The School of Graduate Studies offers MS, PhD, and MD/PhD programs in Biomedical Sciences. While graduate programs span many areas of biomedical science, many students choose to focus their studies on cancer research.
At LSU Health New Orleans School of Graduate Studies, tomorrow’s breakthroughs begin today. Our MS, PhD, and MD/PhD programs in Biomedical Sciences prepare students to tackle the most pressing challenges in human health. From uncovering fundamental discoveries to advancing new treatments, many of our students are drawn to cancer research—where the need is great, the science is complex, and the opportunity to make a difference is profound.
Master of Science Programs
We offer three tracks of study. All tracks are two-year programs and require a research thesis.
MS Interdisciplinary Oncology
The Department of Interdisciplinary Oncology (DIO) serves as the cornerstone of cancer research at the LSU LCMC Health Cancer Center. As the primary academic home for our faculty, the DIO unites basic scientists, population researchers, and clinical investigators under one mission: to accelerate discovery and translate innovation into better outcomes for patients.
By breaking down traditional silos, the DIO fosters cross-disciplinary collaboration that fuels progress in prevention, detection, and treatment. Faculty members work together to uncover the biology of cancer, understand its impact on communities, and bring cutting-edge therapies from the laboratory to the clinic.
This collaborative model not only advances science but also strengthens the Cancer Center’s pursuit of NCI designation, ensuring that the breakthroughs happening here in Louisiana contribute to national progress in the fight against cancer.
MS Biomedical Sciences
The Biomedical Sciences Program provides a solid integrated foundation in molecular, cellular, and systems biology. Students complete research projects from a wide range of disciplines and faculty mentors within seven basic science programs:
- Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
- Cell Biology and Anatomy
- Genetics
- Microbiology, Immunology, and Parasitology
- Neuroscience
- Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics
- Physiology
MS Bioinformatics
The Bioinformatics Program prepares students for dynamic careers at the intersection
of biology, technology, and data science. Through specialized training in bioinformatics,
computational genomics, genetics, programming, biostatistics, and more, students
gain the skills needed to analyze complex biological data and drive discovery.
From mastering genetic algorithms and machine learning to exploring deep learning
and artificial intelligence, our curriculum equips future scientists with the cutting-edge
tools to solve some of the most challenging problems in modern biomedical research.
Biomedical Sciences PhD Program
The mission of this program is to prepare students for a career in biomedical science. Students gain competence in the application of the principles of cellular and molecular biology to the understanding of organ-based function and pathophysiology through a program of didactic and laboratory research experience.
Training is offered through the following Basic Science Programs:
- Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
- Cell Biology and Anatomy
- Genetics
- Microbiology, Immunology, and Parasitology
- Neuroscience
- Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics
- Physiology
MD/PhD Program
The combined MD/PhD program confers degrees from both the School of Medicine and Graduate Studies. During their course of study, students will pursue the medical curriculum for two years, spend three to four years as graduate students acquiring their PhD, and spend two years completing medical school for the MD degree.
Contact
Please contact the School of Graduate Studies at gradadmissions@lsuhsc.edu or (504) 568-8303.