Program Overview

Introduction to the Graduate Program in Biomedical Sciences

The Graduate Program in Biomedical Sciences (GPiBS) is a first-year, interdisciplinary program serving seven degree programs at the University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center (OUHSC). Students will graduate with a PhD from one of the participating programs to prepare them for careers in biomedical sciences. OU Health Sciences Center is one of only a few comprehensive academic health centers in the nation, boasting internationally prominent faculty, state-of-the-art facilities, cutting-edge technology, and nearly $200 million in external funding.

Program Benefits Snapshot

• No Application Fee
• No GRE required
• Full Tuition & Fees Waiver
• $36,000 Annual Stipend
• $2,000/year Fellowship Incentive
• Six 6-week Lab Rotations
• Health Insurance Provided
• Seven Participating Graduate Programs
• Over 150 Participating Faculty Mentors

Participating Programs

• Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
• Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Cell Biology
• Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Microbiology and Immunology
• Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Neuroscience
• Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Pathology
• Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Pharmaceutical Sciences
• Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Physiology

Application Information

Applications Open: August 1, 2025 Priority Deadline: December 1, 2025 Final Deadline: January 31, 2026 Program Start: July 27, 2026 Note: Applications will be accepted after the deadline; however, late submissions are not guaranteed to be reviewed.

Curriculum

All students complete interdisciplinary coursework emphasizing the core concepts for the participating programs. During year 1, students will participate in up to six 6-week lab rotations with faculty mentors of their choice and select a specific program for their dissertation research. GPiBS students will spend their mornings in class and their afternoons in the lab getting hands-on experience. This allows the students ample time in a variety of labs to make an educated decision on which graduate program and mentor is the best fit to complete their PhD studies. After their GPiBS year, students focus on their research, complete advanced classes relevant to their areas of specialization, and participate in journal clubs and seminars.

Program Benefits

All GPiBS students receive full tuition and fee waivers. Graduate students also receive a stipend of $36,000 per year. GPiBS provides each student with health insurance, access to the Student & Employee Health Clinic, a gym membership to the University Health Club, and access to the host of resources provided by OUHSC Student Affairs. Students are not required to participate in Teaching Assistant opportunities; however, if students are interested in teaching, there are opportunities available to teach graduate students in our PREP program.

Student Outcomes

GPiBS students typically complete their PhD within 5.5 years. On average, students publish an average of 5.32 papers with their mentors. Graduates have earned post-doctoral fellowships at premier universities and competitive positions at biotechnology/pharmaceutical companies and government agencies.

Careers

Students graduate with a PhD from one of seven participating programs, preparing them for careers in academic or government research, teaching, biotechnology, the pharmaceutical industry, health management, science administration, regulatory offices, patent law, science policy, science communication, etc. In addition to academic rigor and research training, the OUHSC Graduate College aims to assist students in developing a comprehensive skillset through career and professional development programs intended to prepare trainees for success in a multitude of career paths.