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Graduate School

Graduate Program in Interdisciplinary Biomedical Sciences (GPIBS)

Welcome to the Graduate Program in Interdisciplinary Biomedical Sciences (GPIBS) at UAMS. GPIBS is a dynamic, collaborative program designed to equip future scientists with a unique blend of academic excellence and practical expertise. Our students gain the training and experience needed to address pressing health issues through research that spans multiple disciplines. GPIBS offers an innovative approach to research education. You won’t just study science—you’ll be an integral part of it by contributing to projects that aim to solve real-world problems. Here’s what sets GPIBS apart:

  • Professional Development: We prepare you for success beyond graduate school with training that emphasizes critical thinking, communication, and leadership, which are essential for careers in academia, industry, and beyond.
  • Interdisciplinary Approach: Our program crosses traditional boundaries, allowing students to work with experts across disciplines to gain a well-rounded perspective on biomedical research.
  • State-of-the-Art Facilities: With access to cutting-edge laboratories and technology, UAMS students can explore complex scientific questions in new and impactful ways.
  • Community and Collaboration: At UAMS, we foster a supportive environment where students work alongside faculty, postdocs, and peers in a close-knit community that is committed to making a difference.
  • Faculty Mentorship: You’ll be guided by some of the brightest minds in the biomedical sciences and dedicated mentors who are invested in your growth and success.

GPIBS Program Structure and Curriculum

GPIBS Ph.D. students complete a core curriculum during the fall semester of year 1. The goal is to provide incoming students with a foundation in biochemistry, molecular biology, and cell biology and emphasizes experimental design and techniques.

Year 1 Fall Semester

  • Foundations in Biomedical Sciences (IBSD 61037) – 7 credit hours
  • Scientific Communications and Ethics I (PHAR 51171) – 1 credit hour
  • Seminar (IBSD 5110V) – 1 credit hour
  • Research (IBSD 5100V) – 1 credit hour

Students also perform research rotations in three different laboratories during the Fall semester. The goal of the rotations is to help students select a laboratory in which to complete their dissertation research. Rotations provide students with the opportunity to:

  • Gain hands-on experience in the laboratory
  • Experience the day-to-day working environment of the laboratory
  • Meet and interact with students and trainers in prospective dissertation laboratories.

GPIBS Tracks

At the end of the fall semester of year 1, GPIBS Ph.D. students select a Track of study. Each track has additional course requirements designed to provide in-depth knowledge and training in a specific scientific area:

Dissertation Laboratory Selection

Students can select a dissertation laboratory at the end of the Fall semester. However, GPIBS students can continue to rotate in the Spring semester if they have not identified a mentor. Students must identify a dissertation laboratory by the end of the Spring semester.

Most of the didactic coursework can be completed in the first 2 years of study. At the end of year 2, students will take a candidacy exam that includes a written and oral component to officially be a candidate for the doctoral degree.

Financial Support

Ph.D. students receive a stipend of $35,000 per year and tuition is paid by UAMS or their mentor.

Applying to GPIBS

Applications for admission to the GPIBS Ph.D. program for the Fall of 2026 will open in August 2025. The application deadline is December 1, 2025. All applicants were encouraged to submit their materials as soon as possible. There is no application fee. For additional information regarding admissions or questions about the application process, please email graduateadmissions@uams.edu  or call (501) 686-5456.

GPIBS Admissions Information

Master’s Program

GPIBS also offers an MS degree option. The application deadline for the MS program is February 1st. There is no application fee.

GPIBS Director
Karl Boehme, Ph.D.
Professor
Phone: (501) 686-5189

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