Pathway to Graduate Study Program (PGSP)

The Pathway to Graduate Study Program (PGSP) at the University of Massachusetts Medical School (UMMS) is a NIH-funded post-baccalaureate training program that prepares students with a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in the Physical or Life Sciences (if interested in Basic Biomedical Science study) or a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Public Health or related social science degree (if interested in Clinical and Population Health Research) for doctoral study in the biomedical sciences.

During the 12-month PGSP training period, program participants take a curriculum of graduate courses relevant to their area of focus (basic science or clinical and population sciences) and a simultaneous year-long, mentored, research experience. This allows trainees to focus on developing their research skills and acquiring the foundational academic knowledge that is necessary to undertake leading-edge biomedical research. Program participants also receive advising from an assigned faculty advisor and peer mentor.

PGSP participants are required to develop an Individual Development Plan that identifies areas for development during the program, strategies for maximizing development, and the identification of PhD training programs that are “best fits” for the trainee. Trainees also participate in a bi-monthly series of professional and career development activities with PhD students participating in the UMMS Initiative to Maximize Student Development. These sessions focus on several critical topics, including: research presentations, time management, effective oral communication skills, and networking skills. These sessions also help to build a sense of community.

PGSP trainees also receive:

1. Financial support to attend and present at national scientific and career development meetings
2. Networking events with UMMS leaders, as well as other local and regional leaders in academia and industry
3. Close interaction with the UMMS Center for Biomedical Career Development

The result is a graduate who is competitive for admission into top-tier graduate programs. Of note, program participants are presented to the relevant UMMS PhD admissions committees in the spring for consideration for admission into the PhD program in the fall.

All PGSP participants receive a salary, health and dental benefits, and coverage of tuition and fees. To be eligible, applicants must be US citizens or Permanent Residents and have completed their undergraduate studies no more than 36 months prior to matriculation into the PGSP. The application deadline is February 28.We are happy to provide application fee waivers for students with financial need. Students requiring fee waivers should contact PGSP@umassmed.edu to request one.

More information regarding the PGSP can be found at the PGSP website.

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