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 for the Master of Science degree should hold a bachelor’s degree or its equivalent in one of the natural sciences, with a general grade index of no less than 3.0 on a 4.0 scale. The bachelor’s degree training must include one year of course work with laboratory in physics, general chemistry, and general biology, organic chemistry and at least one course in calculus. In addition, one semester of analytical chemistry, Biochemistry, Cell & Molecular Biology and Anatomy & Physiology are highly recommended. The applicant must also be proficient in English and Spanish. The Graduate Record Examination (GRE) General Test is required. Finally, an interview and at least 3 letters of recommendations are requested for the proper evaluation of the candidates. The application deadline is December 1. Students are normally admitted to the Master’s Program, but well-qualified students may be admitted directly to the Ph.D. program.
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
