Application Deadlines
The deadline for Fall 2027 applicants is December 1, 2026. Applications completed or received after this date will not be reviewed. Applications will open August, 1st, 2026.
Admissions Requirements
Applicants are evaluated based on their research experience, letters of recommendation, academic record, and statement of purpose. Students are expected to have undergraduate training in biological, chemical, mathematical, and physical sciences.
Prerequisites and Academic Background
Applications are accepted from both domestic and international students. Domestic applicants are those applicants who are U.S. citizens, U.S. permanent residents, and Canadian citizens. International applicants are those applicants who are not U.S. citizens, U.S. permanent residents, or Canadian citizens. Additional information for international students can be found through the TAMU Office of Admissions.
Suggested Academic Background
Successful applicants typically hold undergraduate degrees in chemistry, biochemistry, biology, molecular biology, or biophysics. We also encourage candidates with degrees in other relevant disciplines (e.g. physics, engineering, or computer science) to apply.
Recommended Coursework
- Biochemistry | 2-semester course sequence
- Molecular Genetics | 1 semester
- Organic Chemistry | 2-semester course sequence
- Physics | 1 semester
- Calculus | 1 semester
Application Information
Step 1: Complete an Application on GraduateCAS
The GraduateCAS Application is required for admission to all graduate programs at Texas A&M University. BCBP waives the application fee for domestic applicants. Questions about the application fee should be directed to the Graduate Office.
Step 2: Prepare your Statement of Purpose
Your Statement of Purpose should describe the personal, educational, and/or professional experiences that motivate your decision to pursue advanced study in science. Include specific examples of research and/or professional activities in which you have participated (if applicable). For each activity, provide a terse and scholarly introduction, a concise description, and any results or conclusions; include figures if appropriate. Specify your contributions to the project and cite any resulting presentations or publications. The statement should be a total of 2–3 pages in length.
Step 3: Request Three Letters of Recommendation
Letters of Recommendation will be uploaded electronically by the letter writer; letters routed through the applicant will not be accepted. Selected writers will be automatically contacted by the GraduateCAS system.
- Ideally, recommendations will come from faculty or advisors who are familiar with your academic achievement and prior research experience; they should be able to speak to your potential for success as a graduate researcher.
- Non-academic references may be appropriate in some cases. Please contact the Graduate Office for suggestions.
Step 4: Submit your Academic Transcripts
TAMU Graduate Centralized Application Services (CAS) will allow unofficial transcript(s) upload during the application process. If you provide transcript(s) by upload and you receive an offer of admission and intend to join, you must provide the official transcript(s) directly to the Office of Admissions before you will be permitted to register for classes.
Domestic Applicants
- You must submit transcripts from all colleges or universities attended (excluding community colleges).
- Transcripts can be submitted through SPEEDE, PARCHMENT and National Student Clearinghouse.
Note: You do not need to submit an official transcript from Texas A&M University, but you may be asked to upload one in the central application service (CAS).
International Applicants
- Must meet English Language Requirement to be eligible to TA.
- TOEFL Essentials Speaking Section = 11 of higher
- TOEFL-iBT [Old] Speaking Section = 26 or higher
- TOEFL-iBT [New] Speaking Section = 5.5 of higher
- IELTS Academic Speaking Section = 8.0 or higher
- Texas A&M ELPE Oral Section = 80 or higher
- Transcripts are considered official only when they have an original signature of a school official or an original school seal. Accepted signatures include the Registrar, Principal, Controller of Examinations, or The Ministry of Education. Photocopies or other duplication of a transcript, such as notarized copies and faxes are not considered official.
- Consolidated and provisional mark-sheets are NOT considered official either. Please upload individual mark-sheets that list grades earned in each term.
- If your institution does not issue a transcript in English you must provide the official original language transcript along with an official English translation. Official translations are prepared by a recognized translation service and include all original seals and/or signatures.
- For students currently enrolled in the United States, copies of official transcripts from other countries are accepted provided the copies are verified by the United States institution the applicant is currently attending. Faxed, emailed, and/or notarized copies will not be accepted. Evaluations are not accepted as transcripts.
- Many universities in the United States can use the electronic format. Electronic transcripts can be processed much faster than paper transcripts. Texas A&M will accept transcripts sent electronically through SPEEDE, PARCHMENT or National Clearing House.
- Official transcripts from institutions out United States can also be sent to [email protected] instead of uploading them on CAS.
Step 5: Test Scores
Official Graduate Record Examination (GRE) scores are NOT required for either domestic or international applicants.
Texas A&M University does require a passing Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) score or the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) from applicants whose native language is not English, with the exception of those applicants completing all four years of a baccalaureate degree in the United States. The scores should be sent directly from the testing service to Texas A&M University (code 6003) and be from a test date within two years of the date that the application form reached the Office of Admissions and Records.
Step 6: Interviews
Interview invitations are extended to select applicants. Applicants residing in the U.S. will be invited to campus for an in-person interview during the first week in February, while applicants outside the U.S. will be interviewed virtually. Typically, interviews are scheduled late-December to early February.
Step 8: Tuition and Fees
To learn more about the cost of study at Texas A&M, explore the Student Business Services website.
Step 9: Financial Support
Check out the BCBP Financial Support page for more information on graduate student funding.
Frequently Asked Question & Answers
Do I need TOEFL or IELTS scores to apply?
International applicants must meet Texas A&M English Language Proficiency requirements through an approved test or approved exemption pathway.
There is a minimum for admission and there is another minimum for the department to be eligible to TA in the Spring.
Is the English proficiency requirement waived if my education was taught in English?
Not necessarily. English-medium instruction alone does not automatically qualify for a waiver. Applicants must meet Texas A&M exemption criteria.
Is the minimum score for admission the same as the score required to be a TA?
No, the minimum score for university admission and the admission into the department are different:
Test Scores Accepted by Texas A&M University
The following global test scores are acceptable to meet the ELP Requirement for admission and registration:
- Minimum TOEFL iBT overall score of 80 (in person or Home Edition) taken prior to January 21, 2026, and from a test date within two years (Texas A&M University does not accept the MyBest TOEFL score).
- Minimum TOEFL iBT overall score of 4.5 (in person or Home Edition) taken on or after January 21, 2026, and from a test date within two years WITH a 4.0 minimum score required on each individual skill section (Texas A&M University does not accept the MyBest TOEFL score).
- Minimum TOEFL Essentials score of 8.5 from a test date within two years (Texas A&M University does not accept the MyBest TOEFL score)
- Minimum IELTS Academic test score of 6.0 overall band from a test date within two years (Texas A&M University does not accept the IELTS General test nor the One Skill Retake for admission purposes)
- GRE Verbal Reasoning score of at least 146 (subject to departmental approval) from a test date within five years; or
- GMAT Verbal Score of at least 77 on the new scale or 22 on the old scale (subject to departmental approval) from a test date within five years.
The minimum score for Biochemistry & Biophysics
- TOEFL Essentials Speaking Section = 11 of higher
- TOEFL-iBT [Old] Speaking Section = 26 or higher
- TOEFL-iBT [New] Speaking Section = 5.5 of higher
- IELTS Academic Speaking Section = 8.0 or higher
- Texas A&M ELPE Oral Section = 80 or higher
Can I receive an English proficiency waiver if I studied in the United States?
The Graduate Office has advised that the waiver applies when all four years of a bachelor’s degree were completed in the United States.
Can GRE scores be used to demonstrate English proficiency?
The department indicated that GRE Verbal Reasoning scores may be used as an approved pathway for English proficiency when they meet required standards.
Is the GRE required?
No. GRE scores are not required for domestic or international applicants.
Do I need to contact faculty before applying?
No. Applicants may apply directly to the program and list faculty members whose research aligns with their interests. Contacting faculty before applying is not required. The Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics uses a laboratory rotation system that allows incoming Ph.D. students to explore multiple research groups before selecting a Principal Investigator (PI).
Can I submit unofficial transcripts with my application?
Yes. Unofficial transcripts may be uploaded during the application process. Official transcripts are required after admission and before enrollment.
Can I submit WES-evaluated transcripts?
Applicants should follow the Texas A&M “Official Transcripts and Records” requirements for acceptable transcript and credential documentation. During the application process, official transcripts are not required. If your native transcripts are not written in English, you must provide a certified literal English translation alongside the original-language documents to submit with your application.
How should I submit IELTS or TOEFL scores?
Applicants may self-report scores in the application. Official scores must be sent to Texas A&M if admitted and planning to enroll.
Can I use a non-academic recommender?
Yes. The Graduate Office has indicated that non-academic recommenders may be used when they strengthen an application, such as research supervisors.
How do I know if my application is complete?
Applicants may contact the Graduate Office to verify application completion. The office can identify missing items, such as outstanding recommendation letters.
What happens if recommendation letters are missing?
The application may remain incomplete until required recommendations are received. The Graduate Office can identify which letters remain outstanding.
What makes an application competitive?
Applications are evaluated using:
- Research experience
- Academic record and GPA
- Letters of recommendation
- Statement of Purpose
- Relevant coursework
- Publications and scholarly work (when applicable)
What coursework is recommended?
Applicants are expected to have preparation in biological, chemical, mathematical, and physical sciences. Recommended coursework includes:
- Biochemistry
- Organic Chemistry
- Molecular Genetics
- Physical Chemistry
- Physics
- Calculus
How many students are admitted each year?
The number of students admitted varies by admissions cycle and available funding. Generally, the department admits approximately 10–30 students per year.
Are Ph.D. students funded?
Yes. Ph.D. students are guaranteed funding through research assistantships and/or teaching assistantships, along with tuition and fee coverage.
Are assistantships guaranteed?
Ph.D. students are guaranteed funding throughout their program. Students must be in good academic standing and meet all departmental requirements.
Are there fellowship opportunities in addition to assistantships?
Yes. Students are encouraged to pursue departmental, university, and external fellowships. Numerous opportunities are listed in the graduate handbook.
Is there an application fee waiver?
Yes. The application fee is waived for domestic applicants who apply by the fee waiver deadline.
At this time, application fee waivers are not available for international applicants, and exceptions cannot be granted. We appreciate your interest in the program and encourage applicants to plan accordingly when preparing their application materials.
Does the department provide health insurance?
Graduate assistants are generally eligible for employee benefits. Students funded through certain fellowships may need to obtain insurance separately.
Is conference travel supported?
The department provides multiple travel funding opportunities and conference support programs for graduate students.
Does the program admit students in Spring?
No. BCBP only admits students for the Fall term.
Can international students serve as Teaching Assistants?
Yes, but international students must first satisfy English language proficiency requirements.
Will I need an English language exam after arriving at Texas A&M?
Students who are not certified before arrival may be required to complete Texas A&M’s English Language Proficiency Exam (ELPE).
Where can I get help with visas and immigration questions?
International Student & Scholar Services (ISSS) assists with:
- Visa documents
- Immigration compliance
- Employment questions
- Insurance
- Tax guidance
- Adjustment to life in the U.S.
What English score is required to be eligible for TA assignments?
- TOEFL Essentials Speaking Section = 11 of higher
- TOEFL-iBT [Old] Speaking Section = 26 or higher
- TOEFL-iBT [New] Speaking Section = 5.5 of higher
- IELTS Academic Speaking Section = 8.0 or higher
- Texas A&M ELPE Oral Section = 80 or higher
How do I accept an offer of admission?
Admitted students are generally required to:
- Return the signed departmental offer acceptance form.
- Accept admission through Texas A&M’s system (Howdy) when instructed by the university.
Will I receive communication from Texas A&M separately from the department?
Yes. Admitted students typically receive official university communications in addition to the departmental offer letter.
Can I review the graduate handbook before deciding whether to enroll?
Yes. Admitted students may request the Graduate Program Handbook to better understand program expectations and requirements before making a decision.
Contact Us
For further questions, you can email us at [email protected], or reach out to one of the Graduate Office Team members below.
Tera McAdoo
Graduate Program Coordinator, Administrative Associate IV