Program Description
The Loma Linda University School of Medicine offers graduate programs leading to the PhD degree in five areas, specifically Anatomy, Biochemistry, Microbiology/Molecular Genetics, Pharmacology, and Physiology, through the Integrated Biomedical Graduate Studies program (IBGS). This program includes a common integrated first year core curriculum that explores the biochemical, molecular, cellular and physiological functions of living systems in a way that emphasizes analytical thinking and problem solving. During this first year, students also attend seminars and rotate through up to three research laboratories. After completing the first year of study, students select both a program and a laboratory from which they wish to obtain a degree. Advanced, discipline-specific courses are taken during the second year, and research leading to the publication of peer-reviewed articles and the successful defense of a doctoral dissertation is carried out between the time that a research laboratory is selected and the degree is completed.The PhD curriculum is designed to nurture the personal and professional development of students in the context of a Christian environment, so that they will be prepared to function with integrity and excellence in careers involving independent research and teaching in academic and biotechnology settings.
Program Length
Four to five yearsPossible Careers
Biomedical scientists work in a variety of areas, including academia, government and industry.Application Deadlines
| Quarter | Application Open | Priority Deadline | Final Deadline |
|---|---|---|---|
| Autumn of 2024 | Aug 1, 2023 | Jan 1, 2024 | May 1, 2024 |
| Autumn of 2025 | Aug 1, 2024 | Jan 1, 2025 | May 1, 2025 |
Admissions Requirements
Guidelines for minimum scores are set by the Faculty of Graduate Studies:- GPA: 3.0 on a 4.0 scale
- GRE: A total (Verbal plus Quantitative) score of no less than the sum of the scores corresponding to the 50th percentile of each, with neither score less than the 35th percentile; Analytical Writing 4.0
- Bachelor degree from an accredited US college or the equivalent from a foreign university; international applicants must have their transcripts evaluated by an accredited agency for equivalency to a US degree.
- Results of the general test of the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) must be submitted.
Applications are considered as a whole and all parts of the application are important. No one factor will guarantee acceptance or denial. Applications are considered in the context of the applicant pool and the availability of stipend funds in any given year.
Prerequisites
Requirements include a full year of each of the following undergraduate courses:- General Biology
- General Chemistry
- Organic Chemistry
- General Physics
Strongly Recommended:
- Upper division Biology (such as Cell and Molecular Biology)
- Upper division Chemistry (such as Biochemistry)
Recommended:
- Calculus
Expected Cost of Attendance
Academic Year 2017-2018
| Year of Program: | Year 1 | Year 2 | Year 3 | Year 4 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tuition | $11,925 | $11,925 | $11,925 | $11,925 |
| Fees | $2,442 | $3,256 | $3,256 | $3,256 |
| Books & Supplies | — | — | — | — |
| Instruments | — | — | — | — |
| Misc (e.g., Boards, Licensing exam, Uniforms) | — | — | — | — |
| Total | $14,367 | $15,181 | $15,181 | $15,181 |
Notes
Most PhD students receive tuition waivers, and there are also a limited number of stipends ($20,000/year) available. Stipends are awarded on a competitive basis.Estimated Living Expenses
Academic Year 2017-2018, off campus, with a roommate
| Year of Program: | Year 1 | Year 2 | Year 3 | Year 4 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Months enrolled | 9 | 12 | 12 | 12 |
| Food and Housing | $11,610 | $15,480 | $15,480 | $15,480 |
| Transportation | $2,880 | $3,840 | $3,840 | $3,840 |
| Miscellaneous Personal Costs | $1,350 | $1,800 | $1,800 | $1,800 |
Notes
- Amounts are what a student can apply to borrow for the number of months shown in each academic year based on living off campus with a roommate and not with a relative.
- International students need to calculate 12 months of living expenses based on the numbers listed here.
- In general, to qualify for financial aid a student must be enrolled at least half time taking degree requirements. Half time is 6 units in a quarter for undergraduate programs and 4 units in a quarter for graduate programs.