Program Description

The Biomedical Sciences and Clinical and Translational Sciences departments of the Joan C. Edwards School of Medicine offer a Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.), in Biomedical Research.

The primary goal of the Biomedical Research (BMR) program is to use biomedical and translational research approaches to help reduce the numerous health disparities and improve the health of the population in West Virginia and central Appalachia. To do this, students will take an interdisciplinary approach with defined interests and special in-depth training in one of the following research areas of emphasis: Cardiovascular Disease; Cell Biology; Obesity and Related Diseases; Neurobiology and Addiction; and Toxicology and Environmental Health. These areas are designed to be flexible, and research oriented in order to develop the interests, capabilities and potential of all students pursuing careers in academic, government, or industrial biomedical sciences.

The doctorate is a research or performance degree and does not depend solely on the accumulation of credit hours. The degree requirements are admission to candidacy, and successful completion and defense of a dissertation. The degree signifies that the holder has the competence to function independently at the highest professional level.

The PhD in Biomedical Research requires that an Area of Emphasis be selected. Please select from one of the following:

• Cardiovascular Disease
• Cell Biology
• Neurobiology and Addiction
• Obesity and Related Diseases
• Toxicology and Environmental Health Sciences

Admission Requirements

Applicants must meet the admission requirements of both Marshall University Graduate Admissions - marshall.edu/admissions/graduate/ - and the Biomedical Research program of the Marshall University Joan C. Edwards School of Medicine - https://jcesom.marshall.edu/research. Applicants are directed to apply through the Marshall University Graduate Admissions (Apply - Admissions (marshall.edu)). Interested persons should visit https://jcesom.marshall.edu/research, e-mail mubiomed@marshall.edu and/or call 304-696-3365. 

Biomedical Research Ph.D. Application Requirements:

Minimum Admission Requirements

• A baccalaureate degree from an accepted, accredited college or university
• Successful completion, with a grade of C or better, of one year each of general biology, physics, general chemistry, and organic chemistry, all with associated laboratories. A semester of biochemistry or molecular biology is also required.
• A recommended minimum Grade Point Average (GPA) of 3.0
• A recommended minimum GPA of 3.0 in combined science and math courses
• Official transcript/s from degree-granting institution/s; other transcripts may be required
• A written statement addressing educational and career goals
• A CV / resume
• Three recommendations from professors / research mentors

The GRE is not required; however, GRE scores can be submitted to strengthen your application.

Applications are accepted on a rolling basis and are reviewed until the class is filled. Applications will be considered until June 30, if openings are available. International applicants should adhere to the deadlines set in place by the Office of International Admissions. The Biomedical Research Ph.D. program is highly competitive; thus, early applications provide the best chance for acceptance.

Conditional Admission

The Biomedical Research Ph.D. program may admit applicants conditionally, for one term, pending receipt of final, official bachelor's degree transcript with degree awarded.

Duration of Degree Program

Doctoral degree students are expected to complete the requirements within five years. Students who possess an M.S. degree in Biomedical Research or the equivalent when admitted into the doctoral degree program generally require three to four years to complete the Doctor of Philosophy degree.

Entry Term

Preferred matriculation of BMR Ph.D. students is July (summer III term). The first week will be devoted to orientation and Preparation for Graduate Academics (PGA) Boot Camp. This allows students to learn more about research opportunities, get to know their cohort and current students, acclimate to a new environment, and get a head start on their research rotations. On a case-by-case basis fall or spring matriculation can also be considered. 

Program Requirements

Before graduating, students are required to write and publish three peer-reviewed manuscripts, two of which must be as first author.

To remain in good academic standing and to graduate, the student must have a minimum graduate GPA of 3.0.

Students also have to write and defend a dissertation.

Plan of Study

To qualify for the Doctor of Philosophy degree, the student must pass (C or better or CR) the following courses:

Course List

Code	Title	Credit Hours
BSC 640	Cell Bio & Biotechnology 1	3
BMR 617	BMR Statistics Technique	3
BMR 644	Research Conduct	1
BMR 660	Communication Bio Sci I	1
BMR 661	Communication Bio Sci II	1
PHS 667	Experimental Appr to Phys	4
BMR 680	Seminar (minimum of 6 hrs.)	6
BMR 785	Intro to Research	3
BMR 882	Research	30-90
Cluster and committee requirements		6-15
Total Credit Hours		58-127

¹

Students may substitute the combination BMR 601, BMR 602, BMR 603, and BMR 604 to replace BSC 640.

The clusters each have their own core requirements that must be fulfilled. Also, each committee may decide that the students should take a particular elective class. The committee’s requirements will be outlined as part of the plan of study and can include any graduate level course with the following department designations: ACB, BMR, BMS, BSC, CTS, MCB, PMC, PHS. Courses from other departments will require approval by the Office of Research and Graduate Education.

In addition, the student must successfully complete other courses required by his/her/their area of emphasis and advisory committee. All courses will be defined in the student’s Ph.D. Course of Study form. The student must also pass a written and oral exam prior to becoming a Ph.D. candidate. These exams are set by the student's graduate committee.