Quick Program Facts
Degree Programs: MS, PhD
Total program enrollment: 80
Priority Application Deadlines:
- PhD applicants: December 15
- MS applicants: February 1
Apply through the graduate school using the general graduate school application. Applications received after priority deadlines will be considered for admission on a rolling basis.
The University of South Carolina School of Medicine Columbia campus offers MS and PhD degrees in Biomedical Sciences and a dual MD/PhD degree for aspiring physician-scientists. Students spend their first year in our umbrella program exploring their research interests and identifying a mentor to guide them through their degree, while completing foundational coursework. The MS program has a concentration that prepares students for health professional schools and an applied biotech concentration that equips graduates with skills that are in demand in academic and industrial research settings. Our PhD students have received national fellowships and are well prepared for careers in biomedical sciences
The first-year core curriculum is designed to provide a foundational knowledge base in biochemistry, cell biology and responsible conduct of research to MS and PhD students, while also incorporating professional development opportunities. Elective courses are selected based on a student’s research interest or postgraduate career goals. Students in both degree programs must complete a comprehensive examination and PhD students must present in our seminar program. Our MS program can be completed in one to two years, depending on whether a student elects the thesis or nonthesis track. Average time to complete the PhD is five years, and seven years for the MD/PhD.
Our students conduct groundbreaking research with outstanding faculty addressing problems in areas such as neuropsychiatric and neurological disorders, cardiovascular disease, inflammation and application of complementary medicine. Our close proximity to the University of South Carolina main campus allows students access to multiple core facilities and collaborators in disciplines such as engineering, computer science and public health. With access to multiple core facilities, students can receive training on state-of-the-art research equipment. The Center for Dietary Supplements and Inflammation and the Cardiovascular Translational Research Center bring together investigators from across campus in collaborative research projects.
Biomedical sciences PhD students are guaranteed financial support throughout their degree program. Stipend support includes a teaching assistantship (TA) in the first year, followed by an appointment as a graduate research assistant in subsequent years. Tuition, fees and health insurance costs are paid by the Biomedical Sciences program. MD/PhD students receive financial support while enrolled in the PhD program but are responsible for all costs associated with the MD degree. MS students are eligible to apply for TA positions but are not guaranteed a position. Students enrolled in the MS program are eligible for federal student loans.
The University of South Carolina is the only university in South Carolina to receive both top tier research and community engagement designations from the Carnegie Foundation.
Program Contact
email: biomedicalsciences@uscmed.sc.edu
phone: 803.216.3321
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