Information for Prospective Students
Get the preparation you need to earn a PhD
Are you passionate about a career in the physical or biomedical sciences, but need additional coursework, training, or research experience before beginning PhD-level work?
By completing a Master’s degree under the guidance of caring faculty mentors, students in the Fisk-Vanderbilt Masters-to-PhD Bridge program develop the strong academic foundation, research skills, and one-on-one mentoring relationships that will foster a successful transition to the PhD. The program is flexible and individualized to the goals and needs of each student. Courses are selected to address any gaps in undergraduate preparation, and research experiences are provided that allow students to develop and demonstrate their full scientific talent and potential.
Please note, this program is for those seeking the PhD and is not structured to support those seeking to apply to MD or MD/PhD programs.
Unfortunately, there is no funding for international students at this time.
The program provides:
Full access to instructional opportunities at both Fisk and Vanderbilt, leading to the completion of most or all coursework required for the PhD
Research mentoring from Fisk and Vanderbilt faculty, leading to the selection of a Vanderbilt PhD adviser
A nurturing, friendly academic environment and a warm, social network with other Bridge students, postdocs, and faculty
Full funding support, including tuition waiver, monthly stipend, and a laptop computer
Who should apply:
Students with undergraduate majors in physics, chemistry, biology, or other science disciplines
Students motivated to pursue the PhD but who require additional coursework, training, and/or research experience
How the program works, in a nutshell:
Earn a Master’s degree at Fisk in physics, biology or chemistry, with full funding support
Along the way, get valuable research experience with caring, dedicated mentors
Individualized support for connecting you to Vanderbilt professors
Personalized planning and support for application to Vanderbilt and other institutions of your choice