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2026-2027 Academic Catalog

Biomedical Sciences

Admissions

The application for the Graduate School is free. Application information can be found at https://www.stjude.org/education-training/st-jude-graduate-school-of-biomedical-sciences/academics/phd-biomedical-sciences/admissions.html. Applicants must complete the entire application and attach the required supporting documents (listed below) to be considered and must have at least an undergraduate degree (i.e., BA, BS, or equivalent). Those with an advanced clinical degree (i.e., MD, DO, PharmD, DVM, or DDS) will also be considered. Degrees should be awarded by a U.S.-accredited institution, but applicants (U.S. citizens or permanent residents) who received their degrees from institutions outside of the U.S. will also be considered. At the present time, the Biomedical Sciences program cannot accept international applications from international students.

There is no minimum grade-point average (GPA) requirement; however, application materials should demonstrate that the applicant has broad training in core areas of life sciences and is equipped to succeed in graduate coursework and research.

Applicants should hold an undergraduate degree in biology, chemistry, physics, mathematics, or a similar science discipline. Additional advanced training in areas such as biochemistry, microbiology, immunology, organic chemistry, genetics, physiology, pharmacology, computational biology, neurobiology, and cell and developmental biology is strongly encouraged.

Required Supporting Documents

  1. A curriculum vitae that describes in full detail the applicant’s academic background, including degrees, research experience, awards, publications, presentations, and other achievements.
  2. Unofficial transcripts of academic records (final, official transcripts are due upon matriculation). The unofficial transcripts should be submitted via the online application. Transcripts not in English must be accompanied by a certified word-by-word, English translation and uploaded online during the application process. Official transcripts should be sent directly to the Graduate School Registrar (via mail service: 262 Danny Thomas Place, MS1500, Memphis, TN 38105 or via transcript delivery service: registrar@stjude.org).
  3. Letters of reference from three mentors, professors, or program directors. The letters should describe the student’s academic successes, background in research, potential for achievement at the graduate level, and capacity for creative, self-directed study.
  4. Previous exposure to laboratory research is required. Submit a one-page original scientific summary of your most important research experience. Your description should be appropriate for a scientific audience. Describe the goal(s) of your research, the reason that your question(s) is/are important, your hypothesis(es), how you investigated your questions, and what conclusions or findings, if any, you were able to draw. Prior research abstracts from a grant proposal or paper should not be used.
  5. A two-page personal statement outlining your reasons for pursuing a graduate degree in biomedical sciences, your career goals, and relevant experience. Consider how your background and life experiences or challenges may have motivated or impacted your decision and/or differentiate you as a candidate. State your specific interest in the St. Jude Biomedical Sciences PhD program, identify two to three faculty whose research interests you, and explain why.

Late Enrollment

Late enrollment is only available at the Dean’s sole discretion and under advisement of the Program Associate Dean(s) and the Admissions Committee.

English Language Proficiency

All students must be proficient in English because all instruction and course materials will be provided in the English language.

Admissions Procedure

The application opens September 1 and required supporting documents will be accepted through December 1 for admission to the following academic year. The application and all required supporting documents must be received by 11:59 pm PST on December 1 for best consideration. The Dean may waive this deadline only under exceptional circumstances and at their discretion. The Admissions Committee will review all applications, and the top applicants will be invited to visit the St. Jude campus or participate in an online interview. During the visit, the students will interview with graduate faculty members, as well as tour the campus and facilities. Following interviews, prioritization of candidates by the Admissions Committee will be used to make a final set of recommendations for admission to the Dean’s office.