Biochemistry

 

Program Information:

Program Statement:
    At ISU we are dedicated to your success as a graduate student. As a first step, we have collected information on application requirements as well as links where you can find further information. We encourage you to explore.
Degrees Offered:
  • Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.)
  • Master of Science (M.S.)
Area(s) of Emphasis:
  • Biochemistry
  • Cell Biology
  • Computational Biology
  • Enzymology
  • Gene Regulation
  • Immunobiology
  • Metabolic Biochemistry
  • Molecular Biology
  • Nutritional Biochemistry
  • Plant Biochemistry
  • Signal Transduction
  • Structural Biology
Program Handbook(s):
Learning Goals:
  • The Master's and Ph.D. degrees with thesis are designed to train students in the ability to independently conceive and carry out original research in an area of interest. Advanced degree graduates become qualified to pursue or to continue basic and applied research careers in academia, government, and industry
  • Demonstrate understanding and thorough knowledge of the literature relevant to the area of study
  • Define research objectives of significance and develop testable hypotheses related to those objectives
  • Conduct research by appropriate means to test hypotheses
  • Clearly and accurately communicate information (as for instance, in the publication of research findings or in classroom teaching)
  • Understand how skills acquired by activities related to coursework, research, teaching, and scholarship facilitate the initial step toward a variety of lifetime career goals
  • The Graduate Certificate learning goals are to provide graduates a mechanism for formal recognition of focused graduate study in a specialized area that is less comprehensive than required for a Master's degree
How long does it take to earn a degree?
  • Median time to earn the doctorate: 5.8 years (Methods)
  • Median time to earn the master’s: 1.0 year (Methods)

Program Contact:

Contact: Allison Ringholz
Phone: 515-294-3317
E-mail Address:

Mailing Address:

    Roy J. Carver Department of Biochemistry, Biophysics, and Molecular Biology
    Graduate Programs
    1210 Molecular Biology Building
    2437 Pammel Drive
    Iowa State University
    Ames, IA 50011-1079

Admission Requirements:

Graduate College Requirements:
  • 4 year Bachelor’s degree (or equivalent)
  • Academic Records/Transcripts
  • Minimum 3.0 GPA (Program may alter requirement.)
  • Proof of English Proficiency.
Program Specific Requirements:
  • Program Requires GRE: No
  • Program Requires GMAT: No
  • Program Will Review Without TOEFL or IELTS: No
International Requirements:
  • Financial Statement: Application
  • English Proficiency Minimum:
    TOEFL Paper (PBT) 550
    TOEFL Internet (iBT) 79
    IELTS 6.5
    PTE 53
    Duolingo (approved through spring 2025) 105

Application Information:

Application Deadlines:
    January 7 for full consideration for PhD rotation program that begins in the fall of that year. No deadline for direct admission in fall, spring or summer to a faculty research group for Master's or PhD.
Application Details:
    This program is open to domestic and international students.