VCU’s Ph.D. in physiology and biophysics empowers students to seek creative answers to difficult questions through biophysical approaches at the molecular, cellular and organ system levels.
Our faculty are committed to training the next generation of scientists, clinicians and academics. Alumni of our program enjoy a broad range of successful careers in academia, medicine, government and private sector industries such as biotechnology and pharmaceuticals.
We are proud to provide individualized support for each student, and our diverse, tight-knit cohorts foster a collaborative and congenial learning environment for everyone. Over the course of five to six years, doctoral students develop the ability to design, implement and interpret scientific approaches to address questions across a broad spectrum of research areas, including:
- Molecular biophysics
- Structural biology
- Neurophysiology and neuroscience
- Molecular and cellular physiology
Program Structure
Ph.D. students enter through the Biomedical Sciences Doctoral Portal, or BSDP, VCU's entry point for students interested in doctoral training in the biomedical sciences. The program guides students through the first year, during which they complete coursework and rotate through three laboratories to explore different areas of research. By the end of year one, students are expected to select a faculty mentor as their dissertation adviser and formally join the Ph.D. program.
The first stage of the Ph.D. program focuses primarily on coursework, to develop a solid background in biomedical sciences and laboratory research in areas such as the following:
- Biochemistry
- Cell physiology
- Cellular signaling
- Mammalian physiology
- Molecular basis for disease
- Responsible scientific conduct
Students must complete a minimum of 66 credit hours, and the curriculum also includes journal clubs and seminars.
After choosing a mentor, students identify additional faculty members to serve on their graduate advisory committees and shift their attention to an original research project. Upon completion of the project, students prepare a written dissertation based on their findings, which they present in a public seminar and defend to their graduate advisory committee.
In addition to research space provided by the Department of Physiology and Biophysics, students and trainees also have access to state-of-the-art facilities and core laboratories across the MCV Campus.
Full-time doctoral students typically receive financial support that includes a stipend (currently $31,500 per year) and health insurance, plus tuition and fees for the duration of their training as long as they are making satisfactory academic progress. Students are eligible for travel grants through the VCU Graduate School.
Resources
Supporting our students is at the core of the School of Medicine's mission. We provide a wide variety of resources to help enhance our graduate students' experience and ensure their safety, as well as resources to support our faculty.
Life in Richmond
We encourage our students and trainees to maintain a healthy, balanced life, and Richmond is a wonderful place to engage in that well-rounded lifestyle. As a mid-sized city with a metropolitan population of 1.3 million, Richmond provides stimulating activities while maintaining its intimate feel and unique vibe.
How to Apply
Prospective students must apply through the BSDP. After creating an account with the Graduate School at VCU, select “Application for all other graduate programs,” then select “Biomedical sciences – undifferentiated – Doctoral Portal,” before completing the application.
- The online application form
- Official undergraduate transcripts
- Three letters of recommendation
- A personal statement, describing the following:
- Your research or experience
- Why you are interested in the Ph.D. program
- Your main research interests
- A short list of prospective faculty mentors
- Any career plans you have
- Other information that may help us evaluate your qualifications as an Ph.D. trainee
- A copy of the financial guarantee or reward level if supported by a scholarship
After completing the online applications, documents that cannot be submitted electronically, such as official transcripts, should be mailed to the following address:
Virginia Commonwealth University
Office of Admissions
Box 843051
Richmond, Virginia 23284-3051
- TOEFL or IETLS scores (international and non-native English-speaking applicants only)
- Academic credentials evaluated by a service that is a member of the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services, or NACES, such as:
Ready to get started?
Contact Us
For more information about the Physiology and Biophysics Ph.D. program, please contact:
Roland N. Pittman, Ph.D.
Graduate Program Director
roland.pittman@vcuhealth.org
Carlos R. Escalante, Ph.D.
Assistant Graduate Program Director
carlos.escalante@vcuhealth.org