Admissions
Applications to the Graduate Program in Molecular and Translational Medicine are submitted through Graduate Medical Sciences. Applicants should forward an undergraduate transcript, a medical school transcript (post-MD candidates only), and TOEFL or IELTS scores, if applicable. Candidates being considered for the program are asked to interview on campus with the admissions committee. Admission to the program is based upon objective evidence of academic excellence, research background and interest, and interviews.
You will need to apply through the PiBS Admissions portal. The PiBS application for Fall 2025 admission are now closed. To check if you qualify for an application fee waiver, visit the waiver request page before submitting your application.
Required Application Materials include:
- Completed online application
- An unofficial college transcript*
- A personal statement
- Three letters of recommendation
- A $95.00 non-refundable application fee
Please review the specific requirements for you below based on your academic credentials.
Applicants with a Bachelor's Degree
Candidates with a Bachelor of Science or Arts interested in obtaining a Ph.D. will apply through Graduate Medical Sciences (GMS) using the standard electronic application process (link below). The online application for Fall 2026 admission opens on September 1, 2025. Although it is advantageous to apply in the fall preceding matriculation, applications will be accepted until December 1.
Requirements:
- Transcripts
- 3 Letters of recommendation
- Statement of interest in Molecular and Translational Medicine outlining research experience and career plans
- An interview at Boston University School of Medicine with members of the Admissions Committee is required.
Following first year course work and laboratory rotations, students will identify a laboratory in which to conduct their thesis research. Acceptance into a Molecular and Translational Medicine laboratory will then designate that student as part of the Molecular and Translational Medicine Graduate Program. Students accepted into the GPMTM will be expected to fulfill all requirements of GMS for graduation including sixty four (64) course credits, a Qualifying Exam as set by the GPMTM, and completion and defense of a Ph.D. Dissertation.
Applicants from BU's MD/PhD Program
Boston University School of Medicine combined MD-PhD candidates may be accepted into the GPMTM upon successful completion of the second year medical school curriculum.
For transfer into the GPMTM, MD-PhD candidates will need to identify a faculty mentor with an appointment in the Department of Medicine. Upon acceptance into that lab they then become a member of the GPMTM. MD-PhD students accepted into the GPMTM will receive thirty two (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 two Molecular and Translational Medicine courses. Thirty two (32) additional credits are required for graduation.
The Graduate Program in Molecular and Translational Medicine PhD can fall under the Program in Biomedical Sciences (PiBS). Boston University’s Program in Biomedical Sciences (PiBS) provides rigorous training towards a PhD degree by integrating the foundations of interdisciplinary biomedical research with focused investigation and preparation for career advancement. PiBS offers first-year students the opportunity to explore a variety of research areas over the course of three laboratory rotations along with a core curriculum to help determine the direction of their PhD focus.
Applicants with an MD
One of the goals of the GPMTM is to provide rigorous training in basic and translational biomedical research to MDs who have decided to develop careers as academic researchers. This is most appropriate for MDs completing their clinical speciality and subspeciality training. They will need to formally apply to the Boston University School of Medicine Graduate Medical Sciences (GMS) as outlined above, and applications should include transcripts, recommendations, and a letter of interest in Molecular and Translational 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 two Molecular and Translational Medicine course sequence and appropriate electives, pass a qualifying examination, and carry out dissertation research.
Boston University School of Medicine combined MD candidates may be accepted into the GPMTM upon successful completion of the second year medical school curriculum. For transfer into the GPMTM, MD candidates will need to identify a faculty mentor with an appointment in the Department of Medicine. Upon acceptance into that lab they then become a member of the GPMTM. MD students accepted into the GPMTM will receive thirty two (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 two Molecular and Translational Medicine courses. Thirty two (32) additional credits are required for graduation.
For more information about applying to our program, please contact Marika Groussis at marikagr@bu.edu or by phone at 617-358-0285.