About the Program
The Biophysics, Structural & Computational Biology Program is designed to prepare students for careers in research and teaching in academic and industrial settings by providing a solid background in physical and biomedical sciences while involving them in state-of-the art research projects.
Ph.D. Degree
Most students entering graduate school through the BSCB Program pursue a Ph.D. in Biophysics.
Who Should Apply
The program encompasses students with significant training in disciplines including Physics, Chemistry, Biochemistry, Biophysics, and Biomedical Engineering. The program of instruction is designed to readily accommodate students with backgrounds in physical sciences but little previous exposure to biology.
Program Size
The program currently encompasses approximately 25 students of diverse nationalities and backgrounds. 5-6 new students matriculate each year. 29 faculty members contribute to the activities of the program.
Instructional Program
Students spend their first two semesters pursuing courses in Biochemistry, Biophysics, Cell Biology, Molecular Biology and Genetics while they perform research rotations in three different laboratories. Selection of a research advisor generally takes place at the end of the first year. In subsequent years, students serve as teaching assistants and take additional courses, while devoting most of their efforts to completing thesis research.
Other Educational Opportunities
Students typically participate in several seminar programs, journal clubs, and specialized research interest groups. They are also encouraged to attend and present their research findings at local and national scientific meetings.
Admissions Procedures
Admission to the program is on a competitive basis. The Graduate Record Examination (GRE) is optional. The Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or International English Language Testing System (IELTS) is a mandatory requirement of applicants whose primary language is not English, the Test of Spoken English (TSE) is highly recommended. Decisions are made by an Admissions Committee after review of applications and personal or phone interview.
Financial Aid
Important Dates
Completed applications must be received by December 15th for consideration for Fall semester admission (new students are only admitted for Fall semester).
A Safe, Welcoming and Supportive Environment for Graduate Study
We encourage students to investigate the academic and social climate in which they will be working. We recognize that recent allegations and an independent investigation may have raised questions about choosing the University of Rochester for your graduate studies. The University is deeply committed to providing a safe, inclusive and supportive learning environment for graduate students. We are taking steps to further strengthen that commitment.
- The CARE network—our nationally recognized program for expressing concern about any person, incident or issue in the University community and getting support to address it—serves all graduate and post-baccalaureate students as well as University undergraduates.
- Our Ombudsperson Program for graduate students and postdoctoral appointees adds a layer of confidential and independent support for discussing any concern and also for reporting inappropriate behavior.
- The Office for Inclusion and Culture Development promotes diversity and is tasked with ensuring that policies and practices to support learners are clear, consistent, and communicated effectively across all medical center education programs.
Our goal is to provide a first-class research and training environment in which faculty, learners and staff are united by mutual respect and the love of science. You’ll see this in Dean Mark Taubman’s response to the independent investigator’s report and the welcome message from Richard Feldman, interim president designate for the University. Find more resources and information on this website or talk to your program representative if you have questions.
PhD Applicants
Fellowship Package for Full-time Students
- Full tuition scholarship, including all academic fees. Tuition and Fee Schedule
- A competitive stipend for 2025-2026 of $34,333 per year for 12 month programs or $28,611 per year for 10 month programs.
- Single coverage AETNA student health insurance policy.
- Refund Schedule
Health Insurance
The University Health Service (UHS) provides a full range of confidential, high quality primary health care services for full-time students and other members of the University community.
Full-time students participate in the Student Health Program, which covers primary care visits to UHS, time-limited therapy at the University Counseling Center (UCC), and health promotion services.
UHS offers health insurance for individual full-time University of Rochester students and their spouses/domestic partners through AETNA. Full-time students are required to participate in this plan unless they complete the Health Insurance Selection Process indicating they are waiving the insurance plan because they have other insurance. Insurance for spouses/partners and families is available for a fee payable by the student.
Childcare Program
The University of Rochester is implementing a pilot childcare grant program for full-time PhD students, on University appointments, who are parents of children, newborn through age 6 (“student-parents”). The objective of this program is to provide some financial assistance to Rochester PhD students with childcare expenses. Additional details can be found at https://www.rochester.edu/graduate-education/phd-students/childcare-grant/.