Graduate Studies
The Biomedical Sciences graduate program provides focused training in inflammation and infectious disease, neuroscience, or molecular and cellular biology.
Degrees Offered
We offer three graduate programs in biomedical sciences. Visit the program pages to learn more about admissions requirements, tuition and fees and how to apply.
- Biomedical Sciences (M.S.)
- Biomedical Sciences (Ph.D.)
- Doctor of Medicine/Biomedical Sciences (M.D./Ph.D.)
Am I required to contact a faculty member and have them agree to sponsor my application to the department?
No. We evaluate all applications that meet our minimum requirements. Students who are accepted into the program will rotate through several labs in their first year to choose a mentor. However, you should look through our faculty page to identify research areas of interest to you.
Will I receive financial support?
Yes, all admitted students will receive a Research Assistant Stipend
- $29,705.76 for master’s and PhD students
- Ph.D. student stipends increase to $33,348.48 upon successful completion of their
candidacy exams.
- Full tuition waivers are provided.
- Students are responsible for obtaining their health insurance and paying student
fees.
Can I get an application waiver?
NO. Our department IS NOT involved in application waivers as the application process is handled by the UND Grad School. It is our understanding that the Grad School does not approve application waivers. But you can contact them if you like.
Is the GRE required?
No. However, GRE scores can be added to the application.
Is a language test such as TOEFL required for international students?
Yes, unless you are from a country whose universities teach primarily in English. Please see link for international students application requirements below.
Will I have an interview to get into the program?
Individuals selected by the committee as strong candidates will be scheduled for in-person or Zoom interviews.
What is the application deadline?
We have a priority deadline of Jan 31st. All applications received by that date will receive first evaluation and interviews will be set up based on the ranking of students. If slots remain available after the first round, applications arriving after the priority date will be reviewed and ranked, and interviews set up as necessary.
Can I send in copies of my transcript or transcript evaluations or use an unofficial transcript to apply?
NO – These must be the official documents and must come directly from the institution or service to UND admissions.
Do I need research experience to be a top candidate for the program?
Whereas research experience is not a requirement, individuals who have real lab experience will often receive initial rankings higher than those with no laboratory experience.
Do I need a publication to apply?
No, while a research publication could benefit your application it is not a requirement.
Do international students have special requirements for applying?
YES – please read this information completely and carefully.
Or see our general application site.
Curriculum
The overall goals of the curriculum are to develop core competencies in:
- Regulatory and Ethical Standards
- Communication
- Statistics and Data Analysis
- Scientific Method
Several core courses provide the foundation for these competencies: BIMD501, BIMD502, BIMD 510, BIMD 516, and BIMD 518.
BIMD501 and BIMD502 are advanced, student-driven courses that provide students the opportunity to acquire biomedical sciences content in the context of discovery and application-based learning and will normally be taken during a student’s first year of graduate school. BIMD 510 (Basic Biomedical Statistics) and BIMD 516 (Responsible Conduct in Research) are also taken in the first year. BIMD518 (Grant Writing) will normally be taken during a student’s second year and will provide advanced education in scientific writing, particularly in the arena of grant applications.
Year One
Fall Semester
- BIMD501 – Scientific Discovery I – 6 credits
- BIMD516 – Responsible Conduct in Research – 2 credits
- Journal Club(s) – required attendance in at least one, no credit or grade
- Seminar(s) – required attendance, no credit or grade
- Laboratory Rotations – required, no credit or grade
- Biosafety/Radiation Safety/HIPAA – required, no credit or grade
Spring Semester
- BIMD502 – Scientific Discovery II – 6 credits
- BIMD510 – Basic Biomedical Statistics – 2 credits
- Journal Club(s) – required attendance in at least one, no credit or grade
- Seminar(s) – required attendance, no credit or grade
- Laboratory Rotations – required, no credit or grade
- Select Advisor (following last rotation)
- Form student Faculty Advisory Committee
- Submit Program of Study
Year Two
Fall/Spring Semesters
- Journal Club(s) – required attendance in at least one, no credit or grade
- Seminar(s) – required attendance, no credit or grade
- Research seminar - required
- Advisory Committee meeting - required
- Research – credit as necessary
- BIMD518 - Grant writing – 2 credits
- Electives – 6 credit minimum over entire graduate career
Summer
- Comprehensive Examination
- Advancement to candidacy
Year Three and Beyond
- Journal Club(s) – required attendance in at least one, no credit or grade
- Seminar(s) – required attendance, no credit or grade
- Research seminar – required yearly
- Advisory Committee meeting – required yearly
- Research – credit as necessary
- Electives – as needed
- Dissertation – 6 credits
Teaching/Research Assistantship
Stipend
Students accepted into the program with a Graduate Research Assistantship will receive an annual stipend as long as they are in good academic standing.
Tuition Waiver
Students will receive a full tuition waiver each semester they are enrolled through the department as long as they are in good academic standing.
Employment Opportunities
Students admitted with a Graduate Research Assistantship will receive an annual stipend and be required to work up to 20 hours per week.