School Overview

The Morningside Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences at the UMass Chan Medical School trains students in basic and translational biomedical sciences in preparation for conducting research with direct relevance to human disease. Graduates are: (i) prepared to be researchers and educators in schools of the health professions and liberal arts colleges; (ii) expert in collaborative research with scientists and physicians undertaking basic and clinical research; (iii) highly sought as scientists by biotechnology industries. Watch as Dean Mary Ellen Lane welcomes you to the Morningside Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences.      

PhD in Biomedical Sciences Programs 

• Biochemistry & Molecular Biotechnology
• Bioinformatics & Computational Biology
• Cancer Biology
• Immunology & Microbiology
• Interdisciplinary Graduate Program
• Neuroscience
• Translational Science

Additional Doctoral Programs

• Clinical & Population Health Research
• MD/PhD

Detailed Background

The Morningside Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences has a long-standing strength in basic molecular, cellular and organismal biological research designed to understand the mechanistic foundations of biology as well as how organisms integrate genetic and metabolic systems.  

With recent increases in laboratory space and facilities, faculty, and funding from the NIH and other agencies, UMass is one of the fastest-growing research institutions in the U.S.  Our facilities include the Aaron Lazare Medical Research Building and the Albert Sherman Center (shown below).  The Albert Sherman Center is a 500,000 ft2 research and educational building that houses both basic and clinical science laboratories, including the RNA Therapeutics Institute, and the Gene Therapy Center.  The continued growth of our research programs is exemplified by the active construction of a state-of-the-art New Education Research Building, as well as the ongoing construction of the VA Community Based Outpatient Clinic. Familiarize yourself with our campus and student resources in this virtual campus tour.

The Morningside Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences promotes a very collaborative environment that drives the research enterprise on our campus with incoming students performing a series of laboratory rotations in different research programs during their first year. At the completion of year one, students choose a thesis lab and specific program in which to perform their dissertation studies. 
 

Combined MD/PhD Program

Our ongoing NIH-funded Medical Scientist Training Program (MSTP), together with significant institutional support and robust student and faculty involvement, has created an outstanding environment in which our MD/PhD students are provided with superb research and clinical education opportunities.  As a young and growing program, we recruit students from across the nation who have a demonstrated commitment to pursuing a career as a physician/scientist.  In addition to the T.H. Chan School of Medicine curriculum and research opportunities in the Morningside Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences programs noted above, the MD/PhD program offers specialized MD/PhD coursework and an extensive supportive advising program.  We provide flexibility tailored to the individual needs of each student.  Our program has an outstanding tradition of graduates obtaining top-tier residency and fellowship placements. 
 

Postbaccalaureate Research Education Program

For students seeking a career in biomedical research, our NIH-funded year-long Postbaccalaureate Research Education Program (PREP) offers an outstanding opportunity to enhance academic preparedness and laboratory based or clinical research experience. At year’s end the PREP graduate is competitive for admission into the Morningside Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences and other top-tier graduate PhD programs. Having completed some of the first year curriculum requirements, graduates may enter an accelerated program of study in the Morningside Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences. 
 

An important goal of the PREP is to increase the diversity of the biomedical sciences graduate student population. Therefore, applications are strongly encouraged from students belonging to groups underrepresented in the biomedical sciences, including racial minorities, students with disabilities, and students from economically disadvantaged backgrounds.

Financial Information

• All PhD, PREP, and MD/PhD students receive a stipend ($35,600 for Academic Year 2022-2023) and one-time $1,500 transition assistance.  Stipends increase to cover cost-of-living and other mandated changes and offered for the duration of your studies.
• Tuition and fees are waived for all students.
• Health and dental insurance is provided for all PhD and MD/PhD students.
• The Morningside Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences encourages students to apply for pre-doctoral fellowships from federal and private agencies.  A stipend increase is provided for those who obtain such awards.

Student Spotlights

Hear directly from some of our students about their path to the Morningside Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences and their current research:

• Sarah Cleveland, PhD candidate, on her research of mechanisms of T cell tolerance and her involvement with diversity groups on campus
• Webb Camille, MD/PhD candidate, on his research opportunities in neuroscience and founding of a non-profit in his hometown of Everett
• Javier Solivan-Rivera, PhD candidate, on his work in the in the lab of Dr. Silvia Corvera studying adipose tissue and its relation to obesity and diabetes