mit chemical biology phd

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PhD Program

MIT Biological Engineering’s mission is to generate and share new knowledge on the application of engineering principles within biological systems and to provide rigorous and comprehensive education to leaders in our discipline. We focus at the interface of engineering and biology on combining quantitative, physical, and integrative engineering principles with modern life sciences research. MIT BE focuses on path breaking work at the forefront of our discipline and provides challenging opportunities for students to engage deeply with research at the most advanced levels under the direction and guidance of our faculty.

MIT BE offers a graduate PhD degree, and only accepts PhD applications through the annual Departmental process for admission fall term of the following year. PhD-level training in BE at MIT prepares students to lead research that will:

• Explain how biological systems function in terms of biological/chemical/physical mechanisms, and how they respond when perturbed by endogenous, environmental, and therapeutic factors
• Engineer innovative technologies based on this understanding and apply technologies to address societal needs across all sectors including, but not limited to, biomedicine
• Establish new biology-based paradigms for solving problems in areas of science and engineering that have not historically been impacted by biological approaches

In addition, PhD-level training in BE prepares students to translate this research for positive impact in the world by developing skills to:

• Explain technical subject matter clearly, accurately, and in a compelling and contextual manner for a range of audiences
• Engage collaboratively in diverse teams to contribute biological engineering expertise needed for multidisciplinary projects
• Exercise experience-based intellectual and operational leadership in technically and organizationally complex scenarios
• Exhibit integrity and ethical judgment in the design of research and the interpretation and application of research results

Degree Requirements

BE PhD students complete two core courses in the first year, supplemented with four additional electives ( Course Requirements ). Individual students pace their own progress through elective coursework in consultation with their faculty advisor.

In addition to the course requirements, students submit a thesis proposal to be completed by the end of the fall term during their third year in order to progress toward the PhD.

BE PhD students complete research rotations in the fall and winter of their first year and match with a BE Faculty member as a research advisor. Students carry out thesis research under the guidance of their advisor and with support from a thesis committee formed by the student. Technical communication is an important part of the BE PhD curriculum. Students gain and practice scientific communication skills through one or more terms of teaching experience at the graduate or undergraduate level and research-focused activities including poster and oral presentations at Departmental events including retreats, the Bioengineering and Toxicology Seminar (BATS) seminar series, and culminating in delivery of a written PhD thesis and oral defense of their thesis work.

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Please contact the BE Graduate Academic Office for additional information regarding BE educational programs.

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This page details the application process for the graduate program in Biology, including the application timeline, application requirements, and information for international students and students with disabilities.

MIT Graduate Biology is a doctoral program. There is no Masters offered. The average length of time until degree is 5 1/2 to 6 years.

The Biology department also participates in a number of  Interdisciplinary and Joint Degree Programs , including the Molecular and Cellular Neuroscience graduate program, the joint MD/PhD program, the Biophysics Certificate program, and the joint program with the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution. If you are interested in any these programs, please make sure you explore the different requirements to participate in or apply for these programs.

View Interdisciplinary and Joint Degree Programs

Application timeline

Application requirements.

Application for admission is completed through our online system GradApply . For fullest consideration, it is in your best interest to complete all parts of the application by or before the deadline. Incomplete applications may not be reviewed. A complete application should include:

Academic transcript

With regards to specific prerequisite courses for the Biology Program, basic requirements would include Calculus, one year of college physics, organic chemistry and subjects including general biochemistry, genetics and physical chemistry. However, students may make up some deficiencies over the course of their graduate work.

If you are unable to submit an unofficial transcript before the application deadline, you should complete the “Subjects Taken” page on the online application. You should then submit an official transcript by mail as soon as possible. To be considered official, transcripts must be received in envelopes sealed by the institution.

Mailing Address:

Biology Graduate Program Massachusetts Institute of Technology 77 Massachusetts Avenue Building 68-120 Cambridge, MA 02139-4307

Application fee

Letters of recommendation.

We require three letters of recommendation submitted electronically using the online application system. At least two must be academic recommendations. You are responsible for sending the links to your recommenders, tracking the status of the letters (on the “Letter Status” page under “Evaluations”), and following up as needed.

Your recommendation letters should include details that highlight:

• Past research experience and/or scientific experience
• Preparation for graduate school, with an emphasis on biology

Standardized tests

Statement of objectives, things to note .

• If you are applying to more than one department at MIT, you must submit a separate application for each department.
• CVs can be included in your online application in the “Test Scores / Experience” section.
• Wherever possible, use the provided drop-down menu options to ensure that your information is submitted correctly.
• Email will be the primary method of contacting you. Do not change your email address once you have submitted your application, as this will result in a record mismatch.

In-person interviews

In-person interviews are required for an offer of admission to the Biology program. Invitations will be sent out to selected applicants by email in mid-January along with further details about the interview process. The program will cover interview travel expenses, or provide cost-sharing for international students.

Information for international applicants

• We cannot waive the application fee for international applicants.

Non-native English speakers

Fluency in spoken and written English is essential for success in our program. We judge fluency in several ways, including scores from standardized tests.

• The IELTS (preferred), TOEFL, Cambridge English Qualifications C1 Advanced, or Cambridge English Qualifications C2 Proficiency test is required of all applicants whose primary language is not English or who did not complete college education in English
• Test scores: TOEFL (required minimum 600),  IELTS (required minimum 6.5), or Cambridge English Qualifications C1 Advanced/C2 Proficiency (required minimum 176)
• Test scores must be from within the past two years

More information about these tests is available on the MIT Graduate Admissions website .

Students with disabilities

MIT is committed to equal access for qualified students. Interested students may contact the MIT Student Disabilities Services office  to learn about resources on campus.

Biology Application Assistance Program

The Biology Application Assistance Program (BAAP) is a student-led effort to support MIT Biology applicants and lower the application information gap for applicants from underrepresented or non-traditional backgrounds. If you are a prospective graduate student applying during this application cycle, submit an application to participate in student-led application activities, including office hours and panels with current MIT Biograds, to help you prepare your application before submission. BAAP applications will be accepted on a rolling basis until November 15, 2024. Questions? Email [email protected]  or visit the BAAP website to learn more.

Submit a BAAP Form

Questions and concerns

• Additional information about the application process is available on the Graduate Admissions website .
• For specific questions about the Biology Graduate Program and the application process, contact us by email ([email protected]) or phone  (617-258-6502).
• For technical questions about the online application site, contact [email protected] .

Due to the volume of applications received, we are unable to respond to requests for updated status of application materials received or to provide feedback about unsuccessful applications.

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