find a phd biochemistry

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

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]

Compare Programs

Check out similar programs at the Bloomberg School to find the best fit.
Master of Science (ScM), Offered by BMB
Master of Health Science (MHS), Offered by BMB
Master of Health Science (MHS), Offered by MMI
Doctor of Philosophy (PhD), Offered by MMI
Master of Health Science (MHS) in Environmental Health
Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Environmental Health

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

Ph.D. in Biochemistry

General info.

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

Application Deadline: November 30

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

Phone: (919) 681-8770

Email: [email protected]

Website: http://www.biochem.duke.edu

Program Description

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

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

Application Information

Application Terms Available: Fall

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

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

Department-Specific Application Requirements (submitted through online application)

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

Writing Sample None required

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

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

List of Graduate School Programs and Degrees

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.

College of Life Sciences - Thomas Jefferson University

Thomas Jefferson University •

Graduate School •

PHILADELPHIA, PA

• Rating 5 out of 5 2

Thomas Jefferson University

• Rating 4.68 out of 5 71

University of North Texas

• Rating 4.61 out of 5 127

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,... .

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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 ,

Lehigh University

BETHLEHEM, PA

• Rating 4.42 out of 5 19

University of Wyoming

LARAMIE, WY

• Rating 4.42 out of 5 24

Mississippi State University

MISSISSIPPI STATE, MS

• Rating 4.51 out of 5 49

Showing results 1 through 25 of 164

Doing a PhD in Biochemistry

A PhD in biochemistry aims to train students in the fundamentals of biochemical research and equip them with skills that will help them analyse data and develop new research ideas.

The basics of a PhD in Biochemistry

Biochemistry involves the study of the chemical processes and structures that occur in living organisms, from bacteria to humans. Biochemical methods are often used in medical research to better understand the causes of diseases such as cancer, AIDS and heart disease, and in related areas such as pharmacology, drug discovery and toxicology, research into the effects of toxins.

A doctorate in biochemistry is an advanced qualification designed to train students in their chosen subject. It involves carrying out original research on a specific topic under the supervision of an academic supervisor.

Daily activities of a Biochemistry doctorate student

As a PhD student in biochemistry, your typical daily activities will vary depending on the stage of the program you are in, but can include attending laboratory seminars, meeting with supervisors to discuss the progress of your research project or thesis, designing and conducting experiments in the laboratory, analysing biochemical data using specialist software packages, and creating scientific journals.

Lines of Research

Biochemistry is one of the most diverse scientific disciplines, but there are many areas in which you can specialise to develop more specific knowledge. Possible research topics include:

Biochemistry of single-celled organisms
Biochemistry of prokaryotes
Biochemistry of eukaryotes
Bioinformatics and computer biology
Molecular structural biology
Bioactive molecules
Genomics and systems biology
Systems medicine and human health
Synthetic biology, synthetic therapeutics, clinically relevant therapeutic design
Biotechnology
Molecular Biology

Due to the broad range of topics within the discipline, your research project may see you performing research on the structure of proteins, investigating cell metabolism, bioenergetics, cellular stress and biochemical factors within the nervous system. You may perform research in functional genomics, viral biochemistry, molecular biology, cell biology, or better understanding the immune processes.

Browse PhDs in Biochemistry

In-situ disposal of cementitious wastes at uk nuclear sites, capturing vibration to drive chemical change, development of fluorescent organic molecules for application in super-resolution imaging techniques, atomic layer deposition of novel nanolayer materials for solar cells, coventry university postgraduate research studentships, research proposal.

Besides pre-defined projects, your doctoral supervisor may recommend that you propose your own specific topic that comes closest to your personal interests, or they may simply suggest a broad topic as a starting point, such as Alzheimer’s, bioinformatics, proteins or human diseases. In both cases, you will need to produce a research proposal to explain your proposed research objectives and ensure that it is scientifically sound.

How long does it take to get a PhD in Biochemistry?

In the UK, a full-time doctoral student will usually take 3 years to complete their PhD in Biochemistry. Part-time PhD students should expect to take closer to 6 years to complete their research project.

Most Biochemistry PhD students will first register as MPhil students, typically completing an upgrade viva after 18 months, before officially becoming registered as a PhD student. Whilst your supervisor will provide mentorship, it’s ultimately the responsibility of postgraduate students to ensure their project and studies run on time and that they meet the deadlines expected of them.

What are the typical entry requirements for a Biochemistry PhD Programme?

In terms of applications, most UK universities require at least a 2:1 undergraduate degree or the equivalent grade from a university outside of the UK. Further, your degree will need to be in a field relevant to Biochemistry.

If English is not your first language, you will have to provide evidence of your English language proficiency as part of your application. Usually, this is a minimum IELTS test score of 6.5 for research programmes however this may be higher from one university to another, and from one programme of study to another.

How much does a Biochemistry PhD cost?

UK based postgraduate research students will pay annual tuition fees of around £4,500/year. Part-time students should expect to pay lower fees, with some variability between institutions about how this is calculated.

For international students (including now EU students), the annual tuition fee is approximately £23,500/year, equating to £70,500 over 3 years.

As with every PhD degree, potential students will need to consider additional costs such as living costs and any bench fees that may be expected by their particular project or graduate school. It’s a good idea to discuss these, along with any potential scholarships or funding opportunities, with your potential supervisors before starting your postgraduate degree.

Career options for Biochemistry PhD graduates

Upon completing a PhD in biochemistry, you may be wondering what comes next? Well, there is a wide range of choices because a doctorate in biochemistry allows you to work in many fields, including pharmaceutical and agricultural research, academia as a university lecturer, industry as a senior scientist, researcher or manager, as well as in research or at government institutes.

A PhD in biochemistry can open the door to many career opportunities in the academic world, such as lecturing and researching at universities. An academic career need not be limited to teaching – if you want to continue your research in a university environment, a PostDoctoral Research Fellowship (PDF) is ideal. It allows you to work on a research project in your field of interest, secure a salary and build on your research skills and experience.

This is perhaps the most popular area for PhD biochemists. The industry is constantly looking for people who can contribute their knowledge of biochemistry in combination with laboratory science. Companies looking for biochemists include pharmaceutical companies, agricultural research organisations, animal testing laboratories and analytical laboratories.

Government and research institutes

Government and health institutes, such as the Food Standards Agency (FSA) or the National Institute for Biological Standards and Control (NIBSC), often require people with a PhD in biochemistry. As a biochemist in a government agency, you can test food samples for contamination or monitor and test new vaccines and drugs. Alternatively, you could be the perfect candidate for working in a forensic laboratory because of your ability to analyse chemical reactions.

Research charities

Charities are one of the primary employers of PhD biochemists. They provide much-needed information about biological research, which is not always available. Charities such as Cancer Research UK (CRUK), Diabetes UK and Alzheimer’s Research UK (ARUK) attach great importance to a PhD and consider it an invaluable asset to their research teams.

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Join thousands of students.

Join thousands of other students and stay up to date with the latest PhD programmes, funding opportunities and advice.

College of Liberal Arts & Sciences

School of Molecular & Cellular Biology

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Department of Biochemistry

Pursue a PhD in Biochemistry

Request information Degree requirements Apply Core courses Advanced Electives

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.

Biochemistry postdoc Preeti Sharma prepares sample in lab

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]

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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PHD, Biochemistry & Molecular Biology

The Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology (BCMB) is in the Franklin College of Arts and Sciences. The college offers both M.S. and Ph.D. degrees in a variety of disciplines, including biochemistry and molecular biology. To apply to the program, visit https://ils.uga.edu/admissions/how-to-apply/. In addition to the courses listed in the curriculum, a number of interdisciplinary courses are available to interested students in the BCMB program. The listings in Biology, Plant Biology, Cellular Biology, Genetics and Microbiology should be consulted to determine the range of courses available to graduate students majoring in BCMB; see the online Graduate Bulletin.

Degree Type: Doctoral

Degree Program Code: PHD_BCMB

Degree Program Summary:

The Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology is in the Franklin College of Arts and Sciences. It functions largely as a graduate department with programs of study leading to the M.S. and Ph.D. degrees. There are 20 large research laboratories for biochemistry and molecular biology in the Davison Life Sciences Building, a $36 million facility completed in 1991. The building houses a fermentation plant with facilities for the large-scale production and processing of microorganisms, animal quarters and a large suite of plant growth chambers giving the department facilities to work with any type organism. Several faculty members have labs in the Complex Carbohydrate Research Center, which is housed in a $10 million research building and is currently composed of six faculty members and 100 support personnel.

The research laboratories are equipped with most of the specialized equipment required for modern biochemical research including automated amino acid analyzers, analytical and preparative ultracentrifuges, liquid scintillation counters, recording spectrophotometers, spectrofluorometers and stopped-flow devices, electron paramagnetic resonance spectrometers, x-ray diffraction facilities, mass spectrometers, protein sequenators, DNA synthesizers, HPLCs, mini-computers and other specialized equipment.

In addition to the courses listed below, a number of interdisciplinary courses such as Nucleic Acids (GENE 8920) and Molecular Genetics (GENE 8930) are offered to interested students in the biochemistry and molecular biology graduate program. The listings in biology, cellular biology, genetics, microbiology, and plant biology should be consulted to determine the range of courses available to graduate students majoring in biochemistry and molecular biology. One year of a foreign language at the high school or college level is required for a master of doctoral degree.

Locations Offered:

Athens (Main Campus)

College / School:

Franklin College of Arts & Sciences

346 Brooks Hall Athens, GA 30602

706-542-8776

Department:

Biochemistry and Molecular Biology

Graduate Coordinator(s):

Zachary Wood

Phone Number:

706-542-7806

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Ph.D. in Biochemistry

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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.

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PhD in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology

Gain the experience necessary for the development of independent investigators in various areas of biochemistry and molecular biology.

Why Study Biochemistry and Molecular Biology?

In the Biochemistry and Molecular Biology doctoral program, students will learn how to perform novel and fundamental research in biochemistry and molecular biology in a laboratory under the mentorship of an advisor, which is a major requirement of this PhD doctoral program. The student is expected to be trained, during the PhD training, to think critically, communicate effectively and independently perform research. This training is crucial for the success of students in their future professional workplaces, including academia and industry. Graduates from our doctoral program are highly successful in acquiring post-doctoral employment, with several excelling in jobs in the biotech and pharmaceutical industries. Some go directly into faculty positions at area colleges, but most do post-doctoral work at highly-regarded institutions around the country.

Why Study Biochemistry and Molecular Biology at UNMC?

There are approximately 45 students in the Biochemistry and Molecular Biology doctoral program, with 4-8 students graduating each year with a PhD degree. The program provides training for both research-based and education-oriented careers, with the average time to the degree of being five and a half years. Biochemistry and Molecular Biology's primary goal is training future scientists and educators to apply critical reasoning skills to solve problems in modern experimental biology and the classroom.

Program Snapshot

Prerequisites.

Admission to graduate work in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology may be granted to a student with a BS or BA from a recognized college or university. The student should have a comprehensive background in chemistry, general physics, mathematics and general biology.

We prefer students with one year of general chemistry, one year of organic chemistry, mathematics through integral calculus, and one year of biological sciences. A course in biochemistry is highly recommended but is not required, and courses in analytical chemistry, physical chemistry, genetics, and computer applications are helpful. An opportunity to correct course deficiencies is offered during the first year of graduate study.

Careers & Outcomes

During the course of the PhD training, the student is expected to develop the ability to think critically, communicate effectively and perform research in an independent manner. This training is crucial for the success of students in their future professional work places, including academia and industry.

Graduates from our program are highly successful in acquiring post-doctoral employment, with several excelling in jobs in the biotech and pharmaceutical industries. Some go directly into faculty positions at area colleges, but most do post-doctoral work at highly-regarded institutions around the country, including Harvard Medical School, National Institutes of Health, University of California, Stanford University, Stowers Institute for Medical Research, and the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine.

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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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Graduate Programs

Chemistry PhD

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

Application Deadline

PhD Admissions Deadline for Fall 2024 is December 6, 2023 (to be confirmed)

General Application Information

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

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

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

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

Transcripts

Statement of purpose.

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

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

We do not have a word limit, but we do recommend keeping your statement of purpose clear and concise.

Letters of Recommendation

We require three letters of recommendation. Letter writers that are able to provide context and clarity with respect to your ability and potential to excel in a graduate program are the most helpful in evaluating your application (e.g. a research advisor or a professors from a course that knows you well). UC San Diego students applying for the MS program need to submit at least two letters – at least one from a professor in the Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry.

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

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

GRE (not required)

Research experience, additional educational experiences, fee waiver programs.

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

Please fill out the application as much as you can ( https://connect.grad.ucsd.edu/apply/ )
Do not submit the application nor enter any payment information
Take note of your application's reference number (you'll need that for the next step)
Fill out our Fee Waiver Request Form
The deadline to be considered for one of the department's application fee waivers is December 4, 2023.
If selected for an application fee waiver, we will contact you with further instructions by December 5, 2023.

English Proficiency Exams (International Applicants Only)

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

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

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

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Older brain cells linger unexpectedly before their death, posted on march 28, 2024 by morgan kelly.

Dartmouth study finds cells critical for brain function survive 45 days after trauma.

mature brain cells called oligodendrocytes

For oligodendrocytes—the central nervous system cells critical for brain function—age may not bring wisdom, but it does come with the power to cling to life for much, much longer than scientists knew. That's according to a new study featured on the March 27 cover of the Journal of Neuroscience.

Mature oligodendrocytes took a shocking 45 days to die following a fatal trauma that killed younger cells within the expected 24 hours, Dartmouth researchers report. The findings suggest there's a new pathway for efforts to reverse or prevent the damage that aging and diseases such as multiple sclerosis cause to these important cells.

In the brain, oligodendrocytes wrap around the long, skinny connections between nerve cells known as axons, where they produce a lipid membrane called a myelin sheath that coats the axon. Axons transmit the electrical signals that nerve cells use to communicate; myelin sheaths—like the plastic coating on a copper wire—help these signals travel more efficiently.

Old age and neurodegenerative diseases like MS damage oligodendrocytes. When the cells die, their myelin production perishes with them, causing myelin sheaths to break down with nothing to replenish them. This can lead to the loss of motor function, feeling, and memory as neurons lose the ability to communicate.

We think this is showing us what happens in brains as we age and revealing a lot about how these cells die in older people. That unique mechanism is important for us to investigate further.

Scientists have assumed that damaged oligodendrocytes—like all injured cells—initiate a cellular self-destruct called apoptosis in which the cells kill themselves. But Dartmouth researchers discovered that mature oligodendrocytes can experience an extended life before their death that has never been seen before. The findings pose the critical question of what in these cells changes as they mature that allows them to persist.

"We found that mature cells undertake a pathway that is still controlled, but not the classical programmed cell-death pathway," says Robert Hill , an assistant professor of biological sciences and corresponding author of the paper.

"We think this is showing us what happens in brains as we age and revealing a lot about how these cells die in older people," Hill says. "That unique mechanism is important for us to investigate further. We need to understand why these cells are following this pathway so we can potentially encourage or prevent it, depending on the disease context."

First author Timothy Chapman, Guarini '23, who led the project as a PhD candidate in Hill's research group, says that efforts to develop treatments for preserving myelin have focused on cultivating young oligodendrocytes and protecting mature ones. But this study suggests the cells may change significantly as they age and that a one-size-fits-all treatment might not work.

"In response to the same thing, young cells go one way and old cells go another," says Chapman, who is now a postdoctoral researcher at Stanford University. "If you wanted to protect the old cells, you may have to do something completely different than if you wanted to help the young cells mature. You'll likely need a dual approach."

The paper builds on a living-tissue model the team reported in the journal Nature Neuroscience in March 2023 that allows them to initiate the death of a single oligodendrocyte to observe how the cells around it react. They reported that when an oligodendrocyte in a young brain died, the cells around it immediately replenished the lost myelin. In a brain equivalent to that of a 60-year-old, however, the surrounding cells did nothing and the myelin was lost.

"That model gets us as close as we can get to the cell-death process that happens in the brain," Hill says. "We're able to model the effects of aging really well. Our ability to select a single oligodendrocyte, watch it die, and watch it regenerate or fail to regenerate allows us to understand what drives this process at the cellular level and how it can be controlled."

For the latest study, the researchers used their model to fatally damage oligodendrocyte DNA using what amounts to a cellular death ray—a photon-based device called 2Phatal that Hill developed. They also used the standard method for removing myelin that uses the copper-based toxin cuprizone as a comparison.

As previous studies have reported, the immature cells died quickly. But the older cells lived on, which the Dartmouth team at first interpreted as a resistance to DNA damage.

The study came into focus when the researchers examined the mature cells 45 days later using a long-term, high-resolution imaging technique developed in the Hill lab . "That's when we saw that it wasn't that the cells were resistant to damage—they were experiencing this extended cell death instead," Hill says.

"No one's ever checked for cell death that long after DNA damage. It's the only example we can find in the literature where a cell experiences such a traumatic event and sticks around longer than a week," he says.

Because humans have oligodendrocytes for life, the cells are known to accumulate DNA damage and be more resilient than other cells, Chapman says. "That's why we think this effect is applicable to aging. One reason these cells may persist for such a long time is because they're used to experiencing this kind of damage naturally in aging," he says.

The study opens the first door of a vast labyrinth of more questions, Hill and Chapman say, such as whether the extended death is a good thing. It may be the equivalent of dysfunctional myelin, which is worse than if there was no myelin at all, Hill says. It isolates the cell from the surrounding tissue and essentially starves it of nutrients.

"It's almost like there is garbage sitting on the axon for 45 days. Do we want to save that garbage or speed up its removal? We didn't even know that was a question until we saw this," Hill says.

"If we understand the cell-death mechanism, maybe we can speed it up and get rid of that dysfunctional myelin," he says. "We're always trying to save the cells and save the tissue, but you have to know if they're worth saving."

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2024 OSU Distinguished Staff Award

Congratulations, Jennifer Hambach, recipient of the 2024 OSU Distinguished Staff Award!

The Distinguished Staff Award is the highest honor bestowed upon staff at the university since its inception in 1984.

Over the 20+ years that Jennifer has been in our department, she has excelled not only in her job, but also always being ready to step in and help graduate students, faculty and other staff.

Congratulations Jennifer!

I'm a first-generation HBCU graduate. I'm now broke and lonelier than ever without my college friends for support.

I'm a first-generation HBCU graduate from Spelman College.
At school, I met inspiring Black women who became my community.
Now that I've graduated, I miss that community, and it doesn't help that I'm broke and jobless.

In May 2023, I became the first in my family to obtain a degree from a four-year institution. I sometimes forget how big of a deal it is that I graduated from a top-rated HBCU .

College was always a given for me, but I never could've fathomed that I'd not only be accepted to Spelman College in Atlanta but also come across some of the most awe-inspiring people I have ever met while there.

Now that I'm a broke, jobless graduate , I feel lonelier than ever without my Spelman sisterhood by my side.

The people I met during my undergraduate career irrevocably changed my life

As a freshman at Spelman, I was introduced to something I wasn't familiar with: collectiveness through the lens of sisterhood.

The best part about the all-girls school for big-brained Black girls was the feeling of never being alone. If my procrastination led to pulling an all-nighter for an exam worth 20% of my grade at 11 a.m. on a Wednesday, I could find solace in knowing that two of my classmates also did the same thing. When we'd flunk the exam regardless of how hard we group-prayed that we'd all at least pass, we could lick our wounds in the jam-packed cafeteria over a plate of soul food and the thump of the Isley Brothers.

Little moments like those at Spelman provided a spiritual respite that's hard to replicate anywhere else.

COVID robbed me of my sophomore year. Words fail to describe how mind-numbingly dreadful it was to "do school" behind a 14-inch screen, especially after sampling what it meant to be surrounded by like-minded Black women for months.

I'm feeling much lonelier now that I'm a graduate

It's been almost a year since I left Spelman with my degree, honors, and accomplishments. But now, I'm broke and jobless — two things I've been before. But 10 months ago, I lived with other broke, jobless people who helped me shave and dye my head when life got rough.

We're all scattered to the wind, out in the world, making choices that are changing the world.

I cheer my college friends on from behind my phone screen and wish I were there with them, sharing in their celebrations like before. Most of the time, a comment on their Instagram story is the full extent of what I can do. Our obligations keep us busy and separated, so when I finish applying to my 10th job of the week, I send a text or a DM and hope my peers are having better luck than me.

I'm trying to find happiness in my post-grad life

I don't want my peak to be college, so I've looked to other avenues for community.

Luckily, I've found some online crochet groups that are Black women-centric. I try to imagine what the people in the forums look like behind their screens. I wonder if their faces light up like mine when I finish that final half-double stitch. I wonder if they'd cheer for me as my professors did when I landed that one LA internship they encouraged me to apply for. Suffice it to say, the groups aren't like my college community, but it's something.

Look, college wasn't always great. I'd be lying if I said I didn't ever doubt my place among my poly-lingual, Dean's List peers well into my junior year. But then, my roommate's family would take me out to eat with them, pay for my meal, and then buy me desserts to take back to my dorm. They'd tell me how much they were rooting for me and how proud they were. Those gestures reminded me that I belonged. I miss those gestures.

Spelman gave me my first real taste of a tight-knit community I don't believe I'll find in this economy again. So, for now, I'll stick to crocheting little lemon pouches and granny squares, hoping I can see my college friends again soon.

Watch: The surprising effects loneliness has on your brain and body

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