student walking into lab
What does it cost?

All accepted doctoral students are guaranteed a GRA appointment, which includes a full tuition waiver and a stipend.

Check out our cost calculator or visit student financial services for information on estimated costs.

How long will it take?

Minimum of 110 credit hours, about 4-5 years to degree completion.

Where will I take classes?
Atlanta Campus

Classes are in-person.

Does this program require part-time or full-time attendance?

Full-time attendance is expected.

Application Deadlines View Admissions Requirements

  • Fall Priority Deadline: November 1
  • Fall Final Deadline: March 1
  • Spring/Summer: Does not admit

Translational Biomedical Sciences, Ph.D.

Contact Graduate Admissions
biomedgrad@gsu.edu

The Translational Biomedical Sciences Ph.D. offers an innovative and interdisciplinary training experience designed to position graduates to contribute to the improvement of human health through various biomedical science related careers.

Key areas of educational and research focus will be complemented by cross-training in business and entrepreneurship to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of how to take discoveries from the "bench to the bedside."

Students will experience:

  • A signature, interdisciplinary curriculum with a focus on professional development
  • Mentorship from world-class researchers and distinguished faculty
  • Hands-on participation in cutting-edge biomedical research
  • State-of-the-art research facilities
  • Vibrant campus life in downtown Atlanta

Opportunities for research areas of focus include:

  • Life-threatening Infectious Diseases (COVID, STDs, Ebola, Flu, RSV, Measles, Pneumonia)
  • Inflammatory Diseases (IBD, otitis media, autoimmune)
  • Therapeutics (Novel COVID-19 antiviral drugs)
  • Vaccines (Universal vaccines for coronavirus, Flu, STD)
  • Microbiome
  • Translational Immunology and Immunotherapy
  • Cardiovascular and Metabolic Disorders

Program Highlights

Laboratory Research

After admission, all doctoral students complete 2-3 laboratory rotations designed to match the student to a faculty advisor and lab for the duration of their study. Matches are based on the student’s research interests, the faculty member’s current projects and available space.

During the student’s time in the faculty member’s lab, they will have the opportunity to contribute to research that tackles some of the world’s biggest health issues.

Dr. Wang and students in biomedical lab

Distinguished Faculty

The accomplished faculty in the Institute for Biomedical Sciences are leading pioneering biomedical research projects, receiving prestigious federal grant awards and mentoring the next generation of biomedical scientists and professionals.

MEET OUR FACULTY

Professional Development

In addition to strong technical knowledge, industry employers seek graduates with strong, transferable skills. The Ph.D. program offers a unique curriculum that includes opportunities to develop oral and written communication skills, project management skills and creative problem-solving skills.

Students are also encouraged to complete an annual Individual Development Plan (IDP) to establish short- and long-term career objectives and develop a strategy to acquire the skills needed to achieve these goals.

Program Details

A conferred bachelor’s degree is the only requirement for applicants interested in applying for the doctoral program.

How will you evaluate my application?

Our admissions committee reviews each candidate’s entire application and weighs each piece equally, which we call a holistic review. We don’t eliminate applicants based solely on test scores or GPA. Students with lower GPAs can bolster their application by using their personal statement to explain why they earned the grades they did, including a resume that describes their research experience, submitting a strong writing sample and having stellar recommendation letters.

What is the minimum GPA and TOEFL/IELTS score required for admission into the Ph.D. program?

Since each application undergoes a holistic review, we do not have required minimums.

How do I compare with previously accepted Ph.D. students in IBMS?

The average scores for previously accepted doctoral students are as follows:

Cumulative Undergraduate GPA  3.47
Cumulative Graduate GPA  3.66
TOEFL Scores  101
IELTS Scores  7.0

For application instructions, application tips and frequently asked questions, visit the Ph.D. How to Apply webpage.

The following materials are required for admission to the Ph.D. in Translational Biomedical Sciences program.

  • Online Graduate Application
  • $50.00 non-refundable application fee
  • Transcripts from each college and/or university attended
  • Three letters of recommendation
  • A resume or curriculum vitae
  • Personal Statement
  • Writing Sample
  • English Proficiency scores, if applicable
  • Course-by-course credential evaluation from an approved NACES member, if applicable

The Ph.D. core curriculum will provide students with a fundamental knowledge of cutting-edge biomedical science combined with an understanding of how to practically apply this knowledge to research and the business world. The program requires a minimum 110 credit hours usually completed over 4-5 years.

  • Required Courses – 28 hours
  • Elective Courses – 12 hours
  • Required Research – 70+ hours

Sample Degree Completion

Year 1

  • Begin required coursework
  • Laboratory rotations
  • Selection of lab for dissertation research

Year 2

  • Complete required coursework
  • Prepare for comprehensive qualifying exams

Year 3

  • Complete comprehensive qualifying exams
  • Selection of dissertation advisory committee
  • Approval of dissertation proposal

Year 4+

  • Ongoing conferences, poster presentations, seminars, journal clubs, etc.
  • Completion of dissertation research
  • Final dissertation defense

 

Visit the catalog for a detailed description of course requirements.

Funding Your Graduate Education

Cost of attendance and funding opportunities are integral to your decision to attend graduate school. Georgia State is proud to offer a variety of funding opportunities, such as assistantships and fellowships.

The institute provides funding opportunities in the form of Graduate Research Assistantships (GRAs). All accepted doctoral students are guaranteed a GRA appointment, which includes a full tuition waiver and a stipend.

Cost Calculator

Our calculator can help you get an idea of the costs associated with attending the university.

More than ever, there is an urgent need for translating advances in basic biomedical sciences from the laboratory into new clinical therapies for human diseases. To meet this challenge, the Translational Biomedical Sciences (TBMS) Ph.D. program will educate a new cadre of biomedical scientists who will be ideally trained to enter the biomedical research and health professions workforce.

Students are provided a unique educational experience with a strong focus on multidisciplinary training and professional development. These experiences address unmet needs in advancing fundamental and innovative biomedical research that can be translated into improvements in human health. Graduates of the TBMS Ph.D. program will be poised to become societal leaders who contribute to the cutting-edge knowledge base and fuel a growing and rapidly evolving economy in Georgia and across the nation.

Potential Career Paths

  • Clinical biochemistry/immunology/microbiology
  • Medical doctor/nurse/physiotherapist
  • Patent attorney
  • Regulatory affairs/technology transfer
  • Research and development (industry/academia)
  • Research management and administration
  • Science communication/journalism/publishing
  • Scientific sales and marketing
  • Specialist (ecologist, pollution control, bioinformatician)
  • Teaching (school/college/university)
  • Technical (quality control, research technician)

Earnings Potential

Salaries for careers in biomedical science will vary depending on geographic location, years of experience and employment agency.

  • The median annual salary for a postdoctoral fellow is $64,863.
  • The median annual salary for a medical science liaison is $111,280.
  • The median annual salary for a biotechnology research scientist is $105,300.

Half of all IBMS Ph.D. graduates continued to postdoctoral training.

Student & Alumni Stories

Stephen MaurakisA Perfect Match
After completing a Ph.D. in Translational Biomedical Sciences, Stephen Maurakis is on his way to achieving his goal of becoming a senior scientist focused on fighting serious pathogens.read more ❯
Latika LuthraWinning Combination
With a Ph.D. in Translational Biomedical Sciences under her belt, Latika Luthra is ready to start her career focused on intellectual property and research commercialization with plans to one day become a patent attorney.read more ❯
Caroline WilliamsTackling Emerging Viruses
Caroline Williams earned her Ph.D. in Translational Biomedical Sciences by embarking upon studies of two newly emerging viruses, SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19, and Mengla virus, a newly identified filovirus.read more ❯

Contacts

Email: biomedgrad@gsu.edu
Phone: 404-413-3650

716 Petit Science Center
100 Piedmont Ave SE
Atlanta, GA 30303-5035