Bachelor of Science (BS) in Biological Sciences/Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Biomedical Research

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B.S./Ph.D. Overview 

The combined B.S. to Ph.D. Biomedical Research program was developed between Joan C. Edward School of Medicine Office of Research and Graduate Education and Marshall University College of Science to attract the best and brightest high school students interested in a career in biomedical research to Marshall University. In this accelerated format, students have the opportunity to earn both degrees in just seven years, rather than the traditional eight to nine years it takes to complete them separately.

Developing the BS/PhD program fits with Marshall’s overall strategies to increase recruitment from other regions of the country, provide graduate program opportunities to students considering Marshall for their undergraduate education and help attract students that have an interest in the research fields to Appalachia and West Virginia.

Information for High School Applicants

High School Requirements

  • Must be a U.S. citizen or in compliance with U.S. immigration laws
  • Minimum high school grade point average of 3.75 on a 4.00 scale
  • SAT or ACT scores
    • Minimum ACT score of 30
    • SAT composite equivalent 1330 minimum from Critical Reading and Math
    • SAT composite equivalent 1390 minimum with a minimum math score of 27
  • Applicants must first apply and be accepted to Marshall University, visit Marshall University Undergraduate Admissions website for more information.
  • Complete department application. 
  • Three letters of recommendation, including at least two from high school science teachers
  • Personal statement outlining why you are pursuing a PhD

Application Process

Applicants must first apply and be accepted to Marshall University. Required Undergraduate Admissions Materials are as follows.

  1. Completed application for admission.
  2. Complete department application.
  3. A non-refundable application fee of $40.
  4. An official, final transcript, including graduation date, sent directly from the student’s high school to the Marshall University Admissions Office.
  5. Official college transcript sent to the Marshall University Admissions Office directly from the college or university if a student has completed a non-Marshall college course while in high school or in summer school.
  6. American College Test (ACT) or Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT) scores are sent directly from the testing agency. 
  7. A valid immunization record including measles and rubella vaccinations (or MMR) and all other required vaccinations or screenings.

Visit Marshall University Undergraduate Admissions website for more information. If you would like to visit Marshall University, please visit their Schedule a Campus Visit website for more information. 

Information for Current Marshall Students

Admissions Requirements 

  • Complete department application. 
  • Must be a freshman or sophomore with a declared major in Biological Science
  • Overall GPA of 3.5 or better from at least 26 credit hours
  • Three letters of recommendation from College of Science or Biomedical Sciences research faculty
  • Personal statement outlining why it is you are pursuing a Ph.D.
Financial Aid

During the first three years of the BS portion of the program, students are responsible for their tuition and fees. Information about student financial assistance, including a number of merit-based scholarships, available through Marshall University may be found on Marshall University Student Financial Assistance Website. 

During the four years of the PhD portion of the curriculum, students will receive the following:

  • Tuition Waiver
  • $25,000 annual stipend to be raised to $28,500 as of July 1, 2022.
  • PEIA medical insurance, valued at $5,400 annually.
Program Advantages

Some program advantages are:

  • Completion of the traditional four-year Bachelor of Science degree in Biology in three years.
  • Possible reduction in the number of years to complete a PhD from the traditional five years to four years.
  • Paid hands-on research experience with School of Medicine biomedical research faculty during summer breaks.
  • No GRE requirement for admission to the Doctor of Philosophy in Biomedical Research program.
  • Guaranteed admission to the School of Medicine’s PhD program with a minimum 3.5 undergraduate grade point average.
  • Full tuition waiver during the PhD portion of the program, to include a stipend of $25,000 per year and medical insurance (valued at $5,400/per year).

Curriculum Overview
Required Undergraduate Curriculum
Course Number Course Name Credit Hours
Biology Requirements 
BSC 120  Principles of Biology  4 
BSC 121  Principles of Biology  4
BSC 302  Principles of Microbiology  3
BSC 310  Comp Vertebrate Anatomy  4
BSC 324  Principles of Genetics  4
BSC 450 Molecular Biology  3
BSC 491 Capstone Experience  2
Chemistry Requirements 
CHM 211  Principles of Chemistry I  3
CHM 217 Principles of Chemistry Lab I  2
CHM 212  Principles of Chemistry II  3
CHM 218  Principles of Chemistry Lab II  2
CHM 355  Organic Chemistry I  3
CHM 356  Organic Chemistry II  3
CHM 361  Intro to Organic Chemistry Lab  3
CHM 365 Introductory Biochemistry  3
Mathematics Requirement 
MTH 229 Calculus/Analytical Geometry I  5
Physics Requirements 
PHY 201 College Physics I 3
PHY 202  General Physics I Laboratory  1
PHY 203 College Physics II  3
PHY 204  General Physics II Laboratory  1
Elective Undergraduate Classes (Any two of the following) 
BSC 301  Vertebrate Embryology  3
BSC 304 Microbiology Lab  2
BSC 413 Principles of Organic Evolution  3
BSC 417 Biostatistics 3
BSC 422 Animal Physiology 3
BSC 424 Animal Parasitology  3
BSC 428 Neuroscience 3
BSC 438 Emerging Infectious Disease  3
BSC 448  Introductory Immunology  3
BSC 454 Principles of Advance Technology in Molecular Biology  3
BSC 456 Genes and Development  3
Required Biomedical Research Graduate Curriculum 
BMR 601 Introduction to Nucleic Acids and Proteins   3
BMR 602  Introduction to Cell Structure and Function  3
BMR 603 Regulation of Cell Function 2
BMR 604 Cellular Basis of Disease  1
BMR 660  Communication Skills I 1
BMR 661  Communication Skills II  1
BMR 667  Experimental Approach to Physiology 3
BMR 680 Seminar taken every summer  1
BMR 785 Introduction to Research - taken every summer  3
BMR 882 Research - taken every summer  1
Students will have enough credits at this stage to graduate as an undergraduate in Biological Sciences. 
Remainder of Graduate Curriculum 
BMR 680 Seminar 1
BMR 617  BMS Statistics 3
BMR 644 Research Conduct  1
BMR 882 Research  1

Leadership 

Umapathy Sundaram, MD

Vice Dean, Office of Research & Graduate Education 
Phone: (304) 691-1841
sundaramu@marshall.edu

Richard Egleton, PhD

Assistant Dean, Office of Research and Graduate Education
Phone: (304) 696-3523
egleton@marshall.edu