Translational Biomedical Sciences Doctoral Program
The doctoral program in Translational Biomedical Sciences trains students to translate basic research into enhanced health care outcomes. Translational biomedicine is a rapidly growing field within biomedical and public health research that seeks to improve the health of individuals and the community by turning discoveries into diagnostic tools, medicines, procedures, policies and education.
An interdisciplinary and trans-disciplinary program, the Translational Biomedical Sciences Ph.D. prepares individuals to lead the implementation of the patient-centered health care of the 21st century. This program goes beyond the model of a traditional disciplinary program, creating a flexible student-learning environment with a curriculum focusing on three main components:
- Translational core competencies
- Specific, individualized, knowledge content
- Research skills
Admissions Requirements
- A bachelor’s or master’s degree in a relevant discipline with a GPA of 3.0 or higher.
- Transcripts of all previous academic work
- At least three (3) letters of recommendation. The letters should be from individuals that can speak to your academic and research abilities.
- A Resume/CV
- A personal statement that addresses the following areas:
- Future career goals and how the Translational Biomedical Sciences program would help you meet those goals.
- Expected research interest while in the program
- How your goals and research fit within the interdisciplinary nature of translational biomedical sciences
- An essay detailing previous research experience and describing your current research interests. Indicate potential mentors among the faculty at Ohio University. Note that the interdisciplinary dimension of the TBS doctoral program requires you to identify at least two mentors from two different disciplines.
- English Proficiency Requirement: Please review information about Ohio University's minimum English Language Proficiency requirements for graduate study.
GRE test scores are currently optional. Any scores submitted must be officially reported by the testing agency.
International Students
This program permits full-time enrollment in residence at Ohio University, and an I-20 may be issued based on admission to this program.
Breaking Barriers: From OHIO Lancaster to the Translational Biomedical Sciences Ph.D.
Translational Biomedical Sciences Ph.D. Courses & Curriculum
View Degree Requirements in the Official Academic Catalog
View Program Requirements & Coursework in the Student Handbook
The Ph.D. program in TBS transcends the model of a traditional disciplinary program, creating a flexible student-learning environment with a curriculum focusing on three main components:
- Translational core competencies
- Specific, individualized, knowledge content
- Research skills
The flexibility in design allows for different combinations of potential coursework depending on the student’s prior education and experience. Additionally, the program combines formal educational activities such as case studies, problem-based learning in small groups, presentations, seminars, and laboratory group meetings, with informal gatherings between graduate students, scientists and faculty with experience in interdisciplinary team research, which will provide key networking opportunities.
The coursework and related experiences that this program comprises will provide students from all backgrounds with the opportunity to acquire and refine the skills necessary for teamwork, leadership and competitive success in the field of Translational Biomedical Sciences. Additionally, a deep knowledge within a specific cross-disciplinary study area will result in graduates who are experts in their field, with both depth and breadth of knowledge. Upon successful completion of the TBS program, graduates will be able to take advantage of their unique traits to lead scientific teams, engage the community in the quest for better health, apply innovative and entrepreneurial approaches to the improvement of the health of their community, and to reduce inequality in the access to health care.
Culminating Experience
The culminating experience is the doctoral dissertation. Students present in public the results for their independent research project, followed by a defense-style exam with three TBS faculty members.
About the M.S. in Translational Biomedical Sciences
View Degree Requirements for the M.S. in the Official Academic Catalog
The M.S. in Translational Biomedical Sciences (TBS) is available to students without a Translational Biomedical master’s degree who have been accepted into and enrolled in the TBS Ph.D. program. Students complete a minimum of 18 hours of courses, and the culminating experience is normally a qualifying master’s exam.
What is Translational Biomedicine?
Translational biomedicine is a rapidly growing field within biomedical and public health research that seeks to improve the health of individuals and the community by turning discoveries into diagnostic tools, medicines, procedures, policies and education. Translational science is the field of investigation focused on understanding the scientific and operational principles underlying each step of the translational process. The National Institutes of Health officially established a National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences (NCATS) in 2012. Read more about the translational science spectrum.
The doctoral program in Translational Biomedical Sciences (TBS) aims to train students to translate basic research effectively into enhanced health care outcomes for the entire population in fields such as biomedical research, bioengineering, drug development, informatics, communications, and health policy and planning. As a trans- and inter-disciplinary program, the purpose of the Ph.D. in TBS is to prepare individuals to lead the implementation of the patient-centered health care of the 21st century. Existing research and educational strengths at Ohio University, such as the Diabetes Institute, the Ohio Musculoskeletal and Neurological Institute, and the Institute for Molecular Medicine and Aging, are ideally suited to accommodate the innovative, cross-disciplinary nature of TBS.
Ready for the Next Step? Contact Us
For more information or questions about the Ph.D. in Translational Biomedical Sciences, please email TBS@ohio.edu or call 740.593.9791.