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Admissions

Statement of Non-Discrimination

The University of Massachusetts Medical School (UMMS) 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 UMMS. Further, UMMS 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: 

University of Massachusetts Medical School 
55 Lake Avenue North (S1-710)   
Worcester, MA 01655 
Office Phone: 508 856-2179 
Fax: 508 856-1810 

Applications and Admissions

The Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences at the University of Massachusetts Medical School comprises several programs of study.

Umbrella Admissions Programs

Students wishing to undertake basic biomedical or translational research typically apply for admission to the GSBS through our umbrella admissions process. The programs available through this pathway include:

Clinical & Population Health Research PhD

Applicants interested in the Clinical & Population Health Research (CPHR) program typically hold a master's in public health and should apply specifically for admission to the CPHR program .

MD/PhD

Students who are interested in the MD/PhD program should submit an application to the School of Medicine through the American Medical College Application Service (AMCAS). After receipt of the AMCAS application, candidates will receive a supplementary MD/PhD application. Only the MCAT is required for application.

Millennium PhD

Physicians who are interested in obtaining a PhD in basic biomedical, translational or clinical science should submit an application to the Millennium PhD program.

MS in Clinical Investigation

Medical students or physicians who are interested in obtaining a master's degree in translational or clinical sciences should submit an application to the MSCI program.

Postbaccalaureate Research Education Program

Students who have achieved sound pre-doctoral academic performance in the biological and physical sciences, or who have received a masters degree in public health or related social science, but who seek to enhance their academic preparedness and research experience prior to embarking on a PhD should apply for admission to the PREP.

With the exception of the Health Sciences Preparatory and Postbaccalaureate Research Education Program, all admissions take place through an admission process in which successful applicants are admitted to the Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, rather than a specific program.

Statement of Non-Discrimination

The University of Massachusetts Medical School (UMMS) 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 UMMS. Further, UMMS 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 at http://www.umassmed.edu/dio/equal-opportunity/

Questions concerning this notice can be directed to the Vice Chancellor of Diversity and Inclusion. Questions concerning Title IX may be directed to the designed campus Title IX Officer. Either can be reached at:

University of Massachusetts Medical School 
55 Lake Avenue North (S1-710) 
Worcester, MA 01655 
Office Phone: 508 856-2179 
Fax: 508 856-1810

Admissions Processes & Application Requirements

With the exception of the Health Sciences Preparatory and Pathway to Graduate Study Programs, all admissions take place through an admission process in which successful applicants are admitted to the Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, rather than a specific program. However, each program has unique requirements. 

Click through the links below to explore individual program admissions requirements.

Basic & Biomedical Sciences PhD 
Includes the following programs:

  • Biochemistry & Molecular Pharmacology
  • Bioinformatics & Computational Biology
  • Cancer Biology
  • Immunology & Microbiology
  • Interdisciplinary
  • Neuroscience
  • Quantitative and Computational Biosciences and Bioengineering
  • Translational Science

Clinical & Population Health Research PhD 
MD/PhD 
Millennium PhD
MS in Clinical Investigation 
Postbaccalaureate Research Education Program

Transfer of Credits

The GSBS at UMMS does not allow for transfer of credits.

Transfer from another School

The Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences at UMMS does not accept transfer students. Students wishing to become matriculated at UMMS 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 UMMS GSBS qualifying exam; this is not negotiable.

Criminal Background Checks

Applicants to the Clinical and Population Health Research Program 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 UMMS GSBS and therefore, are pre-requisites for admission, progression and completion.

A student must possess aptitude, abilities, and skills in five areas:

  1. Observation
  2. Communication
  3. Sensory and Motor Function
  4. Intellectual, Conceptual, Integrative and Quantitative Abilities
  5. Behavioral and Social

More detailed descriptions of these standards are available in the GSBS 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 UMMS 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.

Frequently Asked Questions for Admissions to the Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences

The Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences has a number of programs of study each with its own Frequently Asked Questions related to admissions.

Click through the links below to explore individual program admissions requirements including Frequently Asked Questions.

Basic & Biomedical Sciences PhD 
Inlcudes the following programs:

  • Biochemistry & Molecular Pharmacology
  • Bioinformatics & Computational Biology
  • Cancer Biology
  • Computational Biomedical Sciences and Engineering
  • Immunology & Microbiology
  • Interdisciplinary
  • Neuroscience
  • Translational Science

Clinical & Population Health Research PhD 
Health Sciences Preparatory Program
MD/PhD 
Millennium PhD
MS in Clinical Investigation 
Pathway to Graduate Study Program