When to Apply

Apply early! Applications are reviewed and students are admitted for summer admission on a rolling basis.   

• U.S. students are strongly encouraged to apply by Dec. 1   
• The final deadline for U.S. students to apply is Feb. 1.   
• The deadline for non-U.S. citizens/international applicants is Nov. 1.

What do I need to do before I apply?

Admission to the PhD program prefers an undergraduate degree in the natural sciences that demonstrates competence in the areas of biology, chemistry and biological chemistry.

Applicants should have had courses that include most (but not necessarily all) of the following:

• General Chemistry    
• General Biology    
• Organic Chemistry    
• Biochemistry      
• Physiology    
• Genetics    
• Physics    
• Calculus

Note that the Biomedical Sciences program does not have a Master's program. Only the PhD is offered, or an MD/PhD dual degree through the Medical Scientist Training Program (MSTP).

International Students

TOEFL: 600 paper, 100 IBT; MELAB: 86; IELTS: 8.0 is required. On the recommendation of the Graduate School, Ohio State is implementing a graduate conditional admission policy for international applicants whose English language proficiency is marginally below the university’s required levels, i.e. below TOEFL 79-80 iBT, or 550 PBT.

On average, one international student a year is accepted. International students MUST have a designated faculty mentor willing to fund a stipend, tuition and fees for 5+ years of the program before applying. In order to do this they would have to find an OSU faculty member on their own that is willing to sponsor them. The international student deadline is Nov. 1.