The Graduate Program in Interdisciplinary Biomedical Sciences (GPIBS) at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences offers students the opportunity to pursue training in a wide range of disciplines while providing a foundation in the basic sciences. GPIBS is now accepting students for Fall 2023. The priority application deadline is December 1, 2022; the final application deadline has been extended to March 31, 2023. However all applicants are encouraged to get their materials in as soon as possible.
Students complete a core curriculum in semester 1 and then are encouraged to select a track prior to semester 2. Each track has additional course requirements (click on track name for additional information). Students also participate in 3 research rotations during semester 1 to identify a research mentor. If students do not identify a mentor at the end of the semester, they can continue rotations in semester 2. 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. Students will then continue work with their research mentor. Their research project must be defended in a written and oral format prior to awarding of the doctoral degree.
Ph.D. Core Curriculum
GPIBS core Curriculum:
All Ph.D. GPIBS students Year 1 Fall Semester (12 credit hours):
- Research (IBSD 5101) – 1 credit hour
- Scientific Communications and Ethics I (PCOL 5117) – 1 credit hour
- Biochemistry and Molecular Biology (BIOC 5101) – 3 credit hours
- Cell Biology (NBDS 5111) – 3 credit hours
- Gene Expression (PHYO 5112) – 3 credit hours
- Seminar (IBSD 5102) – 1 credit hour
–To include 3 five week rotations
All students are encouraged to join a track prior to the second semester.
GPIBS tracks
- Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
- Cell Biology and Physiology
- Microbiology and Immunology
- Neuroscience
- Pathobiology
- Pharmacology, Toxicology and Experimental Therapeutics
Ph.D. students receive a stipend ($30,000 per year) and tuition is paid by UAMS or the mentor.
Students interested in the GPIBS Ph.D. program may be eligible for the UAMS Initiative for Maximizing Student Development (IMSD) Program. The IMSD Program was developed to increase the number of students from underrepresented groups graduating with doctorates in the biomedical sciences.
GPIBS also offers an MS degree. The application deadline for the MS is July 1.
For additional information regarding admissions, please email graduateadmissions@uams.edu or call 501-686-5454.
GPIBS Program Contact
Lee Ann Macmillan-Crow, Ph.D.
Professor of Pharmacology/Toxicology
GPIBS Program Director
Phone: 501-686-5289