Doctor of Philosophy in Biomedical Science – Integrative Physiology

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Program Link:
https://vetmed.wsu.edu/education/graduate-degrees/ph-d-in-neuroscience/
Total Graduate Faculty in Program:
22
Total Core Graduate Faculty in Program:
20
Priority Deadlines:

  • Fall December 1

Campus:

  • Pullman

International Student English Proficiency Exams

International students may need to surpass the Graduate School’s minimum English language proficiency exam scores for this program. If the graduate program has unique score requirements, they will be detailed below. Otherwise, please refer to the Graduate School’s minimum score guidelines.

  • 600 TOEFL Minimum score
  • 100 TOEFLI Minimum score

Degree Description:

The doctoral program in Biomedical Sciences: Integrative Physiology is a very flexible program ideally suited for those students interested in pursuing doctoral level graduate work with a faculty member in IPN but not interested in the Neuroscience program. This often includes (but is not limited to) faculty in the muscle/biomechanical group in the department. Because of the wide range of potential thesis topics, the selection of appropriate class work for an individual student’s program is left to the discretion of the student and their mentor. Classes typically include some background courses as well as graduate seminars, professional development opportunities, and a course in proposal writing and presentation.

Students in the Program participate in activities sponsored by the Integrative Programs in Biomedical Sciences (iPBS). All programs that participate in iPBS have a common core curriculum in the first semester (rotations, professional development, and classes in scientific reasoning and quantitative analysis). After completion of the first semester of study, students have the option to change programs and complete their degree in anyone of the participating programs. Participating programs include Biomedical Sciences, Neuroscience, Molecular Bioscience, Immunology and Infectious Diseases, and Combined Residency PhD Programs (Anatomic Pathology and Clinical Microbiology).

Integrative Physiology and Neuroscience, the College of Veterinary Medicine and the Graduate School are committed to providing equal opportunity in its services, programs, and employment for individuals with disabilities. Academically qualified students with disabilities are provided with access to the individualized assistance that is consistent with the student’s needs and the essential requirements of the program or course of study in which the student is enrolled. Reasonable accommodations are available for students with a documented disability.

Admission Requirements:

Students wishing to pursue a PhD in Biomedical Sciences: Integrative Physiology need to have a strong math and science background with a minimum of a bachelor’s degree (a master’s degree is not required). Applicants need to submit an application on the WSU Graduate School website to be considered.  Application documents must include:

  • College transcripts (unofficial acceptable for initial review–upon admittance official transcripts are required)
  • Three (3) letters of reference
  • Resume or curriculum vita
  • Personal statement describing why you are interested in a PhD in Veterinary Science (clearly define which faculty mentor (minimum of 3) you are interested in working with and explain why). If admitted to WSU you will have the ability to refine your choice of faculty mentors while doing lab rotations.  Included in the personal statement describe an achievement that you are proud of and discuss how you reached your goal, and any obstacles you had to overcome to reach it.  Conversely, tell us about a time when you didn’t achieve a goal and what you learned from the experience (maximum word length is 350 words).
  • Writing Statement:  Describe a major finding in biomedicine over the past five (5) years, and explain why you think it was important (maximum word length of 350 words).  Please cite your work at the end.  Citations do no count in the 350 word length count.  Writing statements over the maximum word length may disqualify your application.
  • Application review begins December 1 each year.  Only complete applications with all accompanying documents will be reviewed. Applications are reviewed until all available slots are filled.

Unique to the Biomedical Sciences: Integrative Physiology Program is that students should contact the members of the Integrative Physiology and Neuroscience department that they may be interested in working with. Because of the limited number of laboratory slots, it is important that students have identified someone they may wish to work with prior to review of admissions documents. Students are permitted to do rotations and may select to change laboratories after admissions. Application review begins December 1 each year. Only complete applications with all accompanying documents will be reviewed. Applications are reviewed until all available slots are filled.

If a student is interested in neuroscience, they should apply to the PhD program in Neuroscience not the PhD in Biomedical Sciences: Integrative Physiology.

Student Opportunities:

In addition to developing expertise in several advanced technical approaches used in biomedical research, students are also trained in the process of scientific research from experimental design, to statistical analysis, to writing both research manuscripts and proposals. Further, students will have opportunities to engage in teaching both in the laboratory and classroom setting. Finally, students will be exposed to a professional development series administered through iPBS that cover not only research ethics and exploration of multiple career pathways, but also focuses on additional leadership skills that are important for success in any professional field.

Career Opportunities:

Graduates can enter a variety of careers that utilize a deep understanding of the scientific process in general, and biomedical sciences in specific. Such options include basic research in a government, academic, or industry lab, participation in clinical development of therapeutic devices and drugs, business opportunities in the biotech industry, as well as a background for further work in medicine, law, journalism, or teaching.

Career Placements:

Many graduates from the Biomedical Sciences: Integrative Physiology program accept post-doctoral research positions, often in some of the most renowned and high-profile labs and institutions in the world.  Additionally, some choose to go into industry or academic teaching.

Contact Information: