To earn a PhD in biochemistry, students need a strong aptitude for science and should take advanced math and science courses in high school. In college, students should consider pre-med or a bachelor’s degree in biochemistry, and look for schools with specific requirements. Hands-on lab work makes online study unlikely, and strong letters of recommendation are important. Completing a PhD in biochemistry usually takes a minimum of four years.
Those students looking to earn a PhD in biochemistry can expect some hard work. Ideally, that job should start in high school, but for those of you who dreamed of spending a day at school, it’s certainly not too late. What people need most is a strong aptitude for the sciences because, especially at the doctoral level, students need to teach, research, and be able to grasp difficult concepts quickly.
In high school, the student who would like to earn a PhD in biochemistry may be taking as many math and science courses as possible. If possible, students should try to study advanced placement courses, as these awards grant college credit, which may mean not having to retake basic science classes in the early years of a university. Clearly, a focus on biology and chemistry is important, but physics classes can also be valuable. Mathematics should be studied down to the level of calculus and the study of statistical mathematics is recommended.
Once in college, students may have several important options. Some students who earn a Ph.D. in biochemistry do so by earning an MD degree. Clearly, pre-med would be an attractive course for these students. Many schools offer bachelor’s degrees in biochemistry and this could be an excellent field to choose as well.
During your freshman year, it’s time to start looking for the perfect school to earn a PhD in biochemistry. There are many programs available and each one may have slightly different requirements. Some require or prefer that students take Graduate Record Examinations (GRE) exams in areas such as biochemistry, biochemical informatics, structural biology, molecular biology, or others. When selecting schools to apply to, look at each school’s requirements so they can be completed before senior year. Additionally, students taking the PhD/MD will need to take the Medical College Admission Test (MCAT).
While some careers are suitable for studying online, students looking to earn a PhD in biochemistry are unlikely to have that option. There can be too much hands-on work and lab time for doctoral-level work to be done easily online. Most students prefer brick and mortar universities for their studies and are likely to get more academic support in these environments.
One of the most important parts about graduate applications is having solid letters or recommendations. Excellent grades are valuable, but demonstrating a student’s worth to a school with glowing recommendations is vital. To obtain these letters, students must begin in their freshman year by volunteering to work for teachers, having proper respect in the classroom environment, and taking every opportunity to be known by the school’s faculty. While it can be challenging, taking on extra projects or just cleaning up a lab can help teachers become interested in seeing a student’s career progress.
Professors can also be a vital resource in selecting schools, as many of them have a good sense of students’ talents and know enough about academia to determine where a student is likely to be accepted. Graduate students who can teach courses can also be valuable in this regard. A good reputation must be combined with excellent grades in core courses and excellent scores on any GRE.
Once accepted by the school to obtain a PhD in biochemistry, students can expect extensive studies. While it is technically possible to complete a PhD in three years, this scenario is unlikely for most people. Most students can wait a minimum of four years to complete studies and a dissertation, and some require several more years.
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