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Molecular and Structural Biochemistry
two people in a lab.

Graduate Admissions and Guidelines

We're here to help you. Check out the information below, including frequently asked questions.

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Graduate Admissions Process

  • Apply to the program through the NC State Graduate School via their online application. Be mindful of application deadlines.
  • The NC State Graduate School website has helpful for information on admissions, research programs, funding, student organizations, the Graduate Catalog, and a calendar of important deadlines. Students can also request additional information from Dr. Joe Barycki, Director of Graduate Programs or Madi Moser, Graduate Services Coordinator.
  • Include the following in your application materials:
    • A personal statement outlining specific interests in biochemistry at NC State, a description of research experience, and an indication of potential career goals.
    • A processing fee of $75 for US citizens or $85 for non-resident international students in the form of a check or money order payable to NC State University or a credit card. Do not send cash.
    • One (1) official transcript of your complete post-secondary academic record.
    • GRE score report, code number 5496. Reporting of GRE scores is highly encouraged but not required.
    • A minimum of three (3) letters of reference with a completed evaluation form from the NC State University Graduate School application, from faculty members familiar with your academic achievement and potential.
  • You may request information about the graduate program in Molecular and Structural Biochemistry by submitting a request online.
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Frequently Asked Questions

Students entering the biochemistry graduate program have a bachelor’s degree in biochemistry, chemistry or a related physical or biological science, including undergraduate courses in organic chemistry, calculus, physics and physical chemistry, as well as biochemistry or molecular biology.

We evaluate an applicant’s complete file so there are no absolute minimum GPA or GRE scores. Typically, admitted students have a GPA > 3.2 in biochemistry or a related field and have GRE scores >60th percentile overall (if taken). However, research experience and motivation for attending graduate school are strongly considered.

Requirements for the Ph.D. degree include a minimum of 72 credit hours in coursework (30 credit hours) and thesis research (42 credit hours), including the four graduate core courses and at least two advanced courses in biochemistry or molecular biology (18 graded credit hours), and teaching experience. Formal coursework may be completed within three semesters; on average, students complete the Ph.D. degree in five years.

Requirements for the Masters of Science degree include a minimum of 30 credit hours in coursework and thesis research, including the four graduate core courses and at least two advanced courses in biochemistry or molecular biology (18 graded credit hours), and teaching experience. Formal coursework may be completed within three semesters; on average, students complete the Masters of Science degree in approximately 2 years.

Requirements for the Masters of Biochemistry degree include a minimum of 30 credit hours in coursework, including the four graduate core courses and at least four advanced courses in biochemistry or molecular biology (24 graded credit hours). On average, students complete the Masters of Biochemistry degree in 2 years.

The department endeavors to meet the financial needs of students accepted into its doctoral program. All admitted students are offered the opportunity to apply for graduate teaching and research assistantships.

In general, review of applications for enrollment in the fall of the following year begins on December 1, but applications are accepted until January 15. Please check the NC State Graduate School website for graduate application deadlines.

We do not have rolling admission, and only offer enrollment into Fall cohorts.

The Graduate School sets the application fees, and these collected funds are used to support the infrastructure associated with running the University Graduate Program. Fees do not go to the Biochemistry Program and we cannot waive them.