Applying to the Biochemistry and Molecular Biophysics Graduate Group
The program seeks applicants who have an interest in continued study in biochemistry and intensive research in some area of biochemistry. A sufficient background in biology and a strong background in chemistry are the most important requirements for admittance into the program. Please visit the Graduate School website for more information about admissions and online application forms.
Application checklist
The following is a summary of the items that must be submitted in order to be considered for admission. (Note: In general, applicants are only considered for fall enrollment.)
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Graduate online application
International students
Completed and submitted before January 8 for enrollment in the following fall semester. Requires application fee of $75 (online credit card payment available on the application website).
Domestic students
Completed and submitted before January 8 for enrollment in the following fall semester. We do consider domestic applications through July 15, but we strongly encourage applying early to be considered for GTA/GRA financial support. Requires application fee of $65 (online credit card payment available on application website).
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Affidavit of financial support (international students only)
To demonstrate that the applicant has resources available to cover the costs associated with pursuing academic training at Kansas State University (approximately $46,488 per year; includes tuition and fees and cost of living).
- If the applicant does not intend to bring dependents (spouse, children) to the U.S. and does not have personal funds available, he/she can select the option “I do not have funds” on the financial support page of the application, as the provided stipend will cover the cost of living and studying at K-State.
- If the applicant intends to bring dependents to the U.S., personal funds should be indicated in an Affidavit of Financial Support in the amount specified on the form.
Visit the Graduate School Application page for more information and to download this form.
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Official university transcripts
Note: An unofficial copy of your transcripts (a scanned student copy or secure PDF) will be requested with the application. IF you are admitted to the program you will receive instructions for submitting your official transcripts.
Applicants are expected to have a four-year Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution (a three-year Bachelor's degree followed by a Master's degree is also acceptable), appropriate and adequate course work, and an average of B or better in the junior and senior years (or an excellent postgraduate record). Whereas the majority of incoming students have degrees in biology, biochemistry, or chemistry, some have degrees in pharmacology, genetics, food science, physics, or microbiology. Undergraduate and postgraduate credits should include one year each of general, physical, and organic chemistry, physics, calculus, and biology, and one-half year of analytical chemistry. Physical chemistry may be completed as part of an M.S. or Ph.D. program, but all other deficiencies must be completed without graduate credit. No foreign language is required. Provisional admissions may occur when there are limited deficiencies in undergraduate course work that can be substituted by course work taken at Kansas State University or when there is uncertainty in the evaluation of transcripts, as may occur in the case of international students; the removal of the provisional status occurs upon the accumulation of 9 credit hours of course work with a B or better average.
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Applicant's one-page statement of academic objectives
General instructions are given within the application system.
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Three letters of recommendation from professors or employers
After entering the information on your recommenders, they are sent instructions for providing the recommendation. The Recommendation Form for Biochemistry and Molecular Biophysics Graduate Group is contained within the system and is preferred. There is also an opportunity for uploading a recommendation letter.
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Official Graduate Record Examination (GRE) scores (optional)
GRE scores may be sent to Kansas State University directly from ETS. GRE Verbal and Quantitative scores at or above the 80th percentile are preferred by the Graduate Biochemistry Group.
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Official TOEFL scores (for international students only, whose native language is not English)
Official or MyBest scores from the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) sent to Kansas State University directly from ETS. A minimum score of 550 (213 on the computer-based exam or 79 on the iBT) on the TOEFL is required, although a score above 620 (260 on the computer-based exam or 105 on the iBT) is preferred by the Graduate Biochemistry Group. Applicants who score between 550 and 600 (213 and 250 on the computer-based exam or 79 and 100 on the iBT) on the TOEFL can only be accepted under provisional status by the University, requiring that the student either pass a screening test or enroll in remedial courses before beginning graduate study.
Note: The International English Language Testing System (IELTS) scores may be submitted in place of the TOEFL. Score minimums are: 7.0 for regular admission and 6.5 to 6.9 for provisional admission. A scanned copy of the original score sheet should be uploaded with application.
All application materials should be submitted online.
Additional information can be submitted to:
Biochemistry and Molecular Biophysics Graduate Group
Kansas State University
141 Chalmers Hall
1711 Claflin Rd.
Manhattan, KS 66506-3702
Email: gbiochem@ksu.edu
Please be advised that all materials submitted become the property of the Biochemistry and Molecular Biophysics program of Kansas State University and will not be returned or forwarded.