Douglas Paulsen, Ph.D.
Program Director, Graduate Studies


Doctor of Philosophy in Biomedical Sciences
This interdisciplinary program provides a broad foundation in biomedical sciences and advanced training in specific sub-disciplines. The goal is for our graduates to become scientists conversant in many aspects of human biology and disease. This approach prepares them to contribute to, and lead, collaborative teams of biomedical scientists. NIH has acknowledged a particular need for collaborative research emphasizing health disparities. Our graduates are well equipped to meet that need.

The training sequence begins with a foundation in basic human biology and tools for the professional scientist. It progresses toward specialization in sub-disciplines and disease-related research in the student’s area of interest. This “basic training” comprises the first year of the program which currently averages 5 years for completion.