Ph.D. in Biomedical Sciences
An Interdisciplinary Ph.D. in Biomedical Sciences for Tomorrow’s Health Care Leaders
Be on the front lines of health care research with a Ph.D. in Biomedical Sciences from the Brody School of Medicine at East Carolina University. Our interdisciplinary doctoral degree provides you with the basic, translational, or clinical research experience you need for a career in the biomedical and biological sciences. The training pushes beyond the boundaries of scientific and medical inquiry.
A biomedical sciences Ph.D. degree tailored to you
When you study biomedical and biological sciences in the PhD program at ECU, you’ll be able to customize many of the requirements for the Ph.D. program to align your degree in biomedical sciences with your career goals, thanks to five unique concentrations:
- Integrated Physiology and Metabolism: Focuses on the fundamental principles of physiology ranging from mechanistic regulation to organ system biology to metabolism within the context of both health and disease to further medical research breakthroughs.
- Anatomy and Cell Biology: Learn to apply a broad set of molecular and cell biological approaches to research topics such as neurodegenerative diseases, cancer biology, reproductive biology, and regenerative medicine—all while improving scientific communication and writing skills.
- Biochemistry and Molecular Biology: Develop and strengthen essential skills for research into the molecular basis of protein, RNA and DNA function to find innovative solutions to obesity, infectious disease, Alzheimer’s, reproductive disorders, and cancer.
- Microbiology and Immunology: Master the principles of microbiology, immunology, virology, and molecular genetics while presenting your research at regional and national conferences.
- Pharmacology and Toxicology: Students will develop research and communication skills necessary to contribute to the knowledge of the mechanisms of action of drugs and other exogenous agents at molecular, cellular, systems, and/or whole animal levels. Graduates are qualified to pursue relevant career paths and are equipped with lifelong learning skills enabling success in alternative careers.
Why earn your doctoral degree in biomedical sciences at ECU?
The biomedical sciences Ph.D. program at ECU will prepare you with the experience and expertise to excel in a wide variety of fields and specialties within the biomedical and biological sciences. When you earn your doctoral degree in biomedical science at ECU, you’ll enjoy exceptional benefits that include:
Experienced faculty
With small class sizes and a low student-to-faculty ratio, you can work closely alongside faculty mentors who are leading researchers and practitioners in their respective fields. Each of the courses you take in your concentration will be taught by dedicated faculty who foster student-centered learning environments.
Clinical research experience
Each of our concentrations includes courses that integrate experiential learning through clinics, research, and lab rotations—in addition to teaching assistant opportunities and chances to travel to present your research at conferences. Grow your resume while completing requirements for the Ph.D. program.
An engaged community
As a member of our biomedical sciences Ph.D. program, you will have exclusive access to the Brody Graduate Association of Brody School of Medicine, which provides students with resources and chances for career development, social interaction, and participation in philanthropic efforts throughout the Greenville community.
Courses you will take in the biomedical sciences Ph.D. program
As you earn your doctoral degree in biomedical sciences at ECU, you’ll build advanced knowledge and essential skills while preparing for a meaningful career in the biomedical and biological sciences helping others live healthier and safer lives.
Our interdisciplinary Ph.D. in biomedical science lets you tailor the requirements for the Ph.D. program for in-depth preparation in your area of specialty with five concentrations. Graduate ready to begin a great career in the health, biomedical, and biological sciences thanks to courses that include:
- Graduate and Molecular Biochemistry
- Microbiology and Immunology
- Practical Biometry
- Anatomy
- Ethics and Research
Explore the course requirements for the Ph.D. program in biomedical sciences in the Graduate Catalog.
Hear from our biomedical science Ph.D. students
“ECU’s biomedical sciences department has not only increased my expertise in research but also prepared me for scientific writing and giving seminars.”
-CJ, Ph.D.
“I had the opportunity to not only design and develop my own project, but also trouble-shoot problems along the way.”
”There I’ve not only been able to hone advanced technical skills, but I’ve also been able to participate in other things that go hand in hand with becoming an advanced scientist. That is, applying for grants and funding for your own projects in research.”
-Vince Contreras, Ph.D.
“The low student-to-faculty ratio allows for a more personal teaching environment where everyone gets the attention they need, both as a student and a researcher.”
-Ryan, Ph.D.
“Being a student in biological science at ECU was exactly the right balance. The success I’ve had in my career, I attribute to my coming of age as a scientist giving me the confidence and skills I needed to move forward”
David Ginty, PhD.
What can you do with a doctoral degree in biomedical sciences?
East Carolina University’s biomedical sciences Ph.D. program offers you a balanced theoretical and practical educational experience that prepares you for a broad range of careers in the biomedical and biological sciences. Give yourself a competitive edge over other job and doctoral program applicants with a biomedical sciences Ph.D. from ECU.
More career opportunities with a doctoral degree in biomedical sciences
Thanks to the interdisciplinary approach of our biomedical sciences Ph.D. program, you’ll have more opportunities to find a career in biomedical medical science than with a traditional degree in health sciences. Whichever health care field you’re interested in entering, our concentrations give you the advanced education to stand out.
Where are Ph.D.in biomedical sciences graduates working?
Fully 100% of our graduates are employed in universities, government, biotech or pharmaceutical companies, or nonprofits.
Our biomedical sciences degree alumni include professors and research fellows at:
- Georgetown University School of Medicine
- University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine
- Lineberger Cancer Center, UNC-Chapel Hill
- Duke University School of Medicine
- West Virginia University School of Medicine
- National Institutes of Health (Bethesda)
- National Institutes of Environmental Health & Science
- Mayo Clinic
- Harvard Medical School
- Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania
- Vanderbilt University
- Rocky Vista Osteopathic Medical School
- Boehringer Ingelheim Pharmaceuticals
- Bayer Crop Science
- KBI Biopharma
- BioLegend
- Moderna
- Sanofi
- University of Texas Southwestern
- Brigham Young University
- Medtronic
- Pennington Biomedical Research Center, LSU
- University of Wisconsin
- Federal Bureau of Investigation
- Environmental Protection Agency
- Virginia Tech University
- Brown University
- Washington University School of Medicine
- Takeda Pharmaceuticals
In addition to health care being the fastest growing career field in the country, employment for medical scientists is projected to grow much faster than average by 2030, adding 12,600 new jobs each year. Don’t hesitate to earn your doctoral degree in biomedical sciences and start a rewarding career.
Get started on your Ph.D. in biomedical sciences
Take the next step toward earning your degree and preparing for a career in biomedical sciences by doing what you love. Want to learn more about our customizable requirements for the Ph.D. program? Wondering how to get started in the fields of biomedical and biological sciences? We have the resources to answer all your questions and help you get started.