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, Genetics, and Genomics, Cancer Biology, Cellular and Integrative Physiology, Translational Therapeutics, 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 several curricular tracks:

  • Biomedical Sciences
  • Option in Biochemistry, Genetics and Genomics
  • Option in Cancer Biology
  • Option in Cellular and Integrative Physiology
  • Option in Translational Therapeutics
  • Option in Virology and 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

What's New in Biomedical Sciences

Mar 20, 2020

Penn State, College of Medicine reducing on-campus research activities in labs
Mar 12, 2020

2020 Women’s Health Research Day postponed
Mar 11, 2020

Coronavirus updates and resources for College of Medicine faculty, staff and students

More About Penn State College of Medicine

In this video, explore graduate education opportunities at Penn State College of Medicine.

View accessible video with audio description and transcript here.

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, postdoctoral scholars 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 located in Hershey, Pa., home of HersheyPark, a family theme park, and The Hershey Co., one of the largest chocolate manufacturers in the world. It's also home to diverse and delicious dining experiences, sports, concerts and entertainment.

Read more about life in Hershey.