You are an integral part of our success. Established in 1992, the Center for Biological Chemistry Graduate Program is one of the most successful programs at the University of Nebraska. Our program currently consists of more than 20 faculty members mentoring approximately 30 students. The size of the group allows for extensive personal attention from faculty mentors and contributes to fluid collaboration among students and other researchers. Our strength lies in our commitment to the development of new scientists, by cultivating supportive working relationships in our research community.
We emphasize the following core research areas:
- Structural and Chemical Basis of Protein Function
- Metabolism and Metabolic Engineering
- Molecular Mechanisms of Disease
- Plant and Microbial Biochemistry and Biotechnology
- Computational and Systems Biology

Graduate Training Program
We emphasize flexibility in the design of your Program of Study and encourage you to take full advantage of our multidisciplinary training environment. The essential components of your training program include orientation, advisor selection, required courses, comprehensive examination, seminars and teaching experience.
Training Program
Graduate Application Process and Requirements
Learn more about the Center for Biological Chemistry Graduate Program application process and requirements for Fall and Spring.
Application Process
Graduate Training Strengths
Our program is positioned at the interface of the physical sciences (bioinorganic, bio-organic, biophysics), the biological sciences (genetics and molecular biology), and the applied sciences (biotechnology). Our expertise provides a rich training environment that encourages creative interdisciplinary problem-solving and discovery.
Training StrengthsGraduates How to Apply
The Graduate Program was established at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln in 1992. Since that time, our numbers and federal research dollars have made us one of the most successful programs at the university. The University's Biochemistry Program is widely known for the excellence of its training environment. What has not changed is our commitment foremost to the development of new scientists and researchers. Our strength lies in our devotion to you as a student, and in the supportive working relationships we cultivate in our research community.
How to ApplyKey Facts:
- Graduate students pursuing a Ph.D. degree and in good standing are supported by a graduate assistantship throughout their training.
- Many of our students are recipients of University-sponsored fellowships that augment the base stipend.
- Assistantships also include 12 credit hours of graduate coursework per semester and subsidized health insurance.
- Elements of our graduate program are supported by an NIH-funded Cellular, Biochemical, and Molecular Sciences Predoctoral Research Training Grant.
- Lincoln ranks among the best mid-sized cities and offers a low cost of living, an array of entertainment options, and numerous outdoor activities.
- Average time to completion of Ph.D. is 5.1 years.