The Graduate College

Welcome to The Graduate College

At Rush University Graduate College, we have created an environment that fosters innovation through an interdisciplinary approach to scientific discovery.  Our students not only learn leading-edge scientific techniques but alo, perhaps more importantly, critical thinking and analytical problem-solving skills that will serve them no matter their next steps after earning their MS or PhD. Students who select the Graduate College as their home for graduate education are committed to scientific advancement through research and will become next-generation thought leaders. Through rigorous training, customized curricula, and hands-on experience, students will become alumni who have strong connections and networks and are well-prepared to enter the scientific and clinical workforce where they will solve complex problems and lead organizations that will chart the future.

Strong networks. Rush University has a network of over 16,000 alumni throughout the world.  They work in academic and corporate settings, successfully compete for funding, train the next generation of researchers and educators, and make discoveries that enhance human health. Thus, we are building a strong community with robust student-alumni relations that will enable current students to access Rush’s Alumni Association programming to advance their career and professional development while allowing alumni to tap into our stream of newly minted graduates poised to accelerate progress.

Customized and personal. The Graduate College offers doctoral and master’s programs that allow you to choose the track and coursework that complements your research interests. Small class sizes give you a greater opportunity to ask questions, participate in discussions, and provide curricular flexibility based on the needs and desires of each class. You will really get to know the faculty and be exposed to their research while learning about their experiences and networks in clinical and basic biomedical research settings.

Outcomes.  The success of the Graduate College’s approach to the training of its students can be measured by alumni outcomes.  Over 60 percent of Graduate College’s doctoral alumni remain in research or research-related careers. Further, more than 90 percent of the Graduate College’s master’s graduates have entered professional school, doctoral programs, or found employment in a research career within three months of graduation.

At Rush Graduate College we have great educational programs, engaging faculty, and leading-edge research. I hope you will consider joining an MS or PhD program at the Graduate College where you can be a part of the solution to clinical and biomedical problems that will ultimately improve human health. Contact us to learn more about the education and programs at the Graduate College.

Andrew Bean, PhD
Dean

The Graduate College: Mission, Vision and Philosophy

Mission

The mission of the Graduate College at Rush University is to enhance the intellectual life of Rush University by providing students with expertise in their chosen fields, creativity to cross disciplinary boundaries, courage to challenge convention and confidence to ask unexpected questions and articulate new perspectives. The Graduate College provides a fertile environment where trainees refine their critical and analytical thinking and problem-solving skills, embrace a collaborative approach to problem solving, address critical biomedical problems strategically and advance medical science. To this end, the Graduate College will: 1) collaborate with our partners at other Rush colleges to provide broadly based graduate education that supports the research and scholarship of students, faculty and the University as a whole; 2) foster an inclusive environment to ensure the educational benefit that can only come from diversity across the academic community; 3) emphasize the critical role of graduate education to the mission of the research university; 4) prepare our graduates for success in competitive national and global economies by providing contemporary professional development and career planning resources. 

Vision

The Graduate College provides strategic leadership and administrative and academic structures within which a diverse group of students and faculty find the support and encouragement to advance academic excellence through innovative scholarship, research, teaching and programming.

Philosophy

Rush University provides outstanding health sciences education and conducts impactful research in a culture of inclusion, focused on the promotion and preservation of the health and well-being of our diverse communities.

The Graduate College was established in 1981 and provides opportunities for students to work with nationally recognized faculty while earning graduate degrees in basic and clinical sciences. The Graduate College curricula is interdisciplinary. All graduate students participate in a common, integrated first year curriculum that explores the shared foundations of biomedical sciences. This approach leverages student interactions, interests across biomedical sciences, team-based research training.

The Graduate College: Program Organization

Integrated Biomedical Sciences Doctor of Philosophy Program

The Integrated Biomedical Sciences Program is organized into five tracks corresponding to interdisciplinary areas of research excellence at Rush University. The tracks form a fertile nexus of innovation and translational collaboration, involving fluid interactions between scientists, clinicians and other professionals working in flexible team structures. This organizational approach is designed to move from the traditional curriculum to an integrated systems approach, while embracing team-based science to addressing complex biomedical challenges. All students participate in a shared integrated curriculum and conduct doctoral or thesis research in one of five inter-disciplinary tracks. A wide range of basic and clinical disciplines are represented by faculty who work together to address critical biomedical problems.

The Integrated Biomedical Sciences research Tracks are as follows:

• Cardiovascular and Respiratory Biology
• Function and Disorders of the Musculoskeletal System
• Function and Disorders of the Nervous System
• Infection, Immunity and Inflammation Research
• Translational Cancer Research

The first year of integrated curriculum is coordinated by the program director to ensure student mastery of complex biomedical problem-solving. The program director, in collaboration with the Graduate College, is also responsible for the learning environment and helps to ensure timely student progression.

Nursing Science Doctor of Philosophy Program

The Nursing Science Doctor of Philosophy Program prepares students to be a clinical researcher who advances the nursing care of individuals and communities through scientific discovery.

This program will help students do the following:

• Integrate knowledge from biological, behavioral and clinical sciences
• Perform clinical research that contributes to the scientific basis of care provided to individuals across the lifespan, and in any setting where care is provided
• Gain the leadership skills necessary to serve as a senior academician and influence health care systems and policy
• Develop and submit manuscripts for publication

A three-year accelerated plan of study is available to qualified students. Accelerated students are given full-tuition support and a stipend. 

Learn about additional scholarships and research support for PhD students here.

This program is delivered by the College of Nursing faculty in conjunction with the Graduate College. The full description of the doctorate is provided at www.rushu.rush.edu/college-nursing/programs-admissions/nursing-science-phd

Health Sciences Doctor of Philosophy Program

The program of study for the Doctor of Philosophy degree involves a rigorous curriculum that emphasizes fundamentals and advanced concepts in leadership, education, research and professional development. The guiding principal of the curricular design is three-fold and presented in a continuum of foundations (theory), application (real world problem resolution), and vision (synthesis and creative/critical forward thinking regarding the future trajectory of health care). First, an epistemological framework is established associated with leadership, education and research.  The curriculum then challenges the learners to address real-world applications through focused seminar courses and learner-centered projects.  The curriculum culminates with challenging the learner’s axiological considerations through research, demonstration projects, dissertation focus, ownership of learning, and philosophical challenges to the status quo.

Transition to doctoral candidate occurs upon successfully completing all core courses, passing a comprehensive qualifying examination and approval of dissertation proposal. Doctoral candidates conduct research and publish under the guidance and supervision of a research mentor.

Program Objectives

To produce scholars who will:

1. Generate new knowledge and innovative applications through research
2. Disseminate knowledge through education and publications
3. Shape the future of health sciences through leadership and cooperation
4. Produce scholars who will uphold the highest ideals of health sciences

This program is delivered by the College of Health Sciences faculty in conjunction with the Graduate College. The full description of the doctorate is provided at www.rushu.rush.edu/college-health-sciences/academic-programs/doctor-philosophy-health-sciences.

Integrated Biomedical Sciences Master’s of Science Program

The Integrated Biomedical Sciences Master of Science Program is a five-term program designed to prepare science professionals for productive careers in research, industry, and academia Alumni from this program perform high quality, impactful biomedical research at colleges and universities, government agencies, hospitals, non-profit agencies and in industrial settings. Students in the program will work with scientists to generate knowledge in biomedicine through the application of sophisticated research methods.

The program consists of the following:

1) Core Curriculum. The core curriculum is designed to build knowledge and skills in research theories and methodology, data analysis and statistics, and laboratory applications and skills.

2) Research project and thesis. Students select their research area and advisor from one of the following five tracks:

• Cardiovascular and Respiratory Biology
• Immunity, Infection and Inflammation Research
• Function and Disorders of the Musculoskeletal System
• Function and Disorders of the Nervous System
• Translational Cancer Research

The goal of each track is to provide focus and leadership in an area of concentration within the biomedical sciences. A wide range of basic and clinical disciplines are represented within each track by faculty who work together to address critical biomedical problems. All tracks within the Program  require laboratory research hours that are essential for completion of the thesis, analyzing published data, application of advanced methodologies and statistical analyses, while developing skills essential for producing and disseminating scientific knowledge.

The first year of the integrated curriculum is coordinated by the program director to ensure student mastery of complex biomedical problem-solving. The program director, in collaboration with the Graduate College, is also responsible for the learning environment and ensures timely student progression.

Biotechnology Master’s of Science Program

The Biotechnology Master’s of Science Program is a two-term non-thesis research and laboratory training program designed to prepare the student for a research career in the pharmaceutical/biotechnology industry, academic laboratory, or additional training in graduate school or professional school.

The customized curriculum helps students meet their career and professional goals. Students will participate in hands-on laboratory courses designed to cover the common and most important techniques and methods employed in research today. The program director, in consultation with the Graduate College Dean, has oversight of the program and its faculty. The program director is responsible for the implementation of Program goals and assessment of student learning outcomes.

Clinical Research Master’s of Science Program

The Clinical Research Master’s of Science program is two-year program designed to provide clinically or non-clinically focused health care professionals the tools necessary evaluate and support clinical research in the 21^st Century.  The coursework covers experimental design, biostatistics, bioinformatics, clinical trials, and regulatory science.  The program also requires the completion of a research thesis to enhance the development of an insightful and capable clinical researcher.

The Graduate College: Admission Requirements

The Graduate College prepares students for Master’s of Science and Doctor of Philosophy degrees. An undergraduate record of scholastic excellence is an important background for the Graduate College experience. The process of application review includes a search for evidence of creativity and scholarly potential in the applicant. The Graduate College also values diversity of thought, ability, expertise, and background, and therefore seeks to admit thought leaders that will solve complex problems related to human health. Thus, the Graduate College uses the following guidelines to evaluate candidates for admission.

Application Deadlines:

Doctor of Philosophy Programs

• Health Sciences (Jan. 1)
• Integrated Biomedical Sciences (Jan. 4)
• Nursing Science (Jan. 2)

Master’s of Science Programs

• Biotechnology (May 1)
• Clinical Reserach (July 30)
• Integrated Biomedical Sciences (May 1)

International students may have earlier deadlines.  Please check with the Graduate College Admissions Office early in the application process.

1. Application form -  The application must be submitted by the deadline.
2. Statement of purpose -  Describes the past and current research interests as they pertain to graduate school in the biomedical sciences.
3. Curriculum vitae - Includes academic honors, awards received in college and/or graduate school, employment history, internships, summer research programs, education history, etc.
4. Three letters of recommendation - Recommendation letters should come from professional or academic sources. Letters must be on official letterhead and uploaded by the online application by recommenders.
5. Standardized test scores - Applicants applying to the Doctor of Philosophy and Master’s of Science programs in Integrated Biomedical Sciences are required to submit GRE scores. MCAT, DAT, PCAT, or USMLE scores are accepted in lieu of GRE for Biotechnology and Clinical Research master’s programs. Applicants with an international medical degree must submit USMLE Step 1 and Step 2 scores.
6. Official transcript(s) - Applicants must hold a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution. Students with an international degree must submit official transcripts and a course-by-course evaluation from Educational Credential Evaluators (ECE).FL scores must be submitted for international applicants who have received a diploma from a university at which English is not the language of instruction.
7. TOEFL scores - TOEFL scores must be submitted for international applicants who have received a diploma from a university at which English is not the language of instruction. TOEFL scores will be waived for non-native English speakers who have completed a bachelor’s degree or higher from a US accredited institution and have demonstrated language proficiency supported by the interview.
8. - An interview with Graduate College faculty is required for Integrated Biomedical Sciences Doctor of Philosophy candidates.
9. Applicant fee - A $40 application fee is required to submit the application.

Non-degree Students: Non-degree students may take selected courses but are not candidates for advanced degrees. Upon approval by a course director, any individual may audit a course.

Petition for Transfer of Credit:  Graduate level transfer credit is subject to the approval of the program director and Graduate College designee based on an evaluation of quality and equivalence. No more than one-third of the total number of required credits may be granted to a student as transfer credit for work done at another graduate institution.

The Graduate College: Shared Curricula

Some Graduate College courses are shared by more than one program. The curriculum is designed to provide basic knowledge base deemed necessary to become successful in science. The Graduate College shared curricula elements provide introductory training in molecular genetics, genomics, cellular biochemistry, cell biology, and tissue biology. Students will learn basic theories underlying modern scientific techniques. Courses in ethics, scientific writing and basic statistics are key components of the curriculum and can be selected from the list below.

The following courses comprise the Graduate College shared curriculum:    

• GCC - 501 Molecular Biology: Genome to Proteome
• GCC - 502 Cellular Biochemistry: Proteins, Transport and Signaling
• GCC - 503 Functional Cell Biology
• GCC - 504 Functional Tissue Biology
• GCC - 505 Techniques in Biomedical Sciences
• GCC - 506 Research Ethics
• GCC - 508 Scientific Writing
• GCC - 510 Introduction to Pharmacology
• GCC - 515 Advanced Studies in Molecular, Cellular and Tissue Biology
• GCC - 546 Principles of Biostastics I
• GCC - 547 Priciples of Biostastics II
• GCC - 551 Ethics in Biomedical Research and the IRB
• GCC - 593 Introduction to Grantsmanship
• GCC - 693 Integrated Topics

The Graduate College: Master’s of Science and Doctor of Philosophy Degrees

Doctor of Philosophy

The Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) is the highest degree conferred by Rush University. The Doctor of Philosophy is awarded in recognition of high achievement in a particular field of scientific research as evidenced by submission of a dissertation that demonstrates independent investigation and contributes new information to the body of existing knowledge. The PhD Program integrated and research; oriented; it should culminate in a work of literary and scholarly merit, which is indicative of the candidate’s ability to conduct original research in a recognized specialty. Specifically the Program is composed of formal courses, guided individual study in a chosen field or discipline; cognate subjects recommended by the candidate’s advisory committee, original research that serves as the basis of scientific publication and a scholarly dissertation. A first-authored scientific manuscript of the student’s original research is a degree requirement.

Admission to Candidacy

Admission to candidacy is evidence that the doctoral student has successfully completed all preliminary coursework and is prepared to move into the intensive research experience. Depending upon the requirements of the Program, these exams will test accumulated knowledge, scientific reasoning and the ability to critically and analytically thinking. Admission to candidacy is a demonstration of confidence that the student will successfully accomplish the remaining requirements of the Program. Students failing to achieve admission to candidacy may apply the coursework and completed research toward a related Master’s of Science degree.

Dissertation

A doctoral student must complete a dissertation. This document is developed through faculty-guided independent research projects. Review of the dissertation will follow the sequence of steps described in the manual, “Preparation of Theses and Doctoral Dissertations.” Copies of this manual are available in each graduate Program and in the Center for Academic Excellence. The dissertation must be original and cannot have been used to meet the requirement of any other degree, either at Rush University or any other university.

Each student will have a Dissertation or Advisory Committee whose role is to assure that the student’s dissertation is of high quality and meets the standards of the Program and the College for originality, contribution to the field and scholarly presentation. The committee is also to assure that the student is making satisfactory progress toward completion of the degree. The committee is chosen by the student in conjunction with the student’s primary adviser and should consist of at least five total members. The composition of this committee should be approved by the Graduate College and should comply with the guidelines listed here as well as with any specific requirements of the Graduate College. Advisory committee members must be members of the Graduate College. At least one member of the committee should be from outside of the program or track. Once the committee convenes, it will choose a chairperson who cannot be the student’s primary adviser.

At or near the completion of the dissertation, each student will share, by means of a public defense with the academic community at large, the knowledge that the student has developed. The Graduate College is responsible for posting announcements on institutional bulletin boards and e-mailing all faculty and students of the Graduate College the title of the dissertation, the student’s name, and the location, date and time of the public defense. This public presentation must precede the final approval of the dissertation by the Dissertation Committee.

Upon completion of the public defense, the student will meet with the Dissertation Committee to review the presentation, question the student about their research, and discuss the written dissertation document and the student’s preparedness to enter the scientific community. Four of the five of members of the committee must sign the dissertation certifying the completion of all requirements for the Doctor of Philosophy degree.

Master’s of Science

The Master’s of Science degree is designed to enhance the scientific and professional preparation of students aspiring for a career in the health professions or in a related field requiring graduate level biomedical sciences.  Students will bolster their preparation for further study or entry into the biomedical workforce by completing a rigorous combination of multidisciplinary graduate level coursework, immersive experiential learning, individualized electives, advising, and professional development.

The College offers two types of Master’s of Science degrees: thesis and non-thesis.  The Integrated Biomedical Sciences and Clinical Research Master’s of Science programs are thesis-requiring and traditionally take five terms to complete.  The Biotechnology Master’s of Science degree is a two-term, non-thesis accelerated program designed to provide laboratory and research skills at the graduate level.

Thesis

The thesis is a record of the research experience of the student and must be original work with the potential to be published in a peer-reviewed journal. The student works with their research mentor to develop a project that tests a hypothesis.  The student, and research mentor form a thesis committee comprised of three members: the adviser, who must be a member of the Graduate College, and two additional members. The committee members will aid in student mentoring, assure the quality of the research and of the thesis document. Upon completion of the thesis, the student will present their findings in a public forum open to the University community.  All members of the committee must approve the thesis document and certify that the student has completed all requirement for the Master’s of Science degree.  

The Graduate College: Academic Policies

The Graduate College follows University-wide policies and procedures and reviews Program-specific regulations. However, The Graduate College reserves the right to make substantive changes in its Programs after a student has matriculated. Students will be informed in writing if  any requirements are changed. Students re-entering the college after an absence will be guided by policies and procedures in effect at the time of re-entry.

Examination Policy

It is the responsibility of the individual course director to inform students and proctors about the examination requirements for their course. A period at the end of the term is provided for final examinations; however, any form of assessment can be conducted at any week of the semester. This information will be included in the course schedule and syllabus.

Pass/No Pass Grades

Required courses are taken for a letter grade and not under the pass/no pass (P/N) option. Research hours are generally graded using the P/N option. However, a program may opt to provide a letter grade for research classes. Dissertation research hours for doctoral students are graded as P/N.

Good Academic Standing

To remain in good academic standing, students must earn a B (3.0) or better in core and cognate courses, meet the requirements of their Program and maintain a cumulative 3.0 GPA at the end of each term. A student must be in good academic standing to be admitted to candidacy and to graduate. Students who fail to remediate their deficiencies within one academic year or are placed on probationary status a third time, are subject to dismissal by the Graduate College.

Academic Difficulty

The responsibility to inform students of their academic deficiencies and for establishing conditions to remedy said deficiencies and regain good academic standing resides within the Graduate College. The program director also monitors the progress and promotion of students and gives approval to award students’ degrees.

Dismissal

Recommendations for student dismissal are initiated by the Programs or the Graduate College and follow the Rush University process. Each Program establishes grounds for dismissal beyond the minimal criteria established by the Graduate College. Should a Program recommend the dismissal of a student, the Program Director will forward such recommendation to the Graduate College Council for final recommendation to the Dean. Letters of dismissal come from the Dean. Appeal of a dismissal action begins within the appropriate Program.

Full-time Enrollment

Full-time enrollment is required of all Graduate College students with the exception of the Clinical Research, Nursing Science and Health Sciences students. Full-time students must register for at least nine term hours each term or at least two term hours when enrolled in thesis and dissertation research courses. Students receiving a thesis-based Master’s degree from the Graduate College as a full-time student must be enrolled for all terms between their matriculation and graduation. At the time of graduation, the student must be enrolled in the College.

Extension of Program

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) candidates are expected to meet all requirements for graduation within five enrolled academic years in the Graduate College (excluding leaves of absence). This period begins with the term in which the student formally matriculates. Exceptions to the time limitation must be submitted to the Graduate College Council in writing. The request must identify the reasons for the extension and provide a written plan with reasonable deadlines for completion. This document will be co-signed by the student’s research adviser and program director. The Graduate College Council will vote on the extension (simple majority) as a recommendation to the Dean of the Graduate College. If the extension is approved, the student’s adviser will then provide an update on the student’s progress after six months. One year after the extension is granted the student is expected to complete all requirements. A second request may be made by the student’s advisor and program director, but will be approved for a recommendation to the Dean of the Graduate College by a two-thirds majority of the voting members present at a formal hearing of the Graduate College Council. Within one year of that second request, the student must complete all requirements for the Doctor of Philosophy degree or face dismissal. Alternatively, the student may be awarded a Master’s of Science degree upon the recommendation of the student’s graduate Program.

Readmission

Any student who has withdrawn from the University or any dismissed student may apply for admission to the Graduate College. A re-entering student must meet the conditions for re-enrollment, and all policies, requirements, including course sequence in effect at the time of re-entry. Application deadlines may vary by program.

Academic Progression

The Graduate Programs, in concert with the rules of the college and Rush University, develops specific regulations governing the process that results in final awarding of the degree. While such regulations differ slightly from one program to another, The Graduate College Council reviews the regulations of each Program for approval. Programs must be explicit and clear about regulations concerning academic policies and procedures surrounding qualifying, preliminary, and final examinations when they are required. Programs must provide candidates with the support needed to plan and conduct thesis/dissertation research. Students must become familiar with the regulations and expectations of their chosen program. These regulations and expectations are included in this catalog within the sections devoted to each program. The student is responsible for understanding the regulations, and monitoring changes that may occur during their tenure in the program.

Student Academic Appeals Policy

Any student in the Graduate College may appeal a final course grade, failure on a preliminary or comprehensive examination, or failure of the thesis or dissertation that results in his or her academic probation or dismissal from the University. A student may also appeal an unreasonable delay in his or her graduation from the University. No other issues may be appealed through this process.

The process for filing an appeal is maintained by each program. The student may request a copy of the program appeal process from the program director. This process will be completed within one term. If a resolution cannot be achieved at the Program level, the procedure outlined below should be followed. At any step in the process, the student may withdraw the appeal by written notification to the program director with a copy to the Dean. In the event of a dismissal decision, a student may continue to enroll until the appeal process is completed or the student withdraws the appeal.

Step 1: If the student wishes to appeal the decision beyond the Program, within two weeks of receiving a decision from the Program, the student will submit a written statement to the Dean requesting consideration of his or her case by an advisory panel. The student must provide the following in the written statement:

• Course number and grade being appealed or other cause for probation or dismissal, i.e., failure of preliminary or comprehensive examination,  or thesis or dissertation
• Action being requested
• Justification for the request
• An outline of the efforts and actions already taken to obtain consideration of the request

The student will send copies of this communication to the program director and to the Dean’s office. In addition, if a course grade is being appealed, the student will send a copy to the course director. If the evaluation of a thesis or dissertation is being appealed, the student will send a copy to the chairperson of the thesis or dissertation committee. The advisory panel will be the Graduate College Council. Its Chair will be appointed by the Dean from among the members. The program director of the program in which the student is pursuing their degree and any other member who is evaluating the student’s academic status will not vote.

Step 2: Within two weeks after notification to the Dean, the chair of the advisory panel will arrange a meeting of the advisory panel. The advisory panel will submit a written recommendation to the Dean.

Step 3: Within two weeks following receipt of the recommendation from the advisory panel and upon discussion with the student and with others as appropriate, the Dean shall reach a final decision and notify each party of the decision. The decision reached by the Dean is final. The issues discussed and the outcomes of all meetings in this appeal process are documented. This record-keeping is the responsibility of a faculty member who is to be designated at each meeting. Copies of the documentation should be distributed to the individuals present at a meeting, to the program director, the Dean and to the student’s academic file.

Academic Honesty and Student Conduct

The Graduate College and its programs follow the University policies on academic honesty and the University statement on student conduct.  Each student is expected to conduct himself or herself at all times in a professional manner -  a manner which conforms to the ethics of the profession and which instills confidence in one’s abilities as a working scientist.  Irresponsible, unprofessional or unethical behavior, as determined by the Graduate College Honor Code Committee may result in dismissal from the program. The college and its programs will not condone cheating in any form. Allegations of cheating will be reviewed by the program director with the help of an ad hoc committee. If merited, the report will be forwarded to the Graduate College Honor Code Committee.

Rush University Academic Policies

The Academic Resources and Policies section of this catalog contains additional Rush University academic policies.

This Rush University catalog also details the policies regarding inclusion of minorities and those with disabilities, as well as the policies and procedures for reporting harassment.  Students who may need special accommodations can access this information at www.rushu.rush.edu/office-student-accessibility-services.