Biomedical Therapeutics

Designed for industry professionals, this innovative program combines rigorous academic research with real-world applications in drug discovery, biomedical research, neuroscience, and therapeutics. Pursue your PhD with flexible, employer-supported learning while advancing your career in one of the world’s leading biotech hubs.

Propel Your Career with an Experiential PhD

Advance your career in drug discovery, biomedical research, and therapeutics by earning a prestigious Tufts PhD—fully sponsored by your company—through a flexible program designed for working professionals.

Launching March 2025 pending approval by the Board of Trustees.

Propel Your Career with an Experiential PhD

Advance your career in drug discovery, biomedical research, and therapeutics by earning a prestigious Tufts PhD—fully sponsored by your company—through a flexible program designed for working professionals.

Launching March 2025 pending approval by the Board of Trustees.

Two PhD students in lab checking on research with professor

What is an Experiential PhD in Biomedical Therapeutics?

The Experiential PhD in Biomedical Therapeutics—available exclusively to professionals employed at our partnering companies—offers a unique blend of rigorous academic training and real-world industry experience. Tailored for professionals in biotech, pharmaceuticals, and related fields, this flexible program allows you to earn a prestigious Tufts PhD while continuing to advance in your current role.

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Choose Your Focus: Key Disciplines in Biomedical Science

Tailor your PhD journey to your career goals with focused disciplines within our Basic Science division. Choose from Neuroscience, Molecular Microbiology, Pharmacology & Drug Development, Genetics, Molecular & Cellular Biology, or Immunology, and deepen your expertise while driving innovation in the biomedical industry.

Depending on your chosen discipline, you’ll engage in cutting-edge research and apply your findings directly to your professional role, enabling you to make an immediate, meaningful impact in your field.

Test tubes lined up on shelf with a gloved hand reaching one

  • Click on each discipline to learn more about its focus and curriculum.

    Genetics, Molecular & Cellular Biology – Overview | Curriculum
    Immunology – Overview | Curriculum
    Molecular Microbiology – Overview | Curriculum
    Neuroscience – Overview | Curriculum
    Pharmacology & Drug Development – Overview | Curriculum (*GSBS program available is currently a master’s however those in the experiential PhD may focus on this area)

Biomed building located in Boston at Tufts

Study with Flexibility and Employer Support

The Experiential PhD Program is designed for accomplished professionals with master’s degrees employed by sponsoring industry partners, with full tuition covered at no cost to the student. Students complete the program full-time, with employers adjusting professional workloads to allow dedicated time for rigorous academic research. The program is structured to balance career responsibilities and research commitments, enabling completion within 3-5 years. While on-campus participation in classes and seminars is encouraged, hybrid formats are available for most GSBS activities. Eligibility is limited to candidates employed by a partnering company.

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Learn from Leading Experts in Biomedical Fields

At Tufts GSBS, you’ll work alongside a distinguished faculty of over 200 experts in neuroscience, pharmacology, genetics, molecular biology, cell biology, microbiology, immunology, and drug development. Our faculty, drawn from across Tufts’ Schools of Medicine, Engineering, Dental Medicine, and more, are committed to advancing biomedical science and therapeutics. Your Thesis Advisory Committee will include both academic mentors and industry leaders, ensuring personalized guidance for your research and career. 

Learn More About Our Faculty
Tufts GSBS professor in class

Student in lab wearing gloves and working with a pipette

Drive Innovation in Drug Development and Therapeutics

As an experienced professional in biomedical research, you can elevate your career by conducting independent research in your field of interest. Your work will not only advance your career but also shape the future of drug development, leading to innovative treatments that transform patient care. With the unique opportunity to research while continuing your professional role, you’ll position yourself at the forefront of biomedical therapeutics, becoming a leader in R&D.

Explore the latest breakthroughs as our faculty and students push the boundaries of innovation in drug development and therapeutics.

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Learn from Leading Experts in Biomedical Fields

Receive a rigorous academic experience that combines the highest standards with real-world industry engagement. In the Experiential PhD Program, you’ll be supported by a Thesis Advisory Committee (TAC), including an industry advisor, an academic advisor, and two renowned Tufts faculty members. This mentorship structure ensures a comprehensive and credible PhD experience, equivalent to traditional programs. Access unmatched opportunities for collaboration, innovation, and networking with leaders in drug discovery, biomedical research, and therapeutics. By engaging with a dynamic academic and industry community, you’ll build lasting connections that elevate your career and drive groundbreaking advancements in the field.

PhD student poses outside with a smile

Program Details

  • This newly launched program is designed for industry professionals with a master’s degree in a relevant field who are currently employed by one of our sponsoring industry partners.

    If your company is not yet a partner but you're interested in applying, we encourage you to connect with your HR department and inform them of this opportunity. We are actively seeking to forge new partnerships and would be happy to discuss how your company can participate in the program. Please feel free to share the program flyer.

  • The program offers specializations in the following biomedical fields:

    • Neuroscience
    • Genetics, Molecular & Cellular Biology
    • Immunology
    • Molecular Microbiology
    • Pharmacology & Drug Development
  • Students complete the program full-time with flexible work hours, supported by their employer. Employers adjust professional workloads, allowing students to focus on rigorous academic research while maintaining their career. Hybrid learning options further enhance flexibility, enabling students to balance their studies and professional commitments effectively.

  • The program is designed to be completed in 3 to 5 years, with academic and thesis requirements equivalent to those of traditional PhD programs. This timeline ensures a balance of rigorous academic development and practical industry engagement.

  • Your research will be independent and focused on basic science, distinct from your company’s projects. This approach ensures academic integrity and mitigates conflicts of interest related to intellectual property, enabling you to contribute to the field while maintaining the highest research standards.

    Students benefit from comprehensive mentorship through a Thesis Advisory Committee (TAC), which includes:

    • An industry advisor
    • An academic advisor
    • Two Tufts faculty members

    This expert team will guide you throughout your research and PhD journey, providing a blend of academic and industry-focused guidance.

    Generally, students will conduct their research at their company’s site, with the option to utilize Tufts laboratories as well. This arrangement will be determined at the start of enrollment.

Contact Information

Information for Industry Partners

Interested in offering the Tufts PhD in Biomedical Therapeutics to your employees? Set up a call with us to discuss how your company can partner with Tufts to provide this exclusive educational opportunity.

Let’s talk about how we can collaborate to advance your team’s expertise, foster innovation, and strengthen your organization’s leadership in the biomedical field.

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