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Applying to Biomedical science Phd programs

• Thread starter Opticalfuture
• Start date Feb 1, 2020

Opticalfuture

• Feb 1, 2020

paradoxic_toxic

Full member.

High GPA, high GRE, high quality publications as the first author, posters, conferences, stellar LORs  

paradoxic_toxic said: High GPA, high GRE, high quality publications as the first author, posters, conferences, stellar LORs Click to expand...

Opticalfuture said: how high is a good GPA? and how is the admission committee, like is it more holistic? Click to expand...

paradoxic_toxic said: In general 3.7 or higher. I haven't really heard of a PhD program with holistic, but they probably exist. Click to expand...

Opticalfuture said: oh okay because I was told you have at least 3.5, and thye emphasis research, LORs, and your gpa (in that order) not so much numbers like med school Click to expand...

I'm sure you can have some leeway with your GPA.  

paradoxic_toxic said: Yeah that seems right. Having 3.7 would keep you on the safe side. Click to expand...

keolu hills

I have a PhD in Geophysics. It really depends on the program you are applying to. In my former program, it was impossible to get in without at least a 3.8 GPA. 2 GRE exams were required for admission. One for math and one for physics.  

Opticalfuture said: Hello, I'm in undergrad and was wondering how competitive are these programs. What should I do to be a great candidate and have high chances getting accepted? (I'm involved in a new project in lab) Click to expand...

Med Ed said: There are tons of biomedical science PhD programs out there, and if you can fog a mirror then you can gain acceptance to some of them. They'll even waive your tuition and give you a stipend to live on. Which should tell you something about the job market for biomedical science PhDs. Click to expand...

DNAJB6 said: When applying to PhD programs your research and any publications will matter as much or more than your GPA (as long as you're a reasonably decent student). Better yet if you have demonstrated interests related to one of the faculty members. Most top programs want 3.4-3.6 with competitive GRE scores; however, some schools are moving away from the GRE for some programs. I went to a top public school and know of people in that score range that were accepted to programs at MIT, Caltech, Yale, and WashU. Click to expand...

DNAJB6 said: The tuition waiver is largely because of government and grant funding combined with teaching stipends. Click to expand...

Opticalfuture said: most programs give you a stipend once accepted, unlike med school. Click to expand...

Opticalfuture said: They just probably need more scientists for medicine is evolving Click to expand...

DNAJB6 said: The tuition waiver is largely because of government and grant funding combined with teaching stipends. On the other hand, you're right the job prospects suck because of an over saturation of advanced degree holders in the life science market. Click to expand...

Med Ed said: Thank you both, but you may notice the word "Faculty" under my avatar. Graduate programs need cheap, highly motivated labor, which is what grad students and postdocs provide. Click to expand...

• Feb 2, 2020

Opticalfuture said: but isn't that for only your first few years, since starting off new? wouldn't a doctorate degree be worth more? Click to expand...

deleted972488

Biomedical PhD programs are not necessarily difficult to get into, but they are difficult to complete successfully. You do not need publications to be accepted, even to top programs, but you'll need to demonstrate what you're getting into with plenty of research experience. However, I am afraid you may going into this with some misinformation and perhaps for the wrong reasons.  

Goro said: The job market for PhDs is so bad that I can't recommend this career pathway. Click to expand...

PapayaJambalaya said: Biomedical PhD programs are not necessarily difficult to get into, but they are difficult to complete successfully. You do not need publications to be accepted, even to top programs, but you'll need to demonstrate what you're getting into with plenty of research experience. However, I am afraid you may going into this with some misinformation and perhaps for the wrong reasons. Click to expand...

Med Ed said: I don't know what you are asking. Click to expand...

Opticalfuture said: Isn't medicine saturated anyways, with all these new jobs? Click to expand...

PapayaJambalaya said: The problem is that we are producing far more PhDs than there are academic positions available for people with PhDs. Only something like 10% of PhDs will end up being a PI. It that’s what you’re hoping for, it’s an uphill battle. On the other hand, almost everyone who earns a US MD becomes an attending physician. There are other jobs for PhDs outside of academia, but they may or may not be worth the investment. That’s up for you to decide. Click to expand...

Goro said: Good graduate students (and post docs) are hard to find....always have been. Getting a faculty or industry job? Aye, there's the rub. Click to expand...

Opticalfuture said: what do you mean" there's the rub?" Click to expand...

PapayaJambalaya said: Easier said than done. Click to expand...

Goro said: Google is your friend Click to expand...

PapayaJambalaya said: The problem is that we are producing far more PhDs than there are academic positions available for people with PhDs. Only something like 10% of PhDs will end up being a PI. It that’s what you’re hoping for, it’s an uphill battle. On the other hand, almost everyone who earns a US MD becomes an attending physician. There are other jobs for PhDs olooputside of academia, but they may or may not be worth the investment. That’s up for you to decide. Click to expand...

Goro said: In addition to this. We also import a lot of PhDs, who end up staying here and end up competing with the Homegrown phds as well. Click to expand...

Opticalfuture said: I was saying starting off new the salary will be low, but it will increase with experience. Click to expand...

Opticalfuture said: who knows we don't know the future, the job market could change. Click to expand...

Med Ed said: New college graduate, age 22, starts a PhD program with a 30K stipend. Graduates at age 28 making 34K. Takes postdoc making 55K, finishes at age 31 making 58K. Now the big decision: second postdoc, search for academic research job (tenure-track or non-tenure-track), search for industry job, try teaching route (small 4-year college), or get out entirely, perhaps with other degree program (e.g. JD, MBA, etc.). Oh, and to get any of those to work out you have to beat out a gymnasium-full of other candidates with similar qualifications. Suffice to say it's a great way to find yourself in your 30's with few assets, little stability, and limited prospects. The job market for biomedical PhDs has indeed changed over the years. It has steadily gotten worse with no end in sight. Click to expand...

APA 32 said: I would say pursuing a PhD was the biggest mistake of my professional life Click to expand...

• Feb 3, 2020

Opticalfuture said: what did you get it in and what was it like? Click to expand...

keolu hills said: Unl This has been the case where I am since the nineties. I knew a tenured professor who discouraged everyone interested in a biomedical science PhD because of the poor job market. One has to be willing to teach at a four year college or a community college. That was the case for physics too. Click to expand...

Opticalfuture said: would you recommend a Phd in other biological scices, because I really want to get my doctorate degree in the sciences. Click to expand...

keolu hills said: What about getting a doctorate in Agronomy and Soil Science or Agriculture? This field is growing. It has been since 2018. They use a lot of biochemistry etc. Click to expand...

FYI: Now just with a degree in a science, you can work as a Forensic Scientist. Your degree does not have to be in Forensic science to do so. I do know a couple of people with the agronomy and soil science degree doing that. Before I entered medical school, I considered doing that.  

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PhD in Biomedical Science

New section.

Biomedical scientists bridge the gap between the basic sciences and medicine. The PhD degree is the gateway to a career in biomedical research.

Information about what one can do with a PhD in Biomedical Science.

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Helpful tools for those applying to medical PhD programs.

Upcoming short presentations will describe features of PhD training, alumni careers, and detailed logistics of the application process.

Learn about PhD Programs from program leaders.

Graduate schools in the biomedical sciences will generally provide a comprehensive funding package to their students.

PhD Programs by School

List of Postdoctoral Programs by School

Postbaccalaureate programs begin after an undergraduate degree and are designed to support the transition to professional school.

• PhD Biomedical Sciences
• Graduate Programs

The Biomedical Sciences doctoral training program at the University of Central Florida College of Medicine is an interdisciplinary program enriched with graduate faculty with diverse investigative biomedical research interest and highly qualified students who are pursuing top education and cutting edge discoveries.

The Graduate Faculty includes more than 100 reputable scientists with established achievements in diverse aspects of biomedical sciences including metabolic disorders, cardiovascular sciences, infectious disease, neuroscience, cancer, nanoscience, biomedical engineering, drug discovery, and much more https://med.ucf.edu/biomed/graduate-programs/graduate-faculty/ .

Our students are recruited from outstanding programs from all over the United States and over 18 other countries. They are supported by competitive scholarships and prestigious fellowships. Our students receive top tier education, rigorous training in basic and clinical research, outstanding mentoring, and long-lived professional development. They become competent in research and policies while conducting experiments involving the use of human subjects and animals. They learn, retain, and apply fundamental knowledge in biomedical sciences. They graduate from the program as scientists with excellent education and training and focused career goals. Many go on as postdoctoral fellows, academics, scientists, and researchers.  https://med.ucf.edu/biomed/graduate-programs/wherearetheynow/

The curriculum of the Biomedical PhD program is continuously adapting to rapid changes in technology, science, ongoing research, public health, and evolving genetic discoveries. All students must successfully complete core courses with a focus on fundamental knowledge in molecular and cell biology, microbiology, biochemistry, immunology, neuroscience, bioinformatics, stem cell, metabolic, cancer, drug discovery and delivery, and more.

All students are required  to complete the online Collaborative Institutional Training Initiative (CITI), Responsible Conduct of Research training and four face-to-face ethics/RCR workshops coordinated by the UCF College of Graduate Studies and the Office of Research and Commercialization. First year students prior to their laboratory rotation are required to complete laboratory safety, radiation safety, biosafety, and blood borne pathogen courses. Students are also required to attend Pathways to Success seminar series including Academic Integrity, Graduate Grantsmanship, Graduate Teaching, Personal Development, Professional Development, and Research.

The program administrators, faculty and staff are dedicated to educate, train, and mentor tomorrows scientists and future colleagues and collaborators. Our Graduate Student Association plays the big brother/sister role to complements the role of our faculty to help our students succeed.

Program Curriculum

The Biomedical Sciences PhD program requires a minimum of 72 credit hours beyond the bachelor’s degree, including a minimum total of 27 hours of formal course work exclusive of independent study that is required.

The program requires 23 credit hours of core courses, 12 credit hours of elective courses, and a minimum of 15 credit hours of dissertation research. The remaining 22 credit hours may consist of additional electives, doctoral research and/or dissertation research. Students with an earned master’s degree may request that up to 30 credit hours of previous course work be waived.

New students will take a two-semester introductory course, participate in laboratory rotations to identify a research area of interest, and take a sequence of required seminars.

Total Credit Hours Required

72 credit hours minimum beyond the Bachelor’s Degree.

Qualifying Examinations

• Cumulative examinations
• Candidacy Examination
• Dissertation Defense

Program Research

As one of the largest universities in the United States, UCF’s world-renowned faculty, international curricula, and research opportunities provide the perfect setting for an exceptional academic experience. Our Biomedical Sciences Ph.D. program’s burgeoning biomedical research promises to generate intellectual property that will spark a biomedical industry in the Central Florida region. Burnett school scientists focus their research on cancer, cardiovascular, neurodegenerative, and infectious diseases. Funded research projects include:

• Neurodegenerative diseases
• Tumor invasion and metastasis
• Gene chip technology
• Stem cell therapies
• Molecular biological and biophysical techniques
• Infectious diseases

Program Strengths

Our program offers students an opportunity to study in-depth the molecular processes found in both normal and pathological disease states, disease intervention, and gene therapy. The creative environment within the program provides students close contact with a faculty composed of internationally recognized biomedical scientists.

Partnerships

Active partnerships formed with other units at UCF – such as the College of Optics and Photonics, the School of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, Burnham Prebys Medical Discovery Institute at Lake Nona and the NanoScience Technology Center – will facilitate interdisciplinary research and education programs in the innovative applications of photonics, bioinformatics, and nanoscience to biomedical problems.

Career Opportunities:

• Tenured Professor
• Grant Administration
• Science Policy
• Pharmaceutical Research
• Biotechnology Research
• Management Consulting
• Medical Communications
• Science Journalism and Writing
• Science Publishing

Points of Pride

The Burnett Biomedical Sciences building at the UCF Health Sciences Lake Nona Campus opened in Fall 2009. This 198,000 square foot building is five stories of state-of-the-art equipment and has space for our research teams headed by 19 faculty members. It also houses a major transgenic animal facility and three Biosafety level 3 laboratories.

Application Requirements

For information on general UCF graduate admissions requirements that apply to all prospective students, please visit the Admissions section of the Graduate Catalog. Applicants must apply online. All requested materials must be submitted by the established deadline.

Applicants entering the program with regular status are expected to have completed course work required for a bachelor’s degree in chemistry, cell biology, biochemistry, biophysics, genetics, molecular biology or microbiology.

In addition to the general UCF graduate application requirements, applicants to this program must provide:

• One official transcript (in a sealed envelope) from each college/university attended
• Three letters of recommendation
• Statement of research interest and purpose, including a summary of relevant work or research experience
• A personal or telephone interview

Admission is based on an overall assessment of the qualifications submitted and the interview. All admissions to graduate status are competitive and based on availability of faculty for sponsoring research.

PhD Financials

Graduate students may receive financial assistance through fellowships, assistantships, tuition support, or loans. Financial awards are based on academic merit to highly qualified students.

• Tuition fully covered
• Stipend: $27,000-$34,000/year
• Health Insurance covered

View the Chatlos Doctoral Fellowship in Biomedical Sciences Opportunity

For more information, please visit the graduate catalog here

View the program handbook here.

• Student/Faculty Portal
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Admissions and Application Process

• Prerequisites and Requirements
• Financial Support
• Curriculum Overview
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Submission deadlines and applicant review timeline

Mayo Clinic Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences is recognized as a center of excellence in training a diverse biomedical research workforce. We seek students who have strong background in the basic sciences and prior research experience. Ensure you are prepared and learn more about our submission items and deadlines.

Prerequisites and requirements

Review the academic prerequisites for students applying for admission to the Ph.D. Program at Mayo Clinic Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences.

How to apply

Your application and all supporting documentation must be received between Sept. 1 through Dec. 4, including letters of recommendation. 

There is no application fee for applying to our Ph.D. program.

You can only apply to one research track of interest for each admission cycle. Applicants selected for the program may have the opportunity to do research in any Mayo Clinic research lab regardless of track choice.

When you apply to the program you need to select a location where you plan to study: Jacksonville, Florida; Phoenix/Scottsdale, Arizona; or Rochester, Minnesota. Please note: if you are appointed to the program, a campus change is allowed if the research lab you ultimately select after the required lab rotations is on a different campus. 

Application instructions

Application will only be available between Sept. 1 - Dec. 4, 2024.

Complete all of the following steps to apply:

• Select - Mayo Clinic Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences
• Select - PhD
• Complete each section of the application and submit
• Upload each required item in the Supplemental Items section
• Complete the Recommendation Request section

Application updates and status

• We do not require or accept any updates to applications after Dec. 4, 2024.
• Materials should not be mailed to our office unless specifically requested.
• Application status will be emailed to applicants. See applicant review timeline .

Required application documents

The following items, including all letters of recommendation, must be received by the application deadline of Dec. 4 within the Supplemental Items and Documents area of the application. Incomplete applications will not be reviewed.

• Letters of recommendation

A total of three letters of recommendation are required. Letters of recommendation sent directly to the school are not accepted. Letter writers must submit their letter of recommendation and rating form via a link received from the application portal. All letters of recommendation must be received by the application deadline or the application will be marked incomplete and will not be reviewed. 

• Examples of letter writers include: research mentors, science instructors, or principal investigators.
• Letters should be written by people who know you well and whose opinions convey the likelihood of your success in a biomedical research program.

Within the application portal under "Supplemental Items and Documents" in the   Recommendation Requests   section, you will enter the email address of your letter writers. They will receive an email with a link to complete a rating form and upload their letter of recommendation. Do not delay. Late letter submissions will not be accepted.

Your CV/resume should include:

• Your prior research experiences. List them chronologically, starting with the most recent, and include the role you played in each project. 
• List any peer-reviewed scientific papers, in which you are listed as an author, that are in press or published in a scientific journal (include full reference and PUBMED ID#).
• List any non-peer reviewed manuscripts uploaded to a public site such as BioRxiv (include full citation).
• List oral and poster presentations in which you are the first and presenting author (include full citation).
• List conference abstracts, including those in which you submitted but did not present (include full citation).
• Personal statement

Your personal statement should be one-to-two pages in length, single-spaced.

• Specifically answer the question: "Why do you want to be a biomedical scientist?"
• Share what has been your most satisfying research project and why it was satisfying to you.
• Summarize your current scientific interests and career goals.

Transcripts

• From U.S. college/university: Upload unofficial transcripts of all courses taken at colleges or universities to the application portal. If admitted to the program, official transcripts confirming degree information will be requested.
• From international university (outside U.S.): Transcripts issued in a language other than English must be translated into English ( see international applicant information   for English translation options).  Please note that translation of transcript may take several weeks for request and processing, late submission of any required application document will not be accepted.

English language proficiency

Proof of English proficiency is required for international applicants who are non-native English speakers (see   international applicant information ).  Required English language proficiency documents must be uploaded in application portal by Dec. 4, 2024 ( late submissions not accepted ).

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
• Research experience

Campus interviews

Interviews allow us to meet the applicants we have read so much about! These interviews also allow applicants to meet the admissions committee members, current students, and some of their potential classmates. We are happy to answer all your questions and look forward to meeting you.

Interview invitations

Completed application review by track committees will begin on Dec. 5, 2024. Each track's admissions committee reviews completed applications and selects qualified applicants for interviews. 

Applicants residing in the U.S.:  In-person interviews are offered to selected applicants residing in the U.S., alternative virtual interviews may be offered. If invited to an in-person interview, you will receive campus-specific information via email. 

Applicants residing outside the U.S.:   Virtual interview will be offered to selected applicants residing outside the U.S. 

Interview invitations are emailed December through January and are conducted from January through February. These time frames are subject to change.

Before your interview

If selected applicants are unable to make it to an in-person interview, alternative options will be discussed. Financial assistance (airfare and hotel) will be provided to applicants residing within the U.S. and U.S. territories.

Interview day

Applicants invited to an in-person interview will participate in: 

• Welcome session
• Interacting with current Ph.D. students
• Six, one-on-one, 45-minute interviews
• Research poster session
• Evening reception with students and staff

After interview day

The track admissions committees deliberate on applicant interviews and initial appointment letters will be emailed to candidates. See applicant review timeline .

"So many different kinds of opportunities"

Welcoming and inclusive

Mayo Clinic Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences is recognized as a center of excellence in training a diverse biomedical research workforce.

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 .

Office of Graduate Education

At Stanford, there are no barriers

At Stanford, the world’s best students have the resources of the entire university at their fingertips. Our network of Biosciences PhD programs provides students opportunities to work in a close-knit, intellectual community.

You Belong!

“You Belong at Stanford” Virtual Seminar and Q&A – First Session

We are excited to share the You Belong at Stanford Virtual Seminar, which takes place on October 2nd or 9th at 3:00pm PST.

Our  14 Biosciences PhD Home Programs empower students with the flexibility to tailor their education to their skills and interests as they evolve. Students work with global leaders in biomedical innovation, who provide the mentorship to answer the most difficult and important questions in biology and biomedicine. We encourage our students to flow freely between the 14 Biosciences PhD Home Programs with access to all labs, encouraging collaboration and allowing each student to discover her or his own passions.

PhD Programs

• Biochemistry
• Biomedical Data Science
• Cancer Biology
• Chemical and Systems Biology
• Developmental Biology
• Microbiology and Immunology
• Molecular and Cellular Physiology
• Neurosciences
• Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine
• Structural Biology

Related Programs

• Bioengineering
• Biomedical Physics
• Health Policy
• Epidemiology and Clinical Research
• Dual-Degree Programs

Work with innovators across disciplines

Immersed in Stanford’s  environment of creative exploration and interdisciplinary collaboration , our students work alongside not only the best minds in the biosciences, but with leaders in chemistry, physics, statistics, computer sciences, engineering, and myriad other disciplines. In addition to first-year coursework and the innovative, discussion-based  Foundations of Experimental Biology , students supplement their learning through two to three-week  mini-courses  that span disciplines and generate innovative approaches to problem-solving. And through our  close partnership with Stanford Hospitals and Clinics,  students can witness firsthand the potential real-world impact of their work.

Become a leader, and pursue your passion

Our goal is simple: To empower each student to discover and pursue her or his  career of choice . Stanford Biosciences graduates  go on to make a difference as leaders and innovators  in academia, biotech and government research, business and finance, education, and policy. We will work with you to develop the skills necessary to pursue your individual passion through an  integrated academic and professional curriculum . For those with the talent, intellect, and drive to lead the next generation of biomedical innovators, our Biosciences program offers the best path forward.

Research News

Understanding the resurgence of mpox

Is your asthma inhaler bad for the environment?

How space became a place for the study of aging

Our 14 Biosciences PhD Home Programs form a collaborative network that encourages creative thinking, interdisciplinary collaboration, and high-stakes, high-reward research. Students get the best of both worlds: the flexibility of a larger program with the direct mentorship fostered by a smaller setting. Each Home Program provides foundational training with a supportive group of peers and faculty. Students are encouraged to tailor their rotations and education throughout the Biosciences and beyond. At Stanford, we empower students to broaden their horizons, discover their passion, and become leaders and innovators in their career of choice.

Dean's Message

Stanford Biosciences is one of the best places in the world for training in the biomedical sciences thanks to focused training and shared scientific interests with along with the vast opportunities of an interdisciplinary program.

News and resources for new and continuing PhD students

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Biomedical Sciences Graduate Program (BSGP)

The BSGP includes both MS and PhD degrees and offers an exciting opportunity to gain a broad understanding of the biomedical sciences in a spectacular southwestern setting of unsurpassed beauty, rich cultural heritage, and geographic diversity.

Accomplished Students and Alumni

Optional Concentrations

• Expectations

At the University of New Mexico your options are open!

You will chose from over 100 research laboratories in the School of Medicine , College of Pharmacy , College of Nursing , Comprehensive Cancer Center , School of Engineering , Department of Biology , and affiliated sites such as Los Alamos National Laboratory and Sandia National Laboratories .  

Many interdepartmental and multidisciplinary opportunities are represented in  Centers and Signature Research Programs  with access to  cutting-edge state-of-the-art cores and facilities .

Specific NIH-funded pre-doctoral training programs include the  Infectious Diseases & Inflammation Program , Cardiovascular Research Training Program , and  Alcohol Research Training Program in Neurosciences .  

Research Mentors: To find BSGP mentors, please search the Research Mentor Inventory .

PhD Students

Financial support packages are provided by the BSGP to incoming PhD students during the first academic year of the program, mid-August through May 31.

Students do not need to find a mentor (advisor) before applying.

At the end of the first academic year, beginning June 1, PhD students are funded by their dissertation mentor (advisor), and/or training grants, and/or the advisor’s department.

This package includes:

• Full tuition support (excludes some mandatory student fees)
• Payment of student health insurance
• Annual stipend

Note : Eligibility to receive financial support throughout the program is contingent on the student remaining in good standing according to BSGP and UNM Office of Graduate Studies standards and policies as well as completion of mandatory UNM and HSC trainings.

• Good academic standing includes maintaining a 3.0 GPA, with no grade lower than a B, and maintaining progress toward the research component of the program.
• Students must also comply with the BSGP and UNM HSC Codes of Professional Conduct and follow UNM values and guidelines with regard to responsible conduct of research (RCR), professional ethics, and academic integrity.

The BSGP is an intensive research-based PhD program; therefore, students who fail to identify a research mentor and secure financial support beyond the first academic year of the program will be unable to continue in the BSGP.

• The program provides guidance and a variety of opportunities during the first academic year of the program for students to successfully identify research mentors.
• However, the task of finding a long-term fit within a research lab is the personal responsibility of each individual student.

MS Students

The BSGP does not provide financial support to MS students.

• MS students may find financial support from the thesis advisor after the end of the first academic year, but this is not guaranteed.
• Other financial opportunities are available to graduate students, including scholarships, and the BSGP may provide assistance to MS students to help them secure these other financial resources.
• See the Office of Graduate Studies website for possible funding opportunities.

Many interdepartmental and multidisciplinary research opportunities are represented in research centers and training programs at UNM. Specific pre-doctoral training programs include the following:

Alcohol Research Training in Neurosciences

The Department of Neurosciences has been awarded an Institutional Research Training Grant designed to provide students with a broad base in neurobiological concepts related to alcohol abuse and alcoholism. The program provides full financial support, including student stipend, tuition, and travel. For more information visit their website or email Dr. Fernando Valenzuela .

Cardiovascular Research and Training Program

The Cardiovascular Research and Training Program  (CRTP) provides exceptional pre-and post-doctoral trainees a broad, multidisciplinary background in cardiovascular and pulmonary research with integration between basic and clinical sciences. This NIH training grant provides funds for tuition, stipends, travel to meetings, insurance and other education-related expenses.

Infectious Diseases and Inflammation Program & Training Grant

The UNM Infectious Diseases and Inflammation Program (IDIP) is a collaborative, interdisciplinary program of faculty who share an interest in reducing the burden of infectious diseases worldwide. For more information visit:   https://hsc.unm.edu/research/cidi/

Goals and Objectives for BSGP Students:

The student demonstrates abilities as a problem solver and critical and independent thinker.

The student displays mastery of an appropriate breadth and depth of knowledge.

The student is effective at both oral and written communication.

The student is a competent and skilled experimentalist who is able to collect, organize, evaluate, and interpret data.

The student demonstrates responsible conduct of research and ethical behavior.

The student works effectively with others in a collegial manner.

MS students may take up to two years to complete the core courses. MS students rotate through a minimum of two laboratories during their first year. They are not required to take the PhD Qualifying Examination unless they wish to be considered for the PhD program. After completion of the core curriculum, students are required to enroll in divisional seminars each semester until graduation.

First-year MS students are not eligible for stipend or tuition support by the BSGP, although many find funding in their second year.

By the beginning of the second year, students choose a thesis advisor and form a Committee on Studies. The Committee outlines any additional divisional course requirements relevant to the specific area of interest. The MS student is expected to present a minimum of one seminar during the second year, in addition to their thesis defense. Students must complete an original and creative research project as well as write and defend their thesis. Most students complete their MS degrees within 2-3 years.

Financial support packages are provided by the program for the first 10 months and are offered to all highly qualified, first-year PhD students. Students receive an annual stipend of $25,836, payment of student health insurance premiums, and remission of tuition and GPSA fees. Additionally, students are responsible for the payment of certain student fees, including the Health Sciences Center library fee.  International students will also be responsible for a one-time UNM Global Education Office fee.

During the first academic year, all students share a one-year core curriculum. Additionally, students complete three separate Research Rotations to get experience and exposure to the various research areas available at the UNM Health Sciences Center.  

The funding for PhD students is provided through the end of the first academic year (May 31) by the BSGP. During the first year, students identify a research mentor who will assume the financial responsibility starting June 1 and provide the resources necessary for the student to conduct their dissertation research. Students are funded by their research mentor (advisor), and/or training grants, and/or the research mentor’s department. Students are responsible for identifying a research mentor prior to end of the first academic year in order to continue to progress in the program. The program provides guidance and a variety of opportunities during the first academic year of the program for students to successfully identify research mentors.

At the end of the first year, PhD students choose a research advisor, declare an area of specialization, and take and pass a qualifying exam so that they may advance to candidacy. Students also choose a faculty Committee on Studies to help guide them through their thesis/dissertation research. In their third or fourth year, all students must successfully complete a comprehensive examination which is administered by their Committee on Studies.

The next generation of experimental biomedical scientists must be equipped to work productively and in teams with mathematical, computational and physical scientists and engineers in order to answer critical biological questions in the 21st century. There are different interdisciplinary opportunities for BSGP students beginning in their second year.

In subsequent years, students complete advanced coursework and laboratory research in preparation for completing their PhD dissertation. Most students complete their PhD degrees within 4-6 years.

2022 BSGP by Ethnicity

2022 bsgp by gender.

BSGP understands that our students have various gender identities. This Sex Assigned at Birth data reflects responses provided on the UNM Admissions Application, which only has options for Female Assigned at Birth and Male Assigned at Birth. 

UNM does allow you to go beyond what is entered during admissions and to update your gender to something from a broader list in Banner demographics. There are 6 options. Here is how to update your gender .

2013-2021 BSGP Graduates

BSGP Employment Outcomes

Employment outcomes for BSGP PhD graduates as of summer 2020.

Create an impact, give today!

Graduate resource center workshops: calendar.

Workshops on a variety of topics for graduate students including; Wellness, Reading Skills and Strategies, Financial Literacy, Time Management, and more.

About UNM and New Mexico

Check out The Lobo Life page for a selection of the adventures that await you in and around UNM!

Mailing Address School of Medicine Research Education Office MSC08-4560 1 University of New Mexico Albuquerque , NM 87131

Phone: (505) 272-1887 Fax: (505) 272-8738

Email: [email protected]

Physical Location: UNM Health Sciences Center (North Campus) Reginald Heber Fitz Hall (Building 211) Room B61

REO Hours & Appointments