Program of Study
The Department offers graduate programs leading to a Master’s and a Ph.D. in Physiology. The Master’s program usually requires at least two years and the Ph.D. no less than four years of study. During the first three semesters the student’s time is devoted mainly to basic course work. During this time the student is also expected to become acquainted with the departmental research projects and to select an area in which he/she will work. Ph.D. students must take a Comprehensive Examination, usually at the end of their second year of study. The program includes courses in Human Physiology, General Physiology, Biochemistry, Biostatistics, Membrane Physiology, Instrumentation, Cellular Physiology, Neuroscience and Exercise Physiology. Students are also required to participate in the departmental seminars and other elective courses. As the student advances, more time is dedicated to thesis research under the direction of a faculty member. Upon completion of this research, a written thesis is submitted and a final oral examination is given.
Financial aid
Currently, all the department’s graduate students receive financial assistance via teaching or research assistantships funded by the University, the National Institutes of Health (NIH), and the National Sciences Foundation (NSF) provided that they are in good standing.
Cost of Study
For residents of Puerto Rico, the rate is $190 per credit in the MS program and $250/credit for the PhD program, $75 construction fee/semester (and $50 during the Summer), $100 laboratory fee, and $25 per semester educational technology fee. Nonresidents pay between $5,000-$7,500 plus additional fees, based on an academic load of 10 credits/semester. Tuition is waived for teaching and research assistants.
Applying
Applicants to the graduate program in Physiology (MS or PhD) must be proficient in English and Spanish. They must have a bachelor’s degree (or equivalent) in one of the natural sciences, with a general and subject grade index of no less than 3.0 on a 4.0 scale. The undergraduate training must include one-year courses (with laboratory) in general physics, general chemistry, general biology, and organic chemistry. In addition, the student must have approved courses in Biochemistry or Cellular & Molecular Biology (3 semester credits), in statistics (3 semester credits) and Calculus (at least 3 semester credits). Also, 6 additional credits in Biology are required: Genetics, Zoology, Introduction to Research and Human Biology (Anatomy & Physiology) are highly recommended. Finally, we require at least 3 letters of recommendation, an interview and a 400-500 word essay in English describing his/her interest in Physiology. For the academic year 2024-2025 we will be receiving applications until March, 2024. For further information please contact the Deanship of Biomedical Sciences at the School of Medicine at 787 758 2525 Ext. 1831, 7017 or visit the Biomedical Sciences Webpage (https://md.rcm.upr.edu/biomed/).
Coordinator
Dr. Jorge D. Miranda
Click here to view Dr. Miranda’s profile.
Graduate Program Coordinator
Department of Physiology
University of Puerto Rico
School of Medicine
P.O. Box 365067
San Juan, PR 00936-5067(787) 758-2525 ext. 1600
(787) 753-0120 Voice/FAX
