Boston University - Program in Molecular Medicine - Overview
PhD and MD/PhD Programs: Molecular Medicine Programs Emphasize Well-Rounded Education and Lab Research Experience
The Graduate Program in Molecular Medicine (GPMM) is based in the Department of Medicine at Boston University (BU). It offers a PhD to students holding BA, BS, MSc, MA or MD degrees. The curriculum for completing the PhD is a three-part process.
In the first part, the student is enrolled in a year of science courses provided by the Division of Graduate Medical Sciences. During the second part, students focus on the Molecular Medicine Core Curriculum. These core courses serve as the focal point of the program, and include Genetics and Epidemiology of Disease, Cancer Biology, Immunity and Infection, Organ System Diseases, and Molecular Therapeutics. During the first 2 years, the student completes 3 to 4 lab rotations within potential laboratories that could eventually become the "home" laboratory where the student will concentrate on Ph.D. work. At the end of the second year, students prepare for two part Qualifying Exams. The written part of the Qualifying Exam concentrates on reviewing a scientific paper; the oral part of the Qualifying Exam requires the preparation of a Mock Research Grant Proposal consisting of a 6-10 page proposal that follows the format of an NIH grant application. The topic of this proposal will be of each student's own thesis research. This proposal will be used in the third part of the program to conduct necessary research in the Department of Medicine.
Interested students also have an opportunity to pursue a PhD through alternative programs.
MD/PhD Dual Degree
The dual degree MD/PhD program is ideal for students who desire a career centered around clinical research. Students accepted at Boston University's Medical School have an opportunity to also obtain a PhD Qualified students must complete the first 2 years of medical school. Summer months are dedicated to rotating in research laboratories with the intent of choosing a home laboratory to complete their PhD work. Once students have successfully completed their GPMM coursework and defended their dissertation, they return to their third year of medical school to complete their M.D. portion.
Cellular and Molecular Biology (CMB)
The dual degree Cellular and Molecular Biology (CMB) Program is available in cell and molecular biology/molecular medicine and is of great interest to students who wish to have a career in clinical research.
Students in the CMB program at Boston University follow a strict first-year biology curriculum. These students will also be required to complete laboratory rotations. In their second year, students choose a partner program, such as the GPMM, to complete their PhD. In the partner program students follow the requirements of that program.
Students Apply to GPMM with MD, MA, MSc, BS or BA, and Benefit from Full Tuition Payment and Annual Stipend
PhD candidates are pleased to find that the financial aid options at the Graduate Program of Molecular Medicine are virtually endless. Apart from traditional federal, state, and local aid options, BU is pleased to offer every admitted PhD candidate full tuition, regardless of citizenship. An annual stipend is also paid to all students throughout their dissertation work. This enables all qualified applicants to completely fund their educations.
Applications are preliminarily reviewed only when the submission is complete. Applicants who hold a BS/BA are required to submit GRE scores, transcripts, letters of recommendation, and a statement of interest that outlines their career goals. MD applicants are also required to submit MCAT scores. Additional considerations during the review process include past relevant work experience, as well as the diversity an applicant will bring to the incoming class.
Graduates of the Molecular Medicine PhD Program Pursue Faculty Positions, Internships, and Research Opportunities
Many of the graduates awarded a PhD in molecular medicine from the GPMM decide to pursue careers in academic medicine or research fields. Open faculty positions can lead to an alumni staying at BU to teach or assist professors, or they may simply choose to continue research in an area that interests them. Fellowships also offer the opportunity for students to pursue special areas of study; several fellowships are funded and completed on the School of Medicine campus.
In addition, outside internships and research positions exist in and around BU's community after graduation. Many graduates also go on to work for one of the 3 medical schools in Boston, contributing to the growing biomedical field that is so prevalent in this academic community. Outside private organizations, laboratories, and even pharmaceutical companies have hired GPMM graduates.
Boston University School of Medicine is Located in Boston's Historic South End
Boston University was founded in 1839, and is among the top 20 schools in the country involved in NIH-supported research. Voted as a Top 15 School, Boston University's Graduate Program of Molecular Medicine is located on BU's medical campus in the city's historic South End. Only one mile from the center of the city, the South End is a vibrant, revitalized, urban neighborhood with a European feel that boasts the best restaurants, boutiques, and artists galleries.
Boston University is known for its prominent faculty, innovative research, and modern facilities. Renowned for the quality of teaching and research and for service to the community, BU provides education and training in the most current thinking and techniques in the scientific fields. Academic excellence in basic biomedical and translation research and mentoring the next generation of scientists are BU's priorities.
There are a total of 3 medical schools found in Boston, which is known worldwide as a very cosmopolitan city attracting visitors and students to the East Coast for a quality education and interesting surroundings. The state of Massachusetts offers a wide range of cultural, recreational, and sports activities that are especially convenient for anyone with an adventurous spirit.