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Frequently Asked Questions

 

What is the difference between the Biochemistry Department and the Ohio State Biochemistry Program?
The Department of Biochemistry is responsible for teaching undergraduate and graduate biochemistry courses. The faculty members from the Department of Biochemistry have active research laboratories and train graduate students. These faculty members are all members of the Ohio State Biochemistry Program. Any student wishing to work with an advisor from the Biochemistry Department may do so. However, the Biochemistry Department does not offer the Ph.D. degree, except through the Ohio State Biochemistry Program. Therefore, if you want to complete your Ph.D. with a faculty member in the Biochemistry Department, you must apply and be admitted to the Ohio State Biochemistry Program.The Ohio State Biochemistry Program is the interdisciplinary biochemistry program offering the Ph.D., with faculty members from many different departments. Most of the faculty members are from 3 major departments: Biochemistry, Molecular & Cellular Biochemistry or Chemistry. However, our faculty is comprised of about 100 faculty members from over 20 departments across campus. Our program currently reports to the College of Medicine.

 

Do you accept students each quarter?
Students are accepted in Autumn Quarter only. We have a formal curriculum, and the courses begin in Autumn Quarter. Also, the financial support is available in Autumn Quarter for one full year, and this money is guaranteed only in Autumn Quarter.

 

Is there a minimum GRE requirement?
The General GRE exam is required, but no minimum score has been identified. All materials in your application will be evaluated by the Admissions Committee, and a decision will be made based on the total package you submit.

 

After I submit my application, how long will it take to get the final decision of the Admissions Committee?
The deadline for submitting an application for the Autumn Quarter 2010 is:

The Admissions Committee reviews all completed applications during January and February. Students will be contacted by the end of February to arrange interviews.

 

What types of financial aid are available?
The Ohio State Biochemistry Program offers financial aid to all new students entering the Ph.D. program. We offer Fellowships and Graduate Research Associate positions. The current stipend for 2009-2010 is $24,312 for a Graduate Research Associate.  Fellows receive a $3,000 supplement.   All students who submit a complete application by the specified deadline will automatically be reviewed for the university fellowship competition.   

 

How do I apply for a fellowship?
University Fellowships:  All students who complete an application by the specified deadline  will automatically be evaluated by the Admissions Committee at the first review. Certain criteria for University Fellowship nominees have already been determined by the Graduate School.  Students who meet the requirements will automatically  be nominated for a fellowship.  Students who are  awarded a University Fellowship will receive a notification from the Graduate School as well as a notice from our program.  University Fellowship winners currently receive a $3,000 supplement to the $23,600 stipend.

 

Any student nominated for a University Fellowship, who does not subsequently win the fellowship, will automatically receive a Graduate Research Associate position.

 

Graduate Research Associates :  All students are eligible for financial support as Graduate Research Associates. .  Students who do not meet the January 1st deadline will still be eligible forfellowships and Graduate Research Assocaite awards. These appointments currently carry a $23,600 stipend and waivers of academic tuition and academic fees.

 

If I receive a financial aid, which fees are waived, and are there any expenses that I have to pay myself?
The academic fees (tuition) are waived. Fees that are not covered by the program are $9 bus fee, and a $15 activity fee, and $40 recreation fee.   Students are also responsible for paying for parking decals,  and the shared cost of student insurance.  Currently the university pays 85% of the insurance premium, the student pays 15%. 

 

Will I have to pay taxes on my fellowship?
Yes, the fellowship is taxable.  Students will be responsible for submitting their tax returns at the appropriate time.  

 

What are my housing options? Will I be able to afford an apartment?
You may apply for university housing by checking the housing box on the front of the application form. Ohio State has a Housing Office that handles applications for housing, and the information you need to apply will be sent to you by their office if you check the box. For students who would like to live off campus, we have an Off-Campus Student Office. There are all types and prices of apartments available in Columbus, and generally the cost of an apartment is less than in other cities of the same size. Many of our students are able to afford an apartment without having a room-mate to share expenses. 

 

If I need a loan to supplement my stipend, who do I contact?
Ohio State has a Student Financial Aid Office that assists students with loans. The phone number is 614.292.0300.

 

How soon after I start classes do I choose an advisor?
Students may choose an advisor after completing the 3 required laboratory rotations. Each rotation lasts one full quarter, beginning in Autumn. At the end of Spring Quarter students may choose an advisor and begin working in the lab Summer Quarter.

 

What is the average time to graduation?
The Ohio State Biochemistry Program has been in existence since 1983, and we have had over 200 graduates. The average time to graduation for Ph.D. recipients is 24 quarters and 12 quarters for M.S. recipients.

 

What type of jobs do students from the OSBP get after graduation?
Most students move to Post Doctoral positions, and some take industry jobs. Click Here for a complete listing of our graduates, including job information. If you still have questions, you may contact Nicole Wade, the OSBP Program Manager at osbp@osu.edu.

 

 

Last Update: 04-Nov-2009