FAQs - Graduate PhD Program Cedars-Sinai Skip to content Close Select your preferred language English عربى 简体中文 繁體中文 فارسي עִברִית 日本語 한국어 Русский Español Tagalog English English عربى 简体中文 繁體中文 فارسي עִברִית 日本語 한국어 Русский Español Tagalog Translation is unavailable for Internet Explorer Cedars-Sinai Home 1-800-CEDARS-1 1-800-CEDARS-1 Close Find a Doctor Locations Programs & Services Health Library Patient & Visitors Community My CS-Link Education clear Go Close Academics Academics Faculty Development Community Engagement Calendar Research Research Areas Research Labs Departments & Institutes Find Clinical Trials Research Cores Research Administration Basic Science Research Clinical & Translational Research Center (CTRC) Technology & Innovations News & Breakthroughs Education Graduate Medical Education Continuing Medical Education Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences Professional Training Programs Medical Students Campus Life Office of the Dean Simulation Center Medical Library Program in the History of Medicine About Us All Education Programs Departments & Institutes Faculty Directory Graduate PhD Program Back to Graduate PhD Program Training & Curriculum Application Information How to Apply PhD Program Statistics Faculty & Administration Student Research Current Students FAQs Frequently Asked Questions The PhD program in Biomedical Sciences prepares students with a strong foundation in research design and methodology. Here are answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about the program. What is different and special about this program? The PhD Program in Biomedical Sciences focuses on biomedical research and its applications to medicine. Students are offered the opportunity to focus on the translational relevance of their laboratory research. Do all students receive financial assistance? Students pursuing a PhD in Biomedical Sciences are offered a $41,000 per annum stipend as well as health benefits/medical coverage. Students pursuing a MS degree do not receive a stipend or benefits. What are the admissions requirements? Students are required to submit official undergraduate (or graduate, if applicable) transcripts, GRE scores, a written personal statement and three recommendation letters describing their laboratory experiences. How do I apply to the PhD program and is there an application fee? You may apply to the program by completing the online application and submitting the $55 application fee or fee-waiver letter. Do you require GRE and TOEFL scores? What are there minimum scores for admittance? The PhD Program does require GRE scores for all applicants and TOEFL scores for applicants whose first language is not English. The minimum GRE scores are above the 50th percentile in all categories (verbal, quantitative, analytical) as the Admissions Committee seeks students with strong academic potential. Applicants with GRE percentiles below the 50th percentile in any category may still apply. Is this a full-time program? Will I be able to work while completing the program? The PhD program is a full-time program. Most students find the time demands of the program mean they are unable to work during it. Who is eligible to apply? Any student who has graduated from an accredited undergraduate institution is eligible to apply. The Admissions Committee focuses on scientific research background in the admissions process. What are the areas of research of the PhD program faculty? Areas of research vary. Please explore the Cedars-Sinai website for more detailed information regarding the research focus of each faculty member. Does the program admit international students? Do you offer student visas? Yes, the PhD program admits international students. Please contact the PhD Program Office for additional information. Does the program offer special consideration for MDs? The PhD program does offer special consideration for licensed MDs. Please contact the PhD Program Office for more information. How do I contact the PhD program? You may contact the PhD program by phone at 310-423-8294 or by email at [email protected]. Is housing available for students? At this time, we do not offer housing for students. Does Cedars-Sinai offer medical benefits to students? Only students pursuing a PhD degree are offered medical benefits. Does the program offer child care? The program does not offer child care. How many PhD students are accepted each year? The PhD program maintains eight openings each academic year. We accept only the most qualified candidates; actual acceptances may be fewer than eight. How long is the PhD program? How soon will I be able to graduate? The PhD degree can be completed in five years. The average time to degree is 4.9 years. How many have graduated from the program? The PhD program began in 2008 and has 45 graduates as of June 2019. What is the program's retention rate? Currently, the program's retention rate is 89%. Have Questions or Need Help If you have questions or wish to learn more about the PhD program, call us or send a message. Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences 8687 Melrose Ave. Suite G-532 West Hollywood, CA 90069 310-423-8294 SEND A MESSAGE Please ensure Javascript is enabled for purposes of website accessibility