Graduate Studies Office of Graduate Studies Program Learning Objectives PhD & MD/PhD Programs PhD Interdisciplinary Programs Medical Scientist Training Program (MSTP) Master's Programs Genetic Counseling MS-BATS Postdoctoral Scholars Community & Resources Alumni Giving Financial Support PhD and MD/PhD Programs The UCI School of Medicine offers a PhD degree program in Biomedical Sciences and a Medical Scientist Training program (MSTP) leading to dual MD/PhD degrees. Home Education Graduate Studies: PhD and MD/PhD Programs Experience Excellence in Research PhD in Biomedical Sciences and Dual MD/PhD Programs The PhD degree in Biomedical Sciences offers graduate study in one of five participating basic science departments training students in biomedical research and critical inquiry with the goal of a research-based career in academia, biomedical technology and related fields. The Medical Scientist Training program (MSTP) leads to dual MD/PhD degrees. Graduates find work in clinical medicine, academic research and translational fields. PhD in Biomedical Sciences The School of Medicine currently offers a highly selective Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) degree program leading to a PhD in Biomedical Sciences in the following disciplines: Anatomy & Neurobiology The Department of Anatomy & Neurobiology is world-leading in neuroscience where molecular, anatomical and physiological discoveries integrate in the development of new treatments for neurological diseases. Anatomy & Neurobiology Program Biological Chemistry The Department of Biological Chemistry provides advanced training to individuals who are interested in understanding the fine regulation of the biological processes, structural basis of the regulation, and the identification of targets for disease management. Biological Chemistry Program Microbiology & Molecular Genetics The Department of Microbiology & Molecular Genetics provides advanced training to individuals interested in the regulation of gene expression and the structural and functional properties of proteins encoded by these genes. Microbiology & Molecular Genetics Program Physiology & Biophysics The Department of Physiology & Biophysics offers research opportunities in a wide spectrum of areas from understanding medically-relevant molecular processes to chemical processes and metabolic reactions in cells. Physiology & Biophysics Program Experimental Pathology The Experimental Pathology program emphasizes experimental approaches to better understand the molecular and cellular mechanisms of disease, particularly human disease. Experimental Pathology Program MD/PhD Dual Degree Program: Medical Scientist Training Program (MSTP) The Medical Scientist Training Program offers a dual MD and PhD degree program uniquely tailored to the individual student’s specific area of research interest. The purpose of the MSTP is to train individuals who can understand and contribute to advances in research and apply those advances to the medical care field. Since our first MD/PhD students entered the program in 1980, the UCI MSTP has grown and flourished. Today, our students and associated faculty pursue research in fields such as stem cell biology, cancer biochemistry, human brain mapping, and immunology, among others. Learn about THE MSTP & Apply Admission: PhD Interdisciplinary Programs Admission to UCI School of Medicine doctoral programs is typical via entry into one of three interdisciplinary programs (IDP): Cellular & Molecular Biosciences (CMB) Interdepartmental Neuroscience Program (INP) Mathematical, Computational & Systems Biology (MCSB) Prospective students can initially discuss the possibility of direct admission with a PI, then with the departmental faculty graduate advisor. PhD Interdisciplinary Programs Graduate Student Resources Learn more about resources available to UCI School of Medicine graduate students. Community & Resources Graduate Student Support Learn more about financial assistance available to UCI School of Medicine graduate students. Financial Support PhD Program Learning Objectives Upon completion, graduates will be able to think critically and evaluate, design, conduct and quantitatively assess innovative research in the biological disciplines. They will have acquired the skills and knowledge needed for employment or advanced professional study in their discipline-related areas. PhD Learning Goals