PhD Programs

The University of Texas Southwestern Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences offers PhD degrees in basic and clinical sciences. The graduate school provides researchers the education and training needed to advance biomedical research and to make significant contributions to the generation and dissemination of knowledge.

ATTENTION: NEW CURRICULUM 

New 1-Year Didactic Curriculum Begins Fall 2012
Dissertation Research Begins in Second Year

The UT Southwestern Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences is introducing an improved 1-year curriculum for the students entering in the fall of 2012! With the goal of a solid and broad foundation and concentrated powerful focus in a specific field, the system has been redesigned to place the students in their laboratories, fully engaged in dissertation research and preparing for a qualifying examination by the beginning of the second year. More details will be posted soon.

Basic Science Core Curriculum

The basic science PhD programs are united under one umbrella program that admits all first-year students and requires them to experience research in a basic science biomedical field by carrying out three or four laboratory rotations during the first year. Together, the Core Course, laboratory rotations, and responsible conduct of research training comprise a common curriculum for all incoming students except those participating in the Chemistry track. Typically, students join individual PhD programs during the second semester.

Second year basic science PhD students take a qualifying exam in order to officially become a candidate for a PhD in their chosen program. Also during the second year, students are expected to assemble a dissertation committee composed of faculty members who will oversee their research during graduate training.

NOTE: Clinical Psychology PhD students do NOT participate in the Basic Science Core Curriculum. The Clinical Psychology program admits first year students directly into their APA-accredited training program with a separate curriculum.

Degrees Available

  • Biological Chemistry
    • Chemistry Track
  • Biomedical Engineering
  • Cancer Biology
  • Cell Regulation
  • Clinical Psychology
  • Genetics and Development
  • Immunology
  • Integrative Biology
  • Molecular Biophysics
  • Molecular Microbiology
  • Neuroscience

Three specialties may be added to any of the above PhD training opportunities:

  • Computational and Systems Biology
  • Mechanisms of Disease and Translational Science
  • Pharmacological Sciences