Biomedical Sciences PhD - Penn State College of Medicine

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

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.

What's New in Biomedical Sciences

Nov 28, 2022

Biomedical Sciences PhD student shares key takeaways from attending World Cancer Congress

Oct 20, 2022

González to lead student advocacy, disability services for College of Medicine

Dec 13, 2021

College of Medicine recognizes 34 graduate students for achievements, contributions to campus community

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.

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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.

A sign noting a maximum occupancy of four people, and reminding people entering to stay six feet apart, appears on the door of a study room in Harrell Health Sciences Library in fall 2020. The precautions are due to COVID-19. — Penn State College of Medicine is taking precautions to ensure students have access to safe study spaces in light of COVID-19.

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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.

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's primary campus is located in Hershey, Pa. The area provides numerous diverse and delicious dining experiences, sports, concerts and entertainment, and is a short drive away from the Baltimore, Philadelphia and Washington, DC, metro areas.