Program & Admission

The Department of Physiology and Biophysics offers a Doctoral program and a Masters program. Our Doctoral program is part of an integrated interdepartmental Ph.D. program offered by the College of Medicine known as Graduate Education in Medical Sciences (GEMS). This program offers students integrated training in the biomedical sciences. For more information contact our Graduate Program Coordinator via email: Edgar Solis: esolis9@uic.edu

Doctoral Program

The objective of the Ph.D. program in GEMS is to provide students with a strong education that will allow them to identify critical questions in research and prepare them with the tools to address these questions. The goal is to graduate scholars who are capable of defining key areas of inquiry in their field and articulate a rationale for how these can be pursued. This goal is achieved by developing a course of study for each student that best meets their needs and interests.

Students entering the Ph.D. program in GEMS should review the GEMS website for details.

Masters Program

Masters of Science in Medical Physiology
(1 year, course-based)

The MS in Medical Physiology is an intensive, one-year program with an emphasis on human physiology, clinical applications of physiology, gross anatomy, neuroscience, stem cells, and exposure to the latest literature and research in physiology. Graduates of the program will be prepared to continue studies in medicine, dentistry, veterinary medicine, and other medical professions, or pursue careers in teaching, regulatory oversight, basic or clinical research in academic or pharmaceutical settings.

Admissions & Deadlines

The department's admission policy is selective and only the most highly qualified applicants are accepted. Admission selection is based on academic work, standardized test scores, letters of recommendation, research experience (if any), maturity, and potential contribution to the advancement of science. In order to be guaranteed full consideration of application, please submit all items on time.

Financial Assistance

Admitted PhD students receive financial assistance in the form of a fellowship or a research assistantship. Both forms of financial aid provide a full tuition wavier and a living stipend per year. Financial support is provided throughout the course of study, as long as students are in good academic standing and making satisfactory progress towards the Ph.D. degree.