Prospective Students
The QCB Program at the Vanderbilt University School of Medicine is a place where leaders in the chemical and/or physical sciences and the biological sciences are trained. We look to recruit students from quantitative or physical science backgrounds who would like to apply their skills to biologically meaningful questions. If you have a strong background in biology, you should consider applying to our sister program, the Interdisciplinary Graduate Program.
The unique aspect of the QCB Program is that students have the flexibility to explore their research interests from the offerings of the 13 participating departments and programs prior to choosing a laboratory for their dissertation research. Previous didactic training in the biological science is not required for entry into the Quantitative & Chemical Biology Program. Students in the first year QCB Program generally consider training in one of the following four tracks.
The coursework and research components of the program prepare students for research careers in which they are able to bring state-of-the art tools of the modern chemical and physical sciences to bear on cutting-edge biological problems. Successful completion of the QCB Program leads to Ph.D. degree.
Please explore our website to learn more about the exciting, stimulating, and comprehensive training provided by the QCB Program. If you have any further questions, please feel free to contact us.
Our online application for Fall 2026 opens August 1, 2025.
- Submission of GRE scores is optional.
- There is no application fee for anyone who has performed research funded by a US entity. Read more here!
Online Information Sessions
Join our Director of Recruitment and current Vanderbilt graduate students in a virtual information session on Zoom! We will cover basic information about the program and curriculum, what we are looking for in an applicant, and you will have an opportunity to ask questions of current graduate students in the IGP and QCB programs. Please register for any date and time that works for you.
- Monday August 11 @ 6 pm Central Time
- Wednesday August 27 @ 12N Central Time
- Tuesday September 9 @ 4 pm Central Time
- Monday September 29 @ 5 pm Central Time
What time is it where you are compared to Nashville, Tennessee Central Time (UTC-6)? Check here.
Building a Strong Application for Graduate School
In this Zoom workshop, the Director of Recruitment for Biomedical PhD programs will discuss the different aspects of the application, and will give examples of how to best highlight your experiences and motivations for graduate study in your application. Register for any date/time that works with your schedule.
- Tuesday August 19 @ 4 pm Central Time
- Wednesday September 3 @ 12N Central Time
- Thursday September 25 @ 7 pm Central Time
- Monday October 13 @ 4 pm Central Time
What time is it where you are compared to Nashville, Tennessee Central Time (UTC-6)? Check here.
Writing a Powerful Statement of Purpose
What makes a powerful and persuasive Statement of Purpose for your graduate school application? Here we will focus on this portion of the application and discuss how to show an admissions committee who you are and why you want to pursue a graduate degree. Register for any date/time that works with your schedule!
- Thursday September 4 @ 4 pm Central Time
- Monday September 15 @ 12N Central Time
- Tuesday October 7 @ 6 pm Central Time
- Wednesday October 15 @ 11 am Central Time
What time is it where you are compared to Nashville, Tennessee Central Time (UTC-6)? Check here.
2025 Biomedical Graduate Program Recruiting Fair Schedule
Would you like to meet a representative of our Biomedical Graduate programs? We would love to meet you too! We will be attending the following Graduate School Fairs. Please stop by so we can get to know you. You can also contact us with any questions you may have.
| Date | 2025 Graduate School Fairs and Links |
| April | National Council on Undergraduate Research (NCUR) – Pittsburgh PA |
| July 28-30 | UCLA McNair |
| September 19-21 | McNair Heartland, Kansas City, MO |
| September 23-24 | New Mexico Tech |
| October 2-5 | S-STEM, San Diego, CA |
| October 30 – November 1 | SACNAS National Conference, Columbus, OH |
| November 19-23 | ABRCMS Conference, San Antonio, TX |
At Vanderbilt, fostering an environment where every individual feels valued, supported, and empowered to grow is at the core of who we are. We are committed to creating a community with the connections, varied viewpoints, and shared purpose that are necessary to tackle the complexities of an ever-changing world.