biochemistry phd programs usa

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 . 

  Study Among the Best

With 2 Nobel Laureates, research recognized by membership in the Howard Hughes Medical Institute and 6 faculty in the National Academy of Sciences, Duke’s  Department of Biochemistry  is one of the pre-eminent programs in the country. We offer a wide range of research options and close collaboration with our  faculty —training you to become a skilled scientist who’s ready for academia, industry, or government.

Biochemistry PhD graduate students learn the fundamental concepts in biochemistry and physical biochemistry and the critical analysis of published research through:

• Faculty mentored research
• Graduate coursework
• An environment that leverages knowledge from in and outside the university

You will work with primary and/or multi-disciplinary  faculty  to choose a thesis topic from a wide range of current research projects including:

• Analysis and design of protein and RNA structure
• Biogenesis of membrane proteins
• Cytoskeleton structure
• Drug design
• Enzyme mechanisms
• Glycoproteins
• Ion channel structure and function
• Membrane receptors and signal transduction
• Membrane vesicle production and function
• Mechanisms of DNA repair and DNA repair defects in tumor biology
• Mechanisms of microbial pathogenesis, drug resistance, and tolerance
• Metalloproteins
• Prokaryotic and eukaryotic transcription and gene regulation
• RNA modification
• X-ray crystallography and NMR studies on macromolecular structure and folding

Broaden Your Horizon. Focus Your Career Plan

We provide  resources  that start you on your career trajectory with leadership instruction, professional development, and teacher training workshops. In a testament to our career development, our graduates have taken positions in academia, industry, and government agencies.  See where they're working .

Our Location Fosters Collaboration

The  Department of Biochemistry  is an integral part of the world-renowned  Duke Medical Center  and sits adjacent to the Arts and Sciences Campus—placing our faculty and students in the center of a highly productive and collaborative scientific community

"Duke  is very committed to taking care of its students—there is always someone who is ready to help and support you. The biochemistry department especially feels like home! "  —Grace Hooks, 2019 Matriculant

We’re Here to Help   

You’ll have access to multiple  resources  that will help you transition to your PhD in Biochemistry and make your graduate experience just a little bit easier.

The Duke Graduate School The Graduate School  fulfills the academic, financial, social, personal, and cultural needs of all graduate students by promoting diversity, encouraging faculty/student communication, and advocating for your primary student role—immersion in your research.

The Department of Biochemistry Within the department, there are the Faculty Advisory Committee ,  Research Mentors ,  Curriculum Advisors ,  and the  Biochemistry Graduate Student Office  that works for your success and helps you plan for your future. 

The Biochemistry Graduate Student Council (BGSC) This  BGSC  is composed of five, annually elected members who represent the graduate student body. Three members serve as core BGSC representatives; the fourth member coordinates volunteer and outreach opportunities; while the fifth member is the department's Graduate and Professional Student Government (GPSG) representative. The BGSC helps identify and solve graduate student life issues by working with the department and the Graduate School.  And at monthly meetings, the council and interested students discuss upcoming BGSC hosted events.

Biochemistry Mission Statement

The mission of the Duke University Biochemistry Graduate program is to educate and mentor students from diverse backgrounds in the fundamentals of biochemical principles and practice through 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.

Graduates from our program will have the necessary knowledge, research skills, and career guidance in the field of biochemistry to succeed in a research and/or scientific career . Specific program aims are:

• Coursework: Graduates will be trained in a broad understanding of cellular structure and function at a molecular level; with deep knowledge in specific disciplines such as nucleic acid biochemistry, molecular genetics, biophysical methods, mechanistic enzymology, glycobiology, and membrane biogenesis, dynamics, transport, and receptor biology; and critical scientific thinking skills.
• Research: Develop student skills a) in the laboratory and/or with computational research in order to reveal new biological principles; b) to perform in-depth analysis, interpretation, and presentation of research results; and c) to conduct ethical and responsible research.
• Career Development: Prepare graduates for careers in interdisciplinary biochemical fields through training in scientific research, responsibility and ethics, teaching, and science communication.

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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

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 contribute to current challenging 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, and structure function and dynamics.

students funded

Annual research funding, research groups, admission information, how to apply.

Applications open September 1 for admission in Fall of the following year. The application deadline is January 1. Applications received prior to the deadline will receive priority consideration, but applications received after the deadline may still receive consideration, pending available space. Applicants will receive final notice of decision by March 15.

All applicants must apply through the Graduate Admissions office. All application materials must be submitted through the application or to Graduate Admissions  directly . Please do not mail any documents to the School of Molecular Sciences. 

The School of Molecular Sciences utilizes a two-part application process and both parts are required. The first part is the General Application through the ASU Graduate Admissions office. The second part is a supplemental application to the School of Molecular Sciences through SlideRoom. 

Step 1:General Application

The first step is to submit the General Application through Graduate Admission Services.

Step 2: Supplemental Application

The supplemental application can be completed immediately following submission of the General Application. You will need your Application Reference number in order to submit, but can begin the application without it. The Supplemental Application will close on the application deadline and no new applications will be allowed. Applications started by the deadline will be granted a 7-day grace period to complete the application.

Access the Supplemental Application

***GRE NOT required ***

Requirements

Minimum Requirements required for admission:

• GPA of at least 3.0
• Applicants from Indian institutions (3-yr BSc) must have completed a Master's degree.
• International Applicants must satisfy university minimum requirements for  English Proficiency  (TOEFL, IELTS, Duolingo, PTE)

While all applications meeting the minimum requirements will be reviewed, competitive candidates generally meet the following benchmarks:

• Research experience and a letter of recommendation from a faculty research supervisor
• A TOEFL score of 100 with a speaking section score of 23 or better (IELTS 7/7, equivalencies for other tests will be determined as needed). Additional English requirements are required by ASU for employment as a TA for speaking section less than 26.

Application

All applicants are required to pay the application fee ($70 – domestic / $115 – international). The application fee will be refunded to all students who are accepted into and agree to join our program.

You will need the following information to complete the general application:

• Beginning/ending dates and location(s) of your academic degree(s);
• Grade point average (GPA) - Information on calculating overall, junior-senior undergraduate and graduate GPA can found on the  Graduate Admission website .
• TOEFL scores (unofficial scores can be used in your initial application)
• Arizona Residency information if you are a resident in the state of Arizona (general tax and employment history)
• Submitting unofficial transcripts could expedite admission and not require submission of official transcripts in order to receive a formal offer

You will need the following information to complete the supplemental application:

• Areas of research and faculty member interest
• A brief Personal Statement that includes a narrative concerning your motivations for graduate study in chemistry or biochemistry, your long-term career goals, further information on research experience, potential ASU faculty interests and a list of all honors, awards and scholarships. It is particularly important to describe your research experience and list any publications.
• Contact information (email address) for three (3) faculty members who will write letters of recommendation for you, and can comment on your suitability for advanced scholarly work. One of these must be your current research supervisor. If you are employed full-time, only one of these letters can be from your employer. Faculty member letters are much more important than letters from employers.
• Electronic copies of your unofficial transcripts. (individual PDF file for each transcript)

Acceptance decisions may be extended on the basis of the unofficial information submitted as part of the application, although an official offer cannot be extended until the all official transcripts and test scores have been received and added to the official graduate admissions application.

Domestic students who apply by the deadline and are extended an offer of admission will be invited to visit campus during our Visitation Weekend in mid-February.

International

The School of Molecular Sciences values a diverse student population and welcomes applications from international students. The University sets  English proficiency requirements  for admission for international students whose native language is not English, or for whom the official language of the country of origin is not English. The University will also require international students employed as a teaching assistants to demonstrate additional proficiency in spoken English. The School of Molecular Sciences prefers applicants who demonstrate English proficiency beyond the University required minimums as follows:

• A TOEFL score of 100 with a speaking section score of 23 or better (additional English requirements are required for employment as a TA)
• An IELTS overall band score of 7.0 with speaking score of 7.0 or better
• Equivalencies for other exams will be determined as needed.  

The test of English proficiency must have been taken within two years of starting the program (i.e. for fall 2022 admission, the test must have been taken after August 1, 2020.) You will need to retake the test if your results are more than two years old. Official scores should be sent by the Education Testing Service (ETS) as soon as possible. When ordering a score report from ETS, use institution code 4007 (a department code is not needed). Applications will not be considered without valid evidence of English proficiency.

Applicants who satisfy one of the following criteria through attendance at a regionally accredited college or university in the US are exempt from the English proficiency admission requirements:

• Applicants who are U.S. citizens or U.S. permanent residents.
• Applicants who have earned a bachelor’s degree or higher from a regionally accredited college or university in the U.S.
• Applicants who have earned the equivalent of a U.S. bachelor’s degree or higher from an international institution that is officially recognized by that country, and the country is on the ASU English Speaking Country and Territory List.
• Applicants who have earned the equivalent of a U.S. bachelor’s degree or higher from an international institution that is officially recognized by that country, and the country is on the  ASU English Speaking Country and Territory List .
• Applicants who have completed at least nine semester hours of graduate coursework with a cumulative GPA of 3.00 (on a 4.00 scale) or higher at a regionally accredited college or university in the U.S or from an international institution that is officially recognized in that country and is on the  ASU English Speaking Country and Territory List .
• Applicants who have earned the equivalent of a U.S. bachelor’s degree or higher from an international institution that is officially recognized by that country, and the sole medium of instruction for the program was in English. Student should email  [email protected]  to request exemption and include a letter from the institution on letterhead indicating language of instruction or provide information on the institution website to verify language of instruction.
• Applicants who have completed at least 90 semester hours of undergraduate coursework with a cumulative GPA of 3.00 (on a 4.00 scale) or higher at a regionally accredited college or university in the U.S.
• Four years of high school in the U.S. with four years of English.

NOTE: Exemption can only be obtained by providing proof through submission of official documentation, i.e. official graduate transcript. The requirement will remain on your account until the verification has been completed by the Graduate Admissions office.

All international academic records must be submitted in the original language accompanied by an official English translation. Translations must be literal and complete versions of original records, and the documents must be translated by a university, a government official, or an official translation service. Students who are applying from Indian institutions must send both their Certificate and Mark Sheets.

The university sets an additional requirement for spoken English proficiency for students to be hired as Teaching Assistants. Students who do not meet the threshold for spoken English proficiency (iBT speaking score of 24/IELTS speaking band score of 7.5) are brought in early and provided assistance to prepare for and take the test of spoken English that is administered by the university.

For additional information, please visit the Graduate Admission Services page dedicated to  International Students .

All students accepted in the PhD Chemistry/Biochemistry programs are guaranteed financial support by means of a Graduate Assistant (Teaching/Research Assistant) position for five years. Students are typically appointed as Teaching Assistants for at least the first year. Research assistantships come from faculty grants and are awarded based on the availability of funds. There are some departmental, college, or university fellowships that are awarded on a competitive basis. Highly qualified applicants are encouraged to apply for a graduate fellowship from the  National Science Foundation  (NSF-GRFP),  National Institutes of Health  (NIH-F31) as well as other national fellowship programs, i.e. DOE, EPA, NASA, etc.

The standard stipend for all students on TA/RA is $12,293 per semester for fall and spring ($24,586) and full summer funding is $8,195 for TA or RA. Total annual stipend is $32,781.

Tuition and Health Insurance benefits are provided for all students with Graduate Teaching/Research Assistantship positions with at least a full-time (.50 FTE) appointment (20 hours per week). Tuition - Tuition waivers cover the full cost of tuition for resident and non-resident students with a TA/RA appointment. Information on the cost of tuition and the value of this benefit can be found in the  Academic Catalog . Health Benefits - The university covers the cost of individual health insurance premiums for all TAs and RAs with full-time appointments (.50 FTE). More information on this plan can be found at  ASU Health Services  website (Billing and Insurance > Health Coverage Options).

Additional information about the specific policies of the RA/TA position at ASU can be found in the Graduate College  TA/RA Handbook .

Students seeking to transfer from another graduate program are accepted only under exceptional circumstances. If you are currently, or have been in another graduate program in chemistry or biochemistry in the United States, you must supply three letters of recommendation from your current institution (i.e. the one that you are transferring from, or the one you previously attended). Do not have letters sent from earlier (undergraduate) institutions. Specifically, we will need a letter from your current research advisor (or prior graduate research advisor) stating explicitly why you want to transfer to ASU. Without a letter from your research advisor, we will NOT be able to review your application.

Application Fee Waiver Request

The School of Molecular Sciences has earmarked a small amount of money to provide application fee waivers to assist students with a demonstrated financial need. To apply for fee waiver, please complete the application below:

SMS Application Fee Waiver Request Form - Fall 2024

SMS Application Fee Waiver Request form

You will be asked to provide the following information:

• To obtain the Application Number, you will need to start the Graduate Application and complete it up to the payment page. Do not submit payment information. Save and exit the application. You will receive your Application Number via email within about 24 hours. (If you submit payment, it cannot be undone and you will not be reimbursed, except as noted below as part of the standard admission/reimbursement process.)
• Brief essay (about 150 words) detailing your financial hardship
• Brief essay (similar to your personal statement for graduate school) describing why you are interested in earning a PhD in chemistry or biochemistry at ASU
• Names of three faculty members you would be interested in having as a possible research advisor and why you are interested in them
• Copies of unofficial transcripts, combined into one PDF document. (file name: Last name, First name – transcripts )
• Copy of TOEFL/IELTS/Duolingo score report (International applicants only). (f ile name: Last Name, First Name: English Proficiency )
• Additional supporting documents (combined into one pdf). ( file name: Last Name, First Name: supporting documentation )

Fee waiver requests will be considered until all funds have been exhausted, but must be submitted by December 1. Requests will be evaluated upon receipt in the order received and students will be informed of the decision within about two weeks. Receipt of an application fee waiver does not guarantee admission to a PhD program. If you do not receive a fee waiver, but are admitted to the chemistry or biochemistry PhD program and join the program, the application fee will be reimbursed at the beginning of the first semester.

This fee waiver request is only available to applicants of the Chemistry or Biochemistry PhD programs. Applicants for MS degrees are not eligible.

Is the GRE required?

No, the GRE is not required. The committee will not factor in GRE scores sent to ASU.

Do I have to pay the application fee?

Yes. The application fee is paid with the general graduate application. The fee is $70 for domestic students and $115 for international students. The application fee will be refunded to all students who are admitted and choose to join our program. This fee is set by the University and is out of our control.

If I send my application information in an email, can I receive a pre-evaluation to see if I am eligible to apply?

We receive many inquiries and applications; therefore, we are not able to preview your scores to determine your eligibility to apply or make suggestions on your credentials.

I missed the deadline for application. Can I still apply?

Applications received after the Jan. 1 deadline may be reviewed and considered for admission if space permits; however, the applicant may not be eligible for special scholarships or fellowships and domestic students may miss an opportunity to attend our Visitation Weekend. International students must consider important dates for the issuance of immigration documents. Applications are only accepted for the fall semester. We do not admit students to begin study in the spring semester.

Do all supporting documents need to be submitted by the deadline date?

Supporting documents may be submitted after the deadline; however, preference is given to applicants whose files are complete by the application due date. Submission of documents after the deadline may exclude your application from eligibility for special scholarships or fellowships and domestic students may miss an opportunity to attend our Visitation Weekend.

Is a master's degree required for applying to the PhD program?

Students applying to the PhD programs must have completed a Bachelor of Science degree in chemistry, biochemistry, or a related discipline by the semester in which they want to begin their graduate program. A Master’s degree is not required, with one exception. Due to differences in the educational system in India, applicants who have received their degree from an institution in India must have also completed a Master's degree. (4-year degrees, usually Biotechnology degrees, from India are considered equivalent to a 4-year BS degree and do not require an accompanying Master’s degree.)

Why can't I access the departmental supplemental application page?

You will need an ASURITE ID from Graduate Admission Services before you can access this page. Graduate Admission Services will not send your ASURITE ID until you have completed and submitted the general application, i.e. you must click the "submit" button at the end of their application. Please also make sure that the email containing your ASURITE ID has not been caught in your SPAM filter.

If you have received your ASURITE ID and you still cannot access the application, please wait 1-2 days to allow for our supplemental application database to sync with the Graduate Admission Services database (due to the schedule, this can take up to 48 hours). If after 48 hours you still cannot access the application, please check your MyASU to confirm that you have an application on file. If when accessing the application you encounter a page requesting that you log out, please follow the log out instructions, close your internet browser, and then try the link again. You may also need to log out of MyASU directly, since many browsers allow for MyASU to remain logged in, which can cause an authentication time-out error for the supplemental application. After logging out of MyASU, close your browser and then attempt to access the supplemental application again.

How many students will you admit this year?

Our recent incoming classes have ranged from 30-40 students, selected from ca. 450 applicants. The class size for any given year will be determined by faculty demand for new students.

Do I need to send official transcripts to both graduate college and the department?

Applicants are asked to submit an electronic copy of their unofficial transcripts as part of the Supplemental Application to the School of Molecular Sciences. SMS will use the unofficial transcripts for their review. Official transcripts must be sent to Graduate Admission Services for evaluation for you to be eligible for admission. Please do not mail your official transcript or any documents to the School of Molecular Sciences.

I am an international student, when should I submit the financial guarantee form?

The Financial Guarantee form should be submitted only if you are accepted to a graduate program. Graduate Admission Services will send information on completing this form with their official admissions notification. Information on how to complete this form will also be included with the official offer letter.

When will a decision be made on my application?

The School of Molecular Sciences Admissions Committee will begin their review of applications close to the deadline. The number of applications received in the past few years has averaged over 450 per year; therefore, it may take up to 6 weeks before notices are sent. The Admissions Committee appreciates your patience while they carefully review each applicant's qualification for our graduate programs. Every effort will be made to provide final decisions by March 15.

Information on the Graduate Admission Services application can be found on their website or you can contact them by email or by calling 480-965-6113. Additional information can be found on their Contact page.

How can I check the status of my application?

Your application status can be checked in two places:

For your general application, please check your MyASU portal, specifically your Priority Tasks panel for any required items that need to be submitted. If your application status is “In Review” your official application is complete and nothing further is required for the official application.

For the Supplemental Application, please log in and click the "Check Documents Status" bar at the top of the application. All information that has been submitted is live and can be seen by the committee, there is no final submit button.

Where do I send official documents?

If sending by U.S. Mail, use this address:

Admission Services Applicant Processing Arizona State University PO Box 871004 Tempe AZ 85287-1004

If sending by FedEx, DHL or UPS, use this address:

Arizona State University Admission Services Applicant Processing 1150 East University Drive Building C, Room 226 Tempe, AZ 85281

Do not mail any documents, including official transcripts or copies of test scores to the School of Molecular Sciences.

Is there a special form to complete for financial support via a graduate assistantship?

There is no additional paperwork to complete for a Graduate Assistantship.

What kind of financial support is available through the department?

All students accepted into the PhD Chemistry/Biochemistry programs are offered financial support by means of a Graduate Assistant position.

Students are welcome and encouraged to apply for fellowships available through the Graduate College or federal agencies (i.e. NSF, NIH, DOE, etc.) to supplement or substitute for the standard funding, which can often allow for additional focus on research and a reduction in the time required to complete the degree.

Which professors are actively recruiting students? Should I contact individual professors about their research group?

Professors' group requirements change constantly and we are not able to provide a list of actively recruiting faculty. However, all students, whichever professor they eventually work for, must first apply to and be accepted into the program. Individual professors do not make decisions regarding admissions and should not be contacted with admission inquiries. Professors will often discuss research projects by email with enthusiastic applicants.

Where can I find the form for recommendation letters?

There is no form for recommendation letters; they are submitted electronically. Within the Supplemental Application you will provide email addresses for your recommendation writers and an email will be sent to each recommender with instructions on how to submit a letter in support of your application. We can only accept letters of recommendation that are submitted electronically using our system.

Where can I find information about the graduate admission services application and how do I contact them if I have a question?

Learn more about Degree Requirements and Courses and electives

Graduate Programs

• Biochem & MolBiophysics PhD

Biochemistry and Molecular Biophysics PhD

The Biochemistry and Molecular Biophysics PhD Program ranks in the top 10 nationally and represents a traditional strength in the Chemistry and Biochemistry Department at UCSD. The goal of the program is to prepare students for careers in the biochemical sciences as researchers and educators by expanding their knowledge of structural biology, protein, RNA, and lipid biochemistry, experimental and computational biophysics, and systems biology while developing their ability for critical analysis, creativity, and independent study. A high graduation rate in an average of just over five years can be attributed to the quality of applicants admitted, the flexibility of our program of study, the opportunity for students to begin research in the first year, and the affordability of education made possible by our generous financial support policies.

Program Overview

Programs of study are tailored to the needs of individual students, based on their prior training and research interests. However, progress to degree is generally similar for all students. During the first year, students take courses, begin their teaching apprenticeships, choose research advisors, and embark on their thesis research; students whose native language is not English must pass an English proficiency examination. Beginning the first summer, the emphasis is on research, although courses of special interest may be taken throughout a student's residency. At the end of their first year, students choose the departmental members of their thesis committee and begin to prepare a written research proposal. During their second year, they complete their research proposal and defend it orally. In the third year, students advance to candidacy for the doctorate by defending the topic, preliminary findings, and future research plans for their dissertation. Subsequent years focus on thesis research and writing the dissertation. Most students graduate during their fifth year.

Research Opportunities

Research opportunities for graduate students are comprehensive and interdisciplinary, spanning biochemistry; biophysics; structural biology, protein, RNA, and lipid biochemistry, experimental and computational biophysics, and systems biology. Please refer to the faculty pages for full descriptions of the on-going research of faculty in the Biochemistry and Molecular Biophysics PhD Program. State-of-the-art facilities and laboratories support these research programs.

UCSD is a thriving community that stretches across campus with opportunities for research and collaborations among a large number of faculty in the Division of Biology, the Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, the School of Medicine, the La Jolla Institute of Immunology, the Salk Institute, and many others.

Special Training Programs

Interdisciplinary research and collaboration at UCSD is enhanced through a variety of training grants. These programs provide financial support for exceptional graduate and postdoctoral scholars and also unite researchers from across campus and throughout the La Jolla research community in special seminars, retreats, and courses. Doctoral students usually apply for training grants in their second year.

• Molecular Biophysics Training Grant
• Contemporary Approaches to Cancer Cell Signaling and Communication
• Interfaces Graduate Training Program
• Molecular Pharmacology Training Program

Teaching apprenticeships are a vital and integral part of graduate student training, and four quarters of teaching are normally required. See the Teaching Assistants page to apply. Students can gain experience teaching both discussion and laboratory sections. Excellence in teaching is stressed, and the department provides a thorough training program covering both fundamentals and special techniques for effective instruction. Further training is provided by the Teaching and Learning Commons on campus. Performance is evaluated every quarter, and awards are bestowed quarterly for outstanding teaching performance.

Financial Support

Students in good academic standing receive a 12-month stipend; fees and tuition are also provided. Support packages come from a variety of sources, including teaching and research assistantships, training grants, fellowships, and awards. Special fellowships are awarded to outstanding students based on their admission files. See Ph.D. Program Support Policy for more information.

Health and Dental Plan

A primary health care program, major medical plan, and dental plan are among the benefits provided by the University's registration fee (see Graduate Student Health Insurance Program, GSHIP) . Minor illnesses and injuries can usually be treated at the Student Health Center . Counseling is provided free of charge through Counseling and Psychological Services .

Creative, bright, and motivated students from diverse backgrounds are encouraged to apply. We admit for Fall quarter entrance only. The application deadline is in mid-December. The Admissions Committee reviews files individually and in comparison to others, and offers are made beginning mid-January. Admitted applicants are invited to visit the campus. Application information is available here . See UCSD Ph.D. Admissions FAQ page for general information.

PostGraduate Placement

Graduates typically obtain jobs in academia or in the biotech/pharmaceutical industry. La Jolla is home to the third largest Biotech/Pharmaceutical industry mecca. Many of our alumni stay in San Diego and obtain positions in one of the over 300 companies that are located near UCSD. During their PhD, students can take advantage of the many internships that are available at these companies. A large proportion of our graduates attain postdoctoral research positions in leading academic institutions. The Biochemistry and Molecular Biophysics Program provides career advising throughout the PhD. UCSD's Career Services Center and the Physical Sciences Student Success Center provides many resources for students, including the chance to videotape yourself in a mock interview!

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Biochemistry and Molecular Biophysics, PhD

The Graduate Group in Biochemistry and Molecular Biophysics (BMB) is devoted to the education and training of doctoral students in quantitative, mechanistic and molecular frontiers of biochemistry and biophysics, broadly conceived. The goal is to produce the next generation of scientists, scholars, educators and leaders in biomedical sciences.

To achieve this goal, BMB starts with a strong relationship with the Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, combined with a world class, diverse faculty of over 90 members from four institutions, the University of Pennsylvania, the Wistar Institute, and the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia. Within the University of Pennsylvania, BMB draws on faculty from the schools of Medicine, Arts and Sciences, Engineering, Dental Medicine, and Veterinary Medicine.

BMB offers interdisciplinary training based on a rigorous core curriculum, combined with laboratory rotations, independent studies, and candidacy exam preparation that provides immersive training in laboratory and research skills to equip the students for their independent dissertation research.

For more information: https://www.med.upenn.edu/bmbgrad/

View the University’s Academic Rules for PhD Programs .

Required Courses 

The degree and major requirements displayed are intended as a guide for students entering in the Fall of 2023 and later. Students should consult with their academic program regarding final certifications and requirements for graduation.

Sample Plan of Study

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PhD Program

Be part of innovative research and mentored by leading experts in the field.

Every student must publish at least one first author research paper prior to graduation

Our department offers a PhD in Biochemistry and Molecular & Cellular Biology. The program is designed for students interested in molecular mechanisms, proteomics, and biophysics. The department accepts up to five PhD students each year.

What You’ll Learn

Your training as a doctoral candidate in the Department of Biochemistry and Molecular & Cellular Biology at GUMC will be multifaceted. Our program has developed a solid educational platform designed not only to challenge the candidate, but also to provide supportive mentorship in order to aid the candidate as they develop their own skillsets and become a scientific leader.

Thesis mentors are available from a variety of backgrounds spanning stem cell biology and human tissue engineering to traditional biochemical analytics, with an optional focus on informatics- or systems-based medicine. Each faculty mentor represents a diverse component of the biomedical scientific enterprise and each has dedicated their career to enhancing biomedical science through independent research and doctoral candidate training.

Graduates of the program have gone on to successful careers in academia, industry, medicine, law, and finance. Contact the program if you would like more information.

Learn about the application process.

Browse our required courses.

Course Schedule

Find an example course schedule.

Student Resources

Many resources are available for current students.

Career Services

Prepare for the next step in your career.

Questions about the program or application process? Email us!

Doctor of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Programs in America

1-25 of 164 results

Stanford University School of Medicine

Stanford, CA •

Stanford University •

Graduate School

• • Rating 5 out of 5   3 reviews

Doctoral Student: I begin in the Fall of 2023--Based on my interview, and pre-classes I have taken this program is amazing. It is very student-centered. ... Read 3 reviews

Stanford University ,

Graduate School ,

STANFORD, CA ,

3 Niche users give it an average review of 5 stars.

Featured Review: Doctoral Student says I begin in the Fall of 2023--Based on my interview, and pre-classes I have taken this program is amazing. It is very student-centered. .

Read 3 reviews.

Yale School of Medicine

New Haven, CT •

Yale University •

• • Rating 4.8 out of 5   5 reviews

Master's Student: So far, the interactions I have had with the administration are all positive. Administrators are very responsive and knowledgeable and helpful. ... Read 5 reviews

Yale University ,

NEW HAVEN, CT ,

5 Niche users give it an average review of 4.8 stars.

Featured Review: Master's Student says So far, the interactions I have had with the administration are all positive. Administrators are very responsive and knowledgeable and helpful. .

Read 5 reviews.

Harvard Graduate School of Arts and Sciences

Cambridge, MA •

Harvard University •

• • Rating 4.56 out of 5   9 reviews

Other: I am Harvard Extension School student pursuing a master degree, ALM, in sustainability. I have achieved a 3.89 in this program so far and have qualified, applied, and accepted as a 'Special Student' in the Harvard Graduate School of Arts and Sciences. Through this School, I will be focusing my time at the John A. Paulson school of Engineering & Applied Sciences. Looking forward to wrapping up my final year on campus! ... Read 9 reviews

Harvard University ,

CAMBRIDGE, MA ,

9 Niche users give it an average review of 4.6 stars.

Featured Review: Other says I am Harvard Extension School student pursuing a master degree, ALM, in sustainability. I have achieved a 3.89 in this program so far and have qualified, applied, and accepted as a 'Special Student'... .

Read 9 reviews.

Tulane University

Graduate School •

NEW ORLEANS, LA

• • Rating 4.17 out of 5   35

Kenneth P. Dietrich School of Arts and Sciences

University of Pittsburgh •

PITTSBURGH, PA

College of Agriculture, Life Sciences and Natural Resources - University of Wyoming

University of Wyoming •

LARAMIE, WY

Princeton University

Princeton, NJ •

• • Rating 4.33 out of 5   3 reviews

Master's Student: The best part of the Princeton University mechanical engineering graduate degree is the excellent faculty that teach the courses. They are incredibly knowledgeable and also very willing to help students in office hours or in sponsorship of projects. The worst part of the Princeton University mechanical engineering graduate degree is the lack of structure for the graduate research program which can leave you feeling unsure on the direction of your research. ... Read 3 reviews

PRINCETON, NJ ,

3 Niche users give it an average review of 4.3 stars.

Featured Review: Master's Student says The best part of the Princeton University mechanical engineering graduate degree is the excellent faculty that teach the courses. They are incredibly knowledgeable and also very willing to help... .

Duke University School of Medicine

Durham, NC •

Duke University •

• • Rating 4.76 out of 5   17 reviews

Doctoral Student: Professors are incredible, always willing to go the extra mile to help students succeed. Curriculum is designed to prepare students to be successful therapists. This program is truly incredible. ... Read 17 reviews

Duke University ,

DURHAM, NC ,

17 Niche users give it an average review of 4.8 stars.

Featured Review: Doctoral Student says Professors are incredible, always willing to go the extra mile to help students succeed. Curriculum is designed to prepare students to be successful therapists. This program is truly incredible. .

Read 17 reviews.

Brown University School of Engineering

Providence, RI •

Brown University •

Brown University ,

PROVIDENCE, RI ,

• Find college scholarships

School of Arts & Sciences - University of Pennsylvania

Philadelphia, PA •

University of Pennsylvania •

University of Pennsylvania ,

PHILADELPHIA, PA ,

Wiess School of Natural Sciences

Houston, TX •

Rice University •

Blue checkmark.

Rice University ,

HOUSTON, TX ,

Weinberg College of Arts and Sciences

Evanston, IL •

Northwestern University •

Northwestern University ,

EVANSTON, IL ,

College of Arts and Science

Nashville, TN •

Vanderbilt University •

Vanderbilt University ,

NASHVILLE, TN ,

Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis

St. Louis, MO •

Washington University in St. Louis •

• • Rating 4.73 out of 5   15 reviews

Doctoral Student: So far, my experience had been amazing! The drive and parking are not the best, but the students and staff are very good. ... Read 15 reviews

Washington University in St. Louis ,

ST. LOUIS, MO ,

15 Niche users give it an average review of 4.7 stars.

Featured Review: Doctoral Student says So far, my experience had been amazing! The drive and parking are not the best, but the students and staff are very good. .

Read 15 reviews.

Geisel School of Medicine

Hanover, NH •

Dartmouth College •

Current Doctoral student: Geisel is an incredible school with very passionate faculty who go out of their way to help every student find success, which is extremely rare among medical schools. Whether it be research, residency, or clinicals, I have never encountered a group of individuals so committed by default to students they may not have even met before. The match list speaks for itself; most students depart to their top choice hospitals across the country every year. On top of it all, the Upper Valley is one of the nicest areas to live in the Northeast. It has an abundance of natural beauty, is within a couple of hours of many ski mountains, two hours from Boston, and a lot of growth in the past decade has led to the creation of many cute little locally owned businesses, restaurants, and bars that are frequented by Dartmouth students. I chose Geisel of a number of other schools and have never regretted my decision once. ... Read 3 reviews

Dartmouth College ,

HANOVER, NH ,

Featured Review: Current Doctoral student says Geisel is an incredible school with very passionate faculty who go out of their way to help every student find success, which is extremely rare among medical schools. Whether it be research,... .

• Sponsored Find Student Loan Options
• Doctor of Physiology and Pathology Programs
• Masters in Ecology and Evolutionary Biology Programs

Division of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering - California Institute of Technology

Pasadena, CA •

California Institute of Technology •

California Institute of Technology ,

PASADENA, CA ,

Division of Biology and Biological Engineering - California Institute of Technology

College of science - university of notre dame.

Notre Dame, IN •

University of Notre Dame •

University of Notre Dame ,

NOTRE DAME, IN ,

Biological Sciences Division - University of Chicago

Chicago, IL •

University of Chicago •

• • Rating 4 out of 5   1 review

Master's Student: So far so good. Nothing out of the ordinary. Professors are knowledgeable. I would say to ensure that you know your interests and work closely with the advisors to pick suitable classes. ... Read 1 review

University of Chicago ,

CHICAGO, IL ,

1 Niche users give it an average review of 4 stars.

Featured Review: Master's Student says So far so good. Nothing out of the ordinary. Professors are knowledgeable. I would say to ensure that you know your interests and work closely with the advisors to pick suitable classes. .

Read 1 reviews.

Dornsife College of Letters, Arts and Sciences

Los Angeles, CA •

University of Southern California •

University of Southern California ,

LOS ANGELES, CA ,

Cornell University College of Agriculture and Life Sciences

Ithaca, NY •

Cornell University •

Cornell University ,

ITHACA, NY ,

Weill Cornell Graduate School of Medical Sciences

New York, NY •

• • Rating 4.75 out of 5   4 reviews

Doctoral Student: The coursework was relevant, a little disjointed but good. There could be a wider range of courses that would be great, but it’s nice that we can take courses from other universities. ... Read 4 reviews

NEW YORK, NY ,

4 Niche users give it an average review of 4.8 stars.

Featured Review: Doctoral Student says The coursework was relevant, a little disjointed but good. There could be a wider range of courses that would be great, but it’s nice that we can take courses from other universities. .

Read 4 reviews.

University of Michigan Medical School

Ann Arbor, MI •

University of Michigan - Ann Arbor •

• • Rating 5 out of 5   2 reviews

Current Doctoral student: University of Michigan Medical School offers an exceptional medical education experience. What is unique about Michigan medical school is the innovative focus they have on their curriculum and culture of continuous improvement. The pre-clinical curriculum is only 12 months, which allows students to start their core clinical rotations in their second year. This affords students the opportunity to gain and improve upon clinical skills early, have more time to do research and cultivate career interests, and builds a foundation of knowledge that makes the students some of the best clinically trained in the country. Not only is the student body full of people with diverse, impressive accomplishments and experiences, but the culture is one where students genuinely value and support each other. ... Read 2 reviews

University of Michigan - Ann Arbor ,

ANN ARBOR, MI ,

2 Niche users give it an average review of 5 stars.

Featured Review: Current Doctoral student says University of Michigan Medical School offers an exceptional medical education experience. What is unique about Michigan medical school is the innovative focus they have on their curriculum and... .

Read 2 reviews.

Georgetown University School of Medicine

Nw Washington, DC •

Georgetown University •

Doctoral Student: Compressed pre-clinical work. Administration has been working on finding better and better educators, as well as hiring more learning specialists for the student body. Could have more focus on Step 1 and Step 2 preparation. ... Read 4 reviews

Georgetown University ,

NW WASHINGTON, DC ,

Featured Review: Doctoral Student says Compressed pre-clinical work. Administration has been working on finding better and better educators, as well as hiring more learning specialists for the student body. Could have more focus on Step 1... .

David Geffen School of Medicine

University of California - Los Angeles •

• • Rating 5 out of 5   1 review

Alum: It was excellent. Opportunities were bountiful. I had the opportunity to rotate at sites that included RRMC, VA, Oliveview County Hospital, Harbor County Hospital, and Cedar-Sinai Medical Center. I was to develop deep and rewarding relationships with mentors which helped me to match at my first choice program for residency. Training in SoCal is also a plus. Fortunately, the school provided subsidized student housing which made living in West LA very affordable. ... Read 1 review

University of California - Los Angeles ,

1 Niche users give it an average review of 5 stars.

Featured Review: Alum says It was excellent. Opportunities were bountiful. I had the opportunity to rotate at sites that included RRMC, VA, Oliveview County Hospital, Harbor County Hospital, and Cedar-Sinai Medical Center. I... .

Johns Hopkins School of Medicine

Baltimore, MD •

Johns Hopkins University •

• • Rating 4 out of 5   2 reviews

Doctoral Student: Best parts were the professors who were top of their field and open to working with students on all varieties of research projects. Worst parts were the quality of Zoom lectures. ... Read 2 reviews

Johns Hopkins University ,

BALTIMORE, MD ,

2 Niche users give it an average review of 4 stars.

Featured Review: Doctoral Student says Best parts were the professors who were top of their field and open to working with students on all varieties of research projects. Worst parts were the quality of Zoom lectures. .

University of Virginia School of Medicine

Charlottesville, VA •

University of Virginia •

University of Virginia ,

CHARLOTTESVILLE, VA ,

UC Berkeley College of Chemistry

Berkeley, CA •

University of California - Berkeley •

University of California - Berkeley ,

BERKELEY, CA ,

Mississippi State University College of Agriculture and Life Sciences

Mississippi State University •

MISSISSIPPI STATE, MS

University of Wyoming

• • Rating 4.42 out of 5   24

College of Arts and Sciences - Lehigh University

Lehigh University •

BETHLEHEM, PA

Showing results 1 through 25 of 164

College of Liberal Arts & Sciences

School of Molecular & Cellular Biology

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Department of Biochemistry

Pursue a PhD in Biochemistry

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We train graduate students to become skilled and creative biochemists and molecular biologists. We have outstanding resources in our internationally recognized faculty, graduate students, and research facilities. Our graduate program not only allows our research students to learn the latest techniques, but also fosters their development as independent scientists. With a PhD in Biochemistry from UIUC, you will be well-prepared to launch a career in academia or industry. Our alumni are leaders in industrial laboratories, research institutes, and government agencies, as well as in teaching, research, and administration in colleges and universities.

As a PhD student in the Department of Biochemistry, you will pursue research alongside brilliant faculty and graduate students while advancing the frontiers of this exciting field. Our labs encompass a variety of areas, including biological chemistry and molecular biology: physical approaches to the structure and function of proteins, nucleic acids, and carbohydrates, including structural biology (Cryo-Em, x-ray crystallography, etc.); genomics, enzymology; membrane biochemistry and protein-lipid interactions; protein-nucleic acid interactions; molecular biological approaches to gene organization and expression; immunology; microbial physiology, and signal transduction. We collaborate with peers at units across campus and around the world.

At the U of I we boast world-class facilities, equipment, and technology . The department is a close-knit community which holds numerous events throughout the year, such as an annual research conference and graduate research seminar series.

Title Meet Yiquan

When he's not studying SARS-CoV-2 or influenza, Yiquan Wang, a biochemistry PhD student and member of Nicholas Wu's lab, can be found creating works of art. Yiquan shares how he's bridging his love for art and biochemistry to help people better understand virology. 

Title State-of-the-art facilities

The Department of Biochemistry contains all of the equipment appropriate for modern biochemical research. Specialized facilities available within the department include equipment for large scale growth and processing of animal cells as well as state-of-the-art S-ray diffraction equipment. Other supporting facilities include specialized labs for recording infrared, ultraviolet, fluorescence, electron spin resonance, mass, nuclear magnetic resonance, and optical rotatory dispersion spectra. Electronic, machine, photographic, and glass-blowing shops are also available.

The campus also provides many state-of-the-art core facilities, from the Beckman Institute to the Woese Institute for Genomic Biology .

Research collaborations   Research facilities & resources 

The Department of Biochemistry is part of the School of Molecular & Cellular Biology. Prospective Biochemistry PhD students should apply directly to the MCB PhD Program .

During your first semester, you will rotate through three laboratories to learn experimental techniques and the information you need to choose a research project. You will then select a research adviser and formally join the graduate program by the spring semester of your first year.

Financial support

All students accepted into the PhD program receive year-round financial support through fellowships, traineeships, or graduate assistantships, which provide a generous stipend as well as a full tuition and partial fee waiver. The department guarantees financial support to all students as long as they make satisfactory progress toward their PhD. Students are also encouraged to apply for extramural pre-doctoral fellowships for which they may be eligible, such as the National Science Foundation, Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Ford Foundation, and other fellowships.

MCB PhD Programs

Shawna M. Smith, MCB Graduate Program Coordinator Lori Raetzman, Associate Director of MCB Graduate Program [email protected] ; 217-333-1737

Graduate student affairs: [email protected]

Satish Nair, Department Head and Gregorio Weber Chair [email protected] ; 217-333-3945

Kai Zhang, Associate Professor of Biochemistry and Director of Graduate Studies; Associate Head, Department of Biochemistry [email protected]

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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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Biochemistry resources.

• Annual Committee Meeting Report 
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PhD in Biochemistry/Program in Biomedical Sciences (PiBS)

For contact information, please visit the Department of Biochemistry & Cell Biology Graduate Education website .

General Program Information

Our PhD program is part of a program called the Program in Biomedical Sciences (PiBS) . This interdisciplinary “umbrella” program incorporates didactic coursework and biomedical research to prepare our graduates for career advancement. Our biomedical science and professional development curricula are integrated into this program. During the first year in the PiBS program, students take classes and rotate in a number of research laboratories, the latter enabling the selection of a dissertation research laboratory. Students then join the program/department with which the mentor is affiliated and continue advanced studies towards candidacy.

The didactic coursework includes our Foundations in Biomedical Sciences (FBS) that incorporates principles of biochemistry, cell biology, molecular biology, and genetics. Additional course material includes laboratory techniques, statistics, and advanced electives.

In addition to the biomedical science coursework mentioned above, we offer our graduate students a host of professional development opportunities ( BU’s BEST  and PhD Professional Development Opportunities ). These include credit-bearing courses as well as professional development workshops, panel discussions, site visits, and internships to enable students to consider and prepare for careers in a variety of sectors, including research and nonresearch careers in academia, industry, government, communications, law/compliance, or wherever they may choose to work.

Our research relies on cutting-edge technologies and experimental systems to address the cellular and molecular mechanisms of biological processes, particularly those that relate broadly to human disease. Our research  encompasses the areas of cell biology ,  development , genomics/genetics , metabolism ,  neuroscience , and proteomics & glycomics .

Students applying for acceptance into the PhD program should apply directly to PiBS. More information about the program and the application process can be found on our PiBS website .

Please go to our Department of Biochemistry & Cell Biology website  or contact  Dr. Barbara Schreiber , Director of Graduate Studies, for additional information.

Learning Outcomes

Doctoral programs in Graduate Medical Sciences at Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine are designed to train scholars to be leaders in their respective fields of biomedical research. Trainees learn professional and scientific skills necessary to benefit society, becoming fluent in their areas of specialization and developing competencies that provide the foundation for lifelong learning and practice in their chosen field. The program objectives are delineated below.

By graduation, a Biochemistry/PiBS PhD student will:

• Generate an original body of work in the biomedical sciences that reflects critical thinking and independent thought.
• Demonstrate competencies in advanced research skills and critical thinking.
• Develop the ability to communicate both through writing and orally within their chosen fields of expertise.
• Demonstrate a commitment to professional development and continued learning in their chosen field.

Financial Support

Financial assistance in the form of tuition and health benefits, as well as a living stipend, is available to all students in good standing in the PhD program.

Course Requirements

• GMS BI 777 Techniques in Biomedical Research
• GMS FC 708 Professional Development Skills
• GMS FC 711, FC 712, FC 713, FC 714 (Foundations in Biomedical Sciences Modules I, II, III, and IV)
• GMS FC 762 Critical Thinking in Biomedical Research
• GMS FC 764 Professional Skills
• Biostatistics
• Advanced electives
• Research credits

Qualifying Examinations

Candidates for the PhD and MD/PhD degrees must pass both a written qualifying examination and an oral qualifying examination.

Dissertation Advisory Committee and Dissertation Defense

PhD candidates present a research proposal to a five-member Dissertation Advisory Committee. The committee is assembled at least once every nine months to discuss the progress of the accepted proposal. Once the committee determines that the research work is complete, the student writes and defends the dissertation.

Apply to the PiBS program online .

Please go to our Department of Biochemistry & Cell Biology website  or contact Dr. Barbara Schreiber , Director of Graduate Studies, for additional information.

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The Biochemistry and Molecular Biology doctorate degree program at IU School of Medicine typically takes five years to complete. The program includes two years of course work and three years of conducting original research full-time, culminating in a PhD thesis. This program prepares graduates for careers in academic research and teaching or in the business and industry side of bioscience.

Program Requirements

• A minimum of 30 credit hours of didactic coursework
• A minimum of 45 credit hours of research (B855)
• A minimum of 90 credit hours consisting of required and elective courses
• A scholarly thesis based on approved original research with oversight from a faculty mentor. Potential research topics include structural biology, signal transduction, drug development, regulation of gene expression, cancer biology and metabolic disorders.
• Minimum 3.0 GPA and a B- or better in all PhD coursework

Biochemistry PhD students must take at least two (of the available eight) two-credit Biochemistry core courses (BIOC-B811, GRDM-G805, G807, G817, G848, G852, G825, G826), which are offered among spring electives for the Indiana Biomedical Gateway Program (IBGP) or in the fall. These may be taken in year one or later years.

• GRDM-G715 Biomed I – Biomedical Science I – Biochemical Basis of Biological Processes*: 2 credits
• GRDM-G716 Biomed II – Biomedical Science II – Molecular Biology and Genetics*: 2 credits
• GRDM-G717 Biomed III – Biomedical Science III – Cellular Basis of Systems Biology*: 2 credits
• GRDM-G505 Responsible Conduct of Research*: 1 credit
• GRDM-G700 Translating Foundational Science to Contemporary Knowledge*: 1 credit
• GRDM-G702 Entering Biomedical Science Research*: 1 credit
• GRDM-G718 Research in Biomedical Science (first rotation): 2 credits

Biochemistry Core Electives

• GRDM-G805 Diabetes and Obesity: 2 credits
• GRDM-G825 Advanced Topics in Molecular Biology: 2 credits
• GRDM-G826 Synthetic Biology and Biologics: 2 credits

Research Communication (one of the following)

• COMM-C534 Distilling Your Message*: 1 credit
• COMM-C533 Improvisation for Scientists*: 1 credit
• ENG-W533 Science Writing for Public Readers*: 1 credit
• GRDM-G507 Reagent Validation as a Means for Enhanced Research Reproducibility*: 1 credit
• GRDM-G718 Research in Biomedical Science Rotations 2 and 3: 4 credits
• Indiana Biomedical Gateway Program open enrollment electives
• GRDM-G817 Molecular basis of cell structure and function: 2 credits
• GRDM-G852 Concepts of cancer biology: 2 credits
• GRDM-G807 Structural and chemical biology: 2 credits
• GRDM-G848 Bioinformatics applications to proteomics and genomics: 2 credits

Biochemistry Course Descriptions

Fall- Total of 10 credit hours

• GRDM-G855 Experimental Design and Research Biostatistics*: 1 credit
• BIOC- B890 Seminar: 1 credit
• Major course requirements: variable
• Minor course requirements: variable
• BIOC-B855 Research: variable

Spring- Total of 10 credit hours

• BIOC-B803 Advanced Biochemistry: 1 credit

During years 3 through 5, the student will take didactic courses if needed to fulfill either requirements for the biochemistry major or their chosen minor. In year 3, the student will typically register for a total of 10 cr. hours each fall and spring, including 1 cr. hour of BIOC-B890. 4 credit hours of B890 are required before advancing to candidacy.   The student will advance to candidacy upon completion of both major and minor coursework and having reached a total of 30 or more didactic hours of coursework as well as successful defense of their thesis proposal which serves as the students qualifying examination.

Work will continue in the field of the candidate’s thesis. Emphasis will be on the ability to pursue research with relative independence and responsibility.

MD/PhD students are not required to take GRDM-G715-717 but are expected to perform lab rotations during summer breaks from medical school classes. MD/PhD students must take two or more of the two-credit Biochemistry core courses (GRDM-G805, G807, G817, G852, G825, G826, G848) along with other courses required of IBMG and Biochemistry and Molecular Biology PhD students (GRDM-G505, G655, G855, BIOC-B803 and B890 [4x]).

• Financial Aid  PhD students with eligibility to work in the U.S. receive a competitive annual stipend without a Teaching Assistant requirement ($29,000 for the 2020-2021 academic year) as well as tuition scholarships and health and dental insurance. Find additional financial aid information from the IUPUI Office of Student Financial Services .

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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.

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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]

[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

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Students entering into our Ph.D. program generally have a B.S. in biochemistry, chemistry, biology, genetics, or related physical or biological science. During the first year in residence, students are advised by a graduate advisory committee and participate in coursework, teaching, and laboratory rotations.

Core Courses

The core courses in the biochemistry Ph.D. program include:

• BCH 590: Special Topics: Experimental Design and Application
• BCH 701: Macromolecular Structure and Metabolism
• BCH 703: Transcription, Translation, and Genome Dynamics
• BCH 705: Signal Transduction and Cellular Regulation
• BCH 801 and 810: Departmental Seminar (Thursdays) and Graduate Seminar (Fridays)

Following the core coursework, students may enroll in up to two advanced courses, chosen by the student based on recommendations from their thesis advisor, designed to support their thesis project.  Advanced topics range from biophysical chemistry, advanced molecular biology, metabolism, bioinformatics, or several topics offered through other departments on campus. Students usually complete coursework is completed by the end of the second year. In addition, students gain teaching experience by participating as teaching assistants for one or more semesters. Students also attend weekly departmental seminars presented by eminent visiting scientists.

Graduate Support

We support doctoral students through teaching assistantships, research assistantships, or faculty grants. In addition to stipend support, the department covers tuition for doctoral students and medical benefits through the Graduate Student Support Plan.

Application and Admission Timeline

Review of applications begins in November, and applicants are strongly encouraged to apply well before the December 1, 2023 target date for fall admission, although applications will be accepted until January 15, 2024 .  Well-qualified applicants will be contacted in late December-early January. Due to ongoing health and travel concerns, the initial phases of the process will be virtual. Campus visits will be mid-Spring semester.

Incoming Students

Students are advised to arrive in Raleigh the first week of August to allow time to acclimate (exploring your new neighborhood, getting your North Carolina driver’s license, etc). The week before classes start (typically the second week of August), incoming students will meet with the director of graduate programs and the department head for initial advising of coursework. During this week, you will also complete paperwork, obtain your student ID, and secure a parking permit (if needed).

Doctoral students participate in two laboratory rotations, each approximately eight weeks in duration, which allow the student to choose a thesis advisor through knowledge of the laboratory environment.  You will have time to meet with current graduate students and faculty to learn more about potential rotation projects during orientation week. Students will select their first laboratory rotation at the end of orientation week and their second rotation four weeks into the semester. The first rotation continues until fall break, and the second rotation ends before finals week.

Selecting a Laboratory

At the end of the first semester, the student will select a thesis advisor in consultation with the director of graduate programs and the department head. Several factors will influence your decision, including laboratory rotations, TA experience, and approval of the graduate advisory committee. A five-member thesis committee is established, typically during the second semester in residence, which includes at least three members of the department faculty and at least one member from outside of the department. The thesis committee will meet with the student at least once per year, usually following their presentation in Graduate Seminar.

Preliminary Exam

Students are encouraged to schedule their comprehensive exam once they have completed the majority of their formal coursework. The exam occurs during the fourth or fifth semester of the program. The preliminary exams are a written component (an original research proposal written by the student) and an oral defense of the proposal. After successful completion, the student is admitted into candidacy.

Thesis Research

After completion of the thesis research, and with the approval of the thesis committee, the student writes a thesis, presents a departmental seminar based on the research, and defends the thesis before the thesis committee. The defense generally occurs at the end of the fifth year in residence.

Graduate School Forms

Students can complete the Ph.D. program within five years. It is essential to set goals for your progress and be aware of the deadlines you must meet and forms you to complete to stay in good standing and graduate. The Graduate School has numerous resources to assist you.

Best Global Universities for Biology and Biochemistry in the United States

These are the top universities in the United States for biology and biochemistry, based on their reputation and research in the field. Read the methodology »

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Here are the best global universities for biology and biochemistry in the United States

Harvard university, massachusetts institute of technology (mit), stanford university, university of california berkeley, university of california san francisco, university of california san diego, university of washington seattle, johns hopkins university, university of california los angeles, cornell university.

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• # 1 in Best Universities for Biology and Biochemistry
• # 1 in Best Global Universities

Founded in 1636, Harvard University is the oldest higher education institution in the U.S. The bulk of Harvard's... Read More

• # 2 in Best Universities for Biology and Biochemistry
• # 2 in Best Global Universities

Massachusetts Institute of Technology, founded in 1861, is located in Cambridge, Massachusetts, near Boston. Around... Read More

• # 3 in Best Universities for Biology and Biochemistry
• # 3 in Best Global Universities

Stanford University was founded in 1885 and is located in California’s Bay Area, around 30 miles south of San Francisco... Read More

• # 4 in Best Universities for Biology and Biochemistry
• # 4 in Best Global Universities

The University of California—Berkeley is situated roughly 15 miles from San Francisco in what is known as the Bay Area... Read More

• # 5 in Best Universities for Biology and Biochemistry
• # 16 in Best Global Universities  (tie)

The University of California—San Francisco is a public institution that was founded in 1864. The health sciences-focused... Read More

• # 7 in Best Universities for Biology and Biochemistry
• # 20 in Best Global Universities

The University of California—San Diego is a public institution that was established in 1960. It is located in the La... Read More

• # 8 in Best Universities for Biology and Biochemistry
• # 6 in Best Global Universities

The University of Washington is a public institution that was founded in 1861. The school's oldest and largest campus in... Read More

• # 10 in Best Universities for Biology and Biochemistry
• # 10 in Best Global Universities

Johns Hopkins University is a private institution that was founded in 1876. The school has campuses located in and... Read More

• # 12 in Best Universities for Biology and Biochemistry
• # 14 in Best Global Universities

The University of California—Los Angeles, commonly referred to as UCLA, is a public institution that was founded in... Read More

• # 13 in Best Universities for Biology and Biochemistry
• # 21 in Best Global Universities

Cornell University is a private institution that was founded in 1865. The Ivy League school is located in Ithaca, New... Read More

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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