How Can I Fast-Track to a PhD Degree at Iowa?
This program allows Biochemistry and Molecular Biology (BMB) B.S. majors to be admitted early and transition into the BMB Ph.D. Program during their fourth year of undergraduate studies. This Undergraduate-to-Graduate (U2G) Fast Track Program is intended to provide a research-intensive experience and shorten the training time for students interested in pursuing a BMB Ph.D. Students interested in this program should speak with the BMB Honors Advisor at the beginning of their second year. Students participating in this program are provided financial support in the form of a stipend and tuition coverage during the second half of their fourth year and throughout their Ph.D. study.
Criteria
To be eligible for this program, students must be BMB B.S. majors and have the following at the beginning of the fall semester of their fourth year:
- Completed 108 semester hours of undergraduate coursework
- Minimum GPA of 3.50
- Completed four semesters of research experience (summer research counts as one semester)
- Completed the courses BSB:3120, 3130 and 3140
Application
Interested students should apply for admission to this program at the beginning of spring of their third year. The application includes a letter of application, statement of purpose, and three letters of recommendation, at least one of which must be from a research advisor. Please consult the BMB Honors Advisor if you are interested in pursuing this option.
"I was interested in the Fast Track PhD program in Biochemistry because it is a unique opportunity to dive deeper into research at a young age. The program gives me the opportunity to join a lab within my first year, giving me a great start on my thesis project. I'm very excited to see how the program will challenge me and allow me to progress as a scientist."