Kristen Clements, an MD/PhD student in the Biomedical Science PhD Program at Penn State College of Medicine is seen in one of the laboratories of the Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology in July 2016. Clements is pictured with her hands at the level of her shoulders, with a small laboratory tube in one hand and some laboratory equipment in the other. Clements works in the lab of George Lucian Moldovan, PhD.

Biomedical Sciences PhD

Training Leaders in Biomedical Research

The Penn State Biomedical Sciences (BMS) PhD Program, with its options in Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, Translational Therapeutics, Cellular and Integrative Physiology, and Virology and Immunology, is a nationally and internationally recognized interdisciplinary graduate program that provides students curricular and research training with a unique focus on human health and disease.

Students receive rigorous training that provides the skills necessary to be leaders in biomedical research and other endeavors including business, education, law, journalism, and public policy.

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About the Program

Curriculum

Students in the BMS Graduate Program have the ability to choose among four curricular tracks:

  • Biomedical Sciences
  • Option in Biochemistry & Molecular Genetics
  • Option in Translational Therapeutics
  • Option in Cellular and Integrative Physiology
  • Option in Virology & Immunology

The program offers extensive flexibility to tailor curriculum and dissertation research to each individual student’s interests.

With the research emphasis of the program, students also participate in research rotations in at least three laboratories during the first year before choosing the laboratory for their dissertation research.

Learn more about the Biomedical Sciences PhD curriculum.

Get details at an upcoming recruitment event.

Recent Publications by Students

More About Penn State College of Medicine

What's New in Biomedical Sciences

Jul 31, 2018

College of Medicine student gains inspiration from Nobel Laureate Meeting
Jul 17, 2018

Penn State College of Medicine earns full accreditation
Jun 5, 2018

College of Medicine students, postdocs take part in NIH Career Symposium
Read More News

Student Resources

Penn State College of Medicine strives to create the best culture of respect and inclusion for our students. A number of programs, services and facilities are available.

See more resources for current students

Students sit in the recently remodeled Harrell Health Sciences Library at Penn State College of Medicine in July 2016.
Students sit in the recently remodeled Harrell Health Sciences Library at Penn State College of Medicine in July 2016.

Campus Life

Student Housing

Housing is available to Penn State College of Medicine students, residents and postdocs in University Manor East and West apartment complexes. One of the complexes is pictured as seen from a higher floor of a nearby building, with a road and trees framing it in the background.
Housing in University Manor apartments is available to Penn State College of Medicine students.

Penn State College of Medicine offers housing in its University Manor East or University Manor West apartments to full-time students, residents, postdocs and visiting scholars.

Read more about on-campus housing.

Life in Hershey, PA

Penn State College of Medicine is in Hershey, PA, a town known as the home of the HersheyPark amusement park and the Hershey Chocolate Factory. Two banners depicting cartoon candy characters are seen on a light pole in downtown Hershey, PA, in summer 2016, with a brick building with large glass windows in the background.
Hershey, PA, is known as "The Sweetest Place on Earth."

Penn State College of Medicine is in Hershey, PA, a town known as the home of the HersheyPark amusement park and the Hershey Chocolate Factory.

Read more about life in Hershey.