Doctoral Degree in Integrated Biomedical Sciences
Who is this program for?
This program offers students a starting point into 7 different PhD programs within the College of Medicine. This is an ideal starting point to explore the biomedical sciences and solidify an educational path.
Program Overview
The Integrated Biomedical Sciences (IBS) is an undifferentiated first-year core curriculum that serves as the entry point for 7 doctoral programs housed in the University of Kentucky College of Medicine. Students are admitted to IBS and, at the end of the IBS year, select their doctoral programs in one of these basic science departments:
- Neuroscience
- Toxicology and Cancer Biology
- Microbiology, Immunology & Molecular Genetics
- Pharmacology
- Nutritional Sciences
- Molecular & Cellular Biochemistry
- Physiology
IBS provides exposure to cellular and molecular concepts in the biomedical sciences, development of interdisciplinary approaches necessary for innovative research, and flexibility in choosing a research emphasis among 186 faculty in six departments. As part of IBS, students complete coursework, engage in biomedical research through laboratory rotations that facilitate selection of a dissertation mentor, and participate in research seminars. The IBS curriculum is designed for students beginning graduate studies in the fall semester.
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What You'll Learn
Learn more about the Integrated Biomedical Sciences PhD program on the College of Medicine website.
Degree requirements, course descriptions and academic policies for all programs are detailed in the University Catalog.
Admission Requirements
Please view the Graduate School's Admission Requirements. If there are Additional Requirements listed below, those program-specific requirements also apply.
Application Requirements
Please view the application requirements for the Graduate School. If there are Additional Requirements listed below, those program-specific requirements also apply.
Program Specific Requirements
- Three (3) letters of recommendation. You will be asked to provide the names and contact information of three faculty members who are familiar with your undergraduate and graduate coursework, research, etc.
- A personal statement indicating research interest and goals for doctoral study and beyond.
- A CV indicating any academic honors, publications, research experience, and relevant work experience (if applicable).
For international applicants:
- a minimum score of 79 on the internet-based TOEFL (maximum 120) or
- a minimum overall score of 9 on the TOEFL Essentials or
- a minimum mean band score of 6.5 on IELTS
- all applicants must demonstrate proficiency in verbal and written English.

Explore Funding Options
As a graduate student, there are additional opportunities for student funding. Once you are admitted into a degree-bearing graduate program at UK, you can apply for a wide variety of financial assistance, including assistantships and fellowships. These opportunities can be tied to your program’s availability, so you should inquire with your program director about opportunities available within your program!
Program Specific Funding Opportunities
Students accepted into the Biomedical Sciences PhD program are typically awarded full-tuition assistance, student health insurance, and a yearly stipend as part of the Research Assistant position.

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