but is not limited to) protein, nucleic acid and/or membrane biochemistry, cancer and molecular immunology, computational and quantitative biology, etc.
• Demonstrate independent and critical skills necessary to formulate specific experiments aimed at understanding molecular processes.
• Gain the necessary experience and skills to train others in the performance of experiments.
• Develop communication skills suitable to discuss scientific outcomes at a level for the layperson to understand but critical enough for peers. Typically, such training is developed through writing and editing scientific manuscripts, with input from a faculty advisor.
• Deliver effective oral and written presentations of the results and conclusions of experimental work.
• Be able to ask and answer questions within the research areas of Biochemistry.
• Develop skills and abilities for effective teaching of Biochemistry in a course room setting.
• Develop the skills and intellectual background to succeed at postdoctoral work in academics or in the commercial sector.
• Demonstrate ethical conduct within the research process and the responsibilities of the scientist.

Graduate Degree Programs in Biochemistry

Biochemistry Department Head of Department: Satish K. Nair Director of Graduate Studies: Kai Zhang Biochemistry Department website 417 Roger Adams Laboratory, 600 S. Mathews Avenue, Urbana, IL 61801 (217) 333-2013 MCB Graduate Admissions email

College of Liberal Arts & Sciences College of Liberal Arts & Sciences website

School of Molecular & Cellular Biology School of Molecular & Cellular Biology website

Admissions Graduate College Admissions & Requirements

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• Biochemistry, Ph.D.

Biochemistry is the study of biological molecules, their roles in the cell, and the chemistry of their reactions in living systems. The Integrated Program in Biochemistry (IPiB) is the merged graduate program between the Department of Biochemistry (in the College of Agricultural and Life Sciences) and the Department of Biomolecular Chemistry (in the School of Medicine and Public Health). The program trains the next generation of biochemists and prepares them for 21st Century challenges in science. IPiB offers a Ph.D. degree with a major in biochemistry. Although an M.S. degree is officially offered, students are not admitted for a terminal master's degree.

From atoms and cells to plants and animals, biochemistry research in IPiB is at the forefront of modern science. We are home to around 100 graduate students and 57 world-class faculty pursuing cutting-edge research in all areas of biochemistry, including: cell and developmental biology, chemical biology, endocrinology, enzymology, immunology, metabolism, molecular genetics, molecular medicine, physical biochemistry and biophysics, quantitative biology, structural biology, systems and synthetic biology, and virology. The program teaches critical thinking skills, applicable to a wide range of professional fields that students pursue after graduation.

The size and breadth of IPiB provide unique opportunities for graduate students who want to pursue a degree in one of the top biochemistry graduate programs in the nation. Our modern facilities are filled with labs carrying out groundbreaking research in a collaborative, friendly, and inspirational atmosphere. Welcome to IPiB and we hope that you can share our enthusiasm for the biochemical sciences!

Dual Degrees

The program participates with the School of Medicine and Public Health in offering a dual degree program for students wishing to complete both the M.D. and Ph.D. degrees. For the prerequisites and degree requirements for the M.D. degree, as well as the online application form, see Medical Scientist Training Program .

Please consult the table below for key information about this degree program’s admissions requirements. The program may have more detailed admissions requirements, which can be found below the table or on the program’s website.

Graduate admissions is a two-step process between academic programs and the Graduate School. Applicants must meet the minimum requirements of the Graduate School as well as the program(s). Once you have researched the graduate program(s) you are interested in, apply online .

To qualify for admission to the program, an applicant must complete a bachelor's degree at a recognized, accredited college or university. The basic background for graduate study in biochemistry ordinarily would be provided by an undergraduate degree in biochemistry, chemistry, physics, or in one of the biological or medical sciences. The Admission Committee assesses a candidate’s potential for success in the program by taking all aspects of their application into consideration. Most successful applicants have completed a rigorous undergraduate curriculum that includes courses in biology, chemistry, physics, and math. Most have also had a substantive laboratory experience that demonstrates commitment and talent for research. The applicant's undergraduate grade point average must be at least 3.0 (4.0 scale). For more information, please visit the Prospective Students tab on the program's website.

Graduate School Resources

Resources to help you afford graduate study might include assistantships, fellowships, traineeships, and financial aid.  Further funding information is available from the Graduate School. Be sure to check with your program for individual policies and restrictions related to funding.

Program Resources

IPiB students receive a full stipend  as well as tuition remission and comprehensive health insurance. The stipends take the form of traineeships, research assistantships, or fellowships, and are guaranteed for all IPiB Ph.D. candidates in good academic standing and making satisfactory research progress. IPiB also assists its graduate students with outstanding academic records in competing for University or national awards.

Minimum Graduate School Requirements

Major requirements.

Review the Graduate School minimum academic progress and degree requirements , in addition to the program requirements listed below.

MODE OF INSTRUCTION

Mode of instruction definitions.

Accelerated: Accelerated programs are offered at a fast pace that condenses the time to completion. Students typically take enough credits aimed at completing the program in a year or two.

Evening/Weekend: ​Courses meet on the UW–Madison campus only in evenings and/or on weekends to accommodate typical business schedules.  Students have the advantages of face-to-face courses with the flexibility to keep work and other life commitments.

Face-to-Face: Courses typically meet during weekdays on the UW-Madison Campus.

Hybrid: These programs combine face-to-face and online learning formats.  Contact the program for more specific information.

Online: These programs are offered 100% online.  Some programs may require an on-campus orientation or residency experience, but the courses will be facilitated in an online format.

CURRICULAR REQUIREMENTS

Required courses, graduate school policies.

The  Graduate School’s Academic Policies and Procedures  provide essential information regarding general university policies. Program authority to set degree policies beyond the minimum required by the Graduate School lies with the degree program faculty. Policies set by the academic degree program can be found below.

Major-Specific Policies

Prior coursework, graduate work from other institutions.

For well-prepared advanced students, the program may accept up to 12 credits of prior graduate coursework from an uncompleted degree from other institutions towards the minimum graduate degree credit and minimum graduate coursework (50%) requirement. The minimum graduate residence credit requirement can be satisfied only with courses taken as a graduate student at UW–Madison.

UW–Madison Undergraduate

No credits from a UW–Madison undergraduate degree are allowed to count toward the graduate degree.

UW–Madison University Special

No credits taken as a University Special student are allowed to count toward the graduate degree.

This program follows the Graduate School's Probation policy.

ADVISOR / COMMITTEE

Every graduate student must have a faculty thesis advisor in the program. The thesis advisor advises the student about coursework, supervises the student's research, and acts as a mentor to the student through the student’s graduate career. The thesis advisor must approve the student's coursework before registration for a given semester and must also approve any subsequent changes to it.

A Ph.D. thesis committee is composed of at least four graduate University faculty members, including the thesis advisor. The thesis committee is empowered by the program to advise the student about certification, administer the preliminary examination, oversee annual progress reports, approve thesis composition, and conduct the final Ph.D. examination.

CREDITS PER TERM ALLOWED

A maximum of 12 credits in Fall and Spring semesters and 2 credits in Summer semesters is permitted for non-dissertators; 3 credits in Fall, Spring, and Summer semesters for dissertators.

Time limits

This program follows the Graduate School's Time Limits policy.

grievances and appeals

These resources may be helpful in addressing your concerns:

• Bias or Hate Reporting  
• Graduate Assistantship Policies and Procedures
• Office of the Provost for Faculty and Staff Affairs
• Dean of Students Office (for all students to seek grievance assistance and support)
• Employee Assistance (for personal counseling and workplace consultation around communication and conflict involving graduate assistants and other employees, post-doctoral students, faculty and staff)
• Employee Disability Resource Office (for qualified employees or applicants with disabilities to have equal employment opportunities)
• Graduate School (for informal advice at any level of review and for official appeals of program/departmental or school/college grievance decisions)
• Office of Compliance (for class harassment and discrimination, including sexual harassment and sexual violence)
• Office of Student Conduct and Community Standards (for conflicts involving students)
• Ombuds Office for Faculty and Staff (for employed graduate students and post-docs, as well as faculty and staff)
• Title IX (for concerns about discrimination)

College of Agricultural and Life Sciences: Grievance Policy  

In the College of Agricultural and Life Sciences (CALS), any student who feels unfairly treated by a member of the CALS faculty or staff has the right to complain about the treatment and to receive a prompt hearing. Some complaints may arise from misunderstandings or communication breakdowns and be easily resolved; others may require formal action. Complaints may concern any matter of perceived unfairness.

To ensure a prompt and fair hearing of any complaint, and to protect the rights of both the person complaining and the person at whom the complaint is directed, the following procedures are used in the College of Agricultural and Life Sciences. Any student, undergraduate or graduate, may use these procedures, except employees whose complaints are covered under other campus policies.

• The student should first talk with the person at whom the complaint is directed. Most issues can be settled at this level. Others may be resolved by established departmental procedures.
• If the complaint involves an academic department in CALS the student should proceed in accordance with item 3 below.
• If the grievance involves a unit in CALS that is not an academic department, the student should proceed in accordance with item 4 below.
• If informal mediation fails, the student can submit the grievance in writing to the grievance advisor within 10 working days of the date the student is informed of the failure of the mediation attempt by the grievance advisor. The grievance advisor will provide a copy to the person at whom the grievance is directed.
• The grievance advisor will refer the complaint to a department committee that will obtain a written response from the person at whom the complaint is directed, providing a copy to the student. Either party may request a hearing before the committee. The grievance advisor will provide both parties a written decision within 20 working days from the date of receipt of the written complaint.
• If the grievance involves the department chairperson, the grievance advisor or a member of the grievance committee, these persons may not participate in the review.
• If not satisfied with departmental action, either party has 10 working days from the date of notification of the departmental committee action to file a written appeal to the CALS Equity and Diversity Committee. A subcommittee of this committee will make a preliminary judgement as to whether the case merits further investigation and review. If the subcommittee unanimously determines that the case does not merit further investigation and review, its decision is final. If one or more members of the subcommittee determine that the case does merit further investigation and review, the subcommittee will investigate and seek to resolve the dispute through mediation. If this mediation attempt fails, the subcommittee will bring the case to the full committee. The committee may seek additional information from the parties or hold a hearing. The committee will present a written recommendation to the dean who will provide a final decision within 20 working days of receipt of the committee recommendation.
• If the alleged unfair treatment occurs in a CALS unit that is not an academic department, the student should, within 120 calendar days of the alleged incident, take his/her grievance directly to the Associate Dean of Academic Affairs. The dean will attempt to resolve the problem informally within 10 working days of receiving the complaint. If this mediation attempt does not succeed the student may file a written complaint with the dean who will refer it to the CALS Equity and Diversity Committee. The committee will seek a written response from the person at whom the complaint is directed, subsequently following other steps delineated in item 3d above.

All students, both US and international, receive an annual stipend and tuition remission for the duration of their studies, provided satisfactory progress is made toward their degree. Comprehensive medical coverage is also offered. In addition, some students are supported on fellowships or training grants. Students are chosen based on criteria specified by the different training grants.

Students may matriculate only in the fall semester.

Take advantage of the Graduate School's  professional development resources to build skills, thrive academically, and launch your career. 

• Gain a broad understanding of the biochemical principles that underlie all biological processes.
• Become aware of the current limitations of the state of understanding of this discipline and the strategies that are required to advance the field.
• Formulate and design new approaches that extend and apply biochemical principles beyond their current boundaries.
• Conduct independent research using a diverse breadth of biochemical processes.
• Think critically to address research challenges using a broad range of the theories, research methods, and approaches to scientific inquiry.
• Collaborate with investigators within the program, university, and beyond since current and future advances in the biomolecular sciences demand interdisciplinary skills.
• Foster professional and ethical conduct in the sciences, including but not limited to: exposition of the scientific method; ethical design of experimental protocols; reproducibility in science; professional behavior in industrial, government, and academic settings; documentation of scientific results; communication to other scientists and the public; peer review; and confidentiality.
• Develop communications skills that enable the articulation of research to fellow scientists and non-scientists.
• Explore career development opportunities in industry, government and academia to realize professional goals and paths.
• Develop teaching and mentoring skills in both lecture and laboratory settings.

Faculty: Professors B. Fox (Chair, Department of Biochemistry), Kiley (Chair, Department of Biomolecular Chemistry), Amasino, Attie, Audhya, Bednarek, Brow, Buller, Butcher, Campbell, Cantor, Cavagnero, Chaudhari, Coon, Cox, Coyle, Craciun, Craig, Denu, Engin, Fan, C. Fox, Friesen, Galmozzi, Gellman, Grant, Harrison, Henzler-Wildman, Hess, Holden, Hoskins, Hull, Keck, Kimble, Kirchdoerfer, Landick, Lewis, Lim, Merrins, Mosher, Neugebauer, Ntambi, Putnam, Ralph, Raman, Rayment, Rienstra, Romero, Senes, Sheets, Simcox, Sussman, Venturelli, Wang, Weeks, Wright

• Requirements
• Professional Development
• Learning Outcomes

Contact Information

Biochemistry, Biomolecular Chemistry College of Agricultural and Life Sciences, School of Medicine and Public Health Integrated Program in Biochemistry http://www.ipib.wisc.edu/

For prospective students [email protected]

Kate Ryan, for current and former students, Graduate Program Manager [email protected] 608-265-2281 1142F HF DeLuca Biochemistry Building, 420 Henry Mall, Madison, WI 53706-1532

David A. Brow, Director of Graduate Study [email protected] 608-262-1475 4204b Biochemical Sciences Building 440 Henry Mall, Madison, WI 53706-1544

Graduate Program Handbook View Here

Graduate School grad.wisc.edu

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Biochemistry Program

The department of chemistry and biochemistry currently has seventeen faculty members and affiliate faculty members who participate in the biochemistry program. students may work with faculty members in biochemistry or with faculty members in chemistry who have biochemical interests., this program provides rigorous graduate course work in biochemical and biophysical principles and techniques as well as in molecular biology, genomics and proteomics, and systems biology that will prepare students for their research. graduate research focuses on fostering independence and expertise in answering cutting-edge biochemistry questions. research programs fall into the general areas of biophysical chemistry, nucleic acid biochemistry, molecular biophysics, structural biology, bioorganic chemistry/chemical biology, and enzymes and molecular machines., graduate students in the biochemistry program enjoy the benefits of being part of a close-knit and supportive community and still having the resources of a large research department and university available to them. the rigorous course work, mentorship, research and resources allow biochemistry graduates to become successful in academic, industrial, and government careers in today’s hi-tech world of biochemistry and biotechnology..

Biochemistry Graduate Student Owen Becette on studies of RNA structure and dynamics.

Program Overview

Masters of science in biochemistry.

The Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry accepts Masters students only in rare cases. Students have a maximum of 5 years to complete this degree, but typically, are able to complete all requirements in 2.5 years. Financial assistance is not generally available to M.S. students.

Degree Requirements

Biochemistry Masters students have two tracks that they can choose: Thesis or Non-Thesis.

Thesis Option

• 24 credits of graduate coursework must be completed by the end of the fourth semester.
• Out of the 30 total credits, 6 credits must be research (BCHM799)
• Completion of a thesis based on the student's research
• Presentation of one seminar, generally immediately before the final oral examination
• A final oral examination by the student's advisory committee

Non-Thesis Option

• Biochemistry Core courses (BCHM 661, 662, 671, and 675) must be completed by the end  of the fourth semester
• Out of the 30 total credits, 6 credits must be research (BCHM699)
• A 20 page original scholarly paper must be submitted and approved by three faculty members

Detailed Information about the MS degree requirements can be found here .

PhD in Biochemistry

The Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry accepts PhD students each Fall. We do not offer Spring admissions. Students must advance to candidacy within 5 years of admission to the doctoral program. After advancing to candidacy, students have 4 years to complete and defend their dissertation. Admitted PhD students are offered a graduate assistantship in the form of a teaching assistantship during their first year of the program. After the first year, as long as students are in good standing, they will continue to receive funding from the department via a research or teaching assistantship.

The Ph.D. in Biochemistry must include:

• At least 21 credits of graduate coursework, with 19 credits completed by the end of the fourth semester with an overall GPA ≥ 3.0
• 12 credits of Ph.D. research (BCHM 898 (pre-candidacy), BCHM 899 (post-candidacy)).
• Oral defense of a written research proposal and demonstration of general knowledge of biochemistry as part of advancement to candidacy.
• Presentation of a seminar on a topic that is different from the student’s dissertation research.
• Independent preparation of a research aim in the area of student’s own research.
• Preparation and oral defense of a publication-quality dissertation that advances the field. 

Detailed Information about the PhD requirements can be found here .

Postdoctoral Opportunities in Industry

Core Facilities for Research in Biochemistry

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Graduate Programs

• Prospective Students

Ph.D. Programs

The Department of Biology & Biochemistry offers Ph.D. degrees in Biochemistry and in Biology. The Ph.D. program in Biology has two degree tracks: the Cell and Molecular Biology degree track, and the Ecology and Evolution degree track.

Biochemistry

Faculty and graduate student research focuses on biochemical processes at the subcellular and macro-molecular levels and encompasses a variety of fields and methodologies. Areas of study include macromolecular structure and function as elucidated by nuclear magnetic resonance; X-ray crystallographic and spectroscopic techniques; enzyme reaction mechanisms; genomics; computational methods in molecular biology; computational biochemistry/biophysics; computer-aided drug design; signal transduction; neurochemistry; ion channel structure and function; the role of RNA in molecular evolution; the structure and function of virulence factors; and biotechnology.

• View requirements

Cell and Molecular Biology

The faculty and students in this program share common interests in understanding the molecular mechanisms which drive both fundamental cellular processes and the developmental processes of morphogenesis, cell differentiation and gene regulation. The strength of the program is the diversity of the biological systems under study, which stimulates extensive exchange and collaboration between the various groups. Faculty expertise spans the disciplines of cell and developmental biology, molecular biology, physiology, microbiology, neuroscience, immunology, and genetics.

Ecology and Evolution

This program blends knowledge and methodology from diverse biological disciplines to better understand ecological and evolutionary processes operating at multiple scales—from molecules to individuals to societies to communities. Current research programs include experimental evolution, evolution of development, evolutionary genetics, behavioral ecology, community ecology and evolutionary bioinformatics in systems ranging from bacteria to ants, from protists to grasses. Faculty conduct studies in natural habitats including the Colorado plateau, and coastal salt marshes, and in artificial systems such as petri dishes and theoretical models.

Financial Assistance

The Department of Biology & Biochemistry believes that high-quality graduate studies require a commitment to high-quality research. As a result, our graduate students receive financial support sufficient to provide a modest standard of living that enables them to make a full-time commitment to their graduate training. Some of the types of financial support available to students are listed below. Additional financial assistance may also be available from the College of Natural Sciences and Mathematics and the University of Houston Graduate School .

Teaching Assistantships (TAs)

TAs are the main source of support for first-year students but are available in subsequent years for students not supported by grant funds. TAs will be provided a salary of $2,194.66/month (U.S. $26,335.92 per year). This level of support is sufficient for international students to obtain an F1 visa.

Research Assistantships (RAs)

RAs are the main source of support for students after their first year in the program. RA support is provided through grants to the lab the student joins to conduct graduate research. RA support is currently $2,194.66/month (U.S. $26,335.92 per year).

Graduate Tuition Fellowship (GTF)

Students supported as TAs or RAs are eligible for tuition fellowships to cover their mandatory tuition and fees. These fellowships provide the students with approximately $20,000/year to pay for mandatory tuition and fees. See more information on eligibility criteria .

Non-resident Tuition Waiver

Out-of-state students and international students employed as TAs or RAs receive a waiver of the additional tuition charged to non-residents.

Presidential Fellowship

All applications submitted for admission to the Biology & Biochemistry Graduate Program are reviewed by our Graduate Recruiting and Admissions Committee. This committee is comprised of a group of faculty from each division of the department. Once admitted to the program, accepted applicants are further evaluated for the Presidential Fellowship. The criteria for evaluation are as follows:

• Appropriate academic coursework in the major
• Outstanding grades in previous university coursework
• Demonstrated research ability or potential for research excellence.

If awarded, the student receives $2,000/per year for the first two years. This fellowship is in addition to the monthly stipend and Graduate Tuition Fellowship given to all students admitted to our graduate program. Students must meet minimum full-time enrollment (9 hours) and a cumulative 3.00 GPA to maintain the fellowship each semester it is held.

Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo Scholarship

This scholarship is awarded to outstanding students enrolled in our graduate program. The maximum award is $2,000/year. Recipients must be Texas residents and citizens or permanent residents of the United States. Students apply annually on the UH Foundation website.

Medical Insurance

In addition to their stipend, graduate students employed as TAs or RAs receive $150/month for health insurance. For more information about the student health insurance plan endorsed by and designed especially for the University of Houston, please see Student Health Insurance .

Cost of Living

Houston has a relatively low cost of living compared to most major U.S. cities and many low-cost apartments and houses are available.

Admission Requirements

The minimum entrance criteria for doctoral graduate studies in the Department of Biology & Biochemistry are as follows:

• Completion of a baccalaureate degree (B.S.) with a major in Biology, Biochemistry, or an equivalent discipline. You can apply to our programs before you complete your degree, provided you graduate before you enter the program. ( NOTE: A prior M.S. is not a requirement to apply to our Ph.D. programs.)
• Grade Point Average ≥ 3.0 / 4.0 (overall or for the last 60 hours of coursework completed).
• The GRE is no longer required by our Ph.D. programs . If you decide to submit GRE scores, UH's Institutional Code is 6870.
• Informative, coherent and well-written statement of purpose .
• Three strong letters of recommendation .
• English Language Proficiency Requirement. All applicants, regardless of citizenship status, must demonstrate proficiency in English to obtain admission. To fulfill this requirement, applicants must satisfy one of the following criteria: a) Bachelor's degree (or higher) earned from a regionally accredited U.S. institution or at an institution at which English is the medium of instruction in the following countries: Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, the Bahamas, the United Kingdom, Ireland, Jamaica, Liberia, Trinidad, the Virgin Islands, Antigua and Barbuda, Dominica, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Barbados, Grenada, Turks and Caicos, and English-speaking Canadian provinces. b) TOEFL. The minimum TOEFL score required is 79 for the internet-based test. The minimum TOEFL score for the new revised paper-based exam is: Reading 20, Listening 20, and Writing 20. TOEFL scores must be received directly from Educational Testing Service (ETS). UH's Institutional Code is 6870. c) IELTS. The minimum IELTS score required is an overall score of 6.5. The testing agency should mail the official results directly to UH. No electronic IELTS are accepted.  d) Duolingo. A minimum score of 105 is required.

Use the online application to submit all your documents electronically. Your references will be automatically contacted to submit their letters of recommendation. Please follow the instructions on the UH Graduate School Application page.

Tips for Applying

What we look for.

We seek to admit students who show a strong record of academic achievement and a high level of motivation and interest. Your record of academic achievement and ability is conveyed by your transcripts, GPA, and Graduate Record Exam (GRE) scores, as well as your letters of recommendation. Your level of motivation and interest is conveyed by your personal statement and letters of recommendation. We will evaluate your application on the basis of your transcripts, test scores (GRE scores for everyone, TOEFL/IELTS scores for foreign students), your personal statement, and the letters of recommendation.

Transcripts and GPA

Successful applicants to our program generally have GPA's of 3.00 or higher. However, a student with a high GPA and a transcript with lots of non-rigorous courses may not be viewed as favorably as a student with a somewhat lower GPA who has taken courses that are essential preparation for graduate work (such as Genetics, Cell Biology, Biochemistry, Evolutionary Biology, etc.). It is not essential to have all of these" foundation" courses before you start graduate school, but if you do not have most of them, you will not be well prepared for graduate school.

The GRE provides information regarding your overall academic ability. You are more likely to do well on the GRE if you prepare for the exam. Preparation guides and practice tests are available at most college bookstores.

Your school may provide assistance in preparing for the GRE; check with your career or academic counseling office.

TOEFL/IELTS

This exam is required for all applicants who have not obtained a prior university degree from an institution where English is the medium of instruction (see list of exempt countries and English Language Proficiency Requirements ). These scores must be officially reported to the University before we can admit you to the program or offer financial support.

Statement of Purpose

Your personal statement is your opportunity to tell us why you want to join our graduate program and what your long-term goals and interests are. You do not have to know exactly what you want to do, or what scientific questions you want to pursue, but you should tell us what excites your interest or curiosity. Be specific. Your statement is also a chance to discuss any aspect of your application (such as academic history) that you feel warrants further explanation.

If there is a reason for your low GPA (a bad semester due to personal difficulties, for instance), you can provide a brief explanation in your personal statement. High GRE scores can make up for a low GPA, and a high GPA can balance out low GRE scores. In some cases, research experience and strong letters of recommendation can make up for low grades and low GRE scores.

Letters of Recommendation

You will need 3–4 letters of recommendation. Most or all should be from your professors, and the letters should come from people who know you personally as well as your academic performance. Make sure your letter writers know your academic record, reasons for wanting to go to graduate school, and long-term goals.

Contacting Faculty

You can contact individual faculty members in our department whose research is of interest to you, either before or after sending your application. Faculty interests and contact information are available on this Faculty Profiles webpage.

Find more information about the application process on the How to Apply page on the NSM website.

• Open for Applications: June 1
• Early Deadline: September 1  (apply by this deadline to guarantee full consideration)
• Late Deadline: November 1
• Open for Applications: October 1
• Early Deadline: January 1  (apply by this deadline to guarantee full consideration)
• Late Deadline: April 1

For More Information

Contact: Rosezelia Jackson 713-743-2633 [email protected]

BIOC-PHD - Biochemistry (PhD)

Program overview.

Office: Beckman Center, B400 Mail Code: 94305-5307 Phone: (650) 723-6161 Web Site:  https://biochemistry.stanford.edu/

Biochemistry is a department within the School of Medicine, with offices and labs in the Beckman Center for Molecular and Genetic Medicine at the Stanford Medical Center, the Shriram Center for Bioengineering and Chemical Engineering, and the Stanford Genome Technology Center. Undergraduates and graduate and medical school students may take courses the department offers.

The Department of Biochemistry focuses on the molecular basis of life by studying the structures and functions of proteins and nucleic acids, the control of development, molecular motors and the cytoskeleton, trafficking of proteins between organelles, regulation of gene expression, protein homeostasis, structure and design, genetic and epigenetic control of chromosome function, and the application of genomics, all toward the understanding of health and disease. Advanced courses in more specialized areas emphasize the most recent developments in biochemistry, biophysics, cell biology, and molecular biology. These courses include the physical chemistry of proteins and nucleic acids, membrane biology and biochemistry, the cytoskeleton, mechanisms and regulation of nucleic acid replication and recombination, the biochemistry of bacterial and animal viruses, the molecular basis of morphogenesis, and the structure and function of both eukaryotic and prokaryotic chromosomes.

The Department of Biochemistry offers a PhD program that begins in autumn quarter of each year. The program of study is designed to prepare students for productive careers in biochemistry; its emphasis is training in research, and each student works closely with faculty members. Opportunities exist for directed reading and research in biochemistry and molecular biology using the most advanced research facilities, including those for light and electron microscopy, chromatography and electrophoresis, protein and nucleic acid purification, rapid kinetic analysis, synthesis and analysis, single-molecule analyses using laser light traps, microarray generation and analysis, and computer graphic workstation facilities for protein and nucleic acid structural analysis. Ongoing research uses a variety of organisms, from bacteria to animal cells.

Those applying for graduate study should have at least a baccalaureate degree and complete work in cell and developmental biology, basic biochemistry and molecular biology, and genetics. Also required are: at least one year of university physics; differential and integral calculus; and organic, inorganic, and physical chemistry. The department is especially interested in applicants with research experience in biology or chemistry. Students must apply, including transcripts and letters of recommendation, by December for admission in the following autumn quarter.

Applications should be submitted at the Office of Graduate Admissions website. Applicants are notified by March 31 of decisions on their applications. The Biochemistry Department has made scores from the general Graduate Record Examination (GRE) (verbal, quantitative, and analytical) optional on our application.

All applicants are urged to compete for non-Stanford fellowships or scholarships, and U.S. citizens should complete an application for a National Science Foundation Predoctoral Traineeship. Students receive financial support to cover ordinary living expenses; Stanford tuition costs are paid. Applicants for admission to the department are considered regardless of race, color, creed, religion, sex, age, national origin, or marital status.

Postdoctoral research training is available to graduates with a PhD or an MD degree. Qualified individuals may write to individual faculty members for further information.

Free Form Requisites

Students graduating with a PhD in Biochemistry from Stanford are expected to be generally proficient in four core scientific areas relevant to biochemical research and the specific scientific areas most relevant to their particular thesis projects. The four core proficiency areas are:

Quantitative Biochemistry and Biophysics

Molecular Biology

Cell Biology

Proficiency can be demonstrated by successfully completing graduate-level courses in each of these four areas or by other means with the permission of the graduate advisor.

In addition to the requirement for a PhD dissertation based on original research, students must complete six advanced courses in biochemistry and related areas among the 135 total units required for the Ph.D. The selection of these courses is tailored to fit the background and interests of each student.

A second requirement involves the submission of two research proposals. The student presents these proposals to a small committee of departmental faculty members responsible for monitoring the progress of student curricular and research programs and a journal club presentation. All PhD students must participate actively in the department’s seminar program. Students are encouraged to attend and present papers at regional and national meetings in cellular biochemistry and molecular biology. Teaching experience is an integral part of the PhD curriculum and is required for the degree. The Department of Biochemistry offers only an MS to students already enrolled in the PhD program. Students should contact the Graduate Studies advisor for more details.

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Doctoral Admissions

You may apply to our program through the interdisciplinary PhD Program in Biomedical Sciences  (PPBS).

As a PhD applicant, regardless of which biomedical field you pursue, you will apply through our gateway PhD Program in Biomedical Sciences  (PPBS). You will spend your first year in this interdisciplinary program , experiencing various options before committing to a research lab. After your year of exploration, you will officially join your chosen department in your second year.

How to Apply

You can apply online. You’ll need to submit scanned copies of all required supporting documents before your application will be reviewed. You may save and edit your application as you go.

Official documents will be required if you are offered admission.

Once your application is ready, you must formally submit it to upload your documents.

Check Your Status

You may log in at any time to check your status.

The online checklist is your best source about the status of your application during the review process; please check it frequently. 

You will receive an email when your admission decision is available in the portal.

Your application must be completed and supporting documentation must be received by December 15.

Requirements

A bachelor’s degree is required to enter the program.

You must submit the following credentials to apply:

• transcript(s) from every postsecondary institution you have attended
• three letters of recommendation
• a personal letter stating career objectives and research experience; research experience is highly desirable

Effective with the Fall 2019 admission cycle, we no longer require GRE scores of PPBS applicants.

Strong consideration is given to students who majored in chemistry, physics, mathematics, engineering, biology, biochemistry, pharmacy or psychology. Recommended undergraduate courses include general chemistry, organic chemistry, biology, physiology, physics and mathematics, including calculus and statistics.

Once you submit your application online for formal review, you will be provided with a link to our online payment system, where you can pay the application fee.

Our Students

Chris Campomizzi

Doctoral student in biochemistry

Isabella Lydia Ann Schember Doctoral student in biochemistry

Alexandra Ruth Glathar Doctoral student in biochemistry

Haley Victoria Parker

Trainee in the doctoral program in biochemistry

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Masters Program

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Chemistry MS Admissions

Thank you for your interest in the UC San Diego Chemistry & Biochemistry Graduate Program. We have over 300 bright and talented graduate students with diverse backgrounds from all over the world. We offer programs for the Doctoral, Masters, and Joint Doctoral degrees. Below you will find information on the needed application materials and criteria.

Application Deadlines

• MS Coursework and Thesis Admissions Deadline for Fall 2023 is January 10, 2024
• Deadline for Winter 2024 is October 25, 2023
• Deadline for Spring 2024 is January 10, 2024

General Application Information

To begin your online application or to check the status on your application, please visit  connect.grad.ucsd.edu/apply . Information you enter may be saved at any time.

The Admissions & Recruitment Committee recommends submitting your application as soon as you complete it, even if we have not yet received all your letters of recommendation. We also highly recommend that you answer some/all of our additional questions about your educational experiences.

We review PhD files continuously beginning in late November and try to get the good news out to those we are recruiting to our program as soon as possible. If you have yet to hear from us, your file is still pending a final decision.

Please note that submitting your application requires an associated application fee although under many circumstances you may request that this fee be waived. Please read the application fee link above and inquire with  [email protected]  if you have any questions or would like more information on the waiver options.

Transcripts

Statement of purpose.

We recommend that you structure your Statement of Purpose to address the following four prompts:

• Describe your personal and professional motivations for pursuing research in the field of chemistry and/or biochemistry.
• the overall context and importance of the work,
• the specific goal of the work you were doing, (c) the methods by which you worked to achieve those goals
• what you learned and what your new understanding means for the future of the project. Include a short discussion of how your research experience has shaped your decision to apply to our graduate program.
• Specify one or more faculty members in our department whose current research aligns with your interests. Provide some insight into why you made the choice(s) you did.
• Describe any obstacles that you have overcome to achieve your academic and personal achievements as well as any contributions to equity, diversity, and inclusion you have made.

If you are applying for the MS Coursework program, the research questions above might not apply.

We do not have a word limit, but we do recommend that you keep your statment of purpose clear and concise.

Letters of Recommendation

We  require three letters of recommendation. Letter writers that are able to provide context and clarity with respect to your ability and potential to excel in a graduate program are the most helpful in evaluating your application (e.g. a research advisor or a professors from a course that knows you well).

If your letter writer needs a new link to submit their letter, please follow the instructions below:

• Log into  online application
• Click “Update Application”
• Go to “Letters of Recommendation” page
• Click “Resend” next to the name of your letter writer

Additional Educational Experiences

Fee waiver programs.

There are a couple of fee waiver programs offered by the Division of Graduate Education and Postdoctoral Affairs (GEPA) and the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry.

Please visit the GEPA website ( https://grad.ucsd.edu/admissions/requirements/application-fee-and-fee-waiver/index.html ) to see if you are eligible for a fee waiver with them. Follow their steps to request for one of their fee waivers. If you are not eligible for an application fee waiver through GEPA, then please follow the steps below to be considered for one of our limited number of fee waivers by our department.

• Please fill out the application as much as you can ( https://connect.grad.ucsd.edu/apply/ )
• Do not submit the application nor enter any payment information
• Take note of your application's reference number (you'll need that for the next step)
• Fill out our Fee Waiver Request Form to be considered ( https://forms.office.com/r/iWmHZXEE7B )
• The deadline to be considered for one of the department's application fee waivers is November 30, 2022.
• If selected for an application fee waiver, we will contact you with further instructions by December 5, 2022.

English Proficiency Exams (International Applicants Only)

Applicants that have recently studied full-time for one uninterrupted academic year at a university-level institution in which English is the language of instruction and in a country in which English is a dominant language, are exempt from language testing requirements.

Demonstrated proficiency in the English language (TOEFL, IELTS, or PTE) is required for all other international applicants whose native language is not English. Requirements for demonstrating proficiency are listed below.

International applicants must include an official report of their TOEFL iBT or TSE scores from  ETS . The university-wide minimum TOEFL score for graduate admission is  550 for the paper based test (PBT), and 85 for the internet based test (iBT) . The minimum for the   IELTS Academic Training exam is a score of 7   and a score of   65 for the PTE Academic.

At minimum, international applicants must also have a   TOEFL iBT Speaking subscore of 23 , an   IELTS Speaking subscore of 7 , or a   PTE Speaking subscores of 65 .

MS Thesis Agreement (MS Thesis Applicants Only)

Commitment to diversity.

The Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry welcomes all applicants. The university and department have a long-standing commitment to promoting equity, diversity and inclusion within STEM fields from. Our commitment to diversifying the scientific workforce also includes people who self-identify as members of the LGBTQ+ community, people of socio-economic disadvantaged backgrounds, and individuals with disabilities.

Outreach Conferences

National organization for the professional advancement of black chemists and engineers (nobcche).

September 26 - 29 | Orlando, FL

American Chemistry Society National Meeting

August 21-25 | Chicago, IL

American Indian Science and Engineering Society (AISES)

October 6-8, Palm Springs, CA

California Diversity Forum

November 5 | Long Beach, CA

Society for Advancement of Chicanos and Native Americans in Science (SACNAS)

October 27 - 29 | San Juan, PR

Annual Biomedical Research Conference for Minority Students (ABRCMS)

November 9 - 12 | Anaheim, CA

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College of Letters & Science Chemistry & Biochemistry

Doctor of philosophy in chemistry.

The PhD in Chemistry is divided into two tracks for the purpose of admission. This bifurcation is an acknowledgement of the highly interdisciplinary nature of modern research and that success in biochemical research often benefits from different background knowledge than would be necessary for other areas of chemistry. An applicant for the Chemistry PhD program must meet all Graduate School requirements  plus the requirements of the Chemistry or Biochemistry track to be considered for admission:

• Undergraduate preparation in chemistry that includes at least two courses each of physical and organic chemistry with associated laboratories, and one course each in analytical and inorganic chemistry.
• Undergraduate preparation in biochemistry that includes at least two courses each of biochemistry and organic chemistry with associated laboratories, and one course each in two of the following areas: analytical, inorganic, or physical chemistry.

A master’s degree is not a prerequisite for admission to the PhD program in chemistry.

Applicants may be admitted with specific program-defined course deficiencies provided that the deficiencies amount to no more than two courses. The student is expected to satisfy deficiency requirements within three enrolled semesters. The deficiencies are monitored by the Graduate School and the individual graduate program unit. No course credits earned in making up deficiencies may be counted as program credits required for the degree.

Reapplication

A student who receives the master’s degree must formally reapply for admission to the Graduate School before continuing studies toward the PhD Major

Professor as Advisor

The student must have a major professor to advise and supervise the student’s studies as specified in Graduate School regulations. Incoming students are required to register for the coursework recommended by the Graduate Advising Sub-Committee in the first semester; and a permanent advisor must be selected by the end of the first semester of study. The major professor serves as the student’s research mentor.

Entrance Examination

All entering graduate students must take entrance examinations in analytical, biochemical, inorganic, organic and physical chemistry. These exams are intended to measure your ability to perform at the bachelor’s degree level in each of the five disciplines. PhD students are required to pass at least four of the five exams at the 50th percentile level.

Course of Study

Minimum degree requirement is 54 graduate credits beyond the bachelor’s degree, at least 27 of which must be earned in residence at UWM. The student plans an individual program of studies in consultation with the major professor. Coursework must include one of the following: a minor of 9 to 12 credits in a single department; a minor of 9 to 12 credits in two or more departments; a coherent program of at least 9 credits concentrated in an area of chemistry outside the student’s principal area of emphasis. A Program of Studies, including coursework and proposed research, must be approved by the Department. A minimum grade point average of 3.00 must be earned in coursework in Chemistry, not including research (900-996) or seminars (912-935). Graduate School regulations require that a majority of all courses taken be at the 700-999 level. The Department has no formal language requirement but the student is responsible for familiarity with published literature in the area of that student’s research. The student must also participate in at least one semester of part-time teaching as a teaching assistant. The first stage of the student’s program includes general preparation as in the master’s program, as well as specialized courses in principal areas of interest and the initiation of research. Admission to the second stage of the PhD program is based upon satisfactory performance in courses, research, and in departmental examinations. Upon entrance, the student takes proficiency examinations in analytical, inorganic, organic, and physical chemistry. Departmental approval to continue in the doctoral program is attained by passing an advanced qualifying examination (AQE) in the major area. This examination must be completed by the end of the fourth semester of study. In the second stage of the program, the student concentrates on the development and execution of original research. Additional coursework may also be required to complete the program of studies.

The student must meet minimum Graduate School residence requirements.

Doctoral Preliminary Examination

The student must take a doctoral preliminary examination. This serves to qualify the student for formal admission by the Graduate School to candidacy for the degree.

Dissertation

Candidates must each present a dissertation reporting the results of independent, original research carried out under the direction of their major professor. At least three months before the Dissertation Defense, at a time when most of the experimental work has been completed, the student meets with the Examining Committee for a preliminary review of the research to be described in the dissertation.

Dissertation Defense

The candidate must, as the final step toward the degree, defend the dissertation in an oral examination. The candidate also presents a public dissertation seminar, describing research in completed form for the Department and others who may be interested. A student who does not pass this examination within five years of admission to candidacy may be required to take another preliminary examination and be readmitted to candidacy.

All degree requirements must be completed within 10 years from the date of initial enrollment in the doctoral program. For additional information view the Graduate School PhD requirements.

Master of Science in Chemistry

The Master of Science in Chemistry is a thesis-based degree that requires students to complete courses in their area of study and work on an original, independent research objective in one of the following concentrations: Analytical, Biochemistry, Inorganic, Organic, Physical.

The skills learned in the program prepare students for a career in teaching, industry or graduate school. Because of its broad scope, contemporary chemistry offers employment opportunities in rapidly growing fields, such as materials science, polymers, biochemistry, biotechnology, pharmaceutical/medicinal chemistry, chemical education research and environmental science. Graduates are prepared to enter any of these fields or others, since chemistry is the central science with connections to physics and mathematics, biology and medicine, and environmental science.

Students must meet the CSU requirements for admission to a master’s degree program. Please consult the Graduate Admissions section in this catalog for complete information. In addition, applicants must meet the following requirements:

• An undergraduate degree in chemistry or biochemistry or a selection of science courses deemed adequate preparation for further study in chemistry or biochemistry by the department graduate committee.
• At least a 2.75 GPA in science courses.
• Professional letters of recommendation.

Placement Examinations

A student’s foundational knowledge of chemistry or biochemistry aquired during their undergraduate study is essential for successfully completing the MS program. A new graduate student can demonstrate their mastery of chemistry or biochemistry at the undergraduate level by either completing all upper division undergraduate chemistry or biochemistry major courses with an average GPA of 3.0 or higher, in addition to earning a “B” or better in courses related to their graduate field of study.

Students who have not earned an average GPA of 3.0 or higher in all upper division undergraduate chemistry or biochemistry major courses and/or have not earned a “B” or better in courses related to their graduate field of study will establish their mastery by passing one placement exam in their intended area of graduate study. Graduate students who do not pass the placement exam will take the corresponding undergraduate course during their first semester in the program and must earn a “B” or better.

Graduate students cannot take their core graduate courses until they have completed the placement examination requirement.

There are five placement exams in the following areas: analytical chemistry, biochemistry, inorganic chemistry, organic chemistry and physical chemistry. All exams are the American Chemical Society standardized exams. Scoring at the 40th percentile (as determined by national norms) or higher on the exam is considered passing. If the student does not pass the exam, they will take the corresponding undergraduate course and earn a “B” or better to satisfy this requirement. The appropriate courses are: CHEM 301B    for organic; CHEM 315    for analytical; CHEM 325    for inorganic; CHEM 361A    or CHEM 361B    for physical (biochemistry concentration); CHEM 371A    or CHEM 371B    for physical ( all chemistry concentrations); CHEM 423A    or CHEM 423B    for biochemistry. Students who do not meet the placement exam requirement by the end of their first semester in the program will be removed from the graduate program.

Classified Standing

In order to proceed from conditionally classified to classified standing, a student must meet the following requirement:

• Approved selection of a research director.

Degree Requirements

The program consists of adviser-approved coursework, all of which must be completed with a minimum 3.0 GPA, exclusive of CHEM 598    and CHEM 599   . 

A minimum of 24 units of 500-level coursework is required. CHEM 423A   , CHEM 423B    and CHEM 421    may not be taken for graduate credit.

Required (12 units)

• CHEM 500 - Introduction to Graduate Studies in Chemistry and Biochemistry (2)
• CHEM 505A - Seminar (Participation) (1) *
• CHEM 560 - Teaching Effectiveness in Chemistry Labs (1) **
• CHEM 505B - Seminar (Presentation) (1)
• CHEM 599 - Independent Graduate Research (1-6)

* Must be taken for a total of 2 or 3 units.

** May replace one unit of CHEM 505A.

Elective (3 units)

400- or 500-level CHEM course approved for graduate credit. Other courses may be chosen with department graduate adviser approval.

Culminating Experience (6 units)

• CHEM 598 - Thesis (1-6)

Biochemistry Concentration (9 units)

May include courses other than those listed, and must be adviser-approved.

• CHEM 541 - Protein Biochemistry (3)
• CHEM 542 - Nucleic Acid Chemistry (3)
• CHEM 543 - Physical Biochemistry (3)
• CHEM 546 - Metabolism and Catalysis (3)

Total (30 units)

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School of Health Professions

Admission Requirements

Page content, prerequisite courses.

Science courses : The courses taken should be for science majors, pre-med, or other pre-health professions majors.

Required prerequisite courses : Must be passed with a B- or better grade.

Recommended (not required) courses : Having completed any of these additional courses will enhance your application and help prepare you for the demands of the Physician Assistant Studies Program curriculum.

Immunology, pathophysiology, pharmacology, college algebra, behavioral sciences

Admission Policies

• Applicants must have taken anatomy, physiology, and microbiology pre-requisites within 5 years of their projected enrollment date. Applicants who took these courses outside of the 5-year limit must request a waiver demonstrating how they are currently applying the knowledge attained from these courses either in their work or in their studies. Waivers are reviewed by the Physician Assistant Program Admissions Committee. The committee will consider waivers from applicants for courses that are up to 10 years old. The Committee may request an official copy of the course syllabus, and the waiver request may be denied if it cannot be provided. 
• Bachelor’s Degree required : Yes – Graduate of a US-accredited college or university completed by the date of matriculation. The degree does not need to be completed at the time of application but must be completed before matriculation.
• Minimum Undergrad Overall GPA : Minimum 3.0 Cumulative or last 60 hours GPA on a 4.0 scale as determined by CASPA
• Minimum Undergrad Science GPA : Minimum 3.0 Cumulative Science GPA on a 4.0 scale as determined by CASPA
• No standardized testing is required . PA-CAT , MCAT and GRE scores will all be considered in the application. However, PA-CAT is recommended and preferred, followed by MCAT and GRE.
• MCAT must have been taken within 3 years of application. 
• International applicants with a degree earned outside the U.S. must meet the following criteria:
• All required prerequisite courses must have been taken at a regionally accredited U.S. higher education institution.
• Standardized tests are required for most applicants to any academic program at the graduate and undergraduate level. All applicants who are from countries other than the United Kingdom, Australia, Canada, New Zealand, Ireland, and certain Caribbean Islands, must submit scores from the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL), The International English Language Testing System (Academic) (IELTS), Cambridge English, Pearson Test of English (PTE), or International Test of English Proficiency Exam (Academic) (iTEP).
• TOEFL score of 71 (IBT)
• IELTS (Academic) Overall 6.0
• Cambridge English B2 First, C1 Advanced, or C2 Proficiency
• PTE (Academic) Overall 54
• iTEP (Academic) Overall 4.0
• Official scores are accepted directly from the testing agency. TOEFL ETS code: 1479, IELTS scores should be sent to the address below, iTEP will be sent directly to us upon request.
• No. The USM Physician Assistant Studies Program will not accept applicants that have attended medical school or another PA program.
• No.  Advanced placement will not be considered.
• All active duty or veteran service members who meet all USMs application basic requirements will be granted an interview.
• All students who are University of Southern Mississippi students, graduates, or graduates of other Mississippi institutions of higher education, who meet all USMs application basic requirements, will be granted an interview.
• Students from Mississippi families, even though they may have graduated from out of state institutions, will also be granted an interview if they meet all USM’s application basic requirements.
• CASPA : Yes – All prospective students must apply through the CASPA application portal
• 2 (one should be from a PA)
• Minimum of 16 hours of shadowing with a PA , MD, or DO 
• 8 of the 16 hours must be completed by the time of application. All hours must be completed before beginning the Physician Assistant Studies program.
• 100 of the 500 hours must be completed by the time of application. All hours must be completed before beginning the Physician Assistant Studies program. 
• Experiences in which you are directly responsible for a patient’s care. Can be paid or unpaid.
• For example : Prescribing medication, performing procedures, directing a course of treatment, designing a treatment regimen, administering food or medication, taking vitals or other record-keeping information, or actively working on patients as a nurse, paramedic, EMT, CNA, medical assistant, phlebotomist, physical therapist, scribe, dental hygienist, etc.
• Yes. There will be additional USM specific questions as part of the CASPA application.
• Yes – Can be waived if the applicant has received a waiver of the CASPA fee.  A fee wavier must be requested from the USM Physician Assistant Studies Program.
• Yes ($500) – non-refundable. Applied to tuition for students who matriculate.

The information presented here is planned for the USM Physician Assistant Studies Program providing accreditation is received from the regional accreditor, the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, and the PA Program accreditor, ARC-PA.

Coming soon - USM PA Program

Elizabeth Harkins Hall

118 College Dr. #5122 Hattiesburg, MS 39406

Hattiesburg Campus 

Email shpFREEMississippi

 Phone  601.266.5437

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Transcript Requirements

Applicants to USC graduate programs must submit official transcripts from all colleges, universities, and other post-secondary institutions they have previously attended.

To ensure that your transcripts are properly submitted and meet our review criteria, please carefully read and follow the guidelines below.

Official Transcript Guidelines

Transcripts and other academic records must be issued directly by the registrar’s office of your previous school(s) and bear the official registrar’s stamp or signature. All other security features must be intact. Unofficial records such as print-outs from student portals are not acceptable for admission review.

International Transcripts

If you completed your previous studies outside the United States, check our country-specific requirements to determine if we need original-language copies of your academic records.

In these cases, we need transcripts issued in the original language of instruction, accompanied by a separate, word-for-word, English-language translation of all records.

The translation should be issued either directly from the school itself or by a professional, certified translator. It must contain all information shown on the original-language documents and “mirror” it as precisely as possible. Dual-language transcripts are also acceptable.

USC does not accept credential evaluation reports from outside agencies (e.g., WES, ECE, etc.) for the purposes of admission review. Only academic records issued directly by the school are acceptable.

Submitting Transcripts

Transcripts can be submitted by one of the following three options:

1) If you already have official transcripts on hand, you may scan and upload them directly to the “Academic History” section of the online application. Do not upload unofficial print-outs from student portals.

2) Official hard-copy transcripts can be sent via postal mail or courier to USC.

Mail hard copies to: University of Southern California USC Office of Graduate Admission 3601 South Flower Street, Room 112 Los Angeles, CA 90089-0915

Have your transcripts delivered by courier to: University of Southern California USC Office of Graduate Admission 3601 South Flower Street, Room 112 Los Angeles, CA 90089-0915

3) Official e-transcripts can be transmitted directly to USC by your previous institution(s).

• The transcript must originate from a secure site formally linked to the sending institution.
• Please instruct the vendor to email the transcripts to [email protected] . Do not send any other materials to this email address yourself. E-transcripts sent to any other address will not be downloaded, which will delay the review of your file and require you to pay for a new e-transcript to be sent.

IMPORTANT: If you are submitting transcripts via options 2 or 3, please do not send them until after you have submitted your application online and received your 10-digit USC ID number.

Please note that some USC graduate departments prefer that transcripts be sent directly to them, rather than to the central Graduate Admission processing office. To verify your department’s policy, refer to the website of your intended graduate program. In such cases, you are responsible for confirming receipt by the department.

USC Students/Alumni

Current USC students and/or alumni do not need to submit transcripts of their USC coursework. Please be sure to include your USC enrollment in the “Academic Background” section so that we can match your application to the academic records already on file.

Confidentiality and Document Submission Policy

Transcripts and all other materials submitted for admission consideration become the property of USC. The university does not return or duplicate materials for any reason whatsoever. The information and materials in your submitted application are made available only to the central Office of Admission and the admission committee of the academic department or professional school to which you have applied.