Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine, Graduate Medical Sciences

Graduate Medical Sciences (GMS) at Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine is a recognized leader in research and graduate education in the biomedical sciences. Our programs span across the medical sciences, mental health counseling and behavioral medicine, clinical research and other scientific and health services-oriented disciplines.

History

Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine began as the New England Female Medical College in 1848. It was the first institution in the world to offer medical education to women and the first to graduate a black female physician. The medical college merged with Boston University in 1873, becoming the first coeducational medical school in the nation. It is now home to nearly 1600 graduate and medical students who are guided by our institutional learning objectives, BU CARES.

Faculty and Staff

The Boston University Medical Campus boasts a world-class faculty with many established collaborations between clinical and basic science investigators. We are also home to an excellent staff that supports the education, success, and well-being of our graduate students and postdocs throughout their careers at GMS.

Academic Programs

We offer over 30 master’s and doctoral degrees across 15 different departments and program areas, supporting the academic progress of more than 1000 students each year. Certificates are also available in several areas of study.

Boston University Medical Campus

GMS is part of the Boston University Medical Campus in the historic South End of Boston. Students benefit from our connection with Boston Medical Center, a top-ranked medical facility that focuses on providing high quality, comprehensive care to all, particularly considering the needs of Boston’s vulnerable populations.

Our Mission

Graduate Medical Sciences believes that an enriching educational experience is strengthened by diversity of thought. We strive to create a culture and climate that demonstrates these beliefs by developing academic, clinical and research programming that aims to educate, recruit and retain an inclusive community that will prepare future generations of biomedical research and clinical leaders.

Why Choose GMS?

There are countless reasons to choose Graduate Medical Sciences at Boston University for your master’s degree or doctoral degree in the medical sciences.

Here are our top 10:

1. Part of a top-ranked medical school
Unlike similar graduate programs, BU’s Graduate Medical Sciences is part of the Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine. As a result, graduates of our programs are awarded their MA, MS or PhD degree by one of the top research schools in the United States.

2. Unique degree programs
GMS offers many one-of-a kind degree programs and concentrations, in addition to a wide variety of programs allow students to tailor their studies toward their unique career interests.

3. Networking
Our students build professional networks with our outstanding faculty, who have significant research and publication experience and help our students as they begin their careers.

4. Location in a rich academic hub
GMS is located in Boston’s South End, a beautiful central neighborhood in one of the world’s most prominent academic cities and offers diverse cultural, intellectual and recreational experiences for graduate students.

5. Research
Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine is nationally recognized for its research programs in neuroscience, cancer, and infectious disease, ranked 30th by the US News and World Report.

6. Community
Our medical campus enables shared learning and research with like-minded students from across a range of disciplines.

7. Commitment to mentorship
Personalized mentorship with our faculty is a cornerstone of all of our programs, which ensures that students are supported every step of the way through their programs and after graduation.

8. Preparation for workplace leadership
Our students not only build scientific knowledge, but they also gain a wide variety of soft skills, such as communication and collegiality, that allow them to become leaders in their fields. They also build proficiency and professionalism through our professional development services, which include seminars, elective courses, conferences and special events such as “graduate student research day”

9. Career Success
Our graduates are motivated, lifelong learners who are prepared for challenging positions in competitive and fast-paced global environments.

10. Community Service
Our students engage in personal and professional enrichment activities through campus- focused social action initiatives and community organizations.

The Boston University Medical Campus is located in Boston’s South End, a historic neighborhood famous for its elegant Victorian brownstones and vibrant community, surrounded by shops, restaurants, nightlife and a thriving arts community. GMS students find limitless opportunities both on and off campus.

BU Food Pantry

For graduate students, this is a time of intense investment in intellectual capital and personal growth. This opportunity and endeavor sometimes comes at the sacrifice of finances that allow for other choices, especially maintaining a healthy lifestyle and diet.

Student Lounges

Instructional Building 14th Floor

Student lounge open to all students includes a small kitchen, cooking area and sitting area. The lounge is adjacent to Hiebert Lounge and closed during times when large events are being held in Hiebert.

Evans Basement

The Chobanian & Avedisian SOM, SPH, and GMS student lounge in the basement of the Evans building has been updated with new furniture! Space includes a ping-pong table, a pool table, flat screen TV and small kitchen eating area with refrigerator. Stop on by for a break between classes or exams to enjoy a snack or a game with friends! Located down the hall from Chequers, just through the double doors into the Evan building!

Volunteer Opportunities

• Best Buddies Massachusetts
• Beth Israel Deaconess Hospital Volunteer Opportunities
• Boston Cares
• Boston Center Refugee Health and Human Rights
• Boston Healthcare for the Homeless Program
• Boston Medical Center
• Boston Medical Center Reach out and Read
• BostonVolunteer
• BU Community Service Center
• Community Service
• Doing Good Together
• Great Boston Food Bank
• Haley House
• Pine Street Inn
• Our Community Cupboard
• Rosie’s place
• St. Francis House
• Unite for Sight
• VolunteerMatch
• Women’s Lunch Place

Student Organizations

• Biomedical PhD Student Organization (BPSO)
  The Biomedical PhD Student Organization aims to build and strengthen the community among PhD programs at BUMC and to cultivate camaraderie among Biomedical Science PhD students.
• Boston University Science Policy Network (BUSPN)
  The Science Policy Network at Boston University is committed to fostering a community of scientists engaged in public policy.
• BU Biotech Consulting Club (BBCC)
  The BU Biotech Consulting Club is for advance degree students at Boston University to work on case studies in life sciences and biotech, and provide career development toward the consulting industry.
• Graduate Medical Sciences Student Organization (GMSSO)
  The Graduate Medical Sciences Student Organization organizes volunteer and social events in addition to advocating for the student population.
• MD/PhD Student Group
  The MD/PhD Student group fosters a community within the BUSM MD/PhD program, providing social, educational and professional development opportunities to further students’ growth and success.
• Minority and International Scientists Organization (MISO)
  The Minority and International Scientists Organization provides a supportive and enriched environment to the diverse population of Boston University scientists via various social and academic events.
• Student Advisory Board
  The GMS Student Advisory Board meets a few times per semester to discuss pressing issues with the GMS administration that impact all graduate student life at BUMC.
• Women’s Professional Development Committee (WPDC)
  The Women’s Professional Development Committee provides a supportive space to host professional development opportunities for graduate-level women in science at Boston University through establishing and cultivating a network of exemplary mentorship with women in a diversity of scientific careers.
• Other resources:
  
• LGBTQ+ Groups and Resources on GMS DEI
  • LGBTQ+ Groups and Resources on GMS DEI