Program Overview

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Endocrinology-Reproductive Physiology, PhD

The Endocrinology-Reproductive Physiology, PhD program is a member of the Interdisciplinary Biological and Health Sciences Consortium (IBHSC). The consortium fosters a collaborative environment for research and study in the biological and health sciences.

Program Overview

The Endocrinology-Reproductive Physiology program at UW-Madison is an interdisciplinary endocrine program with a longstanding focus on reproduction. Our facultys research spans from disordered metabolism (such as hypertension, obesity, and diabetes) to reproductive biology (such as sexual differentiation, fetal programming, pregnancy complications, and cancers of the reproductive tract.) We use a variety of multidisciplinary approaches in our research, from stem cells and cellular/molecular biology, to comparative physiology, to translational work in humans.

Career Development and Mentoring

In addition to exceptional research training, ERP prioritizes career development and mentoring, and provides robust support services to promote our students success.

Admissions

The ERP PhD program implements a holistic approach to admissions. Both quantitative and qualitative measures are used to assess each applicants unique attributes and potential to thrive in our graduate program. We recognize that quantitative measures of achievement alone do not predict success in graduate school.

Program Offerings

The ERP PhD program offers:

• A strong didactic foundation in endocrinology and reproductive physiology
• Cutting-edge research training by faculty in a variety of departments and research areas
• Weekly ERP Seminar and Annual ERP Research Symposia to cultivate presentation skills and expose students to research by peers, faculty, and visiting scholars
• Guaranteed funding through assistantships for the duration of training, given satisfactory progress, including:
  • Competitive stipend
  • Tuition remission
  • Generous health benefits (the same as faculty and staff)
• A vibrant and engaged community of fellow students
• Attentive and attuned program leadership invested in students scholarly development, professional development, and overall well-being

Admissions Requirements

Graduate admissions is a two-step process between academic programs and the Graduate School. Applicants must meet the minimum requirements of the Graduate School as well as the program(s). Once you have researched the graduate program(s) you are interested in, apply online.

Admissions Details

• Fall Deadline: December 1
• Spring Deadline: The program does not admit in the spring.
• Summer Deadline: The program does not admit in the summer.
• GRE (Graduate Record Examinations): Not required.
• English Proficiency Test: Refer to the Graduate School: Minimum Requirements for Admission policy.
• Other Test(s) (e.g., GMAT, MCAT): n/a
• Letters of Recommendation Required: 3

Admission to the program is competitive. Potential applicants will have a major in the biological sciences or other relevant field, a minimum undergraduate GPA of 3.0/4.0, and appropriate preparatory courses in physiology, chemistry, biochemistry, biology, physics, calculus, statistics, organic chemistry, and/or genetics. Prior laboratory research experience is strongly recommended.

Funding

Graduate School Resources

The Bursars Office provides information about tuition and fees associated with being a graduate student. Resources to help you afford graduate study might include assistantships, fellowships, traineeships, and financial aid. Further funding information is available from the Graduate School.

Program Resources

All Endocrinology - Reproductive Physiology (ERP) students are guaranteed funding provided they make satisfactory progress. Funding support includes a competitive stipend, full tuition remission, and generous health benefits.

Requirements

Mode of Instruction

• Mode of Instruction: Face to Face
• Definitions:
  • Accelerated: Accelerated programs are offered at a fast pace that condenses the time to completion. Students typically take enough credits aimed at completing the program in a year or two.
  • Evening/Weekend: Courses meet on the UWMadison campus only in evenings and/or on weekends to accommodate typical business schedules.
  • Face-to-Face: Courses typically meet during weekdays on the UW-Madison Campus.
  • Hybrid: These programs combine face-to-face and online learning formats.
  • Online: These programs are offered 100% online.

Curricular Requirements

• Minimum Credit Requirement: 51 credits
• Minimum Residence Credit Requirement: 32 credits
• Minimum Graduate Coursework Requirement: 26 credits must be graduate-level coursework.
• Overall Graduate GPA Requirement: 3.00 GPA required.
• Assessments and Examinations: Doctoral students are required to take a comprehensive preliminary/oral examination after they have cleared their record of all Incomplete and Progress grades (other than research and thesis).
• Language Requirements: Contact the program for information on any language requirements.

Required Courses

• Course List:
  • Biostatistics: Complete one of the following:
    • AN SCI 865: Design and Analysis of Biological Studies
    • STAT/B M I 541: Introduction to Biostatistics
    • STAT/F&W ECOL 571: Statistical Methods for Bioscience I
  • Endocrinology Series:
    • OBS&GYN 710: Reproductive Endocrine Physiology
    • OBS&GYN 800: Concepts in Endocrinology and Reproductive Physiology
    • MEDICINE 720: Endocrinology and Metabolism
  • Professional Development:
    • OBS&GYN 955: Responsible Conduct of Research for Biomedical Graduate Students
    • OBS&GYN 956: Advanced Responsible Conduct of Research for Biomedical Students
  • Program Seminar: Students are required to enroll in this seminar each fall and spring semester.
    • OBS&GYN/AN SCI/ZOOLOGY 954: Seminar in Endocrinology-Reproductive Physiology
  • Required Elective: Complete one of the following:
    • M&ENVTOX 801: Scientific Communication in Molecular & Environmental Toxicology
    • OBS&GYN 711: Advanced Reproductive Endocrine Physiology
    • OBS&GYN 712: Critical Thinking in Reproductive Endocrine Physiology
    • AN SCI 875: Special Topics
  • Additional Electives: Electives are chosen in consultation with advisor and with committee approval.
  • Research Credits: Students must take research credits every semester until they satisfy the minimum credit requirement.

Policies

Prior Coursework

• Graduate Credits Earned at Other Institutions: With program approval, prior graduate coursework may satisfy requirements.
• Undergraduate Credits Earned at other Institutions or UW-Madison: Occasionally, with program approval, students may satisfy course requirements with prior undergraduate coursework from UW-Madison or other institutions, but the associated credits do not transfer.

Probation

Refer to the Graduate School: Probation policy.

Advisor / Committee

Every graduate student is required to have an advisor. An advisor is a faculty member, or sometimes a committee, from the major department responsible for providing advice regarding graduate studies.

Credits Per Term Allowed

15 credit maximum.

Time Limits

Refer to the Graduate School: Time Limits policy.

Grievances and Appeals

These resources may be helpful in addressing your concerns:

• Bias or Hate Reporting
• Graduate Assistantship Policies and Procedures
• Hostile and Intimidating Behavior Policies and Procedures
• Office of the Provost for Faculty and Staff Affairs
• Employee Assistance
• Employee Disability Resource Office
• Graduate School
• Office of Compliance
• Office Student Assistance and Support
• Office of Student Conduct and Community Standards
• Ombuds Office for Faculty and Staff
• Title IX

Professional Development

Graduate School Resources

Take advantage of the Graduate School's professional development resources to build skills, thrive academically, and launch your career.

Learning Outcomes

1. Develop disciplinary knowledge (i.e., endocrinology, reproductive physiology, biochemical principles)
2. Critically assess research in discipline
3. Clearly articulate research findings
4. Develop responsible and ethical research practices
5. Develop confidence, independence, and identity as a researcher