The Ph.D. degree in biomedical sciences is a research-intensive program, with extensive training in independent research projects. Our Ph.D. students have the option to perform their research project in any of the following emphasis areas: biochemistry, cancer biology, cardiovascular sciences, genetics, immunology, microbiology, molecular biology, neuroscience, pharmacology, or physiology.
We also offer MD/Ph.D., DDS/Ph.D., and PA/Ph.D. dual degrees as well as Ph.D. with a Health Policy Certificate. Together, this provides our graduates options for a wide range of careers in academia or careers in medicine, dentistry, health policy and other health professions.
The doctoral program leads to the interdisciplinary Ph.D. in biomedical sciences and is divided into core, major emphasis, and dissertation phases.
The core phase occupies the first year of study in which all students enroll in courses covering fundamental aspects of biochemistry, cell biology, molecular biology, communication skills, biostatistics, and bioethics that are critical to success as a professional scientist. Students also rotate in a minimum of three research laboratories.
After completing the core phase, students identify an advisor for the major emphasis phase. Students may study with graduate faculty in a variety of basic and clinical science departments.
During the major emphasis phase students take courses and begin research in the advisor’s laboratory. The major emphasis phase ends when the student passes comprehensive examinations, thereby designating a student a candidate for the Ph.D. program. Most students require at least two years to complete the major emphasis phase.
During the dissertation phase, the successful Ph.D. candidate completes the research begun during the major emphasis phase under the direction of the advisor and dissertation committee. The candidate writes a doctoral dissertation describing the research in detail and defends it in a public seminar. To be granted the doctoral degree, the student must either publish or have accepted for publication a manuscript as first author in a peer-review journal, as well as present a public seminar on his/her dissertation research.
Students in our PhD program are admitted directly to the School of Graduate Studies and Research and will obtain their PhD in Biomedical Sciences with the option to perform their research project in any of the following emphasis areas: Biochemistry, Cancer Biology, Cardiovascular Sciences, Genetics, Immunology, Microbiology, Molecular Biology, Neuroscience, Pharmacology, or Physiology.
The following outlines all requirements to apply for the Ph.D. Biomedical Sciences program.
Dec. 15, 2026
There is no application fee for the Ph.D. Biomedical Sciences program.
The form is hosted online through GradCAS and you must create an account to apply. The form will allow you to save your work and return at a later time.
Please provide a detailed and carefully edited statement indicating your reasons for wishing to undertake graduate study and your plans for a professional career. Describe your background and the strengths and weaknesses of your preparation for graduate study, and any previous research activity. If you are presently in a graduate program at another institution, explain why you plan to change.
Please provide a one-page, detailed statement that describes your career goals and explains how participating in the Ph.D. program will help you achieve them.
Please submit official transcripts of all undergraduate and graduate work (if applicable). Applicants must report all institutions attended and send all official transcripts to GradCAS. If you do not list or send official transcripts for all institutions attended, processing of your application will be delayed.
Sending Transcripts Electronically
GradCAS accepts electronic transcripts from:
Official scores from the General Test of the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) are not required.
Two letters of recommendation from faculty or persons who are qualified to certify as to the applicant’s abilities or character before the respective deadlines, along with the Recommendation Cover Form for each letter. Letters of Recommendation MUST be on official letterhead, contain a signature, and provide contact information for the recommender.
Letters of recommendation should be provided by current undergraduate or graduate faculty, but at least one letter should be from science faculty. No more than two letters will be accepted or reviewed.
Learn about Meharry’s Research and Innovation Enterprise.
Ph.D. Handbook
Nicolle Patterson, MS
Assistant Dean of Student Affairs
npatterson@mmc.edu
Brandon Battle, MHS
Program Manager
bbattle22@mmc.edu
