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 2024 will open on August 1, 2023.
- 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!
Below is our recruiting fair schedule for 2023. Check back frequently for updates.
2023 Biomedical Graduate Program Info Session and 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, some of which will be virtual and free for prospective students. Please stop by so we can get to know you. If you have questions or would like to speak with someone, please contact Stephanie Richards, Assistant Director of Recruitment.
| Date | Graduate School Fairs and Links |
| July 19 | NIH 2023 Graduate & Professional School Fair – in Person |
| July 28-July 30 | Leadership Alliance, Hartford CT |
| August 1 | Virtual NIH 2023 Graduate and Professional School Fair |
| October 20 | Georgia Institute of Technology Virtual Fair – Free to all! |
| Octover 26-28 | SACNAS National Conference, Portland OR |
| November 15-18 | ABRCMS Conference, Phoenix AZ |
At Vanderbilt University, we hold the sincere belief that fostering the advancement of and respect for equity, diversity, and inclusion of all students, faculty, and staff benefits all members of our community. To bring to life our vision of inclusive excellence, we are intentional about recruiting, retaining, and supporting diverse and underrepresented groups of students. We encourage individuals from all populations to apply to our graduate programs. The university does not discriminate against individuals on the basis of race, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, color, national or ethnic origin, socio-economic background, or disability.