About PhD Program,
The PhD Program in Biomedical Sciences (PPBS) allows you to experience different fields of research and laboratories before selecting a specialty area.
This fully-funded program provides an entry portal and a common first-year curriculum, equipping you with core knowledge and concepts to support your pursuit of a doctoral degree in one of our several participating disciplines. As a PhD student, you’ll join one PhD program after your first year, while still collaborating across research areas.
The University at Buffalo Academic Health Center brings together the talents of clinicians, educators and researchers to provide a superb research and educational environment to foster basic discovery in the biosciences, health-sciences translational research, preventive and interventional clinical trials, superb clinical care, and training of the next generation of health care practitioners in these disciplines.
PhD Program Degree Eligibility with GPA,
Students choose from a list of faculty who are interested in taking graduate students into their labs. The students spend seven weeks in the lab becoming familiar with the personnel and research topic. PPBS students do two laboratory rotations in the fall and two to three more in the spring to decide on a lab they would like to join.
Students should consider multiple factors in deciding which lab to join. Of course, you should read previous work from the lab to see if you find it interesting. However, graduate mentors will have their own style, and each lab will have a different overall environment. It is therefore also important that you considerer how well you fit into the existing laboratory atmosphere before joining a group.
While there are some opportunities for teaching or tutoring, there is no formal requirement for teaching as part of your doctoral degree.
PhD Funding Coverage,
Because your goal is to be a research scientist, we provide the financial support that sets you on the path to the career of your choice.
Tuition and Stipend
We provide you with the financial freedom to focus on your research. As a doctoral candidate, you will receive:
- A full-tuition scholarship.
- A $31,000 stipend.
- Medical/dental insurance.
- Broad-based fees scholarship via UB’s PhD Excellence Initiative.
Our doctoral students often also successfully apply for awards, fellowships and other supplemental funding from organizations such as the American Medical Association, the National Institutes of Health and the American Heart Association.
Application Requirement,
- Use the Apply Now button below and sign in using your existing account information or create a new account to start a new application.
- Fill out the application in full and submit it when complete. Once submitted, you will be emailed a link to the Status Portal.
- In your portal, you will be able to submit your application fee payment and supporting documents (personal statement, CV, etc.).
- Use the checklist on the Status Portal to make sure your supporting documents are submitted by the deadline for your application. All supporting documents must be received by the application deadline for you to be reviewed.
- Once all application materials are received, your application will be sent for review. If additional materials are needed, you will be notified.
Transcripts
You must submit transcripts for every college or university you have attended. At the point of application, please only submit unofficial transcripts. If admitted, official transcripts will be required in order to matriculate.
Application Fee
Once you submit your application, you will have access to your status portal, which will include a link to pay your $85 application fee.
Application Fee Waiver Policy
Letters of Recommendation
Three letters of recommendation are required. You will enter contact information for letter writers when you fill out the application, and they will be notified automatically and will be sent a link to submit their letter. In your portal, you can check the status of your letters, send reminders, or edit recommenders.
Resume/CV
As a medical school focused on scientific discovery, our admission committees would like to understand applicants’ prior research experiences. Note that this experience is not required for admission but is helpful information as we consider your application.
If you have previous research experience, please make sure to list all prior experiences on your Resume or CV. Please list specific details, such as institution or company, duration of experience, PI or lab supervisor name, average hours you worked per week, and a brief description of your role. If you have presented or published, please also list all of these experiences, even local or small conferences are helpful information! All experiences should also be listed in chronological order.
Personal Statement
Your personal statement should include the following three sections. You may provide additional information that you believe would help the committee get to know you, but please cover these topics at a minimum.
- Why I want a PhD degree and why UB would be a good place to pursue this degree. (500 word limit)
- An example of a time where I showed initiative and perseverance in meeting a goal and/or overcoming an obstacle. (500 word limit)
- A brief description of my prior research experiences (for applicants who have had more than one research experience, you may choose one to describe). If you do not have prior research experience, you may describe a class presentation, essay, lab, or assignment relevant to biological sciences. (750 word limit)
If applicable, it is also recommended that you use your statement to address any stumbles or obstacles that have affected your academic performance thus far.
Notes
- The GRE is no longer required.
- Strong consideration is given to students who majored in biology, biochemistry, chemistry, physics, mathematics, engineering, pharmacy or psychology. Recommended undergraduate courses include general chemistry, organic chemistry, biology, physiology, physics and mathematics, including calculus and statistics.
Application Deadline,
Dec 15, 2024
Application Fee,
Pay your $85 application fee.
