Behavioral and Biomedical Sciences

Features of Our Program

• BBS trainees engage in supervised research with a program preceptor and complete elective courses and program activities tailored to their particular needs.
• BBS trainees receive $30,000 annual stipends. $27,144 of this is funded through NIH, and the rest by the HSC Office of Research & Graduate Education. Full tuition waivers and student health insurance.
• Additional scholarships are available to support trainee travel to present their research at scientific conferences.

The BBS program is an integrated PhD training program, which crosses departments and colleges across WVU. Its faculty preceptors and doctoral trainees are part of Biomedical, Psychology, Public Health, and Health Outcomes (Pharmaceutical Systems & Policy) PhD Programs as well as the joint MD/PhD Medical Scientist Training Program. This provides research trainees with opportunities for strong behavioral, biomedical, and quantitative training.

PhD students in each of these programs can apply to the BBS Program at the end of their second year (or first year in exceptional cases). Those accepted for appointment to this training program are provided with the course work and research training that will enable them to: 

1. Conduct behavioral research at multiple levels of analysis and using a range of experimental models
2. Use multidisciplinary approaches, including physiological, biochemical, molecular, genetic, and quantitative analyses, in order to address complex problems of clinical and public health importance.

The BBS program trains scientists for careers as independent investigators through:

1. Rigorous predoctoral research training in the behavioral sciences, including analysis of behavior and behavioral neuroscience using animal and human subjects, disease-relevant clinical and translational behavioral research, and population-based behavioral research
2. Strong grounding in the biomedical sciences, particularly as it relates to behavioral research
3. Enhancement of quantitative skills and understanding of state-of-the-art methodology required for complex behavioral research
4. Development of scientific leadership skills important to directing multidisciplinary research projects

Admissions

Students currently enrolled in PhD programs in the Biomedical Sciences, Psychology, Biology, Public Health, Health Outcomes (Pharmaceutical Systems and Policy), as well as the joint MD/PhD program, may apply to the BBS program. Application can occur as early as the end of the first year in graduate school.

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