Ohio State is in the process of revising websites and program materials to accurately reflect compliance with the law. While this work occurs, language referencing protected class status or other activities prohibited by Ohio Senate Bill 1 may still appear in some places. However, all programs and activities are being administered in compliance with federal and state law.

Steps to Apply

New OSU Graduate Students

Please follow these application guidelines if you have never enrolled in graduate school at OSU.

  1. Submit a graduate admissions application online.  Biophysics is listed in the admissions application as Biophysics-PhD and Biophysics-MS.  Select the link corresponding to the term you are seeking to apply .  You will need to create an account if you are not a current OSU student or OSU employee.
  2. Request official English proficiency scores to be sent to Ohio State University (International Applicants Only).
  3. Submit a curriculum vitae (CV), 3 reference letters, statement of purpose, and academic transcripts electronically via the online graduate admissions application.

Transcripts sent via mail should be directed to The Office of Graduate & Professional Admissions.

 

Personal Statement Guidelines

Important questions that should be addressed in your personal statement:

  • What are my reasons for wanting to study Biophysics?
  • Why am I interested in studying Biophysics at Ohio State verses another university?
  • What are my long-term goals as a scientist?
  • What personal or academic characteristics are unique about me?
  • What are my personal interests?
  • What are my research experiences?
  • Include information about your college or University and the faculty writing your recommendations.  

 

Curriculum Vitae (CV) Guidelines

  • Include information about your academic credentials, work experience, and publications.

 

Reference Letter Guidelines

  • Three reference letters from faculty, advisors or mentors who are very familiar with your academic credentials and your potential as a future scientist. Reference letters commenting on research performance are preferred over letters commenting only on classroom performance.
  • Reference letters can be submitted electronically through the graduate admissions application.

 

Application Fee Waivers

  • Fee waivers are available through the Biophysics Program for domestic students with a 3.0 cumulative GPA and above. Please submit your unofficial transcript to biophysics@osu.edu for authorization. Fee waiver requests must be received before November 25, 2025 at 12:00pm ET. We are not offering fee waivers for international students at this time.
  • Students can also apply for an application fee waiver through the Free App program.
  • McNair Scholars and Summer Research Opportunities Program (SROP) Scholars are eligible for application fee waivers. Applicants should note their participation either the McNair or SROP program on the Ohio State admissions application.  A letter confirming participation in the McNair or SROP program should be sent to to fee_waivers@gradsch.osu.edu.

 

 

Current OSU Graduate Students

Current or former OSU graduate students are not required to submit an admissions application through The Office of Graduate & Professional Admissions.

  1. Notify the Graduate Studies Committee in your current program or department.
  2. Apply to Biophysics using the Graduate and Professional Admissions Website.

 

Personal Statement Guidelines

  • Important questions that should be included in your personal statement:
  • What are my reasons for wanting to study Biophysics?
  • Why am I interested in studying Biophysics at Ohio State verses another university?
  • What are my long-term goals as a scientist?
  • What personal or academic characteristics are unique about me?
  • What are my personal interests?
  • What are my research experiences?
  • Include information about your college or University and the faculty writing your recommendations.

 

Curriculum Vitae (CV) Guidelines

  • Include information about your academic credentials, work experience, and publications.

 

Reference Letter Guidelines

  • Three reference letters from faculty, advisors or mentors who are very familiar with your academic credentials and your potential as a future scientist. Reference letters commenting on research performance are preferred over letters commenting only on classroom performance.