PhD in Biomedical Sciences – Integrative Physiology
Because of the limited number of laboratory slots, prospective graduate students should contact faculty members who they may be interested in working with prior to review of admissions documents.
Required materials, application timeline, and frequently asked questions.
Application deadline: December 1 (applications cycle opens in July each year)Admission requirements
- Cumulative GPA (all courses) minimum 3.0
How to apply
Required materials
- WSU graduate school application
- College transcripts (unofficial acceptable for initial review–upon admittance official transcripts are required by the WSU Graduate School)
- Three (3) letters of reference submitted directly by the reference writer
- Resume or curriculum vitae
- TOEFL, IELTS, MELAB scores or language waiver for all international applicants from a country whose primary language is not English.
- Personal statement (350 words maximum)
- Describe why you are interested in studying neuroscience and identify faculty mentors (minimum of 3) you are interested in working with and explain why (if admitted to WSU, you will be able to change your choice of mentor during lab rotations).
- Describe an achievement you are proud of and discuss how you reached your goal and any obstacles you had to overcome to reach it. Or conversely, tell us about a time when you didn’t achieve a goal and what you learned from the experience.
- Writing statement (350 words maximum + 350 words for citations)
- Describe a major finding in neuroscience and/or biomedicine over the past five (5) years and explain why you think it was important. Be sure to cite references used after the writing statement.
Integrated graduate program
- Common core curriculum. Graduate students take common courses in biomedical ethics, responsible conduct, experimental design, and deconstruction of research.
- 8-week lab rotations. Choose at least three labs and work alongside faculty researchers to discover your research interests and choose a mentor.
- Professional development. Attend ongoing academic and career development training in our Leadership and Professional Series to enhance communication, mentoring, diversity, and leadership skills.
Tuition and financial resources
- PhD students in good standing are supported by a competitive annual stipend, health insurance, and tuition waivers. Stipends come with expectations of assisting in research or teaching.
- Scholarships are available through the WSU Graduate School and the College of Veterinary Medicine. If you’re a current graduate student, log in to the college’s internal web to see available scholarships.
- Students can also receive supplemental support from graduate scholarships and achievement awards, such as the Achievement Rewards for College Scientists (ARCS) Foundation or WSU Research Assistantships for Diverse Scholars.
- Visit Student Financial Services for more information about financial aid and scholarships.
- For financial planning, see an estimated annual cost of attendance.
Graduate stories
About the department
The Department of Integrative Physiology and Neuroscience offers undergraduate through postdoctoral education in neuroscience and integrative physiology, and our faculty provide core instruction in the professional veterinary medical program. Students have the opportunity to work with leading faculty to gain hands-on research experiences beginning their very first year.
Tours & Visits
Pullman is located in the Palouse region of the Inland Northwest, homelands of the Nimíipuu (Nez Perce) Tribe and Palus people. The Palouse has one of the most beautiful and unique landscapes in the world. Rolling hills and wide-open skies give the region its distinctive appeal.
Residents enjoy outdoor activities and the benefits of small town living with the cultural richness of bigger city life.