Application
Carol L. Rosenberg, M.D., Director of Admissions
Candidates with a B.A. : Candidates with a Bachelor’s of Science or Arts interested in obtaining a Ph.D. from the GPMM will apply through the Division of Graduate Medical Sciences using the standard application process. GREs are required as are transcripts, letters of recommendation, and a statement of interest in Molecular Medicine outlining research experience and career plans. An interview at Boston University School of Medicine with members of the Admissions Committee is required. Candidates with outstanding potential for research in the broad area of Molecular Medicine, based on academic record, recommendations, research experience, and career plans will be offered admission on a rolling basis. Students accepted into the GPMM will be expected to fulfill all requirements of the DGMS for graduation including 64 course credits, a Qualifying Exam as set by the GPMM, and completion and defense of a Ph.D. Dissertation. Applicants with a Masters’ degree may apply to transfer into the GPMM for their Ph.D. research and should apply in the standard way described above. Course requirements may be reduced depending upon the Masters’ curriculum.
M.D.-Ph.D. Candidates: Boston University School of Medicine combined M.D.-Ph.D. candidates may be accepted into the GPMM prior to matriculation through the regular interview process, or may transfer into the GPMM upon successful completion of the first or second year medical school curriculum. For transfer into the GPMM, M.D.-Ph.D. candidates should send an email or letter describing their interest in Molecular Medicine and release their BUSM grades and application materials and transcripts for review by the Admissions Committee, to confirm that they are students in good standing. M.D.-Ph.D. students accepted into the GPMM will receive 32 credits for the basic science courses of the first and second year medical school curriculum. Candidates will be expected to enroll in additional basic science courses appropriate for their research plans and the year 2 Molecular Medicine courses. 32 additional credits are required for graduation.
Cell and Molecular Biology Program Candidates: The Cell and Molecular Biology (CMB) program has approved a combined degree program in Cell and Molecular Biology/Molecular Medicine. CMB students who complete their first graduate year in good standing and are interested in Molecular Medicine may be recommended for transfer into Molecular Medicine by the Director of the CMB program. The Director of CMB or the student can contact the Chairman of the Molecular Medicine Admissions Committee (Dr. Herb Cohen (htcohen@bu.edu) and arrange for an informal meeting to discuss the program requirements and the student’s research interests. Admission to the program is dependent upon the availability of a suitable laboratory and funding for the students, and the ability of the laboratory or Department of Medicine to meet Division requirements for payback for the first year, determined annually on an individual basis. CMB students interested in Molecular Medicine should try to rotate in a Molecular Medicine laboratory as early as possible, and are encouraged to contact Dr. David Seldin or Dr. Cohen to discuss the program.
M.D. Candidates: One of the goals of the GPMM is to provide rigorous training in basic and translational biomedical research to M.D.s who have decided to develop careers as academic researchers. This is most appropriate for M.D.s completing their clinical speciality and subspeciality training. These candidates should contact the program director, co-director, or chair of the admissions committee about their plans. They will need to apply to the DGMS, and applications should include transcripts, recommendations, GREs or MCATs, and a letter of interest in Molecular Medicine. Credits for prior coursework will be granted depending on the specific courses taken, grades, and when they were taken, to ensure that they are the equivalent of similar courses at BUSM. Students entering with advanced degrees are expected to take the year 2 Molecular Medicine course sequence and appropriate electives, pass a qualifying examination, and carry out dissertation research.
