The PhD in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology requires four to six years of completion with a curriculum plan that is variable and will take into account each student’s goals for graduate study and the content of his or her previous preparation.
Students may choose from biomedical research areas such as cell regulatory systems, protein biochemistry, molecular immunology, cellular and molecular toxicology, microbiology, and genomics.
The Ph.D. degrees in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology or in Microbiology are awarded for significant and original contributions to basic knowledge through research. The Master’s programs in Biochemistry or Microbiology are also thesis-based research degrees, and they prepare students for further studies toward the Ph.D., for medical school, or for careers in academic or industrial research or in teaching.
Thesis research is conducted in the laboratory of a member of the Graduate Faculty or that of a cooperating member. Students ordinarily choose from among a wide number of research projects that are either underway or contemplated by individual faculty members. Faculty members are actively involved in research that is supported at the federal level.
September 2025
College of Natural Sciences, Forestry, and Agriculture
5782 Winslow Hall, Room 100,
ORONO,
Maine,
04469, United States
Consideration for admission to the Graduate School will be given to applicants holding a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution, or the equivalent. Applicants for admission must present evidence that they have had the necessary academic preparation to enable them to pursue the graduate program for which they are applying. The Graduate School has no fixed minimum grade point average requirement for admission; however, the applicant should have a strong undergraduate record. Students who have undertaken graduate work at another institution must be in good standing at that institution to be eligible for admission to The University of Maine.
The Graduate School requires a minimum score of 80 on the iBT TOEFL or equivalent.
IELTS: Minimum 6.5
PTE Academic Minimum Score: 60
DuoLingo: Minimum 105
Application deadline: January 15 (Fall) / September 15 (Spring)
*There may be different IELTS requirements depending on your chosen course.