https://graduate.ouhsc.edu/Programs Parent Page: Programs id: 27772 Active Page: Graduate Program in Biomedical Sciences id: 35741

The Graduate Program in Biomedical Sciences (GPiBS) is a first-year, interdisciplinary program serving seven degree-granting programs (Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, Cell Biology, Microbiology & Immunology, Neuroscience, Pathology, Pharmaceutical Sciences, and Physiology) at the University of Oklahoma OU Health Campus. Students will graduate with a PhD from one of the participating programs to prepare them for careers in biomedical sciences including academic research, biotech and pharmaceutical industry, education, and myriad other paths. GPiBS students are granted tuition and fee waivers, health insurance, and a competitive stipend of $36,000 per year. On average, biomedical doctoral students complete their degrees in 5.5 years with 5.5 publications. OU Health Campus is one of only a few comprehensive academic health centers in the nation. Our internationally prominent faculty, state-of-the-art facilities, cutting-edge technology, and nearly $200 million in external funding combine to make us the leader in graduate education and research in Oklahoma.  

Class Size

30 Students admitted per year

Average GPA of admitted 2025 GPiBS class

3.63

Average time to complete the program

5.5 years

Curriculum

The first semester GPiBS curriculum is uniform for all students in the program and includes:  

  • BMSC 6012    Molecular Systems I 
  • BMSC 6112    Molecular Systems II 
  • BMSC 6152    Cellular Systems I 
  • BMSC 6052    Cellular Systems II 
  • BMSC 5001    Scientific Integrity  
  • BMSC 5021    Rigor & Reproducibility in Scientific Methodology  
  • BMSC 5031    Laboratory Animal Use and Concepts 
  • BMSC 5221    Interdisciplinary First Year Journal Club 
  • BMSC 6100    Bioscience Lab Rotation 

During the second semester, students enroll in 9-12 short, 5-week selective courses along with laboratory rotations. Selective courses offer students the opportunity to tailor their education to their area(s) of interest and the department they intend to join. 

Admission Requirements

Applicants must have earned at least a Bachelor’s Degree in a relevant field with a minimum GPA of 3.0. It is recommended that applicants complete upper division Biology and Biochemistry coursework. Additionally, applicants are expected to have completed a significant amount of relevant hypothesis-driven research prior to applying and being admitted into the program. 

What makes this program unique?

  • OU Health Campus maintains genomics, proteomics, microscopy, and cytometry core facilities equipped with many of the newest pieces of technology to advance research. 
  • Students completing a PhD through GPiBS-affiliated programs pursue a wide array of career opportunities including academic and industry research, higher education, scientific writing, consulting, technology ventures and patent law, among several others.  
  • GPiBS takes pride in being the only Biomedical PhD program that offers 6 laboratory rotations. We emphasize the need to identify a compatible mentor for each student and utilize these additional rotations to accomplish this.  

Program Details

Location Offered

Oklahoma City

Application Window

 August 1, 2025 – January 11, 2026 (second Sunday in January)

Admissions

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Tuition and Aid

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I chose to complete my doctoral degree in the OU Health Sciences Department of Cell Biology due to their competitive and innovative research and their supportive community that encourages student success.

Michaela Vance
Conley Lab, Cell Biology PhD Program, Fourth Year

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