Thank you for your interest in the Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Department's PhD Program! Students take courses and perform research rotations during their first year in the program before settling on a laboratory in which to conduct their PhD research in subsequent years. Students are fully supported financially during the entirety of their graduate training, which normally takes about 5 years. Successful completion of our program culminates with a PhD in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology.

If you are interested in applying to the Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Department's PhD Program, please view the detailed PhD Admissions information.

At this time, we are not admitting students to the Masters Program in Biochemistry.

Requirements

The Biochemistry and Molecular Biology program is sufficiently flexible to accommodate students with a relatively wide range of backgrounds. Students with a bachelor's degree in any of the biological, biochemical, engineering or physical sciences who have a strong desire to pursue a research-oriented career are encouraged to apply.

The minimum requirements for admission to the Biochemistry and Molecular Biology PhD program are:

• A bachelor's degree from a Regionally Accredited American College of University, or an equivalent degree from another country as determined by the Office of Admissions.
• A minimum grade-point average (GPA) of 3.00/4.00, or the foreign equivalent as determined by the Office of Admissions.
• Appropriate academic preparation, including: organic chemistry, calculus, biology, and at least one course in biochemistry. In addition to coursework, prior research experience is strongly recommended. Admission will be determined on the basis of academic record, letters of recommendation, and the applicant's statement of research experience and goals.

Requirements for International Applicants

Interviews

After initial committee review of complete applications, selected applicants will be contacted by email and invited for interview. On-campus visits involve applicants individually interviewing with five or six faculty members, meeting with currently enrolled graduate students (and other applicants), attending research presentations and poster sessions, and touring the university and the downtown Iowa City area. 

Interviews are conducted at the end of January.

If interviews are conducted on-campus, applicants' travel costs within the U.S. and their accommodation in Iowa City will be paid for by the Biochemistry and Molecular Biology department.

If you have any questions about the interview process, please contact biochem@uiowa.edu or 319-335-7931.