Admissions
Statement of Non-Discrimination
UMass Chan Medical School does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, creed, religion, gender (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions), age, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, genetic information, national origin, covered veteran status, disability, ancestry or any other characteristic protected by law in employment, admissions, participation in its programs, services and activities, and selection of vendors who provide services or products to UMass Chan Medical School. Further, UMass Chan Medical School is firmly committed to ensuring that all who work, study, visit or seek treatment here may do so in an environment free of harassment and/or discrimination.
Further information is available on the Diversity and Inclusion website.
Questions concerning this notice can be directed to the Vice Chancellor of Diversity and Inclusion. Questions concerning Title IX may be directed to the designated campus Title IX Officer. Either can be reached at:
UMass Chan Medical School
55 Lake Avenue North (S1-710)
Worcester, MA 01655
Phone: 508 856-2179
Fax: 508 856-1810
Programs of Study in the Morningside Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences
The programs and pathways within the Morningside Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences train students in their selected specialty area and emphasize a broad background in the basic medical sciences, in preparation for research with direct relevance to human disease. We welcome you to explore our many offerings below.
PhD in Biomedical Sciences
PhD Pathways
Basic Biomedical Sciences Umbrella Programs
Biophysical, Chemical, and Computational Biology
MD/PhD
Millennium PhD (UMass Chan Affiliates Only)
Population Health Sciences
Master's in Clinical Investigation (UMass Chan Affiliates Only)
Postbaccalaureate Research Education Program (PREP)
Outreach Programs
Outreach programs include:
Applications and Admissions
The Morningside Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences offers multiple programs of study, detailed below.
PhD Basic Biomedical Sciences Programs
The PhD is an umbrella program in the basic biomedical sciences. Students benefit from the opportunity to rotate in three research groups in their first year, prior to joining a specific group and program of study.
Programs within the PhD include:
- Biochemistry and Molecular Biotechnology
- Cancer Biology
- Immunology and Microbiology
- Interdisciplinary
- Neuroscience
- RNA Therapeutics and Biology
- Systems, Computational, and Quantitative Biology
- Translational Science
Please review admissions requirements
PhD Biophysical, Chemical, and Computational Biology
A dedicated pathway for students with quantitative backgrounds, with no expectation of experience in biological sciences. Apply your quantitative skills at the interface of physical and biological sciences to solve pressing problems in biomedical sciences that require new and innovative approaches.
Please review admissions requirements
PhD Population Health Sciences
The PhD is a transdisciplinary program with a focus on epidemiology, biostatistics and health services research.
Please review admissions requirements
MD/PhD
The dual degree trains physician scientists who may choose either the basic and biomedical sciences or clinical and population health PhD track.
Please review admissions requirements
Millennium PhD
UMass Chan affiliated physicians who are interested in pursuing a PhD are welcome to explore this program option.
Please review admissions requirements
Master's in Clinical Investigation
UMass Chan affiliated clinicians can pursue a master's concentrating in population based clinical or bench-to-bedside translational research.
Please review admissions requirements
Postbaccalaureate Research Education Program (PREP)
The NIH funded PREP prepares students for PhDs and MD/PhDs in biomedical science. Students may choose either the basic and biomedical sciences or clinical and population health track.
Please review admissions requirements
Register for courses as a non-degree student
Please visit the registration webpage to find the most current course catalog and instructions for non-degree student registration.
Transfer of Credits
The Morningside Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences at UMass Chan does not allow for transfer of credits.
Transfer from another School
The Morningside Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences at UMass Chan Medical School does not accept transfer students. Students wishing to become matriculated at UMass Chan must apply for admission, and must receive favorable review from the Admissions Committee. This process could be expedited if needed, such that review, admission and matriculation could occur off-cycle. Students admitted to the program would have to meet all requirements, though some flexibility can be granted on a case-by-case basis regarding waivers for specific course work or for laboratory rotations. Transfer credits will not be given. Matriculated students must pass the Morningside Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences qualifying exam; this is not negotiable.
Criminal Background Checks
Applicants to the Clinical and Population Health Research Program (CPHR) and the CPHR track of the Postbaccalaureate Research Education Program (PREP) are conditionally accepted, in part, pending a satisfactory background check. If the school receives a positive response, the matter will be referred to the Committee to Review Criminal Background Checks according to the school’s “Procedure for Reviewing and Acting Upon Criminal Background Checks.”
Technical Standards for Admission & Graduation
The following technical standards specify those attributes the faculty considers necessary for pre-doctoral or doctoral study at Morningside Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences and therefore, are pre-requisites for admission, progression and completion.
A student must possess aptitude, abilities, and skills in five areas:
- Observation
- Intellectual/Conceptual Abilities
- Motor Skills
- Communication
- Behavioral and Social Attributes
More detailed descriptions of these standards are available in the Student Handbook.
Accommodations and use of an intermediary
While accommodations can be made for some disabilities, applicants and students must be able to perform the duties of a student and researcher in an independent manner.
For more information see UMass Chan policies on Equal Opportunity and Americans with Disabilities Act.
The use of an intermediary would result in the mediation of a student's judgment by another person's powers of selection and observation. Therefore, the use of an intermediary to assist the student in meeting the technical standards for admission, continuation or completion would mean that a student’s judgment is mediated by another individual and thus is not permitted.
Admissions FAQs
Admissions Requirements
Who is eligible to apply?
For the Biomedical Sciences Umbrella and Population Health Sciences programs, a bachelor’s degree is required. One may apply while completing their degree, if it is earned prior to matriculation.
For the Post-Baccalaureate Research Education Program (PREP), it is required to be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident, received a bachelor’s degree within 3 years or less of applying, and be an underrepresented student in the sciences as defined by the NIH.
For the Millennium PhD and the MS-Clinical Investigation, a bachelor’s degree is required, and one must be an affiliate of UMass Chan Medical School. An affiliate may include medical students as well as residents, fellows or postdocs who hold an MD, DO, PhD, DNP, PharmD or other relevant degree, or with permission of the Program Director and Dean. Those not affiliated with UMass Chan Medical School are not eligible to apply.
What do the Admissions Committees look for when making decisions?
Applications are reviewed holistically, considering cognitive and non-cognitive variables, as well as fit for the program. Admissions Committees look for strong academics preparation, research and other relevant experience, and career aspirations and research interests that align with the program.
Are there prerequisite courses?
There are no specific prerequisite courses for the Biomedical Sciences Umbrella program. However, academic preparation is assessed by assessment of the transcript, including overall performance and the breadth and depth of preparation in physical, biological, or behavioral sciences. For more information please visit the admissions requirement page.
For the Population Health Sciences program, one year of graduate level biostatistics and one year of epidemiology or other research methods training with a B or better is required prior to matriculation.
Is the GRE required?
No, the GRE is not required nor considered for any program.
What do I need to submit if I am an international applicant?
All international applicants are required to submit a course-by-course evaluated transcript from a NACES member and TOEFL iBT or IELTS Academic scores. Original transcripts are not required, and unofficial transcripts and test scores can be used to apply in lieu of official ones.
Do you have minimum TOEFL or IELTS scores?
The Admissions Committees look for a 100 total TOEFL score and 17 or higher on each subsection, or a 7 or higher overall IELTS score, with no subscore lower than a 6.5.
When do the programs begin?
All programs, except Millennium PhD and MS-Clinical Investigation (MSCI), begin once each Fall semester. The Millennium PhD and MSCI can be started in the Spring or Summer.
Do you take transfer students or credits?
While transfer credit is not available, prior graduate coursework may be considered for waiving certain requirements. Course waivers are granted only after matriculation.
Do you offer part-time programs?
Programs are only offered full-time and as such, are not built to support working outside of graduate school.
What is the funding structure?
All programs are fully funded, with a competitive annual stipend for the duration of the program, a full tuition and fees waiver and health insurance is provided. Please see our funding page for details.
Application Process
How do I apply?
Links to applications can be found on the apply page.
Do I need to reach out to faculty members during the application process?
What are the required application materials?
All applicants are required to submit the application and fee, all unofficial transcripts from any college or university attended, a resume, personal statement, and three letters of recommendation. International applicants are required to submit a course-by-course evaluated transcript and unofficial TOEFL or IELTS scores. Please note all official transcripts, and English test scores if appropriate, are required prior to matriculation.
All other program applicants, upload the documents as part of the application here.
When is the deadline by program for Fall entry?
Applications must be submitted by 11:59pm (EST) on the dates indicated below.
- PhD Biomedical Sciences Umbrella: December 1st
- PhD Population Health Sciences: January 1st priority, May 1st final
- Postbaccalaureate Research Education Program (PREP): February 28th
- Master’s in Clinical Investigation: July 1st
- Millennium PhD: June 1st
What are the next steps once my application is complete?
Qualified candidates will be contacted via email for an interview following an application review process. Please check your status on the online application in the meantime.
May I defer my acceptance?
Upon acceptance, with the permission of the Program Director, one may defer their acceptance for one academic year.
How can I have additional questions answered?
Please reach out to the Admissions Office at GSBSAdmissions@umassmed.edu and visit Connect with Us to schedule a meeting.