To earn a PhD in biochemistry, students must first obtain a bachelor’s degree in biology, chemistry, or biochemistry with good grades and possibly proficiency test scores. They should research and apply to at least three schools, obtain letters of recommendation, and complete a dissertation approved by faculty. Programs can take several years to complete.
There are several schools in the United States and elsewhere that offer doctoral or doctoral degrees in biochemistry. Obviously, this is not the first step for many students. People cannot earn a master’s or doctoral degree without first earning a bachelor’s degree. In most cases, this bachelor’s degree must be obtained in a related field or in the same field.
The first step to earning a PhD in biochemistry is to earn a bachelor of science or bachelor’s degree in biology, chemistry, or biochemistry. Biochemistry is probably the top favourite, as any doctoral program assumes that students have quite advanced knowledge of the subject. This knowledge must not only be demonstrated by the courses a student has taken, but must also be demonstrated by the grades.
Earning a PhD in anything can be tough work because many graduate schools are notoriously competitive. They are typically selective about the students they take and tend to have many options. This means that students must earn good grades, especially in their major areas. Some schools also require or at least recommend some proficiency tests in subject areas. There is, in the US, a graduate registration exam (GRE) in biochemistry. Schools may require good scores on this test, and they may also require good scores on the general GRE test.
If students are planning to go straight from a BA in biochemistry to a PhD in biochemistry, they will have some time-conscious planning to do. GREs may need to be chosen by early fall of the year they plan to apply to the school, and possibly sooner. Students will also have to start some research, before their senior year, to determine where they want to apply.
Students at a school with a doctoral program may think they can just stay at the same school. College may disapprove of it, although it sometimes does. Schools often want to broaden the pool of students they attend and may prefer to select doctoral candidates who did not have an undergraduate degree. If interested in remaining at the same school, students should discuss the likelihood of being accepted with a few trusted faculty.
Trying to narrow down your college options can be difficult. Look for those who have interests that are more in line with personal interests. Take advantage of the many schools open to visitors, meet the teachers and visit the school. It may be worth taking a summer or early fall trip before making decisions on where to apply.
It is generally a good idea to select at least three schools to apply for a doctorate in biochemistry. Some college application advice suggests applying to a larger number of schools, but this can be hard on your pocket as each one charges an application fee. However, if the likelihood of acceptance anywhere is small, broadening the field by filling out more applications can be important.
Students will need to receive letters of recommendation from their own instructors, and it is best to choose the most supportive professors. In late fall or early winter, after grades, GRE scores, and recommendations are collected, students submit their applications. Schools generally notify their acceptance in mid-spring.
With good applications and a little luck, most people will find themselves studying for a Ph.D. in biochemistry next fall. Programs can be constructed in different ways, but often involve multi-year classes while working as research assistants or teaching assistants. Once classes are finished, students will complete a final project or dissertation, which may involve extensive research. This dissertation must be approved by the faculty in order for the student to obtain PhD status. The time spent in these programs can vary from three years to several more for the completion of the dissertation.
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