The objectives of this program are to provide an in-depth understanding of molecular and cellular mechanisms of human disease processes, and to provide the skills and critical thinking required to perform scientific research. The program offers both a Master’s degree and a Ph.D. All students in our program (both Master’s and Ph.D.) take the coursework in the First Year Core Curriculum of the College of Graduate Studies. The program offers two major tracks: cancer biology and neuroscience. Students select advanced coursework in their track of interest to complete their didactic training. Each student defines a thesis project under the mentorship of a member of the Graduate Faculty in the department during the second year.

Students acquire a comprehensive education in the biomedical sciences through didactic course work beginning in the First Year Core Curriculum of the College of Graduate Studies. Students rotate through research laboratories during the first year to gain experience in scientific methodology. Students gain an in-depth understanding of the pathogenesis of human disease through required coursework in Histology and Mechanisms of Disease.

At the end of year two, students take a comprehensive written qualifying examination after satisfactory completion of all required coursework. Upon passing the written portion of the qualifying exam, each student works closely with his or her mentor to select an academic Advisory Committee to guide the student in the completion of an independent thesis research project. Students are required to present and defend a formal dissertation proposal to the Advisory Committee within 6-12 months after passing the qualifying exam. Passing the oral dissertation proposal is the final step in qualifying as a Ph.D. candidate. The student is required to meet with the Advisory Committee at least once per year after the committee is formed. At least one manuscript on which the student is the first author must be accepted for publication in a peer-reviewed journal prior to the final dissertation defense. A second paper on which the student is an author must be submitted for publication. In addition, students gain essential skills and experience in communicating their research results by presenting their findings at local, regional, national, and international research conferences. The average time for completion of the program is about 5 years.