PhD Biochemistry and Molecular Biophysics at California Institute of Technology

Programme overview

Integrated doctoral program on the biochemistry and biophysics of macromolecules and molecular assemblies with depth in a chosen thesis field, organized by the BBE and CCE divisions.

Faculty: Divisions of Biology and Biological Engineering and Chemistry and Chemical Engineering | Department: Biochemistry and Molecular Biophysics | Study mode: full-time | Intake: Fall | Location: Pasadena, CA, United States

What you will study

First-year BMB/Ch 202 abc seminar and BMB/Bi/Ch 174, five advanced courses of nine or more units, two quarters as teaching assistant, an oral examination by the end of the sixth term and annual thesis committee meetings.

Official programme page

Application information

Entry requirements

Bachelor's degree or equivalent in science or engineering related to the option; transcripts from each institution attended, three letters of recommendation, CV and essays; GRE policy is set by each graduate program; English proficiency (e.g. TOEFL, PTE Academic, IELTS) expected for applicants whose native language is not English; application fee $100 (waivers available). Admission is once a year with fall-term enrollment; deadlines vary by program from December 1 to January 15. PhD matriculation requires evidence of US work authorization unless alternative support is arranged with the option. Programme-specific: Open to students with degrees in biochemistry, biology, chemistry, biophysics, physics, engineering and related areas; TOEFL scores may be submitted by non-native English speakers.

USD 68,574 a year (2026-27). Annual graduate tuition rate for all Caltech graduate students (Fall, Winter and Spring terms at $22,858 each); no programme-specific rate; excludes mandatory fees ($2,448). The same page states that PhD financial packages cover tuition and mandatory fees Source

Graduate admission takes place once each year, with enrollment starting in the following fall term.

Graduate applications are accepted between December 1 and January 15 for enrollment the following fall term, with deadlines varying by programme. The application fee is $100, with fee waivers for a limited number of applicants. Applications are submitted online.

Apply through the official page: https://www.gradoffice.caltech.edu/admissions/applyonline

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