Program Information
Degree Requirements:
The following describes required coursework, research and teaching requirements and the requirements necessary to graduate. The required coursework is designed to expose the graduate student to a wide range of human health related topics and provide an in depth foundation in molecular and cell biology. The courses include training in bioethics and biostatistics.
Course Requirements:
i. Advanced Molecular Biology: 3 credit hours
ii. Biostatistics: 3 credit hours
iii. Health Sciences Seminar: 1 credit hour/semester, all semesters
iv. Ethics: 1 credit hour
v. Bioregulation: 4 credit hours
vi. Advanced Cell Biology: 3 credit hours
vii. Research Techniques in Biomedical Sciences: 4 credit hours
viii. Advanced Topics in Biomedical Sciences (1-2). (S/U grade only)
ix. Special Topics in Biomedical Sciences (1-3). (S/U grade only.)
x. Electives: 9 credit hours, Electives will be selected in consultation with the faculty advisor and thesis committee
Research Requirements: Students will begin research training in their first year of study through rotation in faculty research laboratories. At the end of the first year, faculty mentors will be determined and an independent research project developed under their guidance. Students are expected to publish their project findings in peer-reviewed scientific journals.
Graduation Requirements:
Time to Graduation: The University requires that the degree be completed within five calendar years from the time the student gains admittance to candidacy by passing the preliminary exam.
Summary of Requirements:
i. Attend the BMS Seminar Series
ii. Successfully complete the preliminary doctoral examination
iii. After admission to doctoral candidacy, submit a doctoral research proposal approved by the major professor and the supervisory committee
iv. Students should publish their project findings in peer-reviewed scientific journals.
v. Register for a minimum of twenty-four semester hours of dissertation credit
vi. Submit, publicly present, and successfully defend a dissertation.
Financial Support:
Departmental Stipends and Waivers:
Once admitted to the Program in Biomedical Sciences students are appointed as a Graduate Research Assistants and considered employees of The Florida State University. The starting stipend for a first year student is approximately $33,000 per year. Students also receive tuition waivers and a supplement to help cover the expenses of student fees and health insurance.
Financial support through the graduate career is maintained as long as students remain in good standing, which requires a GPA of 3.0 or better.
All out-of-state U.S. citizens and permanent residents are required to apply for reclassification to Florida residency.
Fellowships/Scholarships:
In addition to the departmental stipend, other fellowship opportunities may be available from the FSU Graduate School for outstanding students. Please visit the Graduate School's web page for information on these Fellowships and Awards.
Applicants interested in being considered for these awards must submit their application by December 15 in order for the department to meet nomination deadlines.
The FSU Graduate School also awards a $1,000 Dean's Scholarship to eligible newly enrolling doctoral students. Both domestic and international students can receive this award; however, domestic students must file a FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) by July 20 in order to be eligible.
- Minority applicants should investigate the McKnight Doctoral Fellowship.
- Eligible students must submit their application to the McKnight Foundation by January 15.
Health Insurance:
Graduate Research Assistants are provided a Health Insurance Subsidy toward the purchase of the university sponsored health insurance plan. Current subsidy rates can be found here: https://gradschool.fsu.edu/funding-awards/subsidy-benefit.
For more information about the subsidy please visit The Graduate School's web page regarding Health Insurance.