phd in medical science in usa

PhD Programs

Empowering students to follow their curiosity

Bioengineering PhD

Jointly supported by the School of Engineering and the School of Medicine, the bioengineering program merges engineering principles with scientific discovery and technology to encourage the development of new medical devices and treatments.

Biosciences PhD

panning the School of Medicine and the School of Humanities and Sciences, students have the best of both worlds: the diversity of a large umbrella program coupled with the support of a small academic setting.

The Biosciences PhD program offers 14 home programs representing eight basic science departments and six interdisciplinary programs.

Biomedical Physics (BMP) PhD Program

Supported by the Departments of Radiology and Radiation Oncology, the Biomedical Physics PhD program seeks students interested in radiation therapy, imaging science, and molecular imaging and diagnostics as applied to clinical medicine. 

PhD in Epidemiology and Clinical Research

The PhD program in epidemiology and clinical research will provide methodologic and interdisciplinary training that will equip students to carry out cutting-edge epidemiologic research. The program trains students in the tools of modern epidemiology, with heavy emphases on statistics, computer science, genetics, genomics, and bioinformatics.

PhD in Health Policy

Stanford Health Policy offers a PhD program which promises to educate students who will be scholarly leaders in the field of health policy, and will be highly knowledgeable about the theoretical and empirical approaches that can be applied in the development of improvements in health policy and the health care system. These students will be well prepared for positions in academic institutions, government institutions, and private sector organizations with a demand for high-level analysis of health policy issues.

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PhD in Population Health Sciences

Prepare for a high-impact career tackling public health problems from air pollution to obesity to global health equity to the social determinants of health.

The PhD in population health sciences is a multidisciplinary research degree that will prepare you for a career focused on challenges and solutions that affect the lives of millions around the globe. Collaborating with colleagues from diverse personal and professional backgrounds and conducting field and/or laboratory research projects of your own design, you will gain the deep expertise and powerful analytical and quantitative tools needed to tackle a wide range of complex, large-scale public health problems.

Focusing on one of five complementary fields of study at the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health and drawing on courses, resources, and faculty from the Harvard Kenneth C. Griffin Graduate School of Arts and Sciences, you will become well-versed in a wide variety of disciplines while gaining specialized knowledge in your chosen area of study.

As a population health sciences graduate, you will be prepared for a career in research, academics, or practice, tackling complex diseases and health problems that affect entire populations. Those interested in pursuing research may go on to work at a government agency or international organization, or in the private sector at a consulting, biotech, or pharmaceutical firm. Others may choose to pursue practice or on-the-ground interventions. Those interested in academics may become a faculty member in a college, university, medical school, research institute, or school of public health.

The PhD in population health sciences is a four-year program based at the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health in the world-renowned Longwood Medical Area of Boston, Massachusetts. The degree will prepare you to apply diverse approaches to solving difficult public health research issues in your choice of one of five primary fields of study:

• Environmental health
• Epidemiology
• Social and behavioral sciences
• Global health and population

In your first semester, you and your faculty adviser will design a degree plan to guide you through the program’s interdisciplinary requirements and core courses, as well as those in your chosen field of study. After successfully completing the preliminary qualifying examination, usually at the end of your second year, you will finalize your general research topics and identify a dissertation adviser who will mentor you through the dissertation process and help you nominate a dissertation advisory committee.

All population health sciences students are trained in pedagogy and teaching and are required to work as a teaching fellow and/or research assistant to ensure they gain meaningful teaching and research experience before graduation. Students also attend a special weekly evening seminar that features prominent lecturers, grant-writing modules, feedback dinners, and training opportunities.

All students, including international students, who maintain satisfactory progress (B+ or above) receive a multiyear funding package, which includes tuition, fees , and a competitive stipend.

WHO SHOULD APPLY?

Anyone with a distinguished undergraduate record and a demonstrated enthusiasm for the rigorous pursuit of scientific public health knowledge is encouraged to apply. Although a previous graduate degree is not required, applicants should have successfully completed coursework in introductory statistics or quantitative methods. Preference will be given to applicants who have either some relevant work experience or graduate-level work in their desired primary field of study.

APPLICATION PROCESS

Like all PhD (doctor of philosophy) programs at the School, the PhD in population health sciences is offered under the aegis of the Harvard Kenneth C. Griffin Graduate School of Arts and Sciences (Harvard Griffin GSAS). Applications are processed through the Harvard Griffin GSAS online application system located at gsas.harvard.edu/admissions/apply.

OUR COMMUNITY: COMMITTED, ACCOMPLISHED, COLLABORATIVE

As a PhD in population health sciences candidate, you will be part of a diverse and accomplished group of students with a broad range of research and other interests. The opportunity to learn from each other and to share ideas both inside and outside the classroom will be one of the most rewarding and productive parts of the program for any successful candidate. The program in population health sciences provides these opportunities by sponsoring an informal curriculum of seminars, a dedicated student gathering and study area, and events that will enhance your knowledge, foster interaction with your peers, and encourage you to cooperatively evaluate scientific literature, while providing a supportive, collaborative community within which to pursue your degree.

As members of both the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health and the Harvard Kenneth C. Griffin Graduate School of Arts and Sciences communities, students have access to the Cambridge and Longwood Medical Area campuses. Students also qualify for affordable transportation options, access to numerous lectures and academic seminars, and a wealth of services to support their academic and personal needs on both sides of the Charles River.

LEARN MORE Population Health Sciences Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health www.hsph.harvard.edu/phdphs

• Student/Faculty Portal
• Learning Hub (Brightspace)
• Continuous Professional Development

Prerequisites and Requirements

Before applying to the Ph.D. Program at Mayo Clinic Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, review our full list of prerequisite information and complete admission requirements. The admissions committee reviews all completed applications through a holistic review process to select candidates for interviews.

Prerequisites

Candidates for the Ph.D. Program must meet the following eligibility requirements:

• Completion of a bachelor's degree, preferably in the biological or physical sciences, from an accredited institution. 
• A minimum cumulative undergraduate GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale. 
• Degree conferral before the program begins (program begins in July).

Suggested undergraduate coursework:

• Applicants to our Ph.D. program are encouraged to have completed coursework with demonstrated proficiency (B average or above) in their math and science courses. Additionally, advanced courses in biology, chemistry, and physiology are encouraged.
• Applicants interested in applying to the Biomedical Engineering and Physiology Track are advised to take courses in quantitative science and engineering, such as signal processing, computer science, and instrumentation.

Holistic review

Our Ph.D. program prepares students to translate scientific discoveries into applications that improve patient care. This requires a wide range of skills, aptitudes, and characteristics. Along with the basic set of prerequisites, the track admissions committees take a holistic approach to admissions; meaning, they take into consideration the many factors that make up an applicant. These acceptance factors include:

• Academic performance
• Letters of recommendation
• Personal statement
• Research experience

Transfer student policy

The only pathway to matriculation at Mayo Clinic Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences is through application during the annual application window, September 1 - December 4.

The Ph.D. program does not accept transfer students; however, transfer credits for graduate courses taken at another institution may be considered if appointed to our Ph.D. program.

Application window

Apply between Sept. 1 and Dec. 4 for the following academic year.

To get in touch with the Ph.D. Program, fill out the form on the Contact Us page .

MEMP PhD Program

Hst’s memp phd program, is this program a good fit for me.

HST’s Medical Engineering and Medical Physics (MEMP) PhD program offers a unique curriculum for engineers and scientists who want to impact patient care by developing innovations to prevent, diagnose, and treat disease. We're committed to welcoming applicants from a wide range of communities, backgrounds, and experiences.

How is HST’s MEMP PhD program different from other PhD programs?

As a MEMP student, you’ll choose one of 11 technical concentrations and design an individualized curriculum to ground yourself in the foundations of that discipline. You’ll study medical sciences alongside MD students and become fluent in the language and culture of medicine through structured clinical experiences. You’ll select a research project from among laboratories at MIT, Harvard, affiliated hospitals and research institutes , then tackle important questions through the multiple lenses of your technical discipline and your medical training. As a result, you will learn how to ask better questions, identify promising research areas, and translate research findings into real-world medical practice.

What degree will I earn?

You’ll earn a PhD awarded by MIT or by the Harvard Faculty of Arts and Sciences.

What can I do with this degree?

Lead pioneering efforts that translate technical work into innovations that improve human health and shape the future of medicine.

How long will it take me to earn a PhD in HST’s MEMP program?

Similar to other PhD programs in MIT's School of Engineering, the average time-to-degree for MEMP PhD students is less than six years.

What are the degree requirements?

Science / engineering.

Choose one of the established concentration areas and select four courses from the approved list for the chosen area. Current MEMP concentration areas are:

• Aeronautics & Astronautics
• Biological Engineering
• Brain & Cognitive Sciences
• Chemical Engineering
• Computer Science
• Electrical Engineering
• Materials Science & Engineering
• Mechanical Engineering
• Nuclear Engineering

Harvard MEMPs fulfill Basic Science/Engineering Concentration and Qualifying Exam through their collaborating department (SEAS or Biophysics).

Biomedical Sciences and Clinical Requirements

Biomedical sciences core.

• HST030 or HST034: Human Pathology
• HST160: Genetics in Modern Medicine
• HST090: Cardiovascular Pathophysiology

Restricted Electives - two full courses required*

• HST010: Human Anatomy
• HST020: Musculoskeletal Pathophysiology*
• HST100: Respiratory Pathophysiology**
• HST110: Renal Pathophysiology**
• HST130: Introduction to Neuroscience
• HST162: Molecular Diagnostics and Bioinformatics*
•  HST164: Principles of Biomedical Imaging*
• HST175: Cellular & Molecular Immunology

*  May combine two half-courses to count as one full course **Must choose at least one of HST100, HST110

Clinical Core

• HST201: Intro. to Clinical Medicine I and HST202: Intro. to Clinical Medicine II
• HST207: Intro. to Clinical Medicine

PhD Thesis Guide

Letter of intent #1:.

Research advisor and topic. Due by April 30 of 2nd year.

Letter of Intent #2:

Tentative thesis committee. Due by April 30 of 3rd year.

Thesis proposal:

Defended before thesis committee. Due by April 30 of 4th year.

Final Thesis:

Public defense and submission of final thesis document.

Harvard MEMPs must an electronic copy of the final thesis including the signed cover sheet. Harvard MEMPs should not register for HST.ThG.

Qualifying Exam

TQE: Technical qualification based on performance in four concentration area courses and Pathology

OQE: Oral examination to evaluate ability to integrate information from diverse sources into a coherent research proposal and to defend that proposal

Professional Skills

Hst500: frontiers in (bio)medical engineering and physics.

Required spring of first year

HST590: Biomedical Engineering Seminar

Required fall semester of first year. Minimum of four semesters required; one on responsible conduct of research and three electives. Topics rotate.

Required for all MEMP students. (Biophysics students may substitute MedSci 300 for HST590 term on responsible conduct of research.)

Professional Perspectives 

Required once during PhD enrollment 

What can I expect?

You’ll begin by choosing a concentration in a classical discipline of engineering or physical science. During your first two years in HST, you’ll complete a series of courses to learn the fundamentals of your chosen area.

In parallel, you’ll become conversant in the biomedical sciences through preclinical coursework in pathology and pathophysiology, learning side-by-side with HST MD students.

With that foundation, you’ll engage in truly immersive clinical experiences, gaining a hands-on understanding of clinical care, medical decision-making, and the role of technology in medical practice. These experiences will help you become fluent in the language and culture of medicine and gain a first-hand understanding of the opportunities for — and constraints on — applying scientific and technological innovations in health care.

You’ll also take part in two seminar classes that help you to integrate science and engineering with medicine, while developing your professional skills. Then you’ll design an individualized professional perspectives experience that allows you to explore career paths in an area of your choice:  academia, medicine, industry, entrepreneurship, or the public sector.

A two-stage qualifying examination tests your proficiency in your concentration area, your skill at integrating information from diverse sources into a coherent research proposal, and your ability to defend that research proposal in an oral presentation.

Finally, as the culmination of your training, you’ll investigate an important problem at the intersection of science, technology, and medicine through an individualized thesis research project, with opportunities to be mentored by faculty in laboratories at MIT, Harvard, and affiliated teaching hospitals.

Interested in applying? Learn about the application process here.

HST MEMP grad Grissel Cervantes-Jaramillo’s road to a PhD began in Cuba and wound through Florida

PhD Programs

For a list of program contacts, see here .

Umbrella Program

Biomedical Sciences  Boston University’s Program in Biomedical Sciences (PiBS) provides rigorous training towards a PhD degree by integrating the foundations of interdisciplinary biomedical research with focused investigation and preparation for career advancement. PiBS offers first-year students the opportunity to explore a variety of research areas over the course of three laboratory rotations along with a core curriculum to help determine the direction of their PhD focus. Degree granting departments and programs are listed below. In addition, students can participate in the Immunology Training Program, ultimately earning their degrees within either the Microbiology or Pathology departments.

• Biochemistry & Cell Biology
• Genetics & Genomics
• Microbiology (including the Immunology Training Program )
• Molecular & Translational Medicine
• Nutrition & Metabolism
• Orofacial and Skeletal Biology
• Pathology (including the Immunology Training Program )
• Physiology 

Neuroscience: Boston University-Campus Wide Degree Program

Neuroscience The Graduate Program for Neuroscience (GPN) is a University-wide PhD degree-granting program in neuroscience that unites the graduate training faculty on the Medical Campus (BUMC) and the Charles River Campus (CRC). The GPN curriculum provides a broad cross-disciplinary core education including molecular, cellular, and systems, cognitive and behavioral, computational and clinical and the flexibility to take neuroscience-related coursework in any of the departments and programs of the University to build depth of specialization. *Computational Neuroscience track available

Direct Entry Programs

Anatomy and Neurobiology

This 64-credit doctoral program includes courses in Anatomy and Neuroscience offered by the Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, related departments on the Medical Campus and the Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine. An integral part of the program is the requirement for students to participate as Teaching Fellows in Medical and Graduate school courses as part of our Vesalius Teaching Apprenticeship. The PhD program is designed to produce well-rounded biomedical scientists who expect to include both research and teaching in their career.

Behavioral Neuroscience An interdisciplinary program administered through Graduate Medical Sciences, the Behavioral Neuroscience PhD Program provides students with a firm foundation in basic principles and methods of Experimental Neuropsychology in

Pharmacology prepares students for a career as an experimental neuropsychologist and behavioral neuroscientist in academia or industry. Our unique program focuses on human neurobehavioral disorders in relation to brain structure and functioning, providing a true translational link between cutting-edge research and emphasis on medical patient care. The PhD Program in Pharmacology at Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine is a unique interdisciplinary and interdepartmental learning environment for doctoral students. The first 18 months emphasize formal course work and a sequence of four required laboratory rotations. Laboratory work provides students with the opportunity to investigate potential areas for dissertation research while enhancing the breadth of their training. Students also experience an industrial rotation at Pfizer to develop their research skills. This program also allows later stage entry for students pursuing a PhD in Neuroscience or a PhD in Biomedical Engineering .

Additional programs of study

• Combined  MD /PhD  Program
• Vesalius  “Certificate” for PhD students in the Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology

Available Training Grants

Students receive  funding for training  in specific areas including: Addiction Science, Aging, Biomolecular Pharmacology, Cancer Biology, Cardiovascular Biology, Inflammation, Metabolism, Endocrinology and Obesity, Pathogenesis, Pulmonary Biology and Immunology.

See currently funded training grants here

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MCOM Graduate & Postdoctoral Affairs

Quick links, graduate & postdoctoral affairs, phd admissions.

PhD applicants are only considered for Fall and cannot apply to any other term. Details about admission requirements, deadlines, and the application process can be found on this page.

If you have any questions please don’t hesitate to contact us at 813-974-2836 or [email protected] .

Requirements

Minimum admission requirements can be found in the Graduate Catalog at the link below. 

Graduate Catalog

Please review the "Application Process" section of this page for details about what documents to submit. 

GRE Scores are NOT required for admission. 

Admissions decision factors.

Students seeking a PhD in Medical Sciences from the University of South Florida are selected by an admissions committee that considers the overall qualities of the applicant. Areas of consideration include academic achievement, research experience and interests, and letters of recommendation. All selected candidates will be required to have personal interviews with members of the PhD admissions committee.

The PhD Program typically receives more than 100 applications each year, and fewer than 30% of applicants are admitted.

The undergraduate GPA of the middle 50% of students admitted for Fall 2023 was 3.4-3.78. 

Deadlines & Decision Timeline

Application.

The Medical Sciences PhD Program priority deadline is December 1. Students should apply and submit all required documents (including letters of recommendation) by this date for the best chance of consideration. Our final application deadline is February 15. 

University application deadlines can be found in the Graduate Catalog.

Application Deadlines

Well-qualified applicants will be invited to participate in interviews with faculty members prior to final admissions decisions being made. An interview is required to be eligible for admission into the program and invitations to participate in interviews are sent between mid-December and mid-March. For Fall 2024 admission, we intend to host three rounds of virtual interviews on the dates outlined below: 

January 8-11 February 12-15 February 26-29

During interview weeks, interviewees are typically invited to a virtual program overview on Monday evening, then select from one of six available interview times (Tuesday morning or afternoon, Wednesday morning or afternoon, Thursday morning or afternoon). This schedule is subject to change, but additional details will be communicated to selected applicants. 

Review & Notification

Students who participate in an interview are typically notified of the committee's admission's decision within 7-10 days of interviewing. Admitted students will be invited to visit campus; our visit weekends are currently scheduled for: 

February 8-10 March 7-9 March 28-30

Admitted students have until April 15 to notify the PhD office if they will attend USF. 

Application Process

• Submit an online application . Select the Medical Sciences program. 
• Pay the $30 application fee . You will be prompted to pay as soon as you submit your application. If you are unable to pay when you submit, you can do so within 30 days by logging into your OASIS account at my.usf.edu . 
• Submit transcripts.  To upload documents to your application, log into the application website , then navigate to My Workspace > My Documents. Unofficial copies can be uploaded directly to your application and can be used for our admissions review. If you are offered admission, you will be required to submit official transcripts from all postsecondary institutions you have attended (undergraduate and graduate).
• Submit supplemental information .** 
• Curriculum Vitae or Resume 
• Research background
• Reasons for selecting the Morsani College of Medicine to pursue a PhD
• Future career goals following graduation from the Medical Sciences PhD program
• Recommendations should come from faculty or other professionals familiar with applicant's academic performance and/or research potential 

**If you are applying to more than one program at USF, it is imperative that your supplemental information clearly indicate that it should be used for your application to the Medical Sciences PhD Program. This is especially important for letters of recommendation. Failure to appropriately indicate the PhD program may prevent your application from being reviewed.

GRE scores are no longer required. 

Additional requirements for international students.

In addition to the requirements listed above, international students must also submit the documents listed below. Unofficial copies can be used for admissions review, but final admission will not be granted until official documents are received and processed by the Office of Admissions.

• World Education Services
• Josef Silny & Associates, Inc.
• Academic Evaluation Services
• Educational Credential Evaluators, Inc.
• A copy of the original document that was evaluated and an English translation (if applicable) must be included with the evaluation.

If you cannot provide a foreign credential evaluation when you apply, you may submit the documents outlined below and we can conduct a preliminary review based on this information. Documents should be uploaded to the online portal within the application. (Please note, it is still best to submit a course-by-course foreign credential evaluation if you are able to).

• Unofficial college transcript (must be in English)
• You may use a free online resource such as Scholaro or WES
• Must be your cumulative undergraduate GPA

Formal admission to the university will not be granted until an official course-by-course foreign credential evaluation is provided, but this can be submitted after an applicant is interviewed if necessary.

• Proof of English language proficiency .

If you have any questions about our Medical Sciences PhD Program, how to apply, or the status of your application, please don’t hesitate to contact us at 813-974-2836 or [email protected] .

The Department of Population Health Sciences develops critically-thinking, creative, and collaborative research scientists that are passionate about improving healthcare for all. The doctoral program equips students with the knowledge and tools they will need to research and work alongside health systems, government agencies, non-profits, industry, and others pursuing improved health of populations.

Admission Deadlines

Application Deadline : The application for 2023-2024 admissions  to the Population Health Sciences PhD program has opened, and will close on November 30, 2023.

Successful applicants will find a close fit with a departmental  faculty  advisor who shares their research interests. The DPHS Education leadership team identifies potential matches early in the admissions process, so those offered admission to the program can be assured of a strong match with a faculty advisor. 

Also, please note that the  online degree application requires you to identify potential mentors from our department. You will have an opportunity to contact these potential mentors after you hear whether you have been accepted to the doctoral degree program.  

Some guidance on how to identify those faculty members. 

• What excites you in your research field? 
• What is a productive area that fits your values and your career plans? 
• Who is engaged in research that is complementary to your interests?

About the PhD in Population Health Sciences

The Duke PopHealth PhD program prepares researchers to formulate important research questions, design studies to answer them, organize resources to carry out relevant studies, and analyze the results to contribute scientific and policy insights. Our coursework, experiential learning, and professional development help prepare PhD students to be leaders in the population health field.

Our faculty are world-renowned for their expertise and strengths in the following areas:

• Health Measurement. Learn more
• Implementation Science. Learn more
• Health Policy
• Health Services Research
• Health Economics

Why Choose Duke for a PhD in Population Health Sciences?

The department, which is part of the Duke University School of Medicine, offers Ph.D. candidates a unique and rich setting in which to acquire that foundation and then use it to complete their studies and dissertation research. Ph.D. students can:

Access Duke's  PopHealth DataShare , which provides access and consultation to large data sets from federal and state government sources as well as a private insurer

Tap into Duke PopHealth’s partnerships with world-class institutions like  Duke Cancer Institute ,  Duke Clinical Research Institute ,  Duke Global Health Institute , and  Duke-Margolis Center for Health Policy

Connect with Duke PopHealth’s  Center for Health Measurement , the  BASE Lab ,  QualCore , and  INTERACT  (Implementation Science Research Collaborative) – which each offer specialized research support.

Enjoy proximity to Duke Health, which provides most of the health care in Durham County. Students can also connect with the Durham Veterans Administration Medical Center and  ADAPT Center .

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Biomedical Science in United States

Why Study Biomedical Science in United States

• Studying Biomedical Science in United States is a great choice, as there are 55 universities that offer PhD degrees on our portal.
• Over 957,000 international students choose United States for their studies, which suggests you’ll enjoy a vibrant and culturally diverse learning experience and make friends from all over the world.
• We counted 119 affordable PhD degrees in United States , allowing you to access quality higher education without breaking the bank. Moreover, there are 302 available scholarships you can apply to.

77  Biomedical Science PhDs in United States

Quantitative Biosciences and Engineering With the Quantitative Biosciences and Engineering program of Colorado School of Mines, you will gain rigorous... Colorado School of Mines Golden, Colorado, United States

Study in United States

The United States is home to some of the most prestigious universities and colleges in the world. With over 150 universities featured in international rankings, the U.S. has some of the best business schools, medical schools, and engineering schools. Universities and colleges in the U.S. are well known for academic flexibility and ways to customize your study experience with optional studies and extracurricular activities. Depending on where you will be studying, you will be able to visit iconic places like the Statue of Liberty, Empire State Building, Goldengate Bridge, The Grand Canyon, Mount Rushmore, Disney's Magic Kingdom Park, and much more.

Is United States the right place for you?

Take the test and find out which country is your best fit.

Explore your Biomedical Science degree

A Biomedical Sciences degree focuses on studying the human body's cells, organs, and systems to understand their function and implications in diseases. Specialisations include Medical Microbiology, Clinical Biochemistry, Haematology, Immunology, and Genetics, often requiring a Master's degree for expertise. The program covers anatomy, physiology, epidemiology, genetics, and laboratory skills. Graduates can pursue careers as Biomedical Scientists, Genetic Counsellors, and more. The degree offers opportunities in research, clinical diagnostics, and public health, making it valuable for those interested in health and disease-related sciences.

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• Weill Cornell Medicine

PhD in Population Health Sciences

The PhD program in Population Health Sciences prepares students to be leading researchers in population health sciences: an emerging interdisciplinary scientific field that aims to improve population health by addressing the multiple determinants of health and health disparities across populations and seeks to improve healthcare delivery.

Our students are trained to investigate the social, behavioral, and biological determinants of health through measurement, design and evaluation of research studies that address the critical issues in health outcomes and delivery of healthcare services across diverse populations. Students receive didactic interdisciplinary training in biostatistics, data science, epidemiology, health informatics, and health policy and economics, as well as principles of population health sciences. Students also receive hands-on training in state-of-the-art data science methodologies such as machine learning that prepare students with cutting-edge tools to solve complex population health challenges.

Featuring a partnership between Weill Cornell’s Department of Population Health Sciences and the Population Sciences Research Program of Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center (MSK), our students have the opportunity to work with internationally renowned and federally funded faculty in multiple areas including biostatistics & data science, epidemiology, health informatics, health policy & economics, outcomes research, and behavioral sciences; addressing multiple determinants of health and health disparities across populations and improving healthcare delivery are cross-cutting themes within these disciplines.

Graduates of the program are positioned for research careers in population health sciences, including postdoctoral positions and tenure-track faculty positions in population health at schools of medicine, public health, and public policy across the country. Population health scientists are also actively recruited by industry, including pharmaceutical, technology and consulting firms, as well as by governmental agencies, such as the National Institutes of Health (NIH), Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

Applicants to the program are expected to have a minimum of a bachelor’s degree, strong academic record, demonstrated research interest aligning with faculty members, and prerequisite coursework in statistics, calculus, and at least one computer programming or statistical programming language such as R, Python, or SAS. Candidates must apply for admission online.

Successful applicants will likely have a background in one of the following data-driven disciplines:

• Public Health
• Statistics or biostatistics
• Epidemiology
• Health or biomedical informatics
• Health policy
• Computer science
• Industrial engineering or operations research
• Quantitative social sciences such as sociology
• Mathematics
• Medical, genetics or natural sciences

Application materials will include academic transcripts from all post-secondary education, three letters of recommendation, CV/resume, and statement of purpose. Applicants are not required to take the General Graduate Record Examination (GRE exam). International Students who have not completed an academic degree in an English-speaking institution are required to take an English language proficiency exam. Applicants can demonstrate English Language proficiency using IELTS Academic, TOEFL iBT scores.

Applications for Fall 2024 is now open. The application deadline is December 1, 2023.

Program Requirements

Becoming a doctoral candidate.

In years one and two, students are required to complete required core coursework, participate in a credit-bearing colloquium, complete elective courses, and prepare for and complete their admission to candidacy exam (ACE). Students with advanced degrees may be able to complete the ACE after one year. Students will complete at least one 3-credit-hour research rotation directed by a faculty member before beginning their dissertation research, and can take up to 3 research rotations (9-credit hours) as appropriate. These research rotations will provide students an opportunity to broaden their understanding of population health sciences by participating in ongoing faculty research projects or completing an independent project under the guidance of a faculty member.

Students in the program take core and elective courses in their first two years of program. The core coursework includes:

• Biostatistics I with R Lab
• Biostatistics II - Regression Analysis
• Data Science I
• Data Science II
• Principles of Population Health Sciences
• Advanced Epidemiological Methods
• Introduction to Health Services Research
• Introduction to Health Informatics
• Responsible Conduct of Research
• PHS Colloquium series

Students are also required to take 7 elective courses, selected from existing WCGS advanced graduate coursework in biostatistics and data science (including artificial intelligence), health informatics, health policy and economics (including comparative effectiveness), and in computational biology.

PhD Research and Degree

Before beginning their dissertation research, each student will form a dissertation committee with a primary dissertation advisor and at least 3 internal committee members. The dissertation committee will evaluate the student's progress towards their dissertation every year during the dissertation phase.

The culmination of the student's successful progression through the program is the final examination (the "defense") and certification by the dissertation committee that the dissertation satisfies the requirements of the Graduate School for a PhD degree. Students are expected to complete this degree within five years of entering the program.

Program Leadership

Bruce Schackman, PhD, MBA - Program Co-Chair Jonine Bernstein, PhD, MS - Program Co-Chair Samprit Banerjee, PhD, MS - Faculty Director Elisabeth Brodbeck, PhD, MPH - Executive Director

Program Faculty

To learn more about the program, please contact us at [email protected] .

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Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

Offered By: Department of Population, Family and Reproductive Health

Onsite | Full-Time | 4 years

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About the PhD in Population, Family and Reproductive Health Program

The emphasis of the PhD program is to integrate coursework in life course, population and core PFRH areas of interest with the application of a range of research methods to these areas. Doctoral program requirements also include a core set of courses that cover developmental, demographic and social science frameworks that represent common conceptual foundations for the work of PFRH faculty.

What Can You Do With a Graduate Degree In Population, Family And Reproductive Health?

Visit the  Graduate Employment Outcomes Dashboard to learn about Bloomberg School graduates' employment status, sector, and salaries.

Sample Careers

• Epidemic Intelligence Service Officer
• Senior Research Analyst
• Program Officer Evaluation Consultant
• Assistant Professor

Curriculum for the PhD in Population, Family and Reproductive Health

Browse an overview of the requirements for this PhD program in the JHU  Academic Catalogue , explore all course offerings in the Bloomberg School  Course Directory . 

Areas of Interest

The Department's current areas of interest in the PhD program include:

• Child and Adolescent Health
• Maternal, Fetal and Perinatal Health
• Population and Health
• Women's, Sexual and Reproductive Health

Admissions Requirements

For general admissions requirements, please visit the How to Apply page. This specific program also requires:

Prior Coursework

A general-level biology or biological science course

Standardized Test Scores

Standardized test scores (GRE, MCAT) are  optional  for this program. The admissions committee will make no assumptions if a standardized test score is omitted from an application, but will require evidence of quantitative/analytical ability through other application components such as academic transcripts and/or supplemental questions.  Applications will be reviewed holistically based on all application components.

All full-time PhD students will receive the following support for the first four years of the program: full tuition, individual health insurance, University Health Services clinic fee, vision insurance and dental insurance.

The Department of Population, Family and Reproductive Health is committed to helping doctoral students finance their degree. Some funding is available through Training Grants and Departmental and School-wide scholarships and awards. Some examples are*:

Maternal and Child Health (MCH) Training Grant Violence Training Grant STI Training Grant

* Subject to Change

Doctoral students in the Department are encouraged to apply for outside funding sources to supplement their tuition awards. Students receive support through the Department's faculty, students and staff in submitting grants. For more information regarding funding through the School and outside of the School, please visit the Funding Opportunities page .

Need-Based Relocation Grants Students who  are admitted to PhD programs at JHU  starting in Fall 2023 or beyond can apply to receive a $1500 need-based grant to offset the costs of relocating to be able to attend JHU.   These grants provide funding to a portion of incoming students who, without this money, may otherwise not be able to afford to relocate to JHU for their PhD program. This is not a merit-based grant. Applications will be evaluated solely based on financial need.  View more information about the need-based relocation grants for PhD students .

Questions about the program? We're happy to help. 

Academic Program Manager Gilbert Morgan 410-614-6676 [email protected]

Academic Program Manager Kristen McCormick 410-955-1116 [email protected]

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Basic Medical Sciences Ph.D. Graduate Program Overview

Welcome to the Basic Medical Sciences (BMS) Graduate Program at the University of South Alabama (USA) Frederick P. Whiddon College of Medicine. Here at USA, we believe a Ph.D. is not just a degree, it’s a gateway to discovery, impact, and change. Hence, we are committed to training the most well-rounded and highly motivated scientists to take on the challenges of tomorrow. This includes pioneering new ideas and approaches in biomedical research and advancing medical breakthroughs through new discoveries, technologies, and treatments. Our graduates go on to pursue a wide range of rewarding careers in academia, industry, government, and beyond.

As an integrative and comprehensive program, we promote diversity and encourage students to apply their unique perspectives to become independent thinkers, life-long learners, and collaborative investigators. Our interdisciplinary curriculum emphasizes not only the assimilation of knowledge and skills but also creativity and problem solving. Our training program that  includes lab rotations in the first year that allow students to find the mentor and environment that fit best for them. Our core training branches into five interwoven research Tracks: Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Biology; Molecular, Cell and Cancer Biology; Infectious Disease and Host Defense; Neuroscience; and Biomedical Engineering and Bioinformatics. These concentrations allow students to focus their training within critical research areas and obtain cutting-edge skills and knowledge from experts in the field. We are also dedicated to career building and targeting students’ interests, proficiencies, and goals to real professional outcomes beyond their training.

Nestled along the beautiful Gulf Coast, the University of South Alabama is a dynamic hub of progress and purpose among friendly faces. Our collaborative environment in the USA Whiddon College of Medicine is second to none, with accessible, engaged, and highly supportive faculty and staff, and our USA Basic Medical Sciences Ph.D. Program offers the ideal setting for bright and inquisitive minds to revolutionize the world through biomedical science. Come join us!

The doctoral program awards the Ph.D. degree in Basic Medical Science and is designed for students interested in careers in biomedical investigation.

The program provides training which can lead to academic careers in universities, medical institutions, or to a wide variety of research or administrative positions in government, non-profit or industry settings.

The program combines an interdisciplinary core curriculum, advanced coursework and original research, and is designed to give students a broad interdisciplinary base and flexibility.

The Basic Medical Sciences Program is organized around five tracks:

• Cardiovascular & Pulmonary Track
• Molecular, Cell, & Cancer Track
• Infectious Disease & Host Defense Track
• Neuroscience Track
• Biomedical Engineering & Bioinformatics Track

Students have excellent opportunities for one-on-one interaction with faculty, the benefit of small classes, and excellent research training with nationally funded and recognized investigators.  

All students in the Ph.D. program receive a competitive stipend for full-time study. This includes Alabama residents, out-of-state U.S. citizens or permanent residents, and international students. In addition, all students receive full tuition coverage and single coverage health insurance. Fees are the responsibility of the student. Loans are available from conventional sources through the University Financial Aid Office .

Year 1: First Year Coursework (Fall, Spring, and Summer) Complete 3 rotations in Fall and Spring Choose a Mentor/Join a lab

Year 2: Track specific advanced coursework Begin dissertation research Select a Dissertation Committee Have the first dissertation committee meeting (continue every 6 months)

Year 3: Dissertation Research Continue dissertation committee meetings Complete Qualifying Exam (become a candidate for Ph.D.)

Year 4-5: Dissertation Research Continue dissertation committee meetings Defend Dissertation (approximately year 5)

The first year core curriculum is a one-year interdisciplinary program. The two-semester series (IDL 580 and 581) in Fundamentals of Biomedical Science is designed to give students a broad didactic background in the fundamentals essential to advanced research training, ranging from biochemistry and molecular biology to mechanisms of human disease.

Fall Semester Formal coursework: IDL 580 -- Fundamentals of Biomedical Science I (8 credit hours) IDL 577 -- Introduction to Research Methods (3 credit hours) IDL 576 -- Literature Reports (1 credit hour) IDL 594 -- Directed Studies Rotation (1 credit hour) GIS 501 -- Responsible Conduct of Research (1 credit hour) IDL 595 – Distinguished Scientist Seminar (0 credit hours)

Spring Semester Formal coursework: IDL 581 -- Fundamentals of Biomedical Science II (8 credit hours) IDL 594 -- Directed Studies (3 credit hours) IDL 576 -- Literature Reports (1 credit hour) IDL 595 – Distinguished Scientist Seminar (0 credit hours)

Advanced coursework is determined by the track chosen by the student, along with recommendations made by the student's dissertation committee. 

Major Professor Choosing a major professor for graduate training is an important benchmark in graduate education. In the first year of the program, there are numerous mechanisms by which students can interact with graduate faculty: during orientation, during coursework in the interdisciplinary core curriculum, seminar series and journal clubs organized by research focus groups in the College of Medicine, the annual COM Research Forum, and informal meetings. Students are strongly encouraged to discuss potential projects and rotations with faculty early in this first year.

The research rotation is a critical part of this process: students will participate in three 8-week rotations designed to allow the student to explore research opportunities with potential major professors. Rotation schedules are coordinated by the Office of Research Education and Training in the College of Medicine. At the end of the first year, students should have come to an agreement with a BMS major professor. This choice of mentor determines the track affiliation of a student for the duration of their studies.

Dissertation and Dissertation Committee Throughout a student's graduate training, progress is monitored via evaluation of academic standing. However, after core and advanced course work are completed, evaluation of progress in dissertation research becomes an important benchmark. To assist in this process, each student selects a dissertation committee in consultation with their major professor. The major duties of the dissertation committee are to foster the academic and research training of the student and to administer the closed defense of the student's dissertation work at the end of the student's doctoral training.

Academic standards for the Graduate School and the BMS Graduate Program are detailed in the Undergraduate/Graduate Bulletin. The BMS Student Handbook contains the policies on Advanced Coursework Standards, the Admission to Candidacy or Qualifying Exam, and the defense of dissertation process and appeals mechanisms which are specific to the Graduate Program in Basic Medical Sciences.

• Infectious Disease and Host Defense Track Leader: Jon Audia, Ph.D. , Department of Microbiology & Immunology
• Neuroscience Track Leader: Amy Nelson, Ph.D. , Department of Physiology & Cell Biology
• Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Biology Track Leader: Sarah Sayner, Ph.D.,  Department of Physiology & Cell Biology
• Biomedical Engineering and Bioinformatics Track Leader: Silas Leavesley, Ph.D., Department of Chemical & Biomolecular Engineering
• Cell and Molecular Biology Track Leader: Ron Balczon, Ph.D., Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
• Cancer Biology Track Leader: Ash Prakash, Ph.D., Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, Mitchell Cancer Institute

Clinical Laboratory Sciences

Back To: Clinical Laboratory Sciences Home

Doctorate of Clinical Laboratory Sciences

The Doctorate of Clinical Laboratory Sciences (DCLS) is an advanced professional doctorate designed for practicing clinical laboratory scientists who wish to further their level of clinical expertise and to develop leadership and management skills. The purpose of the program is the development of clinical laboratory sciences graduates who function as practitioners, community leaders, educators, and scholars in the profession of clinical laboratory science and the discipline of clinical laboratory science. Graduates of the program will generate, disseminate, and apply knowledge to enhance the understanding of laboratory assessment of health and disease.

CLS - DCLS Home

• The Doctorate in Clinical Laboratory Science (DCLS) program at the University of Texas Medical Branch was the first to be granted Initial Accreditation.
• DCLS is the second program to be established in the United States.
• There are 35 students currently enrolled in the DCLS program.
• The first UTMB DCLS class graduated in August 2019.

Request More Information

Our Department of Clinical Laboratory Sciences is here to provide you with additional information.

Attend Open House

Learn more about our academic program(s)!

Are You Ready?

Complete and submit your application online!

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• PhD in Pathology & Laboratory Medicine

For contact information, please visit the Pathology & Laboratory Medicine website .

Pathology, the study of disease, integrates all aspects of biomedical science to further the understanding of disease processes and develop methods for diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of disease. The PhD in Pathology & Laboratory Medicine is for students who want to participate in breakthrough scientific research and contribute to the advancement of biomedical knowledge, learning how diseases work at a mechanistic level. Graduates will be prepared for postdoctoral fellowships, science writing, running a lab as a principal investigator, and shaping science policy at the government level.

Our department focuses particularly on cancer, immunologic, inflammatory, and neurologic disorders. We have a strong and diverse faculty composed of core and joint members who offer multiple research and training opportunities in experimental pathology.

Current foci of research by departmental faculty and students include:

• The development of the brain
• Disorders of brain development and normal aging
• Effects of nutrition on the developing brain
• Disorders of cell cycle and cell signaling in the pathogenesis and progression of cancer
• Normal and abnormal immunological responses to infectious agents and environmental toxins and to other stimuli
• The neuroscience of Alzheimer’s disease
• Traumatic brain injury
• The pathogenesis of asthma
• Development of immunotherapies for cancer and infectious diseases

Prospective applicants to the PhD program in Pathology must enter via the Program in Biomedical Sciences (PiBS). This program emphasizes interdisciplinary training for the first year, after which time students will be free to transition into one of the doctoral programs offered by the Department of Pathology.

Program in Biomedical Sciences (PiBS)

The Department of Pathology & Laboratory Medicine participates in the Program in Biomedical Sciences (PiBS), which offers training toward the PhD degree by integrating the foundations of interdisciplinary biomedical research with focused investigation and preparation for career advancement.

In the first year, PhD students will participate in the Foundations in Biomedical Sciences (FBS) core curriculum as well as have the opportunity to select elective courses focused on area-specific interests. Additionally, trainees will engage in laboratory rotations, journal clubs, and research seminars. Trainees will work closely with a faculty advisor in the development of an individual plan that will be tailored to serve specific research and professional goals. After selection of a laboratory, students will join the program/department with which the mentor is affiliated and continue advanced studies towards candidacy.

For more on how to apply, please visit our website .

Program Overview

The doctoral program is broadly based, offers research training in both basic and clinical investigations of disease, and encourages students to integrate the two areas where appropriate in their doctoral research. The core curriculum provides course, seminar, and laboratory opportunities for students to learn the pathogenesis, morphology, and cell and molecular biology of human diseases and laboratory techniques used to study them.

Laboratories of faculty in the department and other faculty in Graduate Medical Sciences provide opportunities for doctoral dissertation research in many aspects of the pathogenesis, diagnosis, and treatment of disease.

Students are expected to fulfill all course requirements, choose a dissertation laboratory, and begin preparatory dissertation research within four semesters. They then take the qualifying examination and, if successful, present a dissertation research proposal to their faculty committee and proceed with their research. Students in the alternative tracks follow a modified curriculum in which certain departmental requirements are substituted by requirements of the respective interdepartmental program.

Our faculty members are committed to facilitating all pathology graduate students’ efficient progress through our graduate programs, in a goal-oriented manner. The student group is enthusiastic and interactive. And our graduates pursue careers in academia, biotechnology settings, government laboratories and, if also medically trained, in clinical specialties.

Specializations

In addition to the pathology curriculum, students may choose from three additional specialized tracks:

• Pathology—Cell and Molecular Biology
• Pathology—Immunology
• Pathology—Neuroscience

Specialized coursework offered through the department includes:

• Basic and Experimental Pathology
• Protein Modification and Molecular Basis of Human Diseases
• The Business of Science

Involvement with the MD/PhD Program

• Pathology regularly participates in evening sessions with the MD/PhD students where research opportunities within pathology are discussed.
• Dr. Remick serves on the MD/PhD admissions committee to review applicants and rank interviewed applicants.
• Several faculty members in pathology serve as interviewers for the MD/PhD applicants, providing a critical component since the group struggles to find sufficient MD interviewers.
• Recent MD/PhD graduates who have defended and gone back to graduate medical school are Bryan Belikoff (Remick Lab/Defended Spring 2010), Besam Khidhir (Haber/Harvard Lab/Defended Spring 2010), Chad Mayer (Kurosawa Lab/Defended Spring 2014), David Stepien (Remick Lab/Defended Spring 2013), Louis Vaickus (Remick Lab/Defended Spring 2010), Terry Hsieh (Remick Lab/Defended Spring 2016), Melody Lun (Off-Site-Childrens Hospital/Lehtinen Lab/Defended Spring 2016), and Nisma Mujahid (Off-Site-Massachusetts General Hospital/Fisher Lab/Defended Spring 2017).

Program Structure

Md/phd and phd general requirements.

A course of study and laboratory experience extending over one to two years is followed by a qualifying examination, which is taken within one semester after completion of required coursework. The proposal for dissertation research is then developed and presented to the dissertation committee; the proposed research extends over another two to three years and is performed under the guidance of the major advisor with the help and advice of the committee.

The Director of Graduate Studies serves as a curriculum advisor to all students in the first two years of the program and approves the course registration forms. After the required courses are completed, the student’s research advisor provides direction in the choice of additional courses.

Laboratory rotations are performed in the first year of study to:

• Acquaint students with research opportunities in the program
• Teach a variety of approaches to research and teach specific research methods
• Permit choice of a laboratory for dissertation research. The dissertation research advisor should be chosen and preliminary work in the area of research begun early in the second year of study

Sample Curriculum for PhD and MD/PhD

For first-year PiBS students interested in pathology, the following courses are recommended.

First-Year Fall (10 credits)

• GMS AN 704 Statistics (2 cr) (or equivalent)
• GMS FC 701 Foundations/Protein Structure (2 cr)
• GMS FC 702 Foundations/Genome Structure & Function (2 cr)
• GMS FC 703 Foundations/Cell Architecture & Dynamics (2 cr)
• GMS PA 710 Principles of Basic and Applied Pathology (2 cr)

First-Year Spring (10 credits)

• GMS FC 704 Foundations/Biomedical Sciences (2 cr)
• GMS PA 510 Medical Immunology (2 cr)
• GMS PA 700 Basic and Experimental Pathology (4 cr)
• GMS elective (2 cr)

Second-Year Fall (10 credits)

• GMS PA 800 Pathology Seminar (2 cr)
• GMS PA 810/811 Business of Science (recommended) or elective (2 cr)
• GMS PA 900 Pathology Lab Rotations (2 cr)
• GMS PA 901 Pathology Research (2 cr/varies)
• GMS electives (2 or 4 cr)

Second-Year Spring (10 credits)

• GMS PA 801 Special Topics–Spring (2 cr)
• GMS PA 901 Pathology Research (4 cr/varies)
• GMS PA 910 Human Biospecimens for Research (2 cr)
• Directed Studies (credits as needed)

Required to Sit for the Qualifying Exam

• GMS FIBS I–IV

Responsible Conduct of Research (RCR) is presented by Boston University, requires participation in four sessions of two hours each (usually one session per semester), and results in an NIH certificate. Summer sessions are also offered.

For second-year PiBS students interested in pathology, the following courses are required/recommended.

• GMS PA 800 Pathology Seminar (required for qualifying exam) (2 cr)
• GMS PA 700 Basic and Experimental Pathology (required for qualifying exam) (4 cr)
• Directed Studies (credits as needed)

Responsible Conduct of Research (RCR)  is presented by Boston University, requires participation in four sessions of two hours each (usually one session per semester), and results in an NIH certificate. Summer sessions are also offered.

For MD/PhD students interested in pathology, the following courses are required/recommended.

First-Year Fall (1o credits)

• GMS AN 704 Statistics (or equivalent) (2 cr)
• GMS PA 810/811 Business of Science (recommended) (2 cr)
• GMS elective (2 or 4 cr)
• GMS PA 800 Pathology Seminar (elective) (2 cr)

Additional Requirements

Participation and attendance in the Departmental Friday Seminar are required through all terms of study and research. Two course credits are given for one term (beginning in second year for Cell Biology Track).

For all students pursuing the combined MD/PhD degree, PA 510 Immunology and PA 700 Pathology requirements are fulfilled by the medical curriculum.

Each student is required to present a seminar in the departmental seminar series in addition to their dissertation defense. This is usually done in the fourth year.

Qualifying Exams

Chobanian & Avedisian SOM Department of Pathology & Laboratory Medicine

Pathology PhD graduate students are eligible to take this compulsory examination after successfully completing the required coursework. This will typically take place at the end of second year for PhD students and at the end of third year for the MD/PhD students.

There is one exam period each year: May–June.

Written (computer-typed) examination—6–8 hours

Morning and afternoon sessions consist of essay questions based on individual coursework, directed readings, critiques of selected publications (with an emphasis on experimental design), and evaluation of pathology seminars. These study instructions are provided by the individual members of the examination committee no more than two months prior to the examination. The students are responsible for contacting the committee members. None of the suggested study material/publications can be brought to the exam. The answers will be submitted anonymously to the examiners for grading. Copies of past exams are available. All candidates will provide a list of their coursework and grades to the examination committee. Upon passing the written exam, students will proceed to the oral examination, which takes place 7–10 days after the written exam.

Oral examination—1 ½–2 hours

Exam evaluation : Pass/Fail/Conditional Pass. In the event of a conditional pass, the examining committee will define the appropriate corrective steps and a time frame for completing these steps.

After passing the qualifying examination, the graduate student will proceed with selection of their thesis committee.

Current members of the committee are: Dr. J. K. Blusztajn, Dr. B. Slack (committee chair), Dr. I. Delalle, Dr. D. Remick, and Dr. N. Rahimi. Alternate member: Dr. J. Sharon.

PhD Thesis/Doctoral Dissertation Committees

The committee must consist of at least five members, which includes the student’s thesis advisor. At least three members must have primary or secondary appointments in the Department of Pathology & Laboratory Medicine at the time they are asked to join the committee.

For a complete description of requirements for assembly of the committee, please visit the BU Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine website .

Admission & Financial Assistance

Criteria for admission.

Students must have received a baccalaureate degree from an accredited university. Additional criteria considered by the admissions committee include:

• A good academic record/GPA
• GRE test results and TOEFL for international students
• Personal statement
• Letters of references
• Interview evaluation (if invited)
• Interest level in pathology research
• All aspects of the applicant, including research experience and publications, are considered in the decision process

Financial Support

All PhD and MD/PhD students who are admitted to the program automatically receive a stipend, tuition, activity fees, and health insurance. For the 2018–2019 academic year, the stipend is $34,000.

Students are also eligible to compete for support from outside agencies, such as the National Institutes of Health, the National Science Foundation, and the Howard Hughes Medical Institute. While in graduate school, students are also eligible to compete with other GMS students for research and travel awards from the department and the Chobanian & Avedisian SOM .

Additional Opportunities

Research opportunities that provide students with the techniques and knowledge necessary to confront scientific problems

Teaching opportunities through the  Chobanian & Avedisian SOM , BU CityLab Academy, BU Metropolitan College, and Chobanian & Avedisian SOM Student Affairs office tutoring program

Departmental seminars provide students with the opportunity to hear and interact with pathologists and basic scientists from a variety of disciplines

Journal Club allows students to lead discussions about current literature, fundamental papers, or new ideas in their fields of study

Core Facilities

• Animal Research Resource Center
• Biomedical Imaging Center
• Cellular Imaging Core
• Experimental Pathology Laboratory Service Core Facility
• Flow Cytometry Core Facility
• High Throughput Screening Core
• Microarray Resource Core Facility
• Molecular Genetics Core Facility
• Proteomics Core Facility

Related Bulletin Pages

• Graduate Medical Sciences Courses
• Abbreviations and Symbols

Beyond the Bulletin

• GMS Admissions
• Financial Assistance
• The Vesalius Certificate
• Anatomy & Neurobiology
• Behavioral Neuroscience
• Biochemistry
• MD/PhD in Bioinformatics
• Biomedical Forensic Sciences
• Biomedical Research Technologies
• Biomedical Sciences (PiBS)
• Clinical Research
• Forensic Anthropology
• Genetic Counseling
• Genetics & Genomics
• Health Care Emergency Management
• Health Professions Education
• Medical Anthropology & Cross-Cultural Practice
• Medical Sciences
• Mental Health Counseling & Behavioral Medicine Program
• Microbiology
• Molecular & Translational Medicine
• Neuroscience
• Nutrition & Metabolism
• Oral Biology
• Oral Health Sciences
• MS in Pathology Laboratory Sciences
• Path 2 Path Graduate Certificate
• Pharmacology & Experimental Therapeutics
• Physician Assistant
• Physiology or Biophysics
• Departments
• BU Medical Campus Library
• Graduate Medical Sciences Student Organization (GMSSO)

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Undergraduate Program

The concentration in Physics, administered by the Department of Physics, serves a variety of goals and interests. A concentration in Physics provides a foundation for subsequent professional work in physics, and also for work in computer science, astronomy, biophysics, chemical physics, engineering and applied physics, earth and planetary sciences, geology, astrophysics, and the history and philosophy of science. Less obviously perhaps, the intellectual attitudes in physics — blending imagination, prediction, observation, and deduction — provide an excellent base for subsequent graduate work in professional schools of medicine, education, law, business, and public administration. Students are also eligible to apply for an A.B./A.M. degree program.

Graduate education in physics at Harvard offers students exciting opportunities extending over a diverse range of subjects and departments. In the Department of Physics, graduate students work in state-of-the-art facilities with renowned faculty and accomplished postdoctoral fellows. The department’s primary areas of experimental and theoretical research include atomic and molecular physics, quantum optics, condensed-matter physics, computational physics, the physics of solids and fluids, biophysics, astrophysics, statistical mechanics, mathematical physics, high-energy particle physics, quantum field theory, string theory, and relativity.