Ph.D. in Integrative Life Sciences

Looking for a flexible, research-based doctoral degree in the Life Sciences?

The Ph.D. in Integrative Life Sciences is designed for students who want to conduct research that is integrative across multiple disciplines and that takes a systems approach to emerging research questions across the many fields that comprise the life sciences. Students may opt to work with research faculty members from any department, center or insitiute across VCU campuses. This program is administered by the Center for Integrative Life Sciences Education (CILSE). Please visit the CILSE site to learn more about the exciting work being done by our students.

Financial Support

The Integrative Life Sciences Doctoral Program seeks to support all qualified students within the program based upon available funds which may come in various forms.  For questions, please contact the graduate program director.

Learning Outcomes

As a graduate, you will demonstrate:

• Proficiency in oral and written communication
• Scientific experimental design to address research questions
• Problem solving skills
• The ability to integrate knowledge across disciplines

Application Overview

Application Deadline

Applications to the Integrative Life Sciences Ph.D. program are due by January 10 each year for Fall admission.

Admission Details

Applicants must meet all requirements listed by the VCU Graduate School and College of Humanities and Sciences, in addition to those listed below from the School of Life Sciences and Sustainability.

You must have:

• A bachelor's/master's degree in relevant science areas with a minimum GPA of 3.0 out of a 4.0 scale
• Three letters of recommendation pertaining to your potential ability to conduct research
• An appropriate college-level background in mathematics, chemistry and physics
• Three letters of recommendation pertaining to your potential ability as a graduate student in biology
• A statement of purpose essay (see specific guidelines below)
• Transcripts of all previous college work

International students must also provide:

• TOEFL (minimum score of 100) or IELTS (minimum band scores of 7.0) evaluation scores
• External evaluation of transcripts for any non-US colleges

Faculty Mentor Requirement

You are strongly encouraged to begin this process before applying by identifying potential mentors that overlap with your research interests and initiating a dialogue with them via email or phone about the likelihood of joining their lab. 

If you already have support from specific faculty, you are more likely to be admitted and receive some financial support.

M.D.-Ph.D. Program in Integrative Life Sciences

VCU offers the Ph.D. in integrative Life Sciences with a concentration in behavioral and statistical genetics as part of its M.D.-Ph.D. dual degree program. This pathway prepares physician-scientists to combine medical training with advanced research, translating discoveries from bench to bedside and vice versa.

Program Structure

Students complete the first two years of medical school (M1 and M2), pass the USMLE Step 1 Exam, and begin select clinical rotations before entering the graduate phase. During the Ph.D. phase, they take tailored coursework, pass comprehensive exams, and conduct original research before returning to finish two years of medical school (M3 and M4). 

Admissions

Applicants must apply to the VCU School of Medicine through the American Medical College Application Service (AMCAS) and select "Combined Graduate/Medical Degree." In some cases, first-year medical students may be considered for admission.