Program Overview

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UTHealth - Houston's Health University

The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, also known as UTHealth, is a public academic health science center in Houston, Texas.

UTHealth - Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences

The Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences at UTHealth offers various programs, including:

• MS Programs
  • Thesis-Based MS Programs
  • Specialized MS Programs
    • Genetic Counseling
    • Medical Physics
  • Individualized MS Program in Biomedical Sciences
• PhD Programs
  • Cancer Biology
  • Genetics & Epigenetics
  • Immunology
  • Medical Physics
  • Microbiology & Infectious Diseases
  • Molecular & Translational Biology
  • Neuroscience
  • Quantitative Sciences
  • Therapeutics & Pharmacology
• MD/PhD Program

About the GSBS

The Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences is administered by MD Anderson and UTHealth Houston. It is located in the Texas Medical Center, the world's largest medical center. Both MD Anderson and UTHealth Houston are accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC). The school has over 600 faculty members with expertise in the latest biomedical research.

Quick Facts

• Administered by MD Anderson and UTHealth Houston
• Located in the Texas Medical Center (TMC), the world's largest medical center
• Both MD Anderson and UTHealth Houston are accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)
• Over 600 faculty members with expertise in the latest biomedical research

MS Programs

Thesis Based MS Programs

The Thesis-Based MS Programs provide students with the opportunity to conduct original research in their field of study.

Specialized MS Programs

Genetic Counseling

The Genetic Counseling Program is a specialized master's program that offers a challenging and unique education in genetic counseling. The program is administered through the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center UTHealth Houston Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences in association with the Division of Medical Genetics in the Department of Pediatrics at the McGovern Medical School.

Medical Physics

The Medical Physics Program is designed to provide students with a strong foundation in the principles of medical physics.

Individualized MS Program in Biomedical Sciences

The Individualized MS Program in Biomedical Sciences allows students to create a customized program of study that meets their individual needs and goals.

PhD Programs

The PhD Programs at the Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences offer students the opportunity to conduct original research in their field of study. The programs available include:

• Cancer Biology
• Genetics & Epigenetics
• Immunology
• Medical Physics
• Microbiology & Infectious Diseases
• Molecular & Translational Biology
• Neuroscience
• Quantitative Sciences
• Therapeutics & Pharmacology

MD/PhD Program

The MD/PhD Program is designed for students who want to pursue a career in both medicine and research. The program is offered in partnership with the McGovern Medical School.

Participating Institutions/Entities

The participating institutions and entities in the MD/PhD Program include:

• MD Anderson Cancer Center UTHealth Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences
• McGovern Medical School
• MD Anderson Cancer Center
• Center for Clinical Translational Sciences

Admissions

The admissions process for the Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences includes:

• Admissions Overview
• FAQ
• Requirements & Instructions
• Financial Assistance
• Recruitment Schedule

Admission FAQs

The admission FAQs provide answers to frequently asked questions about the admissions process, including:

• What factors are considered in admissions decisions?
• What is the minimum GPA required to apply?
• Do you require interviews?
• When will I be notified regarding interviews?
• What are the application deadlines?
• What if my recommender does not have an institutional letterhead or an institutional email address?
• How can I get an assistantship?
• How can I get an assistantship if I am seeking a MS degree?

Research

The research areas at the Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences include:

• Biochemistry
• Bioinformatics
• Cancer Biology
• Cell Biology
• Developmental Biology
• Epigenetics
• Genetics
• Immunology
• Infectious Diseases
• Medical Physics
• Microbiology
• Neuroscience
• Pharmacology
• Therapeutics
• Translational Research

Student Life

The student life at the Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences includes:

• Discover Houston
• Explore Campus
• Career Development
• Parking, Transportation, Disability, Worklife, More
• Student Support

Student Organizations

The student organizations at the Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences include:

• Graduate Student Association
• Association of Minority Biomedical Researchers
• Association of Science Communication
• Community Outreach
• First Generation Student Group
• International Student Association
• LGBTQ+ Student Alliance
• Student InterCouncil

Genetic Counseling Program

The Genetic Counseling Program is a specialized master's program that offers a challenging and unique education in genetic counseling. The program is administered through the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center UTHealth Houston Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences in association with the Division of Medical Genetics in the Department of Pediatrics at the McGovern Medical School.

UTGCP Training Progression

The UTGCP training progression includes:

• First Fall Semester: didactic courses, including Intro to Genetic Counseling, Psychosocial Issues in Genetic Counseling I, Topics in Medical Genetics I, Prenatal Genetic Counseling, Cancer Genetic Counseling, Embryology, and Biomedical Ethics for the Genetic Counselor
• Spring: didactic courses, including Topics in Medical Genetics II, Psychosocial Issues in Genetic Counseling II, and Approaches to Research I
• Summer: 2-week long laboratory rotation and a 5-week rotation of their choosing
• Fall of the second year: courses, including Approaches to Research II and Contemporary Issues in Genetic Counseling I

Course Descriptions

The course descriptions for the Genetic Counseling Program include:

• Advanced Clinical Rotation in Genetic Counseling
• Approaches to Genetic Counseling Research I
• Approaches to Genetic Counseling Research II
• Biomedical Ethics for the Genetic Counselor
• Cancer Genetics (Genetic Counseling)
• Contemporary Issues in Genetic Counseling
• Embryology
• Introduction to Genetic Counseling
• Introductory Clinical Rotation in Genetic Counseling
• Prenatal Genetic Counseling
• Psychosocial Issues in Genetic Counseling I
• Psychosocial Issues in Genetic Counseling II
• Psychosocial Practicum
• Topics in Medical Genetics I
• Topics in Medical Genetics II