RDSP Graduate Programs | Office of Research and Innovation

Graduate training opportunities are routinely available in the laboratories of Reproductive and Developmental Sciences Program (RDSP) faculty. RDSP graduate students typically receive degrees through one of several interdisciplinary programs at Michigan State University or individual departments. Prospective students may apply to work with RDSP faculty through one of these programs:

The BioMolecular Science Gateway offers admission to six graduate programs affiliated with RDSP: Biochemistry and Molecular Biology; Cell and Molecular Biology; Genetics and Genome Sciences; Microbiology, Genetics, and Immunology; Molecular, Cellular, and Integrative Physiology; and Pharmacology and Toxicology. While earning their Ph.D. (the BMS does not accept Masters students), students have access to training in over 150 research laboratories in the fields of biochemistry, cancer, cell biology, genomics, genetics, immunology, microbiology, molecular biology, pharmacology, toxicology, physiology, plant molecular biology, structural biology, and virology.

Potential applicants are encouraged to contact RDSP program faculty directly about opportunities or questions, and apply using the BioMolecular Science Gateway link.

Opportunities are also available through the competitive Reproductive and Developmental Science Training Program, which is currently supported through a National Institutes of Health Institutional National Research Service award (T-32 grant). Learn more about the program and how to apply on the RDSTP website.

Two students with a mentor working at a lab bench

Biochemistry and Molecular Biology

College of Natural Science

The Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology discovers and transfers new knowledge about the molecular basis of life through basic biomolecular science research and cross-disciplinary research and training, while enhancing quality teaching and maintaining a collegial environment. The BMB graduate program boasts over 50 affiliated faculty, and provides trainees access to state-of-the-art facilities and numerous opportunities for professional development.

Woman doing pipette process in a lab wearning green scrubs

Cellular and Molecular Biology

College of Natural Science

The Cell and Molecular Biology (CMB) program is an interdepartmental Ph.D. program comprised of approximately forty graduate students and ninety faculty members. The research programs of CMB students and faculty are quite diverse, but all members share a common interest in the mechanisms that regulate cell structure and function. The CMB training program allows students to focus on their particular area of research while being exposed to a wide variety of topics in cell and molecular biology.

Genetics and Genomic Sciences

College of Natural Science

The Genetics and Genome Sciences Program (GGS) is an interdisciplinary, degree-granting program that provides graduate education and training to students whose primary interest lies in the realm of modern genetics. The approximately 100 faculty members in the GGS Program have academic appointments in 24 different departments or affiliated institutions, including the MSU Grand Rapids Research Center and Henry Ford Health in SE Michigan.

Microbiology, Genetics & Immunology

College of Natural Science

The goal of the Microbiology, Genetics, & Immunology graduate program is to provide basic education in various core disciplines of modern biology and intensive training in specialty areas relative to a student's research interests. The department's research is focused on Microbial Ecology & Evolution, Microbial Biology, Symbiosis & Pathogenicity, Virology, Immunology & Cell Biology, and Genomics & Genetics. Following completion of the program, most graduates initially enter postdoctoral research programs, followed by careers in academia, industry, research labs, and other research-related venues.

Two men in blue scrubs in a lab looking at a computer

Molecular, Cellular, and Integrative Physiology

College of Osteopathic Medicine

The Department of Physiology at Michigan State University offers flexible graduate pathways tailored to students' educational and professional goals. The Molecular, Cellular & Integrative Physiology (MCIP) doctoral program provides students with a thorough knowledge of cellular, molecular, systemic, and integrative physiology, and prepares graduates for independent research in diverse environments, including universities around the world, the pharmaceutical industry, and government research.

Man looking through the eye piece of microscope

Pharmacology and Toxicology

College of Osteopathic Medicine

The fields of pharmacology and toxicology encompass a wide range of research problems drawing upon the concepts and tools of biological and physical sciences. Students with a wide range of interests and backgrounds may enter the doctoral program and PharmTox offers an integrated approach to learning by offering a first year cross-disciplinary program called the BioMolecular Science Gateway. Most students undertake their doctoral research with Pharmacology and Toxicology faculty, however, students may choose any laboratory on campus in which to complete their degree.

Animal Science

College of Agriculture and Natural Sciences

The department offers many areas of research specialization within the field of animal science. Research species for theses or dissertations may focus on beef or dairy cattle, sheep, swine, horses, or poultry, and laboratory species. Programs of study are based on the strengths of the department and the goals of individual students. Although individual student programs vary, all graduate programs in animal science are designed to provide a strong foundation in biological science and an in-depth knowledge of a specific biological discipline of importance to animal agriculture, and provide the foundation for effective, independent careers in extension, research, teaching or agribusiness.

Biomedical Engineering

College of Engineering

The Ph.D. program in Biomedical Engineering (BME) at Michigan State University is designed to provide sufficient experience in the performance of original research in a supervised setting to produce graduates who can carry out research independently and who can judge worthwhile research in a field. Such students have been a partner in the advancement of knowledge and can be expected to have a deep understanding of that extraordinarily important human activity. As a by-product, the training received is essential for a career in higher education and is required for many research positions in industry or government.

Comparative Medicine & Integrative Biology

College of Veterinary Medicine

The primary goal of the CMIB Graduate Program is to develop well-rounded scientists, who are passionate about science and will become the next generation of leaders in scholarly research and teaching, public policy, clinical practice, and health care.

The CMIB Graduate Program at Michigan State University offers rigorous training through a combination of coursework, research, mentoring, and professional development. Students receive hands-on training within a world-class research environment, collegial and collaborative mentorship, and a vibrant research community.

Epidemiology & Biostatistics

College of Human Medicine

The PhD program is designed for students who plan to become independent researchers in epidemiology. Emphasis is on the development and mastery of epidemiologic and biostatistical skills required for the highest levels of scholarship, investigation, and leadership in public health work.

Students design and complete their own investigator-initiated research projects, and are prepared to compete for research grant awards supported by the National Institutes of Health and other agencies that fund epidemiology research.

Food Science and Human Nutrition

College of Agriculture and Natural Resources

The Department of Food Science and Human Nutrition offers graduate programs leading to a Master of Science degree and a Doctor of Philosophy degree in Food Science. Also offered are numerous opportunities for post-doctoral research.

Students who are admitted into the master's and doctoral degree programs carry out research in either 1) food safety and toxicology or 2) food processing and quality enhancement. A student who is admitted to the graduate program in Food Science is expected to have general, quantitative and organic chemistry, and biochemistry. In addition, preparation for graduate work should include courses in the biological and agricultural sciences, mathematics, physics, nutrition, engineering or economics.

Neuroscience

College of Osteopathic Medicine

The Michigan State University Neuroscience Program offers world-class research and unparalleled education paired with outstanding mentors and a highly collaborative environment. The program provides a wide range of research opportunities for our students that covers molecules to man. Applications are accepted for a fall semester start.

There are six additional programs affiliated with Reproductive and Developmental Sciences, however, graduate admissions are facilitated through each individual department. Learn more and follow the links below to apply.