Pathway Programs
Boston University’s Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine offers various Pathway Programs to empower students at all stages of their academic journey. These programs provide hands-on research opportunities, mentoring, and professional development in medicine, neuroscience, biomedical sciences, and public health. Through these initiatives, students gain valuable skills, build connections, and explore careers contributing to a more dynamic healthcare and scientific workforce.
EMSSP
The Early Medical School Selection Program (EMSSP) offers an enriched educational experience through a carefully structured program that includes mentorship, academic advising, and professional development. Participants begin their preparation during undergraduate studies and transition to BU’s medical school curriculum as early as the summer after their junior year. Students take courses at Boston University and participate in clinical exposure, research opportunities, and seminars to strengthen their academic foundation and understanding of medical practice.
ESSP
The Emerging Scientific Scholars Program (ESSP) is a professional development program for doctoral students in the biomedical sciences from backgrounds historically excluded from the sciences. In the pre-matriculation phase, our program aims to provide students with the mentoring and support they need to initiate their graduate studies at the Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine, Division of Graduate Medical Sciences. Upon arrival, we will provide peer and faculty mentoring to ease the transition and help students navigate the hidden graduate school curriculum. The program is designed to strengthen each cohort as a community of scholars to increase feelings of belonging.
AHA Sure
The American Heart Association Supporting Undergraduate Research Experiences (AHA SURE) is a 10-week mentored research experience focused on cardiovascular and brain research. The program provides underrepresented undergraduate students hands-on cardiovascular and cerebrovascular health research opportunities. This initiative fosters mentorship, professional development, and academic growth while promoting diversity and inclusion in medical research. Participants engage in a transformative summer experience, gaining critical skills and insights into biomedical science and public health.
BU STaRS
The STARS (Summer Training as Research Scholars) Program at Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine is a premier summer research initiative designed to provide undergraduate students with hands-on research experience in the biomedical sciences. Over 10 weeks, participants engage in mentored research projects, professional development workshops, and networking opportunities to prepare them for advanced studies and careers in STEM fields. The program fosters a supportive environment for future leaders in science and medicine.
BU PREP
The Boston University Post-baccalaureate Research Education Program (BU PREP) is a year-long initiative designed for recent bachelor’s degree recipients aiming to enter competitive PhD programs in biomedical sciences. The program fosters mentoring relationships to enhance personal and scientific development. Participants are paired with Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine faculty, gain access to advanced research facilities, and receive comprehensive advising to create personalized career plans. The curriculum includes seminars, workshops, journal clubs, and the option to enroll in PhD-level courses.
ACS DICR
The American Cancer Society Post-Baccalaureate Research Fellows Program at Boston University is a two-year initiative to strengthen the cancer research workforce by supporting individuals pursuing careers in biomedical sciences. Scholars engage in comprehensive biomedical research under the mentorship of faculty members, working on well-defined projects while gaining the skills and resources needed to thrive in cancer research careers.
The American Cancer Society grant supports the program, which offers research assistantships, annual stipends, personalized advising, and enrichment activities such as seminars, graduate-level courses, and professional development workshops. Fellows also benefit from access to support services, opportunities to present at scientific meetings, and networking events to foster personal and scientific growth. Faculty mentors are drawn from various Chobanian and Avedisian School of Medicine departments, providing participants with a robust foundation for their future in the cancer research workforce.
SPIN
The Summer Program in Neuroscience (SPIN) at Boston University offers an immersive eight-week experience at the School of Medicine and Boston Medical Center. It provides students with a unique opportunity to explore the intricacies of neuroscience and its intersection with medicine.
The program combines clinical exposure, didactic sessions, and mentored research to deepen participants’ understanding of neuroscience and biomedical science. SPIN is designed to nurture research skills and career aspirations, equipping students with the knowledge and experience to pursue advanced biomedical research or medicine careers. Through its interdisciplinary approach, the program serves as a platform for participants to gain hands-on research experience and explore the complexities of the brain in relation to medical science.
CARE
The Addiction Medicine Clinical Research Training Program (CARE)at Boston University is dedicated to advancing knowledge and practice in addiction medicine through a comprehensive approach. The program conducts cutting-edge research, educates health professionals, provides high-quality health care, and informs clinical and public health practices and policies.
CARE aims to improve the lives of individuals affected by unhealthy alcohol and drug use by integrating research and education into actionable solutions. Through its interdisciplinary initiatives, CARE engages participants in research and training opportunities that prepare them for impactful careers in clinical practice, public health, and addiction medicine. CARE bridges the gap between research, education, and policy to promote better outcomes for individuals and communities.
BEAMS
The BEAMS (Boston Educational Access to Medical Sciences) Program at Boston University aims to inspire and support youth from Boston and surrounding areas in exploring careers in healthcare.
Through career exploration and mentoring in science, technology, engineering, math, and medicine (STEMM), BEAMS offers students valuable opportunities to discover STEMM fields and consider future careers in healthcare. The program provides a supportive environment for participants to develop skills, gain insights into healthcare and medical sciences, and connect with mentors who guide them in achieving their academic and professional goals. BEAMS is dedicated to preparing the next generation of healthcare professionals.
MSSRP
The Medical Student Summer Research Program (MSSRP) at Boston University offers mentored research experiences for medical students during the summer between their first and second years of medical school.
This program allows students to engage in hands-on research projects across various medical disciplines, fostering their investigative skills and enhancing their understanding of biomedical research. MSSRP pairs participants with experienced faculty mentors who guide them through the research process, helping to build a strong foundation for future careers in medicine and research. This immersive experience allows students to deepen their knowledge and contribute to advancements in medical science.
BU-BMC
The BU-BMC Summer Science Scholars Program introduces local high school students to the exciting world of scientific research through a week-long immersive experience in research labs at Boston University and Boston Medical Center.
Participants explore various aspects of scientific inquiry and gain hands-on experience working alongside researchers in state-of-the-art facilities. The program aims to inspire the next generation of scientists by providing students with a unique opportunity to engage in the research process and learn about potential careers in science and medicine. This initiative fosters curiosity, builds foundational knowledge, and promotes interest in STEM fields among high school students from the local community.
AID-GC
The AID-GC Undergraduate Internship at Boston University is designed to recruit and support aspiring genetic counselors from various backgrounds.
This program offers a comprehensive introduction to genetic counseling, providing participants with the knowledge, mentorship, and resources needed to pursue careers in this expanding healthcare field. Through immersive experiences, tailored guidance, and professional exposure, AID-GC prepares participants for successful careers in genetic counseling.
EPGRAD
The Expanding the Pipeline to Graduate Research in Alzheimer’s Disease and Related Dementias (EPGRAD) program, hosted in Boston as part of the BU branch through George Washington University, this summer education and research training program is designed for undergraduate students.
The program aims to inspire and support students in pursuing advanced studies and careers in medicine, science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEMM), focusing on Alzheimer’s Disease and related dementias (ADRD). EPGRAD provides participants with hands-on research experience, educational opportunities, and mentorship to prepare them for impactful careers in ADRD research and STEM fields.
Biomedical Graduate Training Programs
Boston University’s Biomedical Graduate Training Programs at the Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine allow students to engage in cutting-edge research, receive mentorship, and develop the skills necessary for biomedical science and healthcare careers. Participants gain hands-on experience and tailored support to navigate academic and professional pathways, preparing them for success in the biomedical field.
Programs on the Charles River Campus:
ARROWS
The ARROWS (Advance, Recruit, Retain & Organize Women in STEM) program at Boston University supports individuals in STEM fields through mentorship, professional development, and advocacy initiatives. ARROWS focuses on increasing recruitment, fostering retention, and enhancing the visibility of individuals in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. By partnering with BU’s schools, colleges, and research initiatives, ARROWS helps participants advance their careers and achieve their professional goals in STEM.
The Artemis Project
The Artemis Project is a five-week summer program at Boston University that inspires rising 9th-grade girls to explore computer science. Participating in hands-on learning in programming, cryptography, robotics, and more, led by BU undergraduate students, fostering creativity and confidence in STEM.
To contact our Pathway Program Specialist, please email nsjean24@bu.edu