Mission

It is the mission of the Loma Linda University basic sciences programs to further the teaching and healing ministry of Jesus Christ by fostering scholarly excellence leading to the discovery, integration, and dissemination of biomedical knowledge.

General information

The basic sciences of the School of Medicine offer graduate programs with emphases in anatomy, biochemistry, microbiology, pharmacology, and physiology. The Ph.D. degree curriculum is designed to prepare students for careers in independent research and teaching in academic or biotechnology settings. Students may enter any of these five Ph.D. degree curricula by applying to the Integrated Biomedical Graduate Studies Program. After completing a common first-year core curriculum, students will select a program and a mentor for the completion of their studies, during which time advanced courses and laboratory work allow them to fully develop an area of research interest and expertise. Students usually rotate through up to three research laboratories before selecting a research advisor.

The M.S. degree course of study provides education appropriate for technicians involved in biomedical research and for medical technologists seeking career advancement. A pathway to combined M.D./Ph.D. degrees is also offered.

Combined degrees

Combined degrees (Ph.D./M.D. and M.S./M.D.) options are also available. The combination of an M.S. degree with a professional degree provides additional content and research experience as a background for postgraduate medical or dental education. The combination of a Ph.D. degree with a professional degree prepares the student for a future in academic medicine or dentistry—combining research, teaching, and clinical practice.

For additional details, see the combined degree programs page in this CATALOG.