Frequently Asked Questions

The Integrated Program in Biochemistry (IPiB) is ranked among the top biochemistry programs in the country (11th according to 2024 U.S. News and World Report rankings) and is a phenomenal training environment to earn a Ph.D. in biochemistry. Program highlights include:

• Over 50 research faculty who serve as thesis advisors
• A diverse array of research areas
• Access to research cores
• A committee of faculty responsible for coordinating rotations (New Student Orientation Committee)
• Annual stipend and tuition remission (see our Financial Support page)
• Opportunity to be considered for university fellowships and training grants
• Collegial, collaborative, and engaging environment

View requirements and prerequisites on our Admissions page.

Yes. IPiB admits international students each year. Learn more on our International Students page, and view requirements and prerequisites on our Admissions page.

All application materials, including letters of recommendation and test scores, must be received by the application deadline (December 1). We recommend that you provide your letter writers ample time (at least 3-4 weeks) to craft and submit a letter for you. Visit our Admissions page for more information.

International applicants: We recommend that you request ETS send your TOEFL or IELTS scores to the UW–Madison Graduate School no later than November 15. This will allow the Graduate School time to process your scores and upload official results to your application. Unofficial test scores for TOEFL or IELTS must also be provided in your application. Visit the Graduate School website for more information about English proficiency requirements.

It is not necessary to contact specific faculty trainers prior to submitting your online application. If you are invited for an interview, you will be asked which faculty you are interested in working with. All IPiB students are required to complete rotations in three different labs (see “How do I select a lab?” below).

The IPiB Admissions Committee, which is composed of faculty members from both the Biochemistry and Biomolecular Chemistry departments, will review your application and supporting materials. Our Student Services staff will communicate with you regarding the status of your application throughout the review process.

Interviews are conducted virtually. Applicants who are admitted to IPiB are contacted via email by the IPiB Admissions Committee, and a formal letter outlining our offer package will follow, also via email. Admitted applicants who currently reside in the U.S. also receive invitations to visit campus for our recruitment weekends. During our recruitment weekends, you will have the opportunity to meet with IPiB faculty and current graduate students and tour our campus and city. You must inform us of your admissions decision by April 15.

To check your application status, log into MyUW using the NetID and password you created during the application process. If you have forgotten your NetID or password, visit the DoIT page on recovering a forgotten NetID or password, or contact the DoIT Help Desk at 608-264-HELP for assistance.

All students (both domestic and international) receive an annual stipend and tuition remission for the duration of their studies, provided satisfactory progress is made toward their degree. Comprehensive medical insurance is also offered.

Some of our students are supported on fellowships or training grants. Students are chosen for these opportunities based on criteria (including training grant applications in some cases) specified by the different training grants. Other students receive support from federal agencies such as the National Science Foundation (NSF) and National Institutes of Health (NIH).

Please see more information on our Financial Support page.

IPiB and the University of Wisconsin–Madison work to support diversity in the sciences and provide numerous mentoring, funding, and professional development resources. Learn more on our Resources page and Diversity, Equity and Inclusion page.

Graduate students rotate through three labs during their first semester. Each rotation period is approximately 4-5 weeks. Students receive their laboratory assignments after rotations are completed. Laboratory assignments are made with the goal of providing each student with their first choice. Visit our Program Requirements page to learn more about this process.

IPiB does not require a minor. Instead, we have a breadth requirement of at least six credits in at least two of three breadth areas (biological sciences, physical sciences, quantitative sciences). Students who wish to pursue an “external” (Option A) minor must meet the minor requirements of that department/program. Visit our Program Requirements page to learn more.

IPiB graduate students are required to teach for one semester during their second year, and they have the option to either teach for a second semester (third year) or fulfill an equivalent (approximately 60 hours) of an approved professional development activity. The semester teaching requirement and professional development option allow students to gain valuable teaching experience and to receive recognition for their professional development in ways that may align more closely with their professional interests.

Our students earn their Ph.D. degree in 5-6 years.