About the Program
The Master of Science degree curriculum is a two-year, full-time program of study. Two options are available: a 30-credit program with a thesis sponsored by a graduate faculty advisor, and a 36-credit non-thesis option.
The Doctor of Philosophy degree curriculum is a full-time, 37-credit program that typically takes just over five years to complete. The PhD program of study features research rotations, journal clubs and seminars, and dissertation research.
PhD and MS students with the thesis option can specialize in one of five concentrations (clusters):
- Cancer Biology and Genetics
- Infectious Disease and Immunity
- Molecular and Cellular Biosciences
- Neuroscience
- Organ Systems and Translational Medicine
For more information about each cluster, view the Areas of Concentration page.
In the first year, MS and PhD students participate in interdisciplinary coursework including:
- Molecules to Cell
- Organ Systems: Function, Dysfunction, and Therapies
- One concentration-specific elective
- Five one-credit courses comprising Scientific Communication, Scientific Integrity and Bioethics, Experimental Design and Biostatistics, Bioinformatics, and Grant Writing
In addition, PhD students complete three laboratory rotations and MS students with thesis directly begin laboratory research. In subsequent years, PhD students take additional advance concentration-specific elective courses, participate in seminars and journal clubs, perform research in the laboratory of their choice, and write and defend a thesis. MS students also take additional advanced elective courses, participate in student seminars and journal clubs, and, if the thesis option is chosen, perform research leading to a thesis.
All students can work with faculty in the School of Medicine's world-class disease-based research centers.