Doctor of Philosophy in Biomedical Sciences - Biochemistry & Molecular Biology

The Doctor of Philosophy in Biomedical Sciences in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology program at the Medical University of South Carolina prepares students to explore the molecular mechanisms that drive human health and disease. With a strong foundation in both fundamental biochemistry and cutting-edge molecular biology, students engage in rigorous research training that spans structural biology, gene regulation, enzymology, and cell signaling. The program offers interdisciplinary collaboration across clinical and research departments to advance knowledge at the intersection of basic science and translational medicine.

Students benefit from individualized mentorship by faculty members who are actively engaged in federally funded research and recognized nationally for their scientific contributions. The curriculum offers depth and flexibility, enabling students to explore topics that align with their interests while developing skills in data analysis, scientific communication, and experimental design. Laboratory rotations, journal clubs, and seminar series foster critical thinking and professional growth, while the MUSC research environment offers access to advanced core facilities, including genomics, proteomics, and imaging technologies.

The program prepares graduates to conduct independent research and make significant contributions to scientific innovation in academic, clinical, or industry settings. They emerge ready to tackle complex biomedical challenges, develop novel therapeutic strategies, and inform scientific policy and practice. Whether pursuing careers in academia, biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, or government, MUSC-trained scientists are shaping the future of health through discovery-driven research that improves lives and expands the possibilities in biomedical science.

Application Process

Applications will be accepted through the dates shown below. However, the admissions process is rolling and you are encouraged to submit all of your application materials by December 1 for best consideration.

All applications to the College of Graduate Studies must be submitted online. If you are unable to apply online you must petition the office of the Dean for special accommodation explaining why you are unable to apply online. The online application fee is automatically waived for domestic applicants applying to all College of Graduate Studies Ph.D. programs.

In addition to the application itself the applicant must complete all supplemental materials specific for the program to which they are applying. These forms are sent through email once an application is submitted. All references are requested and submitted electronically through the application.

Applicants are required to submit unofficial or official transcripts for each and every post-secondary school attended even if listed as transfer credit on another transcript. All materials must be received by the application deadline. In the cases where we accept unofficial documents, the unofficial document must be a copy of the original. If you are submitting an unofficial transcript, it must reflect all courses, grades, degrees awarded (if applicable), and the name of the institution must be clearly visible.

All applicants that have attended international institutions are required to submit transcripts that have been evaluated by an external credentials service. We accept evaluations from World Education Services, National Association of Credential Evaluation Services, or International Education Research Foundation. If offered a position, and the applicant has only submitted an unofficial transcript evaluation, the candidate will be required to provide an official transcript and evaluation before any further consideration of that applicant will be given.

Some academic advising reports and degree audits do not contain all the necessary information so please review the document before submitting. As part of your online application, you may upload one copy of the scanned unofficial transcript from each undergraduate and graduate institution where you earned credit. For International transcripts, please make sure you include the diploma or certification verifying the degree obtained.

If you are offered a position, you will be asked to request an official transcript from each institution listed in the Education section of your application, regardless of the number of credits earned. MUSC reserves the right to rescind any offer of admission if any discrepancies are found between your unofficial and official transcripts.

Application Information

Stipends of $38,000 per year, paid health insurance, and tuition and fees paid by a Dean's Scholarship are provided for Ph.D. students.

Application Requirements

No single metric is used to assess applicants, but rather a broader picture of the candidate's qualities is considered by our Admissions Committee. Applicants more likely to be considered favorably will meet the following requirements/guidelines.

• Possess Bachelor's degree or equivalent from a recognized institution
• Have a minimum GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale
• Submit transcripts from all colleges and universities attended
• Submit reference letters from 3 individuals (References should address the applicant's aptitude for research when possible)
• Provide evidence of research experience (except applicants who are interested in Biostatistics or Epidemiology and have majored in math or a similar field)
• The general GRE test is no longer required for most of our programs. Students applying for Biostatistics and/or Epidemiology are strongly encouraged to submit their GRE scores.

Once an application is complete it is sent for evaluation to the Graduate Admissions Committee. Selected applicants are invited to visit the campus and the cost of the visit is partially defrayed by the College. The visit is composed of interviews with members of the Graduate Admissions Committee, campus tours, introduction to the graduate training programs and discussion with faculty. After an applicant is interviewed, the Graduate Admissions Committee meets to decide on the qualifications of each applicant. Applicants are notified within a week or two of the interview of the Graduate Admissions Committee decision.

Interview weekends take place in January, February, and March.

Application Timeline

Scholarship Eligibility

MUSC offers scholarships for which you may be eligible. Some are awarded based on academic achievement; others are awarded based on community service, for example. However, the majority of scholarships awarded at MUSC are based on financial need. This means those scholarships are only awarded to students who need some financial assistance to cover the cost of tuition and fees. If you would like to be considered for a financial need-based scholarship, you must have an up-to-date Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) on file. Make sure you list Medical University of South Carolina on your FAFSA form, along with MUSC's code: 003438. We encourage you to submit the FAFSA as early as possible. It is recommended to submit the FAFSA in January if you plan to enroll in the Fall.

International Students

Academic records from foreign institutions must be provided in English, certified, and validated as authentic by a university or government official. The College of Graduate Studies requires that transcripts be evaluated by professional agencies and are submitted to MUSC electronically or in unopened envelopes showing the equivalency of work completed outside the U.S. The following websites are preferred agencies and are members of the National Association for Credit Evaluation Services (NACES). Their costs vary across agencies, and we encourage you to compare prices and select the best choice for you. NACES International Education Research Foundation – Credential Evaluation & Translation Services – Chartered NACES Member World Education Services: International Credential Evaluation for U.S. (wes.org) If your education was completed in the U.S., you do not need to complete a transcript credit evaluation.

If offered a position, and the applicant has only submitted an unofficial transcript evaluation, the candidate will be required to provide an official transcript and evaluation before any further consideration of that applicant will be given.

A language proficiency test is required for all applicants whose native language is not English. Scores must not be more than two years old. Exceptions can be made if a student has attended a United States institution for an extended period. An exception might also be made for students in a foreign institution that uses English as the primary language for instruction, however, these are made on a case-by-case basis.

Final consideration cannot be granted to an international student’s application for admission until these official scores are received by the Office of Enrollment Management. Accepted tests are IELTS and TOEFL. Minimal requirements are: TOEFL: 100 IELTS: 7