The Translational Biosciences PhD program represents a new paradigm for graduate training in biomedical research. This program will span the entire breadth of the biomedical research spectrum, from basic science discoveries to improved clinical outcomes and population health.
Students in the program will acquire a deep knowledge base of a chosen discipline and the ability to communicate and collaborate across disciplines. Grounded in research programs supported by the NextGen Precision Health Institute and the School of Medicine, the PhD trainees will be actively contributing to the UM System-wide effort to translate groundbreaking biomedical research into life-changing reality for people in Missouri and globally. Completion of this program provides state-of-the-art research training to young biomedical scientists at the beginning of their scientific careers.
The program offers six emphasis areas:
- Biochemistry and Biophysics
- Cancer Biology
- Infection and Immunity
- Integrative Physiology
- Nutrition and Exercise Physiology
- Population and Precision Health
Plan of Study
- Years 1-2
- Molecular and Cellular Biosciences I (3 credit hours)
- Data Design and Analysis I (3 credit hours)
- Two Emphasis Area courses (2 x 3 credit hour courses)
- Rotation Research (1 credit hour per semester)
- Research Seminars (1 credit hour per semester)
- Skills for Translational Bioscientists (2 credit hours over both semesters)
- Years 2-5
- Grant Writing course (Spring Semester of Yr 2, 3 credit hours)
- Emphasis Area courses (variable, depending on research interests)
- Emphasis Area seminar (1 credit hour per semester)
- Translational Biosciences Journal Club (by cohort; 1 credit hour per semester, continued throughout remaining of PhD training)
- Comprehensive Exam (Summer Yr 2/Fall Yr 3)
- Dissertation Research (variable)
Admission Process
Admission Criteria
- Minimum GPA: 3.0
- Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university
- Only completed applications will be considered for fall admission. Applicants are selected for admission to the program based on their potential to conduct high-quality, independent research.
- Graduate School applications open in August for fall semester of the following year. Deadline for applications is December 1.
Required Application Materials
- Completed graduate school online application
- Unofficial transcripts
- Three letters of recommendation (submitted through the graduate school application)
- Personal statement: Should be at least two paragraphs long. Include why you want to complete your PhD training in this program. Please state your goals, previous research experience, which emphasis area you are interested in and why.
- A CV highlighting any conferences, abstracts, articles, etc.
Living in Columbia
Columbia, Missouri is a lively and welcoming city, and also an oasis of education, diversity and culture in the middle of our state. Learn more about what our city has to offer.
Summer Undergraduate Research
The Translational Biomedicine Summer Research Program seeks to recruit highly motivated and creative young scientists who are interested in developing innovative solutions to difficult problems in biology and medicine. The purpose of this 9-week, full-time summer research program is to provide undergraduates with an intensive research experience that emphasizes interdisciplinary and translational approaches across the bench-to-bedside continuum. Find out more and apply at the link below.
Translational Biomedicine Summer Research Program
