Overview
Thomas Jefferson University's College of Graduate Studies Offers Master of Science and Doctor of Philosophy Degrees
Thomas Jefferson University is an academic health center dedicated to health sciences education and research. TJU was originally founded as Jefferson Medical College, and has more living graduates than any other medical school in the country. Today, the university includes the Jefferson Medical College, the Jefferson College of Health Professions, and the Jefferson College of Graduate Studies.
The university also works in close partnership with the Thomas Jefferson University Hospitals to provide students with valuable hands-on experience and knowledge while providing excellent clinical care for patients in the Philadelphia area.
The Jefferson College of Graduate Studies (JCGS) at Thomas Jefferson University offers students a chance to earn a Master of Science or Doctor of Philosophy degree. Master of Science programs are available in basic sciences, biomedical sciences, cell and developmental biology, microbiology, and pharmacology, and all master's degree programs require completion of a research thesis.
Doctor of Philosophy programs are available in biochemistry and molecular biology, cell and developmental biology, genetics, immunology and microbial pathogenesis, molecular pharmacology and structural biology, molecular physiology and biophysics, neuroscience, and tissue engineering and regenerative medicine.
Research at TJU is funded by roughly $140 million in external research grants and training support. Over 600 active research programs place an emphasis on rapidly developing areas of biomedical sciences, such as molecular and cellular biology. Graduates of the program often go on to become active researchers at academic institutions, as well as biotechnology and pharmaceutical companies.
Graduate Students Study Biomedicine, Biochemistry, Genetics, Immunology, Pharmacology, Neuroscience, and Public Health
Thomas Jefferson University offers Ph.D. programs in eight areas: biochemistry and molecular biology, cell and developmental biology, genetics, immunology and microbial pathogenesis, molecular pharmacology and structural biology, molecular physiology and biophysics, neuroscience, and tissue engineering and regenerative medicine.
The degree in biochemistry and molecular biology exemplifies the programs at the college, offering a rigorous training in experimental science that combines a broad foundational knowledge in the basic sciences with advanced study in select areas of contemporary importance, all with a heavy focus on research. Graduates of the program will have the training and experience necessary to attain independent research careers in the biomedical sciences.
Master's degrees are also available in biomedical sciences, cell and developmental biology, microbiology, pharmacology, and public health. Microbiology students may specialize in clinical microbiology, infection control, research and biotechnology, or the new specialization track on recognizing and controlling emerging diseases. Pharmacology students may likewise choose from five specializations, preparing for research positions, clinical trials, or even toxicology review.
Jefferson Students Enjoy Flexibility in Choosing a Program, a Joint MD/PhD Option, and Graduate Certificate Programs
Students at Thomas Jefferson University have a number of flexible options for their academic careers. Not all students know which medical specialty they will prefer when they first arrive at graduate school.
Since the Ph.D. programs share a number of courses in foundational knowledge, students may opt to enter the college in the Joint Flexible-Entry Pathway program, taking foundational courses in biomedical science and learning a little more about different specialty areas before choosing a path for a specific Ph.D.
Students who wish to specialize in academic medicine and medical research may opt for the Joint MD/PhD program, which combines both theoretical and practical biomedical education and research. Students who do not wish to complete a laboratory-based research thesis may avail themselves of the new capstone option in biomedical sciences, cell and developmental biology, microbiology, and pharmacology, graduating with a master's degree without needing to produce a thesis.
Students may also opt for graduate certificate programs, including two new programs, Informatics for Translational and Clinical Sciences, and Infectious Disease Control. These two new programs allow students to earn degrees part-time, focusing on the needs of working healthcare professionals.
Graduate Students Compete for Fellowships Offering Tuition Waivers and Stipends; Loans and Work Study Also Available
Jefferson students may receive federal loans, as well as loans from the university. Jefferson also participates in the Federal Work Study program, which allows subsidized part-time employment. A limited number of competitive fellowships are also available from the university, which provide a full tuition waiver, as well as an annual stipend.
Thomas Jefferson University Students Enjoy the Community and the Cultural and Culinary Resources of Philadelphia
Thomas Jefferson University is located on 13 acres in the center of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Students can avail themselves of all the cultural benefits that Philadelphia has to offer, from attending concerts to volunteering to help explain exhibits at the Franklin Institute.
The Thomas Jefferson University Campus is located in the Theatre District, and is a quick cab ride from Fairmount Park, University City, Citizens Bank Park and Lincoln Financial Field. Naturally, as a bustling city, Philadelphia also has its fair share of entertainment options, as well as dining that ranges from chic cafes to the famous Philly cheesesteak.
Students can receive discount tickets for many local amusements through the Student Activities Office, which also provides lots of free entertainment on campus. Students may attend workshops, performances, movie nights, and various social gatherings. On-campus housing lets students choose between one dormitory-style residence hall and two apartment-style residence halls.
