How To Apply

Applications are accepted for the fall semester only and should be submitted by January 15. We will accept applications after this date, but they may not be reviewed if available positions are filled. The Biochemistry Program awards only the Ph.D. degree and does not admit candidates seeking an M.S. degree.

Procedures for preparing a complete application:

1. Submit an online application to the Purdue Graduate School. There is a $55 application fee. See Grad school website for specific details.
2. Have official copies of the GRE scores sent to Purdue. The institutional code for Purdue is 1631. You do not need a departmental code. We recommend that the GRE be taken by October.
3. Provide three letters of recommendation on your behalf from individuals who are able to assess your scholarly abilities and your potential for success in graduate school. Forms provided by the graduate school can be used for this purpose. Referees should send their letters directly to the Biochemistry graduate program at the address listed below. If you have research experience with academic or industrial laboratories, it is advantageous for at least one of the letters to come from a supervisor familiar with your work.
4. Send the following items to the Department of Biochemistry using the address listed below.
   • Official transcripts These should include all colleges or universities you have attended.
     The graduate school has optional forms that may be used to request transcripts.
   • Statement of purpose Follow the graduate school guidelines for preparation of this document, which should contain 500 words or less. We recommend that you include comments on your research activities.
   • Class List. This is a required supplemental form. Indicate all undergraduate science and math courses you have taken,   including credits and grade. Include courses in which you are currently enrolled, or which you will complete this year. Our students come from a variety of backgrounds, and we realize that there may be many courses in the list, which you have not taken.
5. International students who did not receive their undergraduate degree from a U.S. institution must submit official TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) scores in addition to all items listed above. A score of 600 or higher is required on the paper-based TOEFL exam or greater than 250 on the computer-based version of the test.

These materials should be mailed to:  

Graduate Admissions Committee 
Department of Biochemistry 
Purdue University 
175 S. University St.
West Lafayette, IN 47907-2063

Please contact us if you have questions regarding the application procedures. You may also find help at the "frequently asked question page" at the graduate school website.