Biomedical Sciences Training Program

BSTP student working in a lab
Doctor of Philosophy

About the Program

Get an inside look at the 11 biomedical PhD programs at Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine through our Biomedical Sciences Training Program. Starting in the summer, you'll complete lab rotations with your choice of more than 200 dynamic faculty researchers—allowing you to find your best fit. By the end of your first semester, you'll choose a principal investigator with whom you want to study and get started toward your doctoral degree.

What to Expect

Beginning in July, you'll embark on lab rotations alongside research faculty, participate in coursework with your peers and find your fit in one of 11 biomedical PhD programs. Your early arrival allows you to complete a research rotation before classes begin. You'll complete at least three rotations (assisted by an academic advisor), learn new techniques and get acquainted with faculty members. During your lab rotations, you can take part in journal clubs, research seminars and lab meetings to help you to gain a realistic feel for the environment.

If you are like most students, you'll take an introductory course to modern cell and molecular biology, which provides a strong foundation for research in all of the PhD programs of the BSTP. (Students with master’s degrees can place out of this course and take more advanced offerings.)

Midway through your first year, you’ll choose dissertation advisors and join the PhD program that best suits your interests.

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Beyond the Classroom

In whatever biomedical PhD program you choose at CWRU, you'll publish a scientific article as first author, helping you describe and communicate your research discoveries—an essential skill as you expand your knowledge. You’ll also develop professional communication skills by giving seminars and making presentations at meetings and journal clubs. You'll even write an NIH-style grant proposal as your qualifying examination, giving you practice formulating a research project and writing a compelling proposal.

Throughout your program, you'll attend seminars with visiting experts in your discipline, journal clubs to discuss recent research advances, specialized retreats with your program and more. Plus, we'll help you apply for a graduate fellowship from an outside granting agency and connect you with resources on pursuing careers in higher education, biotech firms, industry, pharmaceutical companies and beyond.


By the Numbers

200

expert trainers and potential mentors

11

biomedical sciences PhD programs to choose from

100%

fully funded tuition and mandatory fees

$31,000

annual stipend provided to PhD students

Application Requirements

  • Apply online. Please indicate that you are applying to the School of Medicine, Doctoral Biomedical Sciences Training Program.
  • School-issued unofficial transcripts, scanned and uploaded for all colleges or universities attended. (Electronic transcripts can also be emailed to bstp@case.edu).
  • Current resume/CV outlining all work experience and volunteer roles with timeframes. Make sure to highlight any completed research positions or opportunities experienced.
  • Three letters of recommendation, a personal statement, and separate written statements of your research and teaching experience.
  • English proficiency exam (IELTS, TOEFL or PTE) scores (for international applicants who are from countries where English is not a primary language, or whose previous college/university program was not taught in English).
  • GRE not required.

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