phd in biomedical sciences

PhD in Biomedical Science

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Biomedical scientists bridge the gap between the basic sciences and medicine. The PhD degree is the gateway to a career in biomedical research.

Information about what one can do with a PhD in Biomedical Science.

Helpful tools for those applying to medical PhD programs.

Upcoming short presentations will describe features of PhD training, alumni careers, and detailed logistics of the application process.

Learn about PhD Programs from program leaders.

Graduate schools in the biomedical sciences will generally provide a comprehensive funding package to their students.

PhD Programs by School

List of Postdoctoral Programs by School

Postbaccalaureate programs begin after an undergraduate degree and are designed to support the transition to professional school.

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Discover the Ph.D. Program at Mayo Clinic Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences

Ph.d. program, ph.d. program overview.

At Mayo Clinic Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, you’ll discover a unique research training environment of academic inquiry and scientific discovery, combined with exceptional intellectual and technological resources designed to help you achieve your highest scientific career goals.

Through the Ph.D. program, you’ll acquire a broad expertise in biomedical science with the opportunity to go deeper into your primary area of research interest.

year average time to degree

Best graduate school rankings

a top school for biological sciences as ranked by U.S. News & World Report

Guaranteed 5-year internal fellowship

includes full tuition, stipend, and benefits

Whether you’re preparing for graduate school or applying now, the Mayo Clinic experience for biomedical science Ph.D. students is different.

Program highlights:

Research training by leading investigators in fields ranging from molecules to populations, all in the context of exceptional health care.
Embedded within a top academic medical center, you’ll have access to clinical data from more than 6 million patient histories.
A Career Development Internship program where senior students experience networking opportunities in career settings different from those of their research mentors.
A national destination for research training of students from backgrounds underrepresented in science. Mayo’s NIH-funded IMSD is more than two decades old, and Mayo invented the NIH PREP concept.
Join about 250 students who have access to 300+ faculty members in small class sizes.
87% of graduates since 1989 are employed in academia or industry.
Three campuses in Minnesota, Florida, and Arizona with diverse research opportunities.
Every student is awarded a fellowship for five years that fully covers tuition.
Ph.D. students receive a stipend and health benefits.

See yourself here

Hear from students and faculty to get an idea of what it's like to learn here, live here, and be a Ph.D. student at Mayo Clinic College of Medicine and Science.

"I can be the scientist I want to be"

Choosing your area of specialization.

You'll choose from one of eight biomedical science specialty tracks within our Ph.D. Program. Track choice is indicated during the application process and confirmed after admission. But you'll be able to do research and learn in any Mayo laboratory that interests you, even if it's not within your track.

Perspectives on our Ph.D. Program

"Collaboration is massive here"

Collaborative research and learning environment

The hallmark of research at Mayo Clinic is the highly collaborative interaction that occurs between investigators in basic science and clinical areas. While each investigator has a competitively funded independent lab, collaboration with graduate students and staff across the institution is common. As a Ph.D. student, you’re free to select any Mayo mentor, regardless of which track you choose.

"Allowed me to build my own team"

Teaching opportunities

Tutoring and teaching opportunities are available and optional for our Ph.D. students. If you’re interested in developing these skills, serving as a tutor or a teaching assistant can help cement the knowledge you gain from your coursework.

Application window

Apply between Sept. 1 and Dec. 4 for the following academic year.

To get in touch with the Ph.D. Program, fill out the form on the Contact Us page .

Explore our comprehensive academic catalog, offering a detailed overview of all course offerings.

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Explore our virtual visit options or sign up for a video chat to get a personalized look at our program.

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Points of Blue

An interdisciplinary gateway program with numerous possibilities to make your path flexible and adaptable.

Flexible Pathways

The Program in Biomedical Sciences (PIBS) is designed to offer students maximum flexibility during the first year of graduate studies. PIBS students receive full funding and benefits and can immediately begin training in one program or take a course of study compatible with several programs while completing research rotations. You can rotate with any of our 500+ faculty that make up one of the largest and most vibrant research communities in the country. At the end of the PIBS year, you choose a permanent program and will continue to be funded through defense and graduation.

Our team of support staff, program directors and academic advisors will help you pursue a career path of your choosing. From initial course selection, to exploring certificates and dual degrees, and finding a postdoc, we’re here for you!

*In addition to admission through PIBS, these programs offer direct admission.

*Bioinformatics
Genetics & Genomics
*Health Infrastructures & Learning Systems
*Molecular, Cellular & Developmental Biology
*Neuroscience

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