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 16 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 matriculation in fall 2023 is closed. Applications will reopen in August 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!
Many applications will not result in an offer; some reasons why are discussed here by Stephanie Richards, Assistant Director for Recruitment.
Below is our recruiting fair schedule for fall 2022. Check back frequently for updates.
2022/23 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, some of which will be virtual and free for prospective students. Please stop by so we can get to know you.
| Date | Graduate School Fairs and Links |
| 7/20-7/21 | NIH 2022 Graduate & Professional School Fair (open to all!) |
| 9/21 | Colorado School of Mines Career Day |
| 9/29 | Middle Tennessee State University Fall Career Fair |
| 10/3 | Virginia Tech Graduate and Professional School Fair |
| 10/21 | Georgia Tech Virtual Graduate School Showcase (open to all!) |
| 10/27-10/29 | SACNAS National Conference |
| 11/9-11/12 | ABRCMS 2022 Conference |
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.