Frequently Asked Questions

Q. Must I apply to a specific department in order to be a BMSD student, or do I apply directly to the BMSD program?
A. If you wish to be a BMSD student, you must apply directly to the BMSD program.

Q. Can I apply to more than one program or department at the University of Washington at the same time?
A.Yes. However, you must submit a separate application to each department, and pay a separate fee for each application.

Q. Is it possible for me to obtain a PhD in Chemistry (or Biochemistry, Medicinal Chemistry, Bioengineering, Biological Structure) as a BMSD student?
A. Yes. The BMSD program will eventually have degree-granting status with the State of Washington. Until then, however, graduating students will receive a PhD from the department in which they reside for the duration of their graduate career.

Q. Do you accept people into the program with a Master's Degree?
A. Yes. However, you may still be required to take courses specific to the BMSD program, subject to the discretion of the advisors of the program.

Q. Can I obtain a Master's Degree in the BMSD program?
A. No. Only a PhD degree is awarded.

Q. Is it possible for me to be accepted into the BMSD program without a science undergraduate degree?
A. Yes. If your degree is in mathematics, for example, you may take the GRE subject test in your field rather than in one of the required sciences. Your transcripts, GRE scores, personal statement, and letters of recommendation will be closely evaluated by the Admissions Committee to determine the likelihood of your success in the BMSD program in light of your previous program of study.

Q. Is it recommended that I contact individual professors to request their support of my application?
A. No. Your application is first reviewed by members of the Admissions Committee to determine those students to invite for personal interviews with faculty. You will be invited to meet in person with faculty of interest to you if your application receives the recommendation of the Committee.

Q. What financial aid is available?
A. The BMSD program offers full financial support for the first year of a student's graduate career. Beginning mid-September of their second year, students are generally funded by research grants of their permanent PI. Although it is possible that a student may not be able to enter their first choice of permanent lab because of funding issues, so far no student (neither domestic nor international) has ever had to fund their own way through any portion of their graduate school education. Each BMSD faculty member has been training graduate students for many years, and usually has active research grants on which students can be funded. Domestic students may apply for a variety of training grants, and TA positions are also available. International students must successfully pass an English proficiency test before receiving a TA position, and a minimum score of 55 on the TSE is required to study in the Chemistry Department as an international BMSD student.

Q. Is there a separate Biophysics Department at the University of Washington?
A. No. Although there is also a Department of Physiology and Biophysics at the UW, the BMSD Program is the university's primary Biophysics program and is linked with the Molecular Biophysics Training Grant.

Q. Is the TSE required for international students to be accepted into the program?
A. You do not need to take the TSE until after you are accepted into the program and are here at the University.