“As picking a thesis research mentor is akin to getting married, choosing a graduate program is like getting engaged.”

At UCSF, the choice of graduate program is less critical for most MSTPs because of the campus philosophy of interdepartmental collaboration that enables students to work in a variety of laboratories irrespective of graduate program. For example, the various PIBS graduate programs (i.e. Tetrad, Neuroscience, Biophysics, etc) allow students to rotate in and join any laboratory that is part of PIBS. Similarly, the BMS program has faculty in a wide variety of disciplines. In addition, most faculty members are part of both PIBS and BMS, making the choice of graduate program secondary to that of laboratory choice. However, the choice between the basic science and the medical anthropology programs is more significant, given that the social sciences rely on largely distinct theoretical and methodological underpinnings. Thus, students interested in medical anthropology are encouraged to contact other MSTPs, students and faculty in this program or take a related course early to help in decision-making.

For students interested in working with particular faculty, it is prudent to find out to which graduate programs the faculty member belongs and make a program choice accordingly. For other students who do not have particular faculty members in mind, it makes sense to choose the graduate program by research interest. PIBS tends to be more oriented toward basic scientific mechanisms, while BMS focuses on research geared toward mammalian cells, tissues and organs in health and disease. There is considerable overlap between PIBS and BMS and individual faculty members may participate in both programs. Medical anthropology is oriented toward the social and cultural contexts, determinants, and meanings of health, disease, and treatment.

One factor to consider is what you want to get out of a graduate program. Any UCSF graduate program will lead to a solid foundation in scientific thought and methods that will allow you to think about and explore interesting scholarly questions. The major program differences lie in the coursework and faculty and students with whom you will interact. The program requirements vary in number and type of courses students must complete. Some programs offer courses specific to their field of study (Neuroscience, Immunology, Medical Anthropology, etc), while others require courses that most students take (i.e. Cell Biology, Genetics, etc). Students are welcome to attend any or all of the journal clubs, seminars, retreats and other events hosted by the various programs.

Most UCSF graduate programs provide a degree of flexibility for MSTP students in choosing courses, limiting the number of laboratory rotations and other measures designed to streamline the process of earning the Ph.D. while maintaining the high standards set by each program.

One word of advice: before starting your first laboratory rotation or research block, it is wise to have a graduate program in mind. At the very least, if you are undecided between PIBS and BMS, make sure the faculty member is part of both programs. That way, no matter which program you choose, your rotation will count toward the requirement.

Be sure to talk to many current students and faculty in the various graduate programs in which you are interested. Their input will be invaluable in helping make your decision.