PhD in Biomedical Sciences

The PhD in Biomedical Sciences Program at the Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences at the Icahn School of Medicine prepares you with the training and tools you need to succeed as an independent researcher and also for a variety of other careers. Our program is highly personalized, allowing you to choose your own multidisciplinary training area (MTA), corresponding curriculum, and thesis research preceptor.

Find out what the prerequisites are for applying to our program, along with full details and timelines for our admissions.

"The Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai announced today, that it will join a growing group of schools by “exiting the GRE” (#GRExit). The GRE is not a reliable predictor of success and scores are skewed based on sex, race and socioeconomic status of the test-takers. Requiring the test discriminates against subsets of applicants without the means of access to the often costly test preparation while, simultaneously, biases admissions outcomes in favor of those applicants who do. Discontinuing the GRE requirement is a critical step towards a more unbiased admissions process, but importantly, it is a necessary step to ensure diversity in Graduate School representation. We applaud schools that have joined us and encourage those who haven’t to do so."

-Marta Filizola, PhD, Dean of the Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai

Explore the core requirements, core training areas, advanced courses, and electives that make up our curriculum and program structure.

Students in this program can pursue cutting-edge education in six multidisciplinary training areas (MTAs). These MTAs are a core characteristic of graduate education and provide our students with the opportunity to expand their areas of study beyond the confines of one discipline.

In the Cancer Biology concentration, we combine research into the mechanisms and treatment of cancer with a curriculum that emphasizes a broad approach to this field.

In the Development, Regeneration, and Stem Cells concentration, we work with model organisms and stem cells to explore fundamental questions about their developmental roles and impact on biomedicine.

In the Genetics and Data Science concentration, we use genetic, genomic, and computational approaches to explore biomedical challenges through multiscale approaches.

In the Immunology concentration, we provide students with the intellectual and technical skills required to become outstanding scientists in the investigation, treatment, and augmentation of the immunological system.

In the Microbiology concentration, we explore broad aspects of this field, including virology, autoimmunity, gene therapy, cancer immunology, and vaccine development.

In the Pharmacology and Therapeutics Discovery concentration, we pioneer efforts to discover novel drug-like molecules that can manipulate biological systems for the purpose of developing personalized therapeutic interventions.