The BCH Top Ten Admissions Questions

To apply for graduate-level admission into the Department of Biochemistry, you must apply through the Graduate School. We offer the following information in the hope that it will assist you through the application process, but you must read and follow the NCSU Graduate School's guidelines and procedures, available here.

  1. Does the department recommend a particular academic background?
    Students entering the graduate program in Biochemistry should 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 and molecular biology.
  2. I am unable to apply online. Can you mail me an admission packet?
    No, the Graduate School only accepts online applications. Sorry.
  3. What is the application fee? Can it be waived?
    The application fee is currently $65.00 U.S. for U.S. citizens and permanent residents, and $75.00 U.S. for non-resident aliens (internationals). Note that the application fee is non-refundable and cannot be waived.
  4. What is the minimum grade point average for admission?
    For international students, the Graduate School rules on academic admissibility. For domestic applicants, the minimum is 3.0.
  5. Who is eligible for stipends? Do all students receive financial support?
    Graduate students accepted into in the doctoral program are currently supported either through departmental teaching assistantships or faculty grants at a level of $20,000 per year.
  6. Are there minimum GRE, TOEFL, or TSE scores for admission? Are subject GRE scores required?
    The Department of Biochemistry does not have a minimum GRE requirement, but prefers stronger quantitative and analytical scores. The Biochemistry subject test is not required but is highly recommended.
  7. What institution and department codes should I use to send you my GRE and TOEFL scores?
    For the GRE, use institution code 5496 and department code 0202. For TOEFL, use department code 34.
  8. Are there minimum GRE, TOEFL, or TSE scores for financial aid?
    No. All Biochemistry Ph.D. candidates are funded.
  9. Do you accept computer-based GRE scores?
    In general, yes. There are special cases if you are applying from China, Korea, or Taiwan. Check out the GRE Board's Split-Test information page.
  10. How many international students do you plan to accept this year?
    We don't have a set number.