What does it cost?

All accepted doctoral students are guaranteed funding in the form of a graduate research assistantship (GRA) appointment, which includes a full tuition waiver and a monthly 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

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

View Admissions Requirements

Institute for Biomedical Sciences

Translational Biomedical Sciences, Ph.D.

Contact Graduate Admissions
[email protected]

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.

Baozhong Wang 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.

Potential Career Paths with a Translational
Biomedical Sciences, Ph.D.

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.

As of Spring 2024, 67% of all Ph.D. graduates continued to postdoctoral training or other lab-based careers.

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

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
Admission to doctoral candidacy
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.

Student & Alumni Stories

Biomedical Sciences Ph.D. Graduate Lands Competitive Teaching Fellowship

As a biomedical sciences Ph.D. student, Alexis Branch (Ph.D. ’24), an aspiring professor, developed her teaching skills by working as a teaching assistant and earning a Certificate of Excellence in College Teaching.

Ph.D. in Biomedical Sciences Fulfills Family Dream

Sandhya Padmanabhan (Ph.D. ’24), a graduate of the Translational Biomedical Sciences program, was inspired to earn a Ph.D. to fulfill her father’s dream. Now, she wants to make a difference in the study of infectious diseases.