Mar 29, 2024  
2023-2024 Graduate Catalog 
    
2023-2024 Graduate Catalog

Basic Biomedical Sciences (Ph.D.)


Program Overview


The Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Basic Biomedical Sciences program provides you an opportunity to pursue interdisciplinary graduate education and begin your career in biomedical research. The program offers specializations in cancer biology, cardiovascular biology, infectious diseases, molecular biology & genetics, neuroscience, and physiology and pharmacology. The program stresses laboratory investigation and original research under the direction of a faculty member. We also emphasize flexibility and individual choice in the development of your overall program of study. Learn more at usd.edu/bbsci.

DELIVERY: On campus

Doctor of Philosophy, Basic Biomedical Sciences: Total 81 credit hours


Other coursework will include selected courses offered by the Division relating to the student’s primary area of research interest. The student’s advisory committee must approve the student’s overall program of study. 

Major Area Coursework


Specialization degrees offered in Basic Biomedical Sciences


  • Cancer Biology (15 credit hours)
  • Cardiovascular Biology (15 credit hours)
  • Infectious Diseases (15 credit hours)
  • Molecular Biology & Genetics (15 credit hours)
  • Neuroscience (15 credit hours)
  • Physiology and Pharmacology (15 credit hours)

The Division of Basic Biomedical Sciences has authority to offer specialization Ph.D. degrees in Cancer Biology, Cardiovascular Biology, Infectious Diseases, Molecular Biology & Genetics, Neurosciences, and Physiology and Pharmacology. Requirements for the specialization Ph.D. degree includes dissertation research and a minimum of 15 credit hours of coursework relevant to the specialization area sought as approved by the Division’s Graduate Committee. The dissertation topic must be in specialization area. Below are some example program of studies that would fulfill the specialization course requirement:

Cancer Biology (minimum 15 credit hours required)


Select a minimum of 15 credit hours from the courses listed below or courses approved by Division’s Graduate Committee.

Cardiovascular Biology (minimum 15 credit hours required)


Select a minimum of 15 credit hours from the courses listed below, or courses approved by Division’s Graduate Committee.

Infectious Diseases (15 credit hours required):


Select a minimum of 15 credit hours from the courses listed below, or courses approved by Division’s Graduate Committee.

Molecular Biology & Genetics (15 credit hours required):


Select a minimum of 15 credit hours from the courses listed below, or courses approved by Division’s Graduate Committee.

Neurosciences (minimum of 15 credit hours required):


Select a minimum of 15 credit hours from the courses listed below, or courses approved by Division’s Graduate Committee.

Physiology and Pharmacology (minimum 15 credit hours required)


In addition to the course below, select a minimum of 12 additional credit hours approved by Division’s Graduate Committee for the area of Physiology and Pharmacology.

General Application Requirements


  1. Completed application
  2. $35 application fee
  3. Official transcripts*
  4. Letters of recommendation*
  5. Statement of purpose
  6. Resume/CV*

*Requirements for admission vary by program and may require different documentation and have different deadlines. This list is not all-inclusive, to view specific program requirements and submission deadlines, follow the  “Admissions Information” hyperlink at the top of this page OR visit the specific program/dept. page found here: link.usd.edu/grad-catalog

State Authorization - It Matters Where You Live


If your learning placement course (internship, externship, clinical, rotation, practicum, independent study, study away, etc.) or your online course will be taken outside South Dakota, please reference USD’s State Authorization webpage.

State Authorization

Questions?


Basic Biomedical Sciences
605-658-6322 | biomed@usd.eduusd.edu/biomed

Graduate Admissions
605-658-6140 | gradadmissions@usd.edu  | usd.edu/grad