Graduate FAQs
Graduate Application Process
January 5 is the deadline, but submission of application materials earlier is strongly encouraged.
We will continue to evaluate applications until all available positions are filled.
At the moment, only Domestic applicants who submit their application prior to December 1st are eligible for application fee waiver.
Research experience is weighted heavily during the evaluation process. However, students whose other metrics are extremely strong, despite having limited research experience, are encouraged to apply.
No, all first year students will do 3 rotations in different labs during their first semester. Once the rotations are finished, you will turned in form with your lab preferences and will be placed in a lab based on your preferences and availability in those labs.
Your application will be evaluated to the extent possible; however, we are not able to move forward with an offer of admission until all support letters are received.
Yes, but official transcripts are required prior to starting the program.
The application package consists of a CV, transcripts, 3 letters of recommendation, and a personal statement. The statement should be brief (approximately 2-5 pages) and describe research interests, experience to date, and any other personal information the applicant believes is relevant for the evaluation process. Identifying potential mentors in the department is helpful. International students should also submit TOEFL or IETLS scores. GRE and Subject GRE scores are optional.
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5 years.
Yes, under certain circumstances you can.
3.0
Most successful applicants to our graduate program in Chemistry and Biochemistry have a TOEFL above 90. The minimum TOEFL score required by the Graduate School is 80.
In most cases, we will respond to applicants within six weeks of the application deadline.
As soon as we have sufficient information to respond definitively, we will communicate the outcome to those on the Waitlist.
Official transcripts can be sent electronically to Grad_Transcripts@baylor.edu.
Graduate General Information
Read more about the Chemistry & Biochemistry Graduate Programs.
While we do offer a M.S. degree in Chemistry, all students are recruited directly into our Ph.D. program. Those that do not complete the Ph.D. program can receive a M.S. if the degree requirements are met.
Our average time to Ph.D. is 5.2 years currently.
It is mandatory that all students teach a minimum of 2 semesters. After that you may be paid as a Research Assistant if funding is available from research grants or external fellowships.
Graduate Financial
$30,000
Yes, health insurance is provided by Baylor at an 80% discount.
Yes, all graduate students must have health insurance. Domestic students can opt out of the Baylor plan if they provide proof of coverage from another source. International students are required to maintain insurance coverage through Baylor’s student health insurance plan.
Students are welcome to enroll their families in the University’s health care plan, but at this time Baylor will only cover 80% of the individual student’s health insurance cost.
There are no student fees as they are now rolled into the tuition cost.
All our graduate students in good standing receive full tuition remission and a competitive stipend.
Baylor University requires all degree-seeking students enrolled in the Graduate School and Garland School of Social Work (including online students) to maintain health insurance.
Graduate Recruiting Events
The dates vary year to year, but our primary recruiting weekend occurs mid- to late-February.
We always welcome visitors to our department. Feel free to reach out to individual faculty members directly, or contact the Graduate Program Coordinator and Director of Graduate Recruitment for help.
Admitted Graduate Students
We adhere to the Council of Graduate Schools April 15 Resolution allowing students until April 15th to respond to our offer of admission (i.e., April 15 is the deadline). However, if you have decided to attend graduate school elsewhere, please formally decline our offer of admission as soon as possible so those resources can be made available to another applicant.
The cost of living in Waco is ~20% less than the national average. There are a number of affordable apartments close to campus.
Yes, there are two Baylor owned apartment complexes.
This may be possible if funding is available. Contact faculty members directly about summer research opportunities.
You will need to be on-campus for graduate orientation the week preceding the first day of classes. This is usually in mid-August.
You will learn more about our program, take ACS exams, receive TA training, register for courses, become familiar with the library, learn about lab safety, and interact with faculty, graduate students, and staff.
The Graduate School has a webpage describing what comes next.