{"id":19785,"date":"2012-06-22T11:04:02","date_gmt":"2012-06-22T15:04:02","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.bumc.bu.edu\/gms\/?page_id=19785"},"modified":"2026-09-03T14:39:33","modified_gmt":"2026-09-03T18:39:33","slug":"pibs","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.bumc.bu.edu\/gms\/academics\/phd-programs\/pibs\/","title":{"rendered":"Program in Biomedical Sciences"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"Student<\/p>\n

Boston University’s Program in Biomedical Sciences (PiBS) is a fully funded umbrella PhD program. You begin with a shared first year, complete three laboratory rotations, then join the lab and degree-granting program that fit your research goals.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Credential<\/strong>
\nPhD<\/td>\n		Model
\n<\/strong>Umbrella<\/td>\n		Time to degree<\/strong>
\n5.5 years<\/td>\n		Degree pathways<\/strong>
\n9 programs<\/td>\n		Funding<\/strong>
\nFull support<\/td>\n		International students considered<\/strong>
\nYes<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

One application for nine different pathways. No dissertation advisor required before you apply.<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n

\n<\/map>\n<\/p>\n

How PiBS works<\/h2>\n

The backbone of the PiBS community are students who are trained in biomedical sciences through the following process:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
1. Apply<\/strong>
\nSubmit one application to the umbrella program. You do not need a confirmed faculty advisor or final department choice.<\/em><\/td>\n		2. Build a foundation<\/strong>
\nComplete interdisciplinary core courses, electives, quantitative training, seminars, and professional development.<\/em><\/td>\n		3. Explore labs<\/strong>
\nComplete one rotation in the fall and two in the spring while evaluating research fit and mentoring style.<\/em><\/td>\n		4. Choose your home<\/strong>
\nSelect a dissertation laboratory and join the participating program or department affiliated with your mentor.<\/em><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

Interdisciplinary research wherever you go<\/h2>\n

Students don’t need to decide on their line of research when they join PiBS. After one year of foundational curriculum and three rotations, students may join any one of nine programs:<\/p>\n

<\/span>Biochemistry & Cell Biology<\/a> | Biophysics<\/a> |\u00a0Genetics & Genomics<\/a> | Virology, Immunology, & Microbiology<\/a>\u00a0| <\/a>Molecular & Translational Medicine<\/a> | Nutrition & Metabolism<\/a> | Orofacial & Skeletal Biology<\/a> | Pathology<\/a> | Physiology<\/a><\/p>\n

In addition, students can participate in the Immunology Training Program<\/a>, ultimately earning their degrees within either the Microbiology or Pathology program.<\/p>\n

Strong foundations for your dissertation<\/h2>\n

In the first year PhD students will participate in the Foundations in Biomedical Sciences (FBS)<\/a> core curriculum and select elective courses focused on area-specific interests.\u00a0 Additionally, students will experience laboratory rotations and participate in journal clubs and research seminars. Professional development opportunities (see below) round out the curriculum. Students will work closely with a faculty advisor in the development of an individual plan tailored to serve specific research and professional goals.\u00a0 After selection of a laboratory, students will join the program\/department with which the mentor is affiliated and continue advanced studies towards candidacy.<\/p>\n

Plan your PiBS application<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Current Status<\/strong><\/p>\n

OPEN<\/td>\n

Get started with your\u00a0<\/span>application<\/a>\u00a0today!<\/span><\/p>\n

Due date:\u00a0December 1, 2026<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n

Please view our Admissions FAQ page<\/a> for more information about the application.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

What do I need to have to apply?<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Minimum entry requirements<\/p>\n
    \n
  • Baccalaureate degree<\/li>\n
  • English proficiency<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/td>\n
Application materials<\/p>\n