Biochemistry (PhD, MS, MA)

Program Overview

Explore the chemical processes of life in Binghamton University’s new graduate programs in biochemistry and chemical biology (BCCB). The BCCB program will provide leading-edge, multi-disciplinary training in the biochemical and biomedical sciences starting in fall 2022.

A laboratory science, our biochemistry and chemical biology program is hands-on and grounded in biochemical and molecular biological techniques applicable to a wide range of job opportunities in academia, education, and the pharmaceutical, biotech and chemical industries, as well as in the public sector.

Degrees Offered

• PhD in Biochemistry and Chemical Biology
• MS in Biochemistry and Chemical Biology
• MA in Biochemistry and Chemical Biology

Internships, Research Opportunities and More

In our BCCB graduate programs, you will engage in both class work and independent biochemical laboratory research under the mentorship of experts in the field. We encourage graduate students to pursue professional development in multiple ways, such as preparing research for publication and presenting at conferences.

After You Graduate

Biochemistry graduates can pursue a wide range of exciting career opportunities in diverse fields. In addition to research and instruction at the university level, opportunities include applied fields such as pharmacology, drug development, medicine and medical diagnostics, biomaterials/biotechnology, pollution bioremediation, food and drug regulation, food science and genetic engineering.

Admissions Requirements

To be eligible for graduate study, you must:

• Provide a complete set of your undergraduate (and, if applicable, graduate) transcripts showing one of the following:
  • You have earned a bachelor's degree (or its equivalent) from a nationally or regionally accredited college or university
  • You are within one academic year of earning a bachelor’s degree (or its equivalent) from a nationally or regionally accredited college or university
  • You are eligible to apply as part of a memorandum of understanding between your current institution and Binghamton University
• Have earned, at minimum, one of the following:
  • A 3.0 GPA over your entire undergraduate career
  • A 3.0 GPA during your last 60 semester credits or 90 quarter credits of your undergraduate degree, with most courses graded regularly (not as "pass/fail")
  • A 3.0 GPA in a graduate degree, with most courses graded regularly (not as "pass/fail")
  • In consideration of the different grading scales used around the world, each academic department evaluates international transcripts to determine on a case-by-case basis whether they demonstrate one of the above requirements.

To apply, you must submit the following materials. For general guidelines for these materials, see the Admission Requirements website.

• Online graduate degree application with graduate degree application fee
• Transcripts from each college or university that you have attended
  • An undergraduate major or substantial course background in biology, biochemistry or chemistry is desirable for admission.
• Personal statement of 2 to 3 pages describing your reasons for pursuing graduate study, your career aspirations, your special interests within your field, and any unusual features of your background that might need explanation or be of interest to the graduate admissions committee
• Résumé or curriculum vitae
• Three letters of recommendation
• Official GRE scores
  • Domestics applicants: optional
  • International applicants: required

International students must also submit the following materials. For more information about these materials, see the International Students section of the Admission Requirements website.

• International Student Financial Statement (ISFS) form
• Supporting financial documentation (such as bank statements, scholarship or sponsor letters, etc.)
• Proof of English proficiency (such as official TOEFL/IELTS/PTE Academic/Duolingo* scores)
  • Biological sciences minimum TOEFL score: 100 on the iBT
  • Biological sciences minimum IELTS score: 7.0
  • Biological sciences minimum PTE Academic score: 68
  • Biological sciences minimum Duolingo score: 120
  • *In response to the global COVID-19 pandemic, the Graduate School at Binghamton University has temporarily approved the use of the Duolingo English Test as proof of English proficiency through the 2023 application cycle.

This information is subject to change. While we make every effort to update these program pages, we recommend that you contact the department with questions about program-specific requirements.

Deadlines