Programs
Biomedical Sciences PhD
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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.
Program Overview
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.
Interested in our Biomedical Sciences program? Use the button below to contact us.
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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.
Students admitted to the Biomedical Sciences PhD program receive a financial assistance package that includes a stipend and tuition. For the 2025-26 academic year, the stipend is $35,919.
A limited number of first-year supplemental awards and fellowships are also available on a competitive basis.
The program pays the stipend and tuition for the first four semesters (Fall/Spring/Summer/Fall). Subsequently, the adviser for the dissertation research is responsible for the stipend and tuition. To ensure that students will be able to complete their dissertation research in this laboratory, the departmental chair guarantees this support.
Non-Tuition Costs
Medical insurance is required for all students, with the University paying 80 percent of the cost of medical, dental and vision coverage.
Recruitment Events
Student Support
Dedicated offices support your health and well-being, while services such as a health sciences library assist in your learning journey. We are committed to enhancing students' experience and development.
