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Cellular and Integrative Physiology  Doctoral

Overview

What is Cellular and Integrative Physiology at WVU like?

Description

Physiology is a basic medical science that involves investigation into the mechanisms that control normal body function. This includes the study of individual body components and also, how these components interact at the level of the whole organism. Modern physiology encompasses the use of techniques which allow study of molecular biology, cell physiology, functions at the organ level, as well as the coordinated control of overall body functions by the endocrine and nervous systems. An understanding of normal physiological functions is essential before we can expect to understand, prevent or cure disease.

The Department of Physiology and Pharmacology at West Virginia University maintains a Doctoral program leading to a Ph.D. degree in Cellular and Integrative Physiology. This graduate degree program is designed to provide a broad background for students by requiring an in-depth understanding of all major areas within physiology. The research interests of our faculty encompass most major areas in the physiological sciences. This diversity enables the student to specialize in cardiovascular, cellular, endocrine, neural, renal or respiratory physiology. In addition, students may learn approaches and techniques of related fields including anatomy, biochemistry, immunology, pharmacology and molecular biology. This multi-disciplinary approach to physiology opens up a variety of career opportunities for the graduating student.

Our graduate programs emphasize close interactions between the faculty and students, enhanced by a high faculty-to-student ratio and a student-first faculty mentality. Through this interaction students receive their most valuable training; namely, how to approach problems logically and design experiments that lead to meaningful results.

Application Deadlines

Each graduate program sets their own term of admission and application deadline. Applicants can only apply for admission for the term displayed below. Any questions regarding the application deadline should be directed to the graduate program representative.

Fall: December 1

At a Glance

  • College/School:
    School of Medicine
  • Division:
  • Department:
  • Degree Designation:
    PhD
  • Degree Program:

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Requirements

What are the requirements to apply for Cellular and Integrative Physiology at WVU?

University Requirements

To be eligible for admission into a graduate program at WVU an applicant must submit official, bachelor’s degree transcripts from a regionally accredited institution and hold a GPA of at least 2.75.

WVU operates decentralized admissions. Decentralized admissions allows each graduate program to set its own application requirements in addition to the University requirements.

Program Requirements

To be eligible for admission into the Cellular and Integrative Physiology graduate program an applicant must submit the following documentation:

  • Letters of Recommendation - Three
  • Résumé /CV
  • Statement of Purpose

Additional application considerations:

The personal statement should highlight your scientific interests, research experiences that informed these interests, your motivation for continuing your education and for choosing the Biomedical Sciences graduate programs at West Virginia University, and potential career goals. Applications without personal statements will not be reviewed. The personal statement is uploaded in the online application and should include the following:

Scientific Interests:

  • Describe how past experiences have motivated you to choose a career in science.

Research For each previous experience describe:

  • The scientific question
  • Your role
  • Results and conclusions
  • Length of the experience

Career Goals:

  • How does obtaining a PhD support your goals?
  • Describe role models or mentors that assisted in the discussion.

Additional experiences/information:

  • Significant service and leadership activities
  • Accomplishments and awards
  • Overcoming past problems or obstacles
  • Be sure to explain gaps in your resume

Certain application requirements may be waived based on a preliminary review of an application by program.

International Applicants must also submit materials required for international applicants.

Contact Information

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