Masters and Doctor of Philosophy Degrees

Medical Sciences offers two pathways leading to the PhD degree: A Biomedical Research Track (in either Physiology, Pharmacology, or Anatomy) that prepares students for careers in cutting-edge biomedical research, and an Educational Research Track in Anatomy that prepares students for careers in anatomical teaching and educational research.

Biomedical Track MS and PhD Programs – Physiology, Pharmacology, or Anatomy
Students enter the track in August through the Indiana University School of Medicine BioMedical Gateway Program (IBMG) and take the IBMG core courses and complete three lab rotations before selecting the program and lab they will ultimately join. During the second year, students take the major anatomy core courses plus foundation courses of a minor discipline (such as physiology, biochemistry, etc). Students establish an Advisory Committee, headed by the Research Advisor at the end of their first year. This committee aids the student in preparation for the Qualifying Examination (typically given at the end of the second year), which typically includes the writing and presentation of a Thesis Research Proposal (extramural grant format). The Qualifying Examination has two aims: 1) to assess the student's competency in the Anatomical sub disciplines and chosen minor and 2) to determine if the student is prepared to begin thesis research. Upon passing the Qualifying Examination, the student is admitted to candidacy for the Ph.D. The student's Committee advises the student throughout the conduct and completion of the doctoral research project, including the writing and defense of a Dissertation.

Educational Research Track PhD
The goal of this track is to produce a cadre of doctoral-level anatomy educators who are capable of teaching all of the anatomical disciplines to undergraduate, graduate, or professional students, and who are capable of producing the high-quality educational research and other scholarly work necessary for promotion and tenure.

 Teaching Opportunities

Medical Sciences employs many graduate students in Associate Instructor (AI) teaching positions. AI positions are available in our Anatomy A215, Physiology P215 and Anatomy A464 courses. Preference is given to Medical Sciences graduate students, but we do hire a limited number of graduate students from other departments. For a copy of our AI application form, please click here, and then give/mail the form to Jackie Cullison, JH 104, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN 47405.