Department of Pharmacology and Regenerative Medicine

Prospective students apply to the program through the Graduate Education in Medical Sciences (GEMS) program.

Students apply to the GEMS umbrella program beginning August 1st of the year prior to their admit to the program. Their applications are reviewed annually by a committee of GEMS faculty and student representatives.

Please note, we accept applications for the Fall term only. There is no spring admission or admission to a Master’s program.

Admission Requirements

Applicants will be considered on an individual basis. The department does not admit students to a master’s program. In addition to the Graduate College requirements, applicants must meet the following minimum program requirements:

• Baccalaureate Degree: No restrictions. Prior academic work should include chemistry, biology, physics and math. Biochemistry and physiology are also helpful.
• Grade Point Average: Minimum 2.75 out of 4.00 (3.0 or above preferred).
• Tests Required: GRE general. Preference is given to the applicants with percentile ranking above 65% on the verbal, quantitative and analytical writing sections of the GRE.
• Minimum TOEFL Scores: 213 (computer-based test); Reading 19, Speaking 20, Listening 17, Writing 21, Total 80 (iBT); 550 (paper-based test)
• Minimum IELTS Scores: Listening 6.0; Writing 6.0; Reading 6.0; Speaking 6.0; Total Score : 6.5
• Letters of Recommendation: Please submit three (3) letters of recommendation, which should be on the author’s letterhead.
• Personal Statement: Required. Applicants will provide a written statement communicating their interests and aptitudes in biomedical sciences at large and any special interest they may have in becoming part of the GEMS PhD program. The statement should articulate the applicant’s goals as they relate to biomedical research. An applicant’s previous research experience is often an important component, which is given particularly high consideration in the evaluation process. A brief description of those experiences and how they relate to the applicant’s interest in the GEMS PhD program is encourages, if applicable
• Interview and visit to Department: Qualified candidates will be invited to interviews arranged in conjunction with the GEMS program.

• Apply to the GEMS program

• Minimum Semester Hours Required: 96 beyond the baccalaureate, not including any courses that have already applied toward another degree.
• Coursework:
  • All first-year students are required to take General Education in Medical Sciences (GEMS) courses in the first semester, which includes Biochemistry (GCLS 501), Molecular Biology (GCLS 502), Cell Biology (GCLS 503) and Research Methods I (GCLS 504).
  • In the second semester, students joining the Department will be part of the GEMS Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine Concentration (CBRM) concentration. Students will be required to enroll in the Fall PCOL 560 – Signals & Systems course and in the Spring GEMS 515 – Stem Cells & Regeneration course.
  • In addition, all students starting in their second year will register for PCOL 595 (seminar) and PCOL 599 (thesis research).
• Seminars: Required attendance to Wednesday Visiting Professor Seminar Series and Friday Student Research Forums.
• Preliminary Oral Examination: Required before the start of the fall semester of the third year.
• Dissertation: Required.
• Other Departmental Requirements: Students will rotate three laboratories in the first year prior to choosing an advisor. After beginning their second year, students must also present a seminar on their research each year. Graduate students may be asked to assist in teaching and research activities of the department, as needed.