Doctor of Philosophy in Biomedical Sciences

The Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Biomedical Sciences is a research-intensive program dedicated to cultivating scientists who push the boundaries of biomedical discovery. Through rigorous curriculum, faculty mentorship, and engagement in cutting-edge research, students develop the intellectual independence and technical expertise needed to investigate the molecular and cellular foundations of health and disease. The program emphasizes innovation, collaboration, and scientific communication, preparing graduates to lead transformative research that shapes biomedical understanding and advances human health worldwide. 

Curriculum

Students in MUSC's Ph.D. in Biomedical Sciences degree programs enroll in approximately 15 credits per semester (three semesters per year), which includes a combination of didactic course credits and research project credits. The total credits taken per year is typically 45. Because time to complete the degree is significantly affected by progress in one's research project(s), the range of credits students acquire by graduation varies.

The degree can be earned in four to seven years. Degree completion in fewer than four or more than seven years requires prior approval by the dean of the College of Graduate Studies. The number of credits associated with these time frames follows:

  • 4 years (12 semesters)=180 credits
  • 5 years (15 semesters)=225 credits
  • 6 years (18 semesters)=270 credits
  • 7 years (21 semesters)=315 credits

Students typically graduate with 225-270 credits (5-6 years)

Year 1, Fall

Course ID Course Title Credits
CGS720 Laboratory Rotation 4
CGS765 Proteins: Dynamic Structures & Functions 3
CGS766 Genes: Inheritance/Expression 4
CGS767 Cells: Organization/Communication 3
CGS768 Techniques & Experimental Design 2
Semester Total 16

Year 1, Spring

Course ID Course Title Credits
CGS721 Laboratory Rotations 4
CGS770 Principles Practices & Prof 2
CGS772 Learning From the Literature 2
CGS790 Topics in Contemporary Biomedical Science 2
TBD Additional courses in area of study and/or research 4
Semester Total 14

Year 1, Summer

Course ID Course Title Credits
CGS764 Science Writing As Persuasion 1
TBD Additional courses in area of study and/or research 14
Semester Total 15

Year 2, Fall

Course ID Course Title Credits
CGS817 Rig. Extramural Fellowship App 2
TBD Additional courses in area of study and/or research 13
Semester Total 15

Year 2, Spring

Course ID Course Title Credits
TBD Additional courses in area of study and/or research 15
Semester Total 15

Year 2, Summer

Course ID Course Title Credits
TBD Additional courses in area of study and/or research 15
Semester Total 15

Year 3, Fall

Course ID Course Title Credits
TBD Additional courses in area of study and/or research 15
Semester Total 15

Year 3, Spring

Course ID Course Title Credits
TBD Additional courses in area of study and/or research 15
Semester Total 15

Year 3, Summer

Course ID Course Title Credits
TBD Additional courses in area of study and/or research 15
Semester Total 15

Year 4, Fall

Course ID Course Title Credits
TBD Additional courses in area of study and/or research 15
Semester Total 15

Year 4, Spring

Course ID Course Title Credits
TBD Additional courses in area of study and/or research 15
Semester Total 15

Year 4, Summer

Course ID Course Title Credits
TBD Additional courses in area of study and/or research 15
Semester Total 15

Year 5, Fall

Course ID Course Title Credits
TBD Additional courses in area of study and/or research 15
Semester Total 15

Year 5, Spring

Course ID Course Title Credits
TBD Additional courses in area of study and/or research 15
Semester Total 15

Year 5, Summer

Course ID Course Title Credits
TBD Additional courses in area of study and/or research 15
Semester Total 15

Year 6, Fall

Course ID Course Title Credits
TBD Additional courses in area of study and/or research 15
Semester Total 15

Year 6, Spring

Course ID Course Title Credits
TBD Additional courses in area of study and/or research 15
Semester Total 15

Year 6, Summer

Course ID Course Title Credits
TBD Additional courses in area of study and/or research 15
Semester Total 15

Year 7, Fall

Course ID Course Title Credits
TBD Additional courses in area of study and/or research 15
Semester Total 15

Year 7, Spring

Course ID Course Title Credits
TBD Additional courses in area of study and/or research 15
Semester Total 15

Year 7, Summer

Course ID Course Title Credits
TBD Additional courses in area of study and/or research 15
Semester Total 15
Curriculum Total 180-315