Interdisciplinary Biomedical Sciences (IBMS) Graduate Programs
The healthcare field is expected to grow 16 percent between 2020 and 2030, much faster than other industries, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Trained in the latest technologies, our Biomedical Sciences Ph.D. graduates are well-positioned to contribute to advancements in healthcare and biomedical sciences.
The interdisciplinary Ph.D. in Biomedical Sciences (IBMS) program at Howard's Graduate School welcomes applicants with backgrounds in the biomedical and biological sciences, neuroscience, chemistry, biochemistry, health sciences, or biochemical engineering and computational sciences, environmental health sciences, and other related fields. The Ph.D. in Biomedical Sciences program is designed to train the next generation of Ph.D. scientists who want cross-disciplinary training in biomedicine and who will apply their research expertise to unravel the basis of diseases and to contribute to the development of preventative and interventive therapies. This approach includes understanding not only pathogenic manifestations of disease but also the normal anatomical and physiological state. The program aims to train independent research scientists to bridge the wide gulfs that currently exist between basic science research and clinical medicine. Graduates with a Ph.D. in Biomedical Science are well positioned to contribute to advancements in the health sciences field, pursuing faculty positions at research universities and careers in industry or across a wide range of biomedical fields.
As a student in our Ph.D. program, you can tailor your program of study to your individual research interests. In year 1, all students participate in the “Core Track” which provides a common set of foundational courses for students to gain a general understanding of biomedical science research. Students participate in a minimum of two lab research rotations, which facilitates the selection of a potential mentor. In year 2, students will choose from one of five areas of research specialization: Anatomy, Biochemistry, Microbiology, Pharmacology and Physiology. Each of these Research Tracks have specific course requirements. Biomedical sciences faculty have robust research programs in such areas as cancer, neuroscience, cardiovascular disease, developmental biology, genomics, infectious disease, molecular biology, and virology. As a student in the IBMS graduate program, you will enjoy a highly collegial atmosphere and numerous opportunities to collaborate with faculty on grant-funded lab research and participate in journal labs. Students may pursue a dual M.D./Ph.D. degree.
Program Snapshot
❱ 72 credit hours
❱ Full-time
❱ On-campus format
❱ Degree: Ph.D.
❱ Dual degree: M.D./Ph.D.
Application Deadlines
Fall 2027 entry (no spring entry):
❱ Nov. 15* (early deadline)
❱ Feb. 15 (priority deadline)
❱ Apr. 15 (final deadline)
*For Fall 2027 entry, Nov. 15 refers to the 2026 early deadline for Fall 2027 admission. For example, prospective students applying by the early deadline for Fall 2027 entry must apply by November 15, 2026.
*Eligible Ph.D. applicants who wish to be considered for the Graduate School's Competitive Assistantships must meet the early deadline for Fall 2026 entry (Nov. 15). Applicants must submit a separate application for this funding opportunity along with their application for graduate admissions by the early deadline of November 15, 2026 (the 2026 early deadline for Fall 2027 entry).
Applicants have until the final deadline to apply. However, applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis throughout the admissions cycle. Applicants should submit their applications as early as possible for earlier consideration of departmental funding opportunities.
Transfer credits accepted (reviewed by committee)