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The Postbaccalaureate Research Education Program

The Postbaccalaureate Research Education Program (PREP) at the University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center (OUHSC) is a federally-funded (NIGMS) program with the goal of developing a diverse pool of well-trained postbaccalaureates who will transition into and complete rigorous research-focused doctoral degree programs (e.g., Ph.D. or M.D./Ph.D.) in biomedical sciences. Throughout the one-year program, trainees will gain a background in biomedical sciences and improve skill sets by participating in coursework, workshops, and seminars, along with cutting-edge laboratory research. PREP participants will be PREPared to enter and succeed in Graduate School.

PREP is funded by NIH R25 GMI44169

Program Benefits Snapshot

No Application Fee
Full Tuition & Fees Waiver
$30,000 Annual Salary
Lab Rotations
Student Health Insurance Provided
Seven Participating Programs
Mentored Research Experience
Graduate-Level Coursework Credits and Laboratory Rotations Can Be Applied to GPiBS
Guaranteed Admissions Interview for GPiBS

Participating Programs

Application Information

Applications Open: October 1, 2024

Deadline: March 1, 2025

Program Start Date: June 2, 2025

*Completed applications will be continuously reviewed until the cohort is filled. Applicants are encouraged to apply by the priority deadline.

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CONTACT US

Postbaccalaureate Research Education Program
941 Stanton L Young Blvd.
BSEB 123
Oklahoma City, OK 73104
PREP@ouhsc.edu
(405) 271-2406

Admission Requirements

US Citizens/Permanent Residents
Bachelor's Degree Earned Within Last Three Years
Personal Statement
- Address your career goals
- Motivation for pursuing graduate education
- Discuss any relevant experiences that have prepared you for your educational goals (research, leadership, etc.)
Undergraduate Transcripts
Two Letters of Recommendation

*All individuals selected as participants should intend to apply to research-focused biomedical doctoral degree programs (e.g., Ph.D. or M.D.-Ph.D.) during or immediately following completion of the research education program. Credits earned and laboratory rotations can be transferred to OUHSC Ph.D. programs. PREP programs are not intended to prepare participants for medical degrees.

Complete eligibility requirements can be found on the NIH PREP website.

Curriculum

Coursework

Foundations in Biomedical Sciences I (2 credit hour)
Foundations in Biomedical Sciences II (2 credit hour)
Laboratory Animal Use and Concepts (1 credit hour)
Experimental Design and Applied Statistics (1 credit hour)
Integrity in Scientific Research (1 credit hour)

Non-Credit Required Activities

Workshops in Biomedical Research
Formal Mentee Training
Seminars at OUHSC and OMRF

Laboratory Training

Exploratory Rotations - Three 4-week rotations during the summer to identify a mentor
9 month Full-time Mentored Research Experience

Career Development

Peer Mentoring
Career Development Workshop Series
Graduate Research, Education, and Teaching Symposium (GREAT)
Graduate College Professional and Career Development Workshops
Oklahoma Academy of Science Technical Meeting

Program Benefits

All PREP trainees will receive full tuition and fee waivers and a salary of $30,000 per year. PREP provides each trainee with health insurance, access to the Student & Employee Health Clinic, a gym membership to the University Health Club, and access to the host of resources provided by OUHSC Student Affairs.

Student Outcomes

PREP trainees will gain a greater desire to pursue research in the biomedical sciences. It is anticipated that trainees will apply for admission to graduate programs at the completion of PREP.