GSBS Catalog 2025-2026

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Contact Information

3601 4th Street, Mail Stop 6206
Lubbock, Texas 79430
(806) 743-2556
graduate.school@ttuhsc.edu
www.ttuhsc.edu/biomedical-sciences

Table of Contents

• About TTUHSC
• About Our School
• Programs/Campuses
• Organizational Structure
• Admissions
• Enrollment
• General Information
• Master of Science (M.S.) Degree Programs
  • Biomedical Sciences, M.S.
  • Biotechnology, M.S.
  • Graduate Medical Education Sciences, M.S.
  • Pharmaceutical Sciences, M.S.
• Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) Degree Programs
  • Biomedical Sciences, Ph.D. (General Information/Undeclared Students)
  • Interdisciplinary Course Descriptions (GSBS)
  • Biomedical Sciences, Ph.D. (Concentration: Biochemistry, Cellular and Molecular Biology)
  • Biomedical Sciences, Ph.D. (Concentration: Immunology and Infectious Diseases)
  • Biomedical Sciences, Ph.D. (Concentration: Molecular Biophysics)
  • Biomedical Sciences, Ph.D. (Concentration: Translational Neuroscience and Pharmacology)
  • Pharmaceutical Sciences, Ph.D.

Catalog Statement

The provisions of this catalog do not constitute a contract, expressed or implied, between any applicant, student, or faculty member and the TTUHSC Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences (GSBS), including any of the institution's campuses or sites. GSBS expressly reserves the right to make revisions, as needed, when considered to be in the best interests of the school. Changes will become effective when so determined by the proper school authorities, in accordance with state requirements and institutional accreditation standards. Students are advised to communicate regularly with faculty and staff to remain aware of any changes which may impact program requirements.

Equal Opportunity

TTUHSC does not tolerate discrimination or harassment based on or related to sex (including pregnancy), race, color, national origin, religion, age, disability, protected veteran status, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, or any other legally protected category, class, or characteristic.

Notice of the Annual Security Report

The Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act is a federal statute requiring all colleges and universities participating in federal financial aid programs to maintain and annually disclose campus crime statistics and security information. Copies of the Annual Security Report (ASR) may be obtained in person from the TTUHSC Office of Institutional Compliance during normal business hours, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, Monday through Friday, on the Lubbock campus. You may also request a copy via electronic or U.S. mail by contacting the TTUHSC Office of Institutional Compliance during normal business hours, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, Monday through Friday, at (806) 743-2349. Additionally, the ASR can be found online.

About TTUHSC

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Overview

With a growing shortage of physicians in West Texas, the state legislature authorized the Texas Tech University School of Medicine in 1969. The school charter was expanded a decade later to the Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center (TTUHSC), and the institution began preparing future healthcare professionals and researchers in multiple disciplines. In 2020, Dr. Lori Rice-Spearman was appointed the university's ninth president and became the first female president in the Texas Tech University System. Today TTUHSC offers undergraduate, graduate, and professional academic programs across six schools: (1) Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, (2) Jerry H. Hodge School of Pharmacy, (3) Julia Jones Matthews School of Population and Public Health, (4) School of Health Professions, (5) School of Medicine, and (6) School of Nursing. These academic programs are delivered across multiple campuses-Amarillo, Abilene, Dallas, Lubbock, and Odessa-as well as formal sites at Covenant Health System-Lubbock, Mansfield, and Midland. In addition, TTUHSC enrolls a significant population of students in distance education programs.

Vision

Our vision is a healthier future with access to quality care for every Texan.

Mission

As a comprehensive health sciences center, our mission is to enrich the lives of others by educating students to become collaborative health care professionals, providing excellent patient care, and advancing knowledge through innovative research.

Values

Through our values-based culture, TTUHSC is committed to cultivating an exceptional community for all constituents- faculty, staff, students, patients, and community members. These core values are integral to our purpose and describe how we seek to live our vision and mission on a daily basis.

• One Team: Unite and include diverse perspectives to achieve our mission.
• Kindhearted: Exceed expectations with a kind heart, helping hands and a positive attitude.
• Integrity: Be honorable and accountable even when no one is looking.
• Visionary: Nurture innovative ideas, bold explorations and a pioneering spirit.
• Beyond Service: Create and deliver positive defining moments.

Accreditation

Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) to award baccalaureate, masters, doctoral, and professional degrees. Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center also may offer credentials such as certificates and diplomas at approved degree levels. Questions about the accreditation of Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center may be directed in writing to the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges at 1866 Southern Lane, Decatur, GA 30033-4097, by calling (404) 679-4500, or by using information available on SACSCOC's website (www.sacscoc.org).

A member of the Texas Tech University System, TTUHSC has been accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) as separate institution from Texas Tech University since 2004. TTUHSC was last reaffirmed by SACSCOC in 2019.

About Our School

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GSBS Vision

To create a collaborative and innovative academic environment that inspires and lays the foundation for new generations of biomedical scientists to realize their potential, commit to success and make discoveries that have major impact on treatment of diseases worldwide.

GSBS Mission

In support of the institutional mission, the Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences strives to provide superior graduate education as well as leadership in increasing knowledge and understanding through scholarship and research. The mission of the Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences is to educate the next generation of scientists and health-related professionals in a dynamic and productive research environment that fosters creativity and discovery. In order to accomplish the mission, the faculty and staff of the Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences are committed to:

• Providing the larger academic community, as well as future employers, with graduates who are highly competent, independent, and ethical researchers and teachers;
• Demonstrating in all pursuits honesty, integrity, trustworthiness, and commitment to academic freedom;
• Ensuring that GSBS faculty, staff, and students are supported in their efforts with state-of-the-art resources, facilities, and training opportunities;
• Serving as leaders in the community for the advancement of knowledge related to the basic biomedical and related health sciences; and
• Ensuring an environment that values a diversity of people and ideas.

Oath

I acknowledge that the mission of scientific research is a true and noble calling to discover truths that are hidden and to reveal wisdom yet unknown, always for the greater good. I welcome the privilege and opportunity to join in this mission, and to dedicate the talents that I have and the education I have gained in this higher purpose. Moreover, I pledge to use this knowledge and wisdom I have achieved only for the improvement of life. In this journey of discovery, I promise to always be honest, accurate, and fair, in all things and in all matters, and to always conduct my affairs with excellence and ambition.

Symbol

The shield of the GSBS represents our dedication to protect life through scientific advancements in research. The double helix divides the shield into four quadrants and connects all forms of life. At the top left, the tree symbolizes the scientific process, where knowledge has deep roots and a strong base, and the thin branches of solitary ideas give rise to seeds, which leave the tree and start new lines of thought. The star at the right represents the direction a scientist must follow as new avenues of research are revealed to us. At the bottom left, a microscope shows the scientist's commitment to look for deeper explanations. The double T at the bottom right represents Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, the institution that has taught us these lessons.

Programs and Campuses

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Degree Programs

The Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences (GSBS) is one of six schools within the Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center (TTUHSC). The school offers the following graduate degree programs:

Collaborative Academic Programs

M.D./Ph.D. TTUHSC offers an internal dual degree program, which is an agreement within the same institution to grant separate degrees. The M.D./Ph.D. program is an agreement between the TTUHSC School of Medicine and TTUHSC Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences for eligible students to earn the following degrees: (1) Doctor of Medicine (M.D.), and (2) Doctor of Philosophy in Biomedical Sciences (Ph.D.). The M.D./Ph.D. program targets prospective students who are interested in careers in academic medicine as physician scientists. Each program graduate can pursue a career as a physician, teach medical and graduate students, and become involved with innovative biomedical research. Prospective students must apply to each school and/or program separately. Refer to the M.D./Ph.D. website for more information.

GMES. The Master of Science (M.S.) in Graduate Medical Education Sciences, or GMES, is designed for students who seek additional preparation for a healthcare-related professional school or a teaching career in the anatomical sciences. Students take courses in the anatomical, biochemical, and physiological sciences with first-year medical students in the TTUHSC School of Medicine. During the second year of the program, GMES students also serve as teaching assistants in the medical school. Students who complete the first year of the GMES curriculum in good standing are guaranteed one interview with the TTUHSC School of Medicine for potential admission into the Doctor of Medicine (M.D.) program. Refer to the GMES website for more information.

Additional collaborative academic programs are currently being explored. For more information, email
graduate.school@ttuhsc.edu.

Program Offerings by Campus

Campus	Programs Offered
Abilene	MS, Biotechnology PhD, Pharmaceutical Sciences
Amarillo	MS, Pharmaceutical Sciences PhD, Pharmaceutical Sciences
Lubbock	MS, Biomedical Sciences MS, Biotechnology MS, Graduate Medical Education Sciences PhD, Biomedical Sciences

Organizational Structure

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GSBS Administration

The Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences (GSBS) is led by the Dean in collaboration with a team of administrative staff and faculty. All GSBS faculty have a primary appointment in the School of Medicine or Jerry H. Hodge School of Pharmacy and faculty membership in a specific GSBS academic program and/or concentration, as applicable. The GSBS Graduate Council serves as a governing body of elected representatives acting on behalf of the GSBS faculty and as an advisory body to the Dean. In addition to faculty representation from each academic program, including concentrations, student Presidents elected by the GSBS Graduate Student Associations in Abilene, Amarillo, and Lubbock participate in Graduate Council.

Academic Program Leaders

In the Ph.D. in Biomedical Sciences program, a Senior Associate Dean provides general oversight of the program prior to students declaring a specific concentration. Each concentration is administered by basic science departments within the TTUHSC School of Medicine by a Department Chair. A Graduate Advisor assists with the management of the concentration, and each concentration also has departmental staff to help with administrative responsibilities. In the M.S. and Ph.D. in Pharmaceutical Sciences programs, a Senior Associate Dean provides general oversight of each program, and Program Directors on the Abilene and Amarillo campuses assist with the management of the programs. Other master's level programs are led by a Program Director with assistance provided by a Graduate Advisor. A staff member, or Student Affairs Advocate (SAA), from the GSBS office is assigned to each master's and doctoral program to serve as a general student resource in navigating each academic program successfully.

MS, Biotechnology Leaders

MS, Graduate Medical Education Sciences (GMES) Leaders

MS, Pharmaceutical Sciences (Amarillo only) and PhD, Pharmaceutical Sciences

PhD, Biomedical Sciences (Concentration: Biochemistry, Cellular and Molecular Biology)

PhD, Biomedical Sciences (Concentration: Immunology and Infectious Diseases)

PhD, Biomedical Sciences (Concentration: Molecular Biophysics)

PhD, Biomedical Sciences (Concentration: Translational Neuroscience and Pharmacology)

Admissions

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Admission to a Master's or Doctoral Program

Admission to any graduate degree program is granted by the Dean of the Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences (GSBS), or appointed delegate, upon the recommendation of the GSBS Admissions Committee and the program/concentration faculty. Program admissions committees review completed applications, conduct interviews with selected applicants, and then determine which applications to forward to the GSBS Admissions Committee. All applicants must be in good standing with the last school attended. Only prospective students with completed applications and all required supplemental items will be considered for admission.

In general, three categories of criteria are used to evaluate all applicants for admissions:

• Academic Records: All academic records may be considered.
• Test Scores: Scores on the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) General Test: (a) verbal reasoning, (b) quantitative reasoning, and (c) analytical writing. For some programs, the GRE is optional.
• Individual Profile: Profiles may include recommendations, research background, motivation, undergraduate institution, presentations, publications, and interviews.

Applicants will be notified when an admission decision has been made. Matriculation generally occurs in the fall semester across all GSBS programs/concentrations.

Any exceptions to the admissions criteria described below will be considered on an individual basis with support from a faculty mentor, upon review and recommendation by the GSBS Admissions Committee, and with final approval by the GSBS Dean.

A completed application consists of the following:

• Application to TTUHSC Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences
  • Applications must be submitted online at BioRaider.com. Falsification of application information will void admission to Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center (TTUHSC). All sections of the online application must be completed and submitted prior to the application closing date. All required supplemental documents must also be received by the application deadline. Application deadlines and instructions are available on the GSBS Admissions website.
• Official GRE General Test Score Report (or MCAT for GMES )
  • GRE General Test scores must be no more than five years old. The GRE is optional for applicants to the following degree programs: (a) MS, Biotechnology, (b) MS/PhD, Pharmaceutical Sciences, and (3) PhD, Biomedical Sciences. The GRE or MCAT is required for applicants to the MS, Graduate Medical Education Sciences. Information about the GRE may be accessed online through the Educational Testing Service (ETS). All GRE test scores must be sent directly from ETS to the TTUHSC Office of the Registrar. The institution code is 6851. Photocopies or scanned copies will not be accepted. Information about the MCAT may be accessed online through the Association of American Medical Colleges, or AAMC. Email graduate.school@ttuhsc.edu for specific instructions if you plan to use MCAT test scores.
  • In accordance with Texas Education Code, §51.842, an applicant’s performance on a standardized test may not be used in the admissions or competitive scholarship process for a graduate or professional program as the sole criterion for consideration of the applicant or as the primary criterion to end consideration of the applicant.
• Proof of English Proficiency
  • The English proficiency requirement is waived for international applicants who:
    • Attended four (4) consecutive long semesters of credit-bearing/non development/non-ESL courses at an accredited postsecondary college or university in the United States;
    • Attended two (2) consecutive years of high school in the United States;
    • Attended (2) consecutive years of high school with U.S. accreditation or within a country exempt from English proficiency requirements; or
    • Provides proof of citizenship (i.e., passport) from a country exempt from English proficiency requirements:

• • International applicants who do not qualify for an exemption or testing waiver must submit one of the following as proof of English proficiency:
    • Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL): The minimum total TOEFL iBT score is 79. TOEFL scores must be received directly from the Educational Testing Service (ETS). TTUHSC’s institutional code is 6851. TOEFL scores are valid for two years only. (Note: Due to the limited timeframe for accessing test scores, GSBS will accept a score as official if TTUHSC has previously received a test score that is now over two years old.)
    • International English Language Testing Service (IELTS): The minimum required score on the IELTS Academic test is an overall band score of 6.5 or greater. The IELTS General Training test is not accepted at TTUHSC. There is no IELTS institutional code for TTUHSC. IELTS scores are valid for two years only. (Note: Due to the limited timeframe for accessing test scores, GSBS will accept a score as official if TTUHSC has previously received a test score that is now over two years old.)
    • Duolingo English Test: The minimum overall Duolingo score is 100. There is no institutional code for Duolingo. Scores are reported within 48 hours and are valid for two years. (Note: Due to the limited timeframe for accessing test scores, GSBS will accept a score as official if TTUHSC has previously received a test score that is now over two years old.)
    • Pearson Test of English Academic (PTE Academic): The minimum required PTE Academic score is 60. PTE General and PTE Young Learners results are not acceptable. There is no PTE Academic institution code for TTUHSC. PTE Academic scores are valid for only two years. (Note: Due to the limited timeframe for accessing test scores, GSBS will accept a score as official if TTUHSC has previously received a test score that is now over two years old.)
    • Cambridge Certificate of Proficiency in English (Cambridge CPE): The minimum required Cambridge CPE grade is C. There is no institutional code for the Cambridge CPE. The Cambridge CPE is valid for life.
    • Cambridge Certificate of Advanced English (Cambridge CAE): The minimum required Cambridge CAE grade is B. There is no institutional code for the Cambridge CAE. The Cambridge CAE is valid for life.
• Transcripts
  • Applicants to the Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences (GSBS) must have earned a bachelor's degree from an institutionally accredited college/university in the United States or the equivalent of a U.S. bachelor’s degree from a foreign institution, which typically requires at least 120 U.S. equivalent credit hours. Domestic and international applicants must submit a transcript from each U.S. college or university attended. Unofficial transcripts are accepted for admissions consideration only. If admitted, official transcripts must be provided.
  • For domestic and international applicants who have not yet completed a bachelor’s degree or the equivalent, at least six semesters of coursework must be submitted to be eligible for admission consideration with the understanding that final transcripts or transcript evaluations must be submitted prior to enrollment. Each applicant must also be in good standing with all schools attended.
  • All prospective students applying to GSBS are expected to adhere to the highest level of academic integrity. This includes listing all postsecondary institutions attended or currently attending on the application for admission, including institutions for which transfer credit was received toward an undergraduate or graduate degree. Applicants must also submit official U.S. transcripts or course-by-course transcript evaluations for international institutions for all institutions attended and/or currently attending. Failure to provide this information on the application and/or failure to submit all U.S. transcripts or course-by-course transcript evaluations is considered a falsification of academic records and will result in the admission application being voided.
    International applicants must provide a course-by-course transcript evaluation of all coursework taken at degree-granting institutions recognized by their government/governmental ministry. If the transcript evaluation states that an applicant has less than 120 U.S. equivalent credit hours and lacks a U.S. bachelor’s degree equivalent, then the applicant has the option to seek an alternative evaluation from another GSBS-approved evaluation company. GSBS will accept the evaluation which supports admission.
  • An international applicant who, because of current enrollment, cannot provide a final course-by-course transcript evaluation at the time of application must submit transcript evaluations of all completed studies. Consideration may then be given for admission upon the condition that a final course-by-course transcript evaluation will be provided prior to enrollment. TTUHSC requires course-by-course transcript evaluations and diploma information from the list of services provided on the application checklist. We do not accept international transcripts, marksheets, or certificates.
• Reference Letters
  • Applicants must submit names and email addresses of at least two, but no more than four, recommenders using the online application system. Recommenders will receive a link to complete the form and upload their recommendation letter.
• Oath of Residency
  • All applicants must complete an Oath of Residency form provided through the online application system.
• Statement of Purpose/Essay 
  • All applicants must submit a written essay through the online application system.
• Application Fee
  • A one-time, nonrefundable application fee of $50 is required for domestic and international applicants interested in pursuing graduate studies. Please email graduate.school@ttuhsc.edu for more information.
    Application fee waivers are available for:
    • U.S. active duty military and U.S. military veterans;
    • McNair Scholars, which requires documentation from the appropriate institution;
    • Current GSBS students;
    • TTUHSC and TTU full-time staff, excluding faculty;
    • Applicants who spoke to a GSBS representative and provided contact information at one of these events—ABRCMS, SACNAS, or a graduation fair;
    • Attendees at the annual GSBS Open House;
    • Participants in GSBS’s summer internship programs—ABRI, BRIA, or SABR;
    • Applicants who were offered and accepted admission but deferred enrollment to a later term and with approval by the program/concentration admissions committee (Note: The application fee waiver is only valid once for deferrals.); and
    • At the discretion of the Senior Associate Dean under very limited circumstances
• Passport
  • A copy of an international applicant’s passport assists in processing the I-20.
• Placement Fee
  • A $50 placement guarantee fee is required upon an offer and acceptance of admission.

Admitted Students Only

• Immunization Record
  
  • All applicants are required to provide documentation of the following:
    1. two vaccine doses for varicella (chicken pox) or an immunity titer;
    2. two vaccine doses of measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) or an immunity titer;
    3. 2-step tuberculosis (TB) skin test or IGRA test;
    4. three doses of the hepatitis B-series or hepatitis B surface antibody test;
    5. adult one-time dose of Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria, and acellular pertussis);
    6. tetanus/diphtheria (Td) booster or Tdap within the last ten years;
    7. meningococcal vaccine (MCV) within the last 5 years for adults 22 and younger; and
    8. current flu vaccine (October through March).
  • The COVID-19 vaccine is strongly recommended, but it is not a TTUHSC requirement.
• Bank Statement and Sponsor Financial Affidavit/Statement
  • International F-1 applicants are required to submit a bank statement from an account(s) belonging to the applicant and/or applicant’s sponsor showing a minimum balance in United States dollars (USD) or an equivalent, which is the estimated amount for one year of tuition/fees and living expenses. If the applicant has a sponsor, we also require a financial statement letter from the sponsor stating their intent to support the applicant financially. Contact the appropriate Designated School Official (DSO) for specific information. Documents may be uploaded to the supplemental item associated with the application or emailed to graduate.school@ttuhsc.edu.
• VISA
  • International students in a degree-seeking program are required to have an F-1 visa. Most employment visas require coursework to be incidental to employment and such visas are generally not acceptable for most of our degree programs. Prospective students who are considering a visa change are encouraged to seek the advice of an immigration attorney with any concerns.
• SEVIS
  • States are required to pay a SEVIS fee prior to obtaining their visas. The fee is associated with the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS), which took effect September 1, 2004. The SEVIS fee is not reimbursable by TTUHSC.

Enrollment

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Registration information is provided to new students prior to the beginning of the semester. New students must register for coursework in the term for which admission is granted. Failure to do so will require the student to reapply for admission. Returning students may register at any time beginning the first day of advance registration but before the stated deadline. Those who register past the deadline may incur a financial penalty.

Students are required to register for appropriate courses every semester, including summer, in which they expect to receive assistance, use university facilities, take qualifying examinations, or defend a thesis/dissertation. Every GSBS student must also be registered in the semester of graduation.

Auditing a Course

Individuals who wish to audit a course for no academic credit must obtain written permission from the course director and GSBS office using the Permission to Audit a Course form, which can be accessed by current students online and/or obtained from the GSBS office. Those who audit a course do so for the purpose of listening and observing only and will not participate in class discussions, complete assignments, or take exams. Individuals auditing a course will not be listed on the class roster, and no notation of the audit will be made on a student's transcript.

Excessive Hours

The State of Texas will not provide funds to state institutions of higher education for doctoral students who exceed the allowable number of semester credit hours (SCH). Texas Education Code, §61.059(l), limits the fundable semester credit hours generated by a doctoral student to 99 SCH unless the student or program has been granted an exception. Students attending health-related institutions, like TTUHSC, may be granted program exceptions up to 130 SCH. Thus, as permitted according to Texas Education Code, §54.012, students not making timely progress toward completion of a doctoral degree may be required to pay of out-of-state tuition regardless of residence status. As doctoral students approach the maximum SCH limits, the following should be considered:

1. Students accumulating >130 SCH may be charged out-of-state tuition and forfeit any GSBS state-funded research assistantship. The faculty mentor will be responsible for the student’s salary once the student exceeds 130 SCH and/or the student exceeds 5 years within the program.
2. Once a student has been admitted to doctoral candidacy and accumulated 120 SCH, the student may register for 3 SCH each semester for up to one year (e.g., Fall-3 SCH, Spring-3 SCH, Summer-3 SCH). Reduced enrollment may affect financial aid status and/or payroll FICA exemptions. Students are encouraged to contact the appropriate offices before taking reduced hours. International students should also check with the TTUHSC DSO to verify hours for compliance with the Department of Homeland Security. If the student elects the 3-3-3 enrollment option but does not complete the degree requirements within that timeframe, the student must resume full-time status.
3. Any requests to waive out-of-state tuition based on excessive hours must be approved by the GSBS office.

Full-Time Study

GSBS fall and spring semesters are approximately 15-16 weeks, and there are about 45-48 total contact hours (i.e., 3 contact hours per week) for a traditional 3 semester credit hour (SCH) lecture course. This equates to one (1) contact hour each week per one (1) SCH. In a laboratory-based course, however, there are approximately three (3) contact hours each week for per one (1) SCH.

In general, per Title 19 Texas Administrative Code, §4.6, students should not enroll in more courses in any term which would allow them to earn more than one (1) SCH per week over the course of the term. For example, in a 15-week term, students are generally not allowed to enroll for more than 15 SCH total. Any exceptions to this rule must have the prior approval of the GSBS office.

Typical full-time enrollment in GSBS varies between 9-13 SCH for doctoral students and 9-16 SCH for master’s/temporary students during the regular semester. Thus, the minimum enrollment for full-time graduate status in fall/spring is nine (9) SCH. Full-time enrollment for the summer term is six (6) SCH. These minimum enrollment requirements include students who are devoting full time to research using university facilities and faculty time.

Limited exceptions apply to credit hour requirements. During the semester of graduation, a doctoral student may register for one (1) SCH and maintain full-time status. In addition, as described in the Excessive Hours sub-section, a doctoral student who has been admitted to candidacy and accumulated 120 SCH may enroll in reduced credit hours for up to one year. Reduced enrollment in this case may have certain implications, and students should contact the appropriate offices before doing so.

Registration by Faculty and Staff

Full-time members of the TTU or TTUHSC faculty and staff may enroll for courses by permission of the course director and upon completion of the GSBS application. In registering for graduate work, they become subject to GSBS policies and procedures. However, no member of the faculty who has held a rank higher than instructor at TTUHSC is eligible to pursue a graduate degree program at this institution without prior approval of the GSBS office. Eligible TTUHSC employees may also utilize the tuition assistance waiver program or tuition reimbursement assistance, as outlined in HSC OP 70.14 (Employee Development and Tuition Assistance).

Registration by Undergraduate and Graduate Students

With the exception of participants in approved early acceptance programs, undergraduate students may not enroll for courses carrying graduate credit in GSBS unless they are within 12 semester credit hours (SCH) of graduation and have at least a B average in their major subject. The Approval for Graduate Credit form, which is available via the GSBS office, must be approved by the appropriate individuals prior to registration. Courses taken without this approval will not be granted graduate credit. Students may also take graduate courses for undergraduate credit with prior approval of the GSBS office and the authorization of the undergraduate advisor in the collaborating university and/or academic program.

Undergraduates who take GSBS courses for graduate credit may be limited in the total number of SCH they can take each semester. This includes undergraduate and graduate coursework combined. Undergraduates who are permitted to enroll in graduate courses are expected to receive their bachelor’s degree within one year of the first semester of graduate enrollment. In addition, an undergraduate may not receive credit for more than 12 SCH of GSBS coursework prior to admission to a graduate degree program in GSBS. This credit hour restriction does not apply to students in approved early acceptance programs.

Graduate students in other academic programs at TTUHSC or other colleges/universities are also eligible to enroll in GSBS courses. Contact the GSBS office for more information.

Residence Requirement

The intent of doctoral residency is to ensure that doctoral students benefit from, and contribute to, the complete spectrum of educational and professional opportunities provided by the graduate faculty. When establishing residency, the student should interact with faculty and peers by regularly attending courses, conferences and seminars, and utilize the resources needed to support excellence in graduate education. Doctoral candidates must complete at least three (3) years of full-time graduate level work beyond the baccalaureate degree (or one year beyond the master's degree). At least one academic year—the residency year—must be spent in residence on the TTUHSC campus. The residence requirement is fulfilled by the completion of at least nine (9) semester credit hours of coursework in each of the two long terms and six (6) semester credit hours in the summer term. Other patterns for fulfilling residency requirements require approval of the GSBS office.

Schedule Changes

A graduate student who wishes to add or drop a course must initiate such action with their Graduate Advisor (or Program Director, as applicable) and the assigned Student Affairs Advocate (SAA) for the academic program. Students should follow the academic calendar for deadlines associated with adding/dropping a course or withdrawing from all courses. A student who no longer attends a course without officially dropping it will receive an “F” in that course. Failure to notify the SAA of any changes in registration may also result in additional fees which are not covered by tuition scholarships.

General Information

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Administrative Offices

The primary GSBS administrative office is located on the Lubbock campus on the first floor of the University Center (Suite 115). The GSBS office in Abilene is located in the School of Pharmacy building (Room 2504), and the GSBS office in Amarillo is in the School of Pharmacy building (Suite 217). The offices are regularly open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., excluding weekends and TTUHSC holidays. These hours of operation constitute a typical “business day” for purposes of this catalog. On occasion, the administrative offices may be closed temporarily for special events or inclement weather. Some personnel may also work remotely on certain days of the week, so TTUHSC email is always an excellent method to communicate with specific individuals.

Admission to Candidacy

Admission to candidacy indicates a doctoral student is adequately prepared to begin working full-time on a doctoral research project. A student must be admitted to doctoral candidacy at least four (=4) months prior to the proposed graduation date. Eligibility requirements include continuous enrollment since entering the program, a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher, and no grades of Incomplete (“I) on the academic record. Upon successful completion of the written and oral components of the qualifying examination, an Admission to Candidacy form must be submitted to the GSBS office. The request will be submitted to members of the Graduate Council for consideration at its next regularly scheduled meeting. If admitted to candidacy, the student may enroll in dissertation hours the following semester and must be continuously enrolled in dissertation hours every semester until graduation.

Attendance

All graduate students, regardless of academic program, are expected to abide by the attendance policies of each course director during the official academic term for which they are enrolled in academic credit. Limited absences may be necessary during the academic term due to personal illness and/or unexpected emergencies. These absences should be discussed with and approved by the course director in order to determine potential options.

Whenever attendance and/or participation constitutes a portion or all of a course grade, students must be provided with explicit written information about attendance expectations during the first week of classes. Such information is often included in the course syllabus and should be specific with regard to the penalty incurred for each absence and the means, if any, to compensate for the absence. It should be recognized that there may be certain situations where the student may not be permitted to make up the absence(s). Excused absences are determined by the course director.

For information specific to attendance expectations for Research Assistants, please refer to the Research Assistantships sub-section in the current catalog.

Awards

Outstanding student achievement in GSBS is recognized through a variety of student awards each year. Two of the highest awards of distinction include the K. Wyatt McMahon Outstanding Graduate Student and Dean’s Recognition Award.

The K. Wyatt McMahon Outstanding Graduate Student award is presented to an outstanding doctoral student, and the Dean’s Recognition Award celebrates an exceptional master’s student. Each award recipient is announced at the GSBS commencement in May and fulfills a special role during the ceremony. The recipient of the Dean’s Recognition Award reads the description of the GSBS seal, and the recipient of the K. Wyatt McMahon Outstanding Graduate Student award serves as a commencement speaker upon approval of an approved script.

During the spring semester, a call for nominations is announced. Individual faculty members may submit nominations to their respective program leaders (e.g., Department Chair, Program Director) for consideration. Specific details about the process, including award criteria and related deadlines, will be communicated in the call for nominations. In general, nominations will be based on the following: (1) academic achievement, (2) presentations, (3) scholarship, (4) awards, and (5) leadership.

Program leaders will be responsible for submitting the top nominations from their respective program/concentration to the GSBS office. A selection committee composed of faculty members, currently enrolled students, and a non-voting GSBS administrator will review the nomination materials and select the final award recipients.

Calendars

The current academic calendar contains key dates for each semester of the academic year, including the beginning of classes, end of term, graduation, important university deadlines, and official TTUHSC holidays.

The GSBS also maintains an online administrative calendar, which is intended to provide more detailed information about GSBS-specific courses, events, meetings, and other TTUHSC dates which might be of interest to GSBS students, faculty, and staff.

Changing Concentrations or Programs

Students who seek to transfer from one concentration or academic program to another within GSBS should first notify the current Graduate Advisor/Program Director of their intent. Once notification has been given, the student should contact the Graduate Advisor/Program Director of the new concentration/program they seek to enter. If the concentration/program is willing to accept the student, the student should have the new Graduate Advisor, Program Director, and/or Department Chair approve the transfer by signing the Application for Change in Major/Declare Concentration form, which is available to current students on the website. Once the form has been signed, the form must also be approved by the GSBS office.

Only students in good standing may transfer into another concentration/program within GSBS. Students can change their concentration/program at any time during a term; however, it will not be effective until the beginning of the following term. Students who have been dismissed may reapply to another graduate program through the application process. They are not eligible to utilize the Application for Change in Major/Declare Concentration form.

Complaints

It is the policy of the Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center (TTUHSC) to affirm the rights of its students to a prompt and fair resolution of a complaint or grievance involving allegations of inappropriate behavior by other TTUHSC students or by TTUHSC personnel toward students. When an issue arises, every effort should be made to resolve the issue informally prior to engaging in TTUHSC’s formal complaint process. Appropriate informal steps include:

1. The student must first attempt to resolve the issue with the individual(s) involved.
2. If dissatisfied with the outcome of step (1), the student must contact the Assistant Dean. If the complaint originates in Amarillo or Abilene, the Assistant Dean will collaborate with the appropriate leadership on that campus. If the grievance is against the Assistant Dean, however, the student should contact the Sr. Associate Dean-Lubbock. A complaint against a Sr. Associate Dean should be filed with the other Sr. Associate Dean.
3. The Assistant Dean, who also serves as the Student Affairs Officer of the school, will investigate the complaint, attempt to reconcile differences, and find an acceptable solution. The Assistant Dean will provide a written statement of his/her recommendation to all parties, who will then have ten (10) business days to respond.
4. If the grievance is satisfactorily resolved during any steps listed above, the terms of the resolution shall be summarized in writing by the administrative leader involved in the resolution process and signed by the student, respondent, and administrative leader.

If a grievance is not resolved informally using the process outlined above, then any faculty, staff, or student of TTUHSC may submit a formal written complaint following the policies and procedures on the TTUHSC Student Affairs website and in the TTUHSC Student Handbook: Code of Professional Conduct. Complaints may relate to the general or academic misconduct of another student, discrimination, student records, employment, other types of mistreatment, and other institutional-level complaints. For complaints about grades, refer to the Grade Appeal sub-section. The GSBS Dean has the final authority in resolving disputes related to academic issues, such as grading and promotion, and in non-academic issues involving the school’s faculty and staff.

Computer

All GSBS students should obtain a personal laptop (i.e., PC, Mac) to use for the duration of the academic program. Refer to the recommended system specifications for additional information.

Counseling

TTUHSC provides each student up to eight (=8) free, confidential counseling sessions per year (September 1-August 31) through the Program of Assistance for Students (PAS). Counseling sessions with a licensed professional are available for a variety of issues, including depression, excessive stress, anxiety, grief, healing from trauma, family and relationship problems, and substance abuse. Telehealth is also available for all TTUHSC students in Texas. Students who prefer in-person visits can refer to the PAS website for providers across campus locations. Call (806) 743-1327 or (800) 327-0328 for additional questions or to request an appointment. In the event of a mental health crisis, call 911, visit your local emergency room, or contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline by calling or texting 988.

Degree Plan

Each student must establish a formal degree plan via DegreeWorks in collaboration with the appropriate academic advisor and/or Student Affairs Advocate for the program/concentration. Timelines for developing these degree plans vary by academic program. Contact the appropriate Student Affairs Advocate for more information.

Dismissal/Appeal Procedures

Every student enrolled in the Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences (GSBS), whether degree-seeking or not, is required to maintain a high level of performance and to comply fully with policies of the GSBS and the institution. The GSBS reserves the right to place on probation, suspend, or dismiss any graduate student who does not maintain satisfactory academic standing as defined by GSBS policies or who fails to conform to the policies of TTUHSC. Other sanctions may also be imposed, as appropriate.

The following conditions may provide sufficient cause for dismissal of a student from a specific GSBS academic program:

• Failure to maintain a 3.0 GPA in each succeeding semester after being placed on academic probation;
• Failure to maintain satisfactory academic standing, which includes but is not limited to, receiving a grade of C or below in two or more core courses or failing to pass the qualifying examination; and
• Any other violation of misconduct, as outlined in the TTUHSC Student Handbook: Code of Professional Conduct.

Dismissal Procedure for Failure to Maintain Satisfactory Academic Standing

Failure to maintain a minimum 3.0 GPA each semester will result in probation or dismissal. Furthermore, students who fail to make satisfactory academic progress will be warned in writing about the possibility of probation or dismissal. They will be given clear parameters by which to alleviate the problem within a specified time period. Failure to meet the requirements within the specified timeframe may result in dismissal. If the situation cannot be rectified, the Department Chair, Program Director, or Graduate Advisor will send justification for the dismissal to the Assistant Dean. If warranted, the Assistant Dean will notify the student in writing of the grounds for dismissal and the effective date of the dismissal. This will normally coincide with the end of the semester in which the student is currently enrolled, but the specific circumstances of the dismissal will be important in determining the effective date. Please note dismissal from an academic program will also impact a student’s employment status (e.g., Research Assistant), as applicable.

Procedure for Appealing Dismissals

• Step 1: Initial Appeal
  • Students who receive a dismissal letter must submit their written request for an appeal to the Assistant Dean, who will engage the Dismissal Appeal Committee within five (5) business days from the receipt of the dismissal letter. This notification should include a justification for the appeal and supporting documentation, including but not limited to, the student handbook, program policy, syllabus requirements, and email communication with faculty as appropriate.
  • During the dismissal appeal process, the student may enroll and attend didactic courses only and will NOT be allowed to enroll in or attend any research or dissertation courses or be present in the lab. Should the appeal be denied, the student will be subject to immediate academic dismissal. Additionally, any payment due for tuition and fees or student refunds will be administered according to TTUHSC policy.
• Step 2: Dismissal Appeal Committee
  • The Dismissal Appeal Committee shall consist of a member of the GSBS Dean’s office (i.e., Associate Dean), who shall serve as the Chair, and two GSBS faculty members selected by the Chair. The faculty members selected will be from an academic program outside of the student’s degree program. The Dismissal Appeal Committee will be appointed within three (3) business days of receipt of the student appeal from the Assistant Dean. All written explanations and responses from the student, Program Director and Department Chair will be provided by the Assistant Dean to the Dismissal Appeal Committee.
  • The Dismissal Appeal Committee shall meet within three (3) business days from their appointment to discuss the appeal. The Dismissal Appeal Committee may request, in its sole discretion, additional documentation from the student, Program Director, or Department Chair via the Assistant Dean. No person or party shall be present before the Dismissal Appeal Committee. The decision will be based strictly on written appeal; there will be no live testimony or a hearing.
  • Upon conclusion of the Dismissal Appeal Committee deliberations, the Chair will submit findings and recommendations to the Dean within two (2) business days. The Dean must issue a decision within three (3) business days of receiving the Committee’s findings and recommendations. The decision of the Dean is FINAL. Notification will be sent to all parties within three (3) business days of the Dean’s decision.
  • Should any relevant faculty, Program Director, Department Chair, or member of the GSBS office staff be on authorized leave, a designee for the respective party may fill in during the review process.

Dissertations and Theses

Doctoral dissertation and master’s thesis defenses are generally open to the public and considered open meetings. Defenses must be scheduled during the official term dates for a current semester, not between terms or during extended break periods.

Dissertation

A dissertation is required of every candidate for a doctoral degree. The dissertation, which is presented in a scholarly manuscript, embodies a significant contribution of new information to a subject or a substantial reevaluation of existing knowledge. It should demonstrate a mastery of research techniques, a thorough understanding of the subject matter and its background, and a high degree of skill in organizing and presenting the materials.

The dissertation work occurs under the supervision of a Graduate Advisory Committee, the composition of which varies by program and concentration. The student’s research mentor serves as the dissertation chair. Please note the student’s research mentor may not serve as the chair of the qualifying exam committee. Refer to the Qualifying Examination sub-section.

Because the subject of the dissertation must be approved by the Graduate Advisory Committee, it is strongly recommended that each student presents and defends a dissertation proposal to the advisory committee early in the course of the proposed research. An electronic copy of the written dissertation should be presented to the advisory committee members and a Dean’s representative at least two (2) weeks prior to the scheduled dissertation defense. In addition, two (2) weeks prior to a student’s dissertation defense, department coordinators should also prepare and distribute the dissertation announcement template to all GSBS faculty, staff, and students.

Upon completion of the oral defense, the advisory committee may request additional revisions to the written dissertation prior to submission to GSBS staff for a final formatting review. Students must achieve the desired performance expectations on the oral defense and written dissertation to meet graduation requirements.

Thesis

The master’s thesis, which is also conducted under the supervision of an advisory committee, is expected to be written in a clear and concise manner and to represent independent work by the student. Once the student’s research topic for the thesis has been determined, an advisory committee will be identified in collaboration with the committee chair. The committee must consist of at least three faculty members with GSBS membership. An electronic copy of the written thesis should be presented to the committee members and the Dean’s representative at least two weeks prior to the oral defense. Students must achieve the desired performance expectations on the oral defense and written thesis to meet graduation requirements.

Hours

Registration for at least 6 semester credit hours (SCH) of 6000 is required for the master’s thesis. At least 12 SCH of 8000 is required for a doctoral dissertation. Once thesis/dissertation hours have begun, a student must be enrolled in such courses every semester until graduation unless granted an official leave of absence.

Grading

Dissertation and thesis semester credit hours (SCH) are graded with a “CR” (i.e., credit), except for the last semester of enrollment in which a letter grade is assigned. At the instructor’s discretion, a letter grade may be assigned to the last 12 SCH of dissertation or 6 SCH of thesis. For doctoral students, the letter grade assigned for the written dissertation and oral defense is based upon evaluation by the advisory committee members using a dissertation rubric, which is available online for current students. All members of the advisory committee must approve or disapprove the dissertation defense. More than one vote for disapproval shall constitute failure of the defense.

Reference Manual

Students should work collaboratively with the committee chair to determine the appropriate style manual to use in preparing the written manuscript. The final manuscript must be submitted electronically to the GSBS office, including notification of the selected style manual. Dissertations/theses must be accompanied by an abstract of no more than 350 words. GSBS does not require a bound, printed copy. Students may purchase bound copies for personal use through various external vendors, such as www.thesisondemand.com.

ETD

Electronic Thesis & Dissertations. The final copy of the dissertation or thesis must be submitted electronically to the appropriate Student Affairs Advocate along with the ETD Submission Form, which is available online to current students. Detailed instructions for completing the ETD account information are available on the GSBS website. A GSBS staff member will forward the documents to the TTU library for archival purposes on the ETD website.

Fees

In the semester of graduation, the candidate will pay a document fee through the TTUHSC Student Business Services office to cover the cost of uploading and storing the thesis in the ETD website.

Email

GSBS utilizes the TTUHSC-assigned email account to facilitate formal communication with students. It is the student’s responsibility to check this account for important information and notifications on a regular basis.

Extracurricular Activities

Graduate students may participate in extracurricular activities in accordance with university policies. The TTUHSC Student Government Association (SGA) is an institutionally recognized governing body with representation from all TTUHSC schools—Biomedical Sciences, Health Professions, Medicine, Nursing, Pharmacy, and Population & Public Health. Through collaboration with students, faculty, student organizations, administration, and the community, SGA strives to promote a campus climate that is inclusive, supportive, and student-centered.

GSBS-specific organizations also offer many opportunities for student involvement—Graduate Student Association (GSA), Graduate Student Association in Amarillo (GSAA), and Immunotherapeutics and Biotechnology Graduate Student Association in Abilene (IBGSA). A variety of other student organizations that align with specific student interests also exist at TTUHSC.

Students are also encouraged to participate in the annual Student Research Week on the Lubbock campus during the spring semester. This event, which is planned and led by GSBS students, is a long-standing tradition that highlights student research across TTUHSC and provides opportunities to learn from respected scholars in various disciplines. Faculty are strongly encouraged not to plan classes or exams during this week. Exceptions must be granted by the GSBS Dean before the spring semester begins. Doing so allows GSBS students on each campus to participate in the event and gain valuable presentation experience. Research symposia are also offered on the Abilene and Amarillo campuses each year.

Many other social activities, interprofessional education events, and student development workshops are communicated to students throughout the year. Get involved today!

Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA)

Overview. The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) (20 U.S.C. § 1232g; 34 CFR Part 99) is a federal law that protects the privacy of student education records. The law applies to all schools that receive funds under an applicable program of the U.S. Department of Education. Refer to the Office of the Registrar and/or HSC OP 77.13 (Student Education Records) for additional information.

Grades

Pass/Fail

Faculty have the option to choose a pass/fail grading system for limited courses. The request should be made at the time of submission of a new course request and/or significant changes to an existing course. Such requests are evaluated by the Graduate Council. Other emergency situations may also warrant a temporary transition to a pass/fail grading system. However, no more than one-fourth of a student’s didactic coursework may be graded as pass/fail.

Regardless of the grading system (i.e., letter grades, pass/fail), the course instructor should communicate to students the grading system and method for calculating course grades at the beginning of each term and via the course syllabus.

Credit

The symbol “CR” is typically used for enrollment in master’s thesis or doctoral dissertation semester credit hours (SCH) until the completed manuscript has been approved by the student’s advisory committee and accepted by the GSBS office. At that time, a letter grade will be entered for the final semester of enrollment. Faculty members may also elect to assign a letter grade to the last 6 SCH of thesis or 12 SCH of dissertation by preparing a Change of Grade Form if a portion of those hours were taken in a previous semester.

In Progress

A grading symbol of “PR,” which implies satisfactory performance, is given only when the work for a course extends beyond the semester or term. Assigned work must be completed, and a change of grade must be recorded by the end of the following term from which the “PR” was assigned. Failure to do so will result in the school requesting either an “F” be assigned by submitting a Change of Grade Form or an “I” (Incomplete) by submitting the Grade of Incomplete Form to the Registrar’s office.

Incomplete

An “I” is given only when a student's work is satisfactory in quality, but due to reasons beyond the student’s control, the work has not been completed. It is not used as a substitute for an “F.” Only the Registrar’s office can enter a grade of “I.” The course director must provide appropriate justification for the grade via the Grade of Incomplete Form, which requires signatures by the student, instructor, Department Chair/Program Director/Graduate Advisor, and GSBS Dean. The assigned work must be completed and a Change of Grade Form must be submitted within one calendar year from the date the “I” was assigned. Failure to do so will result in the Registrar's office assigning an “F” for that course and causing the course to become ineligible for any subsequent grade changes. A grade of “I” will not be replaced with a “W” or “WF,” as described below.

Withdraw

When a student officially drops a course by the specified date on the academic calendar, a grade of “W” will be assigned. A withdrawal after the specified date will result in a grade of “W” or “WF” (i.e., withdrew when failing), according to the assessment of the student’s work in the course up to the time of the official withdrawal. The grade of “W” does not impact a student’s GPA, but “WF” is calculated into the GPA. In addition, a student who no longer attends a course without an official withdrawal will receive an “F” in that course.

Grade Appeal

The grade appeal process seeks to provide a student with a safeguard against receiving an unfair final grade, while respecting the academic responsibility of the faculty. It is the policy of the TTUHSC Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences (GSBS) to affirm the right of its students to a prompt and fair resolution of any complaint or grievance. Thus, this policy recognizes the following:

• Every student has a right to receive a grade based on a fair and unprejudiced evaluation of the student’s performance using a method that is neither arbitrary nor capricious; and
• Faculty have the right to assign a grade based on any method that is professionally acceptable, submitted in writing to all students, and applied equally.

The following procedure provides students with a system by which to file an appeal of a final grade they believe was based on arbitrary or capricious action by the faculty. Only the final course grade, as posted in the official TTUHSC system, may be appealed. The burden of proof that such an influence has affected a final grade rests with the student.

Prior to filing an official grade appeal, the student must meet with the course director to review how the faculty arrived at the final grade within three (3) days of the grade being posted. After the meeting with the course director, if the student wishes to pursue filing a final grade appeal, the following procedures shall be followed.

Grade Appeal Procedure

Step 1: Initial Appeal

• Students must file a Grade Appeal form within five (5) business days of the date the student met with the faculty member who issued the grade to discuss the posted final grade. The Grade Appeal form, which is available online to current students, should be filed with the GSBS Assistant Dean. The student must include in the appeal a written statement containing any information regarding attempts at resolution, the basis for the allegation that the grading was erroneous, and a proposed remedy. All documents to support the appeal must accompany the Grade Appeal form. Documents received after the log-in date of the Grade Appeal form will not be accepted.
• The Assistant Dean will review all materials pertinent to the grade appeal and meet with the faculty and/or student if clarification of information is needed.
• After review of all materials, the Assistant Dean shall render a decision within five (5) business days from receipt of the formal grade appeal. The student shall be notified of the decision via electronic correspondence to the student’s TTUHSC email address. The grade appeal decision is deemed received by the student when received electronically by the student at his/her TTUHSC email address. It is the student’s responsibility to keep the university advised of any change in contact information.

Step 2: Grade Appeal Committee

• If unsatisfied with the decision of the Assistant Dean, the student may appeal to a Grade Appeal Committee by submitting a detailed written explanation outlining every reason why the grade is perceived to be unjust to the Assistant Dean, who will engage the committee. Any reason not set forth in writing will not be considered. Such explanation must be submitted within five (5) business days from the receipt of the written decision of the Assistant Dean.
• The appointment and deliberation process of the Grade Appeal Committee shall follow the same procedures as those for the Dismissal Appeal Committee, except that any decision by a committee on a grade appeal is final and will not go to the Dean.
• All records related to the appeal are retained by the GSBS office for a period of three (3) years.

Graduation

Grade Requirement for Graduation. The minimum requirement for graduation is a cumulative GPA of 3.0 in all courses taken for graduate credit, excluding credits for the thesis and/or dissertation.

Semester of Graduation. There are three official graduation dates: December, May, and August. However, there is only one commencement ceremony in May. (December and August graduates are invited to participate in the May ceremony following completion of all graduation requirements.) Every GSBS candidate for a graduate degree must be registered in the semester of graduation. Failure to graduate at the expected time requires additional registration, as necessary, until all graduation requirements are met. Unless otherwise specified, all students must enroll full-time during the last semester.

Statement of Intent to Graduate. A student planning to graduate must file a Statement of Intent to Graduate with the GSBS office. This form is available online for current students. No candidate’s name will be placed on a tentative list for graduation for any graduation date unless this statement has been received in the GSBS office by the specified deadline. Important graduation deadlines are provided on the official academic calendar. A candidate who fails to graduate at the expected time is required to file a new Statement of Intent to Graduate for any subsequent graduation. Students are also required to complete a graduation application at the institutional level. Refer to the TTUHSC Commencement website for additional information.

Graduation Fee. In the semester of graduation, the candidate will pay a graduation fee regardless of commencement
participation. This fee must be paid again if the student does not graduate in the intended semester.

Internships for Doctoral Students

Definition. An internship is an experiential learning opportunity in which students acquire transferable knowledge and/or
skills relevant to their research endeavors through a short-term rotation in a private or public pharmaceutical or
biotechnology company, institution, or federal government agency.

Eligibility Criteria. A doctoral student who is interested in pursuing an internship must meet the following eligibility
requirements in the TTUHSC Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences (GSBS):

• Good academic standing;
• In alignment with professionalism expectations per the GSBS Catalog;
• Admission to candidacy;
• Verbal approval by the research mentor before applying for an internship;
• Completion of an official internship proposal;
• Final approvals by designated individuals upon an internship offer;
• Enrollment in ≥1 SCH of research (i.e., GBCM/GIID/GMBP/GTNP/GPSC 7000) in the spring semester before the summer internship;
• Enrollment in 1 SCH of seminar (i.e., GBCM/GIID/GMBP/GTNP/GPSC 7101) in the fall semester after the summer
  internship; AND
• Fulfillment of internship requirements prior to the oral dissertation defense.

Internship Guidelines

• Internships can be performed remotely (i.e., remote internship) or via temporary relocation to an off-campus site (i.e., on-site internship).
• Remote and on-site internships must occur during the summer semester only.
• Student participation in internships is voluntary for all GSBS doctoral students.
• Internships should enhance a student’s existing knowledge and skills in alignment with his/her overall educational goals.
• Internships must include clearly defined student learning outcomes and expected deliverables, as outlined in the appropriate course syllabi.
• An experiential learning opportunity conducted at one of the TTUHSC campuses will be considered a lab rotation not an internship.

Administration

• Prior to Internship
  • In the spring semester before the proposed internship experience, students must enroll in at least 1
    SCH of research (i.e., GBCM/GIID/GMBP/GTNP/GPSC 7000). The student will enroll in a designated section of this course if
    an internship offer is received before the spring registration deadline. If an internship offer has not yet been received, then
    the student will be moved into the designated section upon receipt of an internship offer. Various internship requirements
    must be fulfilled as part of the research course, as outlined in the Evaluation sub-section below.
• Internship
  • Upon approval of the internship, the student will not be required to enroll in courses over the summer semester.
    The GSBS office will waive the requirement for consecutive enrollment in dissertation hours for that semester.
  • Students participating in summer internships will be ineligible to receive Research Assistantship (RA) benefits, which include
    tuition scholarships and fee waivers. The RA appointment will resume upon return to TTUHSC.
  • The tuition scholarships and fee waivers will resume in the fall semester following completion of the internship. If a student
    fails to return to TTUHSC by the 12th class day of the fall semester, then tuition scholarships and fee waivers will not resume
    until the spring semester.
  • If a student chooses to register for coursework during the summer term of the internship, payment of tuition and fees will
    be the student’s responsibility. This includes out-of-state tuition, if applicable.
  • Financial hardships arising due to participation in an internship may be evaluated on an individual basis. In such cases, alternate sources of funding to assist a student may be available but not guaranteed. These sources of funding may come from a combination of sources, but the student should work with department personnel to identify and process such funding in alignment with all applicable federal and state requirements and in accordance with TTUHSC policies and procedures.
• Completion of Internship
  • In the fall semester after the summer internship, the student must enroll in 1 SCH of seminar (i.e., GBCM/GIID/GMBP/GTNP/GPSC 7101). The student will enroll in a designated seminar section for the dual purpose of (a) fulfilling seminar expectations, and (b) completing internship requirements. Refer to the Evaluation section in the current policy for additional information.
• Evaluation
  • As part of the research course (i.e., 7000) requirements, the student must complete the GSBS Internship Proposal form, which is available online to current students. Upon receipt of an official internship offer, the student must obtain final approvals by the following individuals: (1) student’s research mentor; (2) Graduate Advisor; (3) Department Chair; (3) an authorized representative from the GSBS administrative office; and (4) the institution’s Designated School Official (DSO), as applicable, for F-1 international students. The proposal form and approvals will be used, in part, to determine the final grade for the research course.

Upon completion of the internship experience, the student’s research mentor will solicit feedback about the student from the internship site supervisor using a standardized form. In addition, each student will be expected to complete: (1) a written evaluation of the internship site, supervisor, and overall experience; and (2) an oral/visual presentation which provides an overview of the internship and highlights the student’s significant accomplishments in relation to the intended learning outcomes. The final grade for the fall seminar course (i.e., 7101) will be determined, in part, by the site supervisor’s feedback, student’s written internship evaluation, and presentation.

Other Experiential Learning. Other types of experiential learning that may not be classified as an internship will be considered on a case-by-case basis. The student should discuss the proposed experience with the research mentor, Graduate Advisor, and Student Affairs Advocate as soon as possible to determine feasibility.

Interprofessional Practice and Education (IPE) Core Curriculum

All TTUHSC students, regardless of school affiliation, are required to complete the IPE core curriculum prior to graduation. The IPE core curriculum includes two components, including (a) successful completion of a non-credit online course (>70% accuracy on the knowledge post-test); and (b) successful participation in at least one registered IPE learning activity. Failure to complete the IPE core curriculum will result in delayed graduation.

Additional information is provided to new GSBS students during orientation. In general, new students must register for GSBS 5000: Interprofessional Collaborative Practice in the first semester of coursework and are required to complete the self-paced online modules at the beginning of the semester. Refer to the specific deadline in the course syllabus. GSBS students may complete the registered IPE learning activity at any time during the academic program but prior to graduation. Certificates of completion should be sent to the program’s Student Affairs Advocate via email.

Leave of Absence

At TTUHSC, students are expected to proceed through each academic program in a continuous, uninterrupted manner until successful completion of degree requirements. However, in extenuating circumstances, a student may need to separate temporarily from the institution via an approved leave of absence (LOA) due to medical, personal, military, or other academic reasons. Refer to HSC OP 77.21 (Student Leave of Absence Policy) for descriptions of each type of leave and related procedures for submitting an LOA request.

The timeframe for an official LOA will be determined by the GSBS Assistant Dean in collaboration with program leaders. Typically, an official LOA will not exceed one year and does not extend the maximum time allowed for degree completion by the university. Any student who fails to register for the required coursework each semester and who does not have an official LOA from academic study is subject to review for readmission by the standards in effect at the time of reconsideration. In addition, TTUHSC must report all LOA’s longer than thirty (=30) days to the National Student Clearinghouse. This notification may impact loan repayment timelines, grace periods, and other financial aid considerations.

Note: An official LOA differs from flex time, which is described in the Research Assistantships sub-section in the current catalog. Flex time is related to a student’s employment as an RA, whereas an official LOA is related to a student’s enrollment in an academic program of study. A student on an official LOA is not eligible to hold a student employment appointment. Contact your Student Affairs Advocate and/or GSBS Assistant Dean for additional information.

Misconduct

The TTUHSC Student Handbook: Code of Professional Conduct describes various examples of misconduct and prohibited behaviors by a student or student organization. Any TTUHSC faculty, staff, or student may file a complaint against a student or student organization for violation of the student code. The disciplinary procedures related to allegations of such misconduct are also clearly delineated. Any student or student organization found to have engaged in misconduct is subject to disciplinary sanctions, conditions, and/or restrictions.

It is the policy of the Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center (TTUHSC) to affirm the rights of its students to a prompt and fair resolution of a complaint or grievance involving allegations of inappropriate behavior. When an allegation of misconduct occurs, the GSBS will attempt to resolve the issue informally through a preliminary discussion and/or investigation with the appropriate parties. If a basis for a formal complaint exists, then a grievance may be filed following the policies and procedures on the TTUHSC Student Affairs website and/or TTUHSC Student Handbook: Code of Professional Conduct.

Probation

Every student enrolled in the Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences (GSBS), whether degree-seeking or not, is required to maintain a high level of performance and to comply fully with policies of the GSBS and the institution. The GSBS reserves the right to place on probation, suspend, or dismiss any graduate student who does not maintain satisfactory academic standing or who fails to conform to the regulations of TTUHSC. Other sanctions may also be imposed, as appropriate.

Each student is expected to earn a 3.0 grade point average (GPA) or higher in each semester of enrollment. If a student's GPA for a particular semester falls below 3.0, the student will be placed on academic probation. Failure to maintain a 3.0 GPA in each succeeding semester may result in academic dismissal from GSBS. Regulations governing probation are based on the semester GPA and will be applied regardless of the cumulative GPA. Students may also be placed on probation for failure to maintain satisfactory academic progress, including but not limited to, completing core courses in the expected term.

Students placed on academic probation will lose their tuition and fee scholarships, as applicable, for the semester immediately following the term in which the student’s GPA was insufficient. The student must earn a 3.0 GPA or higher in the semester in which the scholarships are forfeited to regain the tuition and fee scholarships. Students on academic probation are not eligible for any other scholarships.

Academic programs or concentrations may apply standards for probation higher than those established by GSBS. Such standards should be approved by the Senior Associate Dean—Lubbock, and actions based thereon are to be recommended by the Department Chair, Graduate Advisor, and/or Program Director, as applicable, and forwarded to the GSBS Assistant Dean.

Professionalism

All students must adhere to the TTUHSC Student Handbook: Code of Professional Conduct, as well as the policies and procedures of the department, school, and university. Examples of professional conduct include, but are not limited to, prompt payment of tuition; arriving on-time and staying for the duration of classes, seminars, and meetings; maintaining a clean campus environment; responsiveness to email messages; respectful interactions with others; and adherence to deadlines. Students are also expected to embody the core values of TTUHSC to cultivate an exceptional community across each campus for faculty, staff, students, patients, and community members. Our values include one team, kindhearted, integrity, visionary, and beyond service.

Progress Meetings

All students, regardless of academic program, will participate in annual advising meetings. Typically, these are scheduled by the Student Affairs Advocate (SAA) for the program and includes the student, Graduate Advisor, SAA, and research mentor, if feasible. The purpose of these meetings is to evaluate student progress and determine the courses to take in upcoming semesters.

Doctoral students and master’s level students who are completing a thesis should also participate in committee meetings at least annually to enable the student and committee members to evaluate student progress towards degree completion. Students and/or mentors must prepare meeting documentation, obtain appropriate signatures, and submit to the assigned SAA within 7 days of the meeting. Any student not making satisfactory progress toward the degree may be placed on probation and given conditions to remain in the GSBS program. Continued unsatisfactory progress in any area of a student’s work may be cause for dismissal.

Publication of Student Work

Every doctoral student is required to publish an original peer-reviewed research paper to demonstrate that the student has made a significant contribution to science. While students are encouraged to contribute to science via review articles, they are not a substitute for original peer-reviewed research publication(s). The manuscript must be accepted (or accepted pending minor revisions), in press, or published before submission of the Approval to Schedule Defense form, which is available online to current students. The manuscript must be in a journal indexed by PubMed or Web of Science. The student must be the "first author" or share "first authorship" with a co-author of the manuscript, and the work must be completed during the current degree program.

Waivers. If there are compelling reasons that the student will not have a published first-author manuscript when the Approval to Schedule Defense form is submitted, the dissertation committee chair may request a waiver for the student to schedule the defense, defend the dissertation, and graduate. The GSBS Dean, in considering the waiver request, will review three stipulations:

1. By a majority vote of consent, the dissertation committee must approve that the doctoral candidate has completed sufficient research to schedule the dissertation defense;
2. The student's mentor and advisory committee must clearly state that a manuscript draft has been submitted and is suitable for a first-author (or co-first author) publication; and
3. The mentor must provide an explanation for the publication delay and assurances that every effort will be made to have the submitted manuscript published.

Qualifying Examination

The qualifying examination is one of the major requirements of the doctoral degree program. The examination requires a synthesis and application of knowledge acquired during the doctoral degree course of study; consequently, successful performance in coursework does not necessarily guarantee successful performance on the qualifying examination. The purpose of the qualifying examination is to ensure that students have mastered the fundamentals in a major area of interest; can apply the scientific process to study a specific problem; and are adequately prepared to begin working full-time on the doctoral research project.

In general, a doctoral student is eligible for the qualifying exam after completing the graduate core curriculum. The exam consists of two components—written and oral. The oral examination will be a public seminar (approximately 45 minutes) with a brief opportunity for questions and answers by attendees. The public presentation will be followed by a closed session with the student and the qualifying examination committee. Please note the student’s research mentor may not serve as the chair of the qualifying exam committee. Individual doctoral programs may have specific requirements related to timeline, eligibility, format, committee composition, and grading. Contact the appropriate Student Affairs Advocate and/or the Biomedical Sciences Program Guidelines or Pharmaceutical Sciences Program Guidelines for more information.

Upon successful completion of the written and oral components of the examination, an Admission to Candidacy form will be submitted to the GSBS office for consideration by the Graduate Council. Failure to complete the qualifying exam successfully may result in dismissal from the academic program.

Research Assistantships

Enrollment. Students on research assistantships must be full-time students. The minimum enrollment for full-time graduate status is nine (9) semester credit hours (SCH) in the regular semester and at least six (6) SCH in the summer term. Students on assistantships must matriculate every semester, or the assistantship will be temporarily suspended until the next semester of matriculation.

Upon matriculation into GSBS, all doctoral students will be employed as a Research Assistant funded by either the GSBS or the department/PrincipaI Investigator. For continuation of the research assistantship from year to year, the student must be in satisfactory academic standing and continue making appropriate progress toward a degree. Master’s level students in the Biotechnology—Research Track will be employed as Research Assistants during the second year of the program unless they participate in an internship with an external partner. Students in the Biotechnology—Abbreviated Track will not be granted a paid research assistantship at TTUHSC.

Although GSBS faculty and/or staff will provide assistance, each student accepts final responsibility for identifying a research mentor. A student who is unable to identify a mentor will not be able to fulfill program requirements and must withdraw from the program.

On occasion, it may become necessary for a student to transition from the original research mentor to a new research mentor. Specific guidelines outlining this lab change process were under development at the time of catalog publication. Contact the Department Chair, Graduate Advisor, Program Director, and/or Student Affairs Advocate for more information.

Fee Waivers. Students must be appointed before the official census date for the semester as a benefits eligible Research Assistant with employment of at least one-half time to be eligible for fee waivers. The student must be employed for 4 ½ months in a semester to qualify for the waivers. If the student leaves early or does not meet the 4 ½ month criteria, the fee waivers will be revoked, and the student will be required to pay the balance due. GSBS students who are employed as Research Assistants and who are also taking courses at Texas Tech University (TTU) will not be eligible for waivers for the TTU tuition and fees. Fee waivers are only guaranteed for GSBS courses. Waivers include the following:

• Graduate Student Fee Assistance Program: Exempts, by Board of Regents action, the student from the payment of certain fees (e.g., institutional tuition, student services fee, information technology fee, recreation center fee, and course fees);
• Non-Resident State Tuition Exemption: Exempts a student from payment of nonresident tuition over and above the state resident rate. Per Texas Education Code, §54.212, “a teaching assistant or research assistant of any institution of higher education and the spouse and children of such a teaching assistant or research assistant are entitled to register in a state institution of higher education by paying the tuition fees and other fees or charges required for Texas residents” under Texas Education Code, §54.051, “without regard to the length of time the assistant has resided in Texas, if the assistant is employed at least one-half time in a teaching or research assistant position which relates to the assistant’s degree program under rules and regulations established by the employer institution.”
• Medical Services Waiver: Waives the student from payment of the medical services fee. Refer to the Student Health sub-section for more information.

Work Expectations. Research Assistants are expected to work in the lab twenty (20) hours per week. Additional hours (>20) in the lab are required for fulfillment of coursework and/or thesis/dissertation preparation in alignment with the number of registered credit hours. As noted in the Attendance sub-section, all graduate students, regardless of academic program, are expected to abide by the attendance policies of each course director during the official academic term for which they are enrolled in academic credit. Limited absences may be necessary during the academic term due to personal illness and/or unexpected emergencies. These absences should be discussed with and approved by the course director in order to determine potential options for making up the absence(s). For courses directly related to research/thesis/dissertation, the research mentor serves as the course director.

Research Assistant positions are not entitled to vacation or sick leave because student employment is governed by 6 Tex. Gov’t. Code § 661.152 and § 661.201. See below for relevant excerpts:

Flex Time. Sometimes it may be necessary for a Research Assistant (RA) to be absent from the lab for personal reasons. It is the student’s responsibility to communicate with and obtain approval from the research mentor in those occasional circumstances. However, a request to be out of the lab for ten (10) or more consecutive business days constitutes extended flex time, which must be approved by the research mentor and GSBS Assistant Dean before that extended flex time has been taken. The first 10 business days of extended flex time will be paid, excluding any official University holidays, as outlined in TTU System Regulation 07.12 (Employee Leave). Any requested extended flex time beyond 10 consecutive business days within a 12-month period will occur without pay.

Students planning any extended flex time away from the lab (i.e., ≥ 10 days) should promptly consult with their research mentor, meet with the assigned Student Affairs Advocate (SAA), and submit appropriate paperwork for approval at least 2 weeks in advance of the proposed time. RA’s must not take extended flex time away from the lab during the official fall, spring, or summer terms unless medically necessary. Any extended flex time away from the lab should be taken between semesters, which is defined as any time after the last day of class and before the first day of class for the next semester according to the published academic calendar. Any extended flex time requested during the week of final examinations must also be approved by the course director(s) for each course in which the student is enrolled for academic credit. Upon formal approval of the extended flex time, each student must visit the GSBS office in person at the appropriate campus the last business day prior to the extended flex time start date and must also visit the GSBS office in person the first business day after the last date of approved extended flex time in order to re-instate an active employee status and resume future compensation.

The extended flex time permitted each academic year cannot be accumulated and will not be carried forward to the next academic year. Regardless of the length of any lab absences, the RA and research mentor should discuss the specific expectations for work productivity related to the absence and any associated timelines for meeting those expectations. Students are expected to comply with the ethical and professional standards established by TTUHSC, GSBS, and their individual research mentors. All students assume personal responsibility for their own integrity and are likewise responsible for reporting any possible violations of this flex time policy by other students. Failure to comply with this policy could lead to disciplinary action, including but not limited to, loss of tuition scholarships or termination of the RA position.

For additional information on student employment, you may also refer to HSC OP 70.27 (Appointment of Student
Employees).

Note: Flex time differs from an official leave of absence, which is described in the Leave of Absence sub-section in the current catalog. Flex time is related to a student’s employment as an RA, whereas an official LOA is related to a student’s enrollment in an academic program of study. A student on an official LOA is not eligible to hold a student employment appointment. Contact your Student Affairs Advocate and/or GSBS Assistant Dean for additional information.

Responsible Conduct of Research

All GSBS students, regardless of academic program, are required to complete an ethics course — GSBS 5101: Responsible Conduct of Research — as part of their program. The course addresses the regulatory environment, as well as the normative ethics of conducting biomedical research.

Scholarly Activities

GSBS maintains current records of each student’s scholarly activities, such as publications and presentations, for various reporting purposes and to celebrate students’ accomplishments. On a date to be determined by each program’s Student Affairs Advocate, students may be asked to submit either an updated curriculum vitae (CV) or an updated list of publications and/or presentations, as applicable.

Scholarships

GSBS offers various scholarships throughout the year in an effort to recruit and retain the best quality students. Information about all GSBS scholarships can be found on the scholarships page of the GSBS website. Students must be in satisfactory academic standing and may be required to have a FAFSA or TASFA on file with Financial Aid to receive certain scholarships, including tuition scholarships.

Student Health

Student Health Services/Medical Services Fee. Each TTUHSC campus has a facility that students can use when needing health care services. Each location offers a range of services from medical checkups and mental health services to wellness support and health education. Each campus has identified facilities which are available to all students who have paid the medical services fee. Refer to the TTUHSC Student Affairs website for additional information. All master's students in GSBS are required to pay the TTUHSC medical services fee each semester. However, the medical services fee is automatically waived for students who hold research assistantships. For Research Assistants to gain access to student health services, they must opt-in to pay the fee.

Student Health Insurance. Per HSC OP 77.19 (Mandatory Student Health Insurance), all GSBS students must obtain and maintain health insurance coverage that is Affordable Care Act (ACA) compliant while enrolled at TTUHSC. Per  HSC OP 77.03 (Requirements of Health, Evacuation, and Repatriation Insurance for F-1 Non-immigrant Students), all non-immigrant F-1 students must have health insurance coverage as a condition of enrollment. This guarantees that both TTUHSC and non-immigrant students are in compliance with United States federal regulations and guidelines.

The student health insurance requirement differs from the medical services fee, which gives the student inexpensive access to basic services. The medical services fee does not cover emergency room visits, hospitalizations, laboratory services, radiology, and certain procedures. The ACA-compliant health insurance will cover such services. Refer to the TTUHSC Student Life website for additional information and deadlines. Related information will also be communicated to students via their official TTUHSC email accounts.

In order to ensure health insurance coverage, all TTUHSC students are automatically enrolled in the university-sponsored student health insurance plan unless an approved waiver is submitted. Currently, Academic Health Plans (AHP) administers the student health insurance plan for TTUHSC. This plan will be charged to each student’s tuition and fee bill. If students do not have alternative health insurance coverage, they must pay the insurance premium through the student account by the institutional due dates to avoid additional fees.

If students have alternative health insurance coverage (e.g., coverage by a parent, guardian, spouse, or employer) that is Affordable Care Act (ACA) compliant, they have the option to submit a request to waive the student health insurance plan on the AHP website. Alternative health insurance coverage must be active for the duration of the coverage period. Travel plans, short-term plans, cost sharing plans, or plans that require an individual to pay for treatment and then apply for reimbursement will NOT be accepted. Please note GSBS students who are Research Assistants are also eligible to pay for employee health benefits and should contact Human Resources to explore that coverage as an alternative health insurance option.

If a waiver is approved, the student health insurance plan charge will be removed or refunded on the student’s account. If the request for a waiver is denied, the student will need to pay the charge for the student health insurance plan billed to the student’s account. If the student thinks the waiver was denied in error, contact the Office of Student Life for assistance at 806.743.2302 or student.life@ttuhsc.edu. Students are required to submit a new waiver each fall semester.

Screening and Immunization Fee. Each fall students are assessed a screening and immunization fee that provides funds for the screening and maintenance of student immunization records and to cover the cost of providing limited vaccinations to current students. Immunization records are kept up-to-date through the Office of Institutional Health and Wellness. Annual services include TB screening, influenza vaccine, and completion of Hepatitis B vaccine post-matriculation, as well as follow up to current students for any blood-borne pathogen exposures that may occur as a TTUHSC student. Costs for pre-matriculation immunization requirements are not covered.

Student Legal Services

Texas Tech University provides legal advice, counsel, and limited representation for currently enrolled TTUHSC students. Refer to the TTU Student Legal Services website for additional information.

Time to Degree

The maximum time to degree for GSBS students is six (6) years for master’s degrees. The maximum time to degree is eight (8) years for doctoral degrees, or four (4) years from admission to candidacy, whichever comes first. Any student who does not complete all requirements within the given timeframe will be dismissed from the program. Please note the State of Texas will also not provide funds to state institutions of higher education for doctoral students who exceed the allowable number of semester credit hours (SCH). Refer to the Excessive Hours sub-section for additional information.

A minimum of three (3) years of full-time graduate study beyond the bachelor’s degree is required for a doctoral degree. Work completed for the master’s degree, other than thesis hours, may be considered as a part of this period if it forms a logical sequence in the entire program. Credit typically will not be given for work completed more than eight (8) years prior to admission to the doctoral program. Exceptions to this policy will require written justification through the student’s department and approval by the GSBS Dean.

Work completed in the doctoral program of another recognized, accredited graduate school will be considered on the recommendation of the relevant department(s), but no assurance can be given that such work will reduce the course requirements at TTUHSC. Transferred credit will not reduce the minimum residence, as described in the Residence Requirement sub-section.

Title IX

Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center (TTUHSC) is committed to providing and strengthening an educational and working environment where students, faculty, staff, and visitors are free from sex discrimination of any kind. TTUHSC prohibits discrimination based on sex, which includes pregnancy, sexual orientation and gender identity, as well as other types of sexual misconduct.

TTUHSC’s Title IX and sexual misconduct policy and complaint procedures may be found in TTU System Regulation 07.06 and HSC OP 51.03 (Sexual Misconduct). Additionally, the TTUHSC Student Grievance Policies and Procedures website addresses complaint procedures involving students.

Texas law requires employees to report certain types of sexual misconduct to appropriate University personnel. All employees, including student employees, who in the course and scope of employment, witness or receive information regarding the occurrence of an incident that the employee reasonably believes constitutes sexual misconduct and is alleged to have been committed by or against an individual who was a student enrolled at or an employee of the University at the time of the incident shall promptly report the incident to the TTUHSC Title IX Coordinator. If you have been involved in or are aware of sex discrimination or sexual misconduct, please use the  online report form.

Please feel free to reach out to the TTUHSC Title IX Coordinator at TitleIXCoordinator@ttuhsc.edu to assist you with your concern, or visit the TTUHSC Title IX website for more information.

Transfer Credit from Other Colleges and Universities

There is no automatic transfer of credit toward a graduate degree in GSBS. Students must request approval for graduate credit to be transferred from an accredited college or university in the United States. Work completed in the doctoral program of another recognized, accredited graduate school will be considered on the recommendation of the relevant department(s), but no assurance can be given that such work will reduce the course requirements at TTUHSC.

No undergraduate credit may count towards graduate credit. Transfer credit is also contingent upon completion of the course with a B (3.0) or better. (A grade of “B” is defined by the numerical range of 80-89.) Courses graded using other systems, such as Pass/Fail, are not eligible for transfer credit. The length of time since the course was completed may also be a factor in evaluating transfer requests. In general, credit will typically not be given for work completed more than eight (8) years prior to admission.

Doctoral students can transfer no more than 30 semester credit hours (SCH) of an earned master’s degree or doctoral coursework from another institution. Master’s students can transfer no more than 6 SCH towards a 30-SCH master’s program and no more than 9 SCH  towards a master’s program that requires ≥36 SCH. To process such transfer requests, the student must provide all requested documentation needed to evaluate course equivalency. This includes, but is not limited to, an official U.S. transcript and course syllabus from the completed course for which the transfer is requested. A student must initiate a transfer request with the Graduate Advisor or Program Director, as applicable, as early as possible but before establishing a formal degree plan via DegreeWorks in collaboration with the appropriate academic advisor and/or Student Affairs Advocate for the program/concentration. Upon concentration/program approval, the request will be forwarded to the Student Affairs Advocate in the GSBS office for processing before submission to the Registrar’s office.
Transfer credit reflects on the TTUHSC transcript but does not impact the student’s GPA. Transferred credit will not reduce the minimum residence, as described in the Residence Requirement sub-section. Limited exceptions to these transfer credit guidelines may be approved by the GSBS Dean for formal academic agreements with other TTUHSC schools (e.g., MD/PhD).

Verification of Student Identity

All students who are enrolled in a GSBS degree program are required to provide government-issued identification (ID) prior to distribution of the student’s TTUHSC student identification badge. Failure to do so prior to the census date of the first semester of enrollment will result in the student being dropped from all courses.

In addition, GSBS requires program applicants to provide government-issued identification ID in order to participate in any virtual admissions interviews. Finally, GSBS does not currently offer any online degree programs. However, in the event GSBS develops and implements such degree programs, enrolled students will be required to provide government-issued ID during a live videoconferencing session prior to the census date of the first semester of enrollment.

Acceptable forms of government-issued ID include:

1. U.S. driver’s license;
2. State- or government-issued ID card;
3. U.S. military ID;
4. Unexpired passport;
5. Unexpired U.S. passport card;
6. Department of Indian Affairs Tribal card; and
7. U.S. permanent resident card.

Master of Science (M.S.) Degree Programs (Detailed)

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Biomedical Sciences, M.S.

Students cannot be admitted directly into this program. They are admitted only into the doctoral program. Contact the Department Chair, Graduate Advisor, and/or Student Affairs Advocate (SAA) in your program concentration to determine if the master’s degree is a potential program option for you. The decision will be contingent upon several criteria. Refer to the GSBS course descriptions in the appropriate Ph.D. sub-section. 

Biotechnology, M.S.

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Program Leaders and Staff Contacts

The Master of Science (M.S.) in Biotechnology program, located on the Abilene and Lubbock campuses, offers several options for students interested in careers in biotechnology companies; technical research positions in academia, industry, or government agencies; and/or preparing for entry into a doctoral program. 

In Abilene, faculty members in the Department of Immunotherapeutics and Biotechnology are researchers who study cancer biology, cancer immunology and immunotherapy, nanoparticle drug delivery, tumor micro-environments, and drug screening. Biotechnology faculty members on the Lubbock campus represent faculty in the basic sciences and clinical departments. As such, they represent a variety of research interests, such as addiction, Alzheimer’s disease, cancer biology and therapeutic developments, diabetes, membrane protein physiology and biophysics, neurobiology and pain research, virology and parasitology, and much more. 

Graduate Medical Education Sciences, M.S. (GMES)

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Program Leaders and Staff Contacts (Lubbock)

About the Program 

The Master of Science (M.S.) in Graduate Medical Education Sciences, or GMES, is a two-
year, non-thesis master’s degree. It is designed for students whose goal is either: (a)
additional preparation for a healthcare-related professional school, or (b) a teaching career in the anatomical sciences. Students take courses in the anatomical, biochemical, and physiological sciences with first-year medical students at the TTUHSC School of Medicine. 

During the second year of the program, GMES students also serve as teaching assistants in the medical school. In addition, students design and implement an educational project in anatomy, biochemistry, or histology under the direction of a faculty advisor. The project is typically designed based on curricular needs and in alignment with student interests. Although GSBS faculty and/or staff will provide assistance, each student accepts final responsibility for identifying a faculty advisor. A student who is unable to identify an advisor will not be able to fulfill program requirements and must withdraw from the program. 

Students who complete the first year of the GMES curriculum in good standing are guaranteed one interview with the TTUHSC School of Medicine for potential admission into the Doctor of Medicine (M.D.) program. The interview will typically occur during the medical school application cycle during the student’s second GMES year. If the student chooses to delay the application process, the interview can be delayed until the application cycle immediately following graduation from the GMES program. The student is guaranteed only one interview total regardless of the decision to delay the application process. 

Pharmaceutical Sciences, M.S.

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Program Leaders and Staff Contacts (Amarillo)

About the Program

The Master of Science (M.S.) in Pharmaceutical Sciences is offered at the Amarillo
campus only. It is designed to introduce students to the field of pharmaceutical sciences,
providing them with research experience and the opportunity to pursue entry-level careers as scientists in the pharmaceutical industry or prepare for entry into a doctoral program. Refer to the GPSC course descriptions in the appropriate Ph.D. sub-section. 

Although GSBS faculty and/or staff will provide assistance, each student accepts final responsibility for identifying a research mentor. A student who is unable to identify a mentor will not be able to fulfill program requirements and must withdraw from the program. 

Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) Degree Programs

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Biomedical Sciences, Ph.D.: General Information/Undeclared Students

Program Leaders and Staff Contacts

About the Program

The Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Biomedical Sciences program is offered on the Lubbock campus only. All students enter this degree program with an undeclared concentration. Students complete the core curriculum and rotate in faculty labs prior to selecting a specific concentration and research mentor. Four concentrations are offered: (1) Biochemistry, Cellular and Molecular Biology; (2) Immunology and Infectious Diseases; (3) Molecular Biophysics; and (4) Translational Neuroscience and Pharmacology.

Every doctoral student is required to publish an original peer-reviewed research paper to demonstrate that the student has made a significant contribution to science based on work accomplished during the academic program. The student must be the “first author” or share “first authorship” with a co-author of the manuscript, and the work must be completed during the current academic program. Refer to Publication of Student Work for more details.

The qualifying examination is also one of the major requirements of the doctoral degree program. The examination requires a synthesis and application of knowledge acquired during the doctoral degree course of study. The purpose of the qualifying examination is to ensure that students have mastered the fundamentals in a major area of interest; can apply the scientific process to study a specific problem; and are adequately prepared to begin working full-time on the doctoral research project. For more information, see Qualifying Examination.

In addition, each doctoral student must propose, prepare, and defend a dissertation that demonstrates a mastery of research techniques, a thorough understanding of the subject matter and its background, and a high degree of skill in organizing and presenting the materials. The dissertation, which is presented in a scholarly manuscript, should embody a significant contribution of new information to a subject or a substantial reevaluation of existing knowledge. Refer to Dissertations and Theses for more information.

Core Curriculum

Students complete five core courses during the first semester of doctoral coursework. These courses include GSBS 5471
(Core I: Molecules), GSBS 5372 (Core II: Cells), GSBS 5373 (Core III: Genes), GSBS 5174 (Core IV: Biomedical Seminar), and
GSBS 5275 (Core V: Introduction to Biomedical Research). Refer to the GSBS course descriptions for additional information.

These courses are intended to provide a strong foundation of scientific knowledge in the biomedical sciences in order to
enhance future opportunities for basic and translational research regardless of the program concentration which a student
eventually chooses. Because core courses are offered only during the fall semester, opportunities to withdraw from a core
course based on poor academic performance will not be allowed. Limited exceptions may be approved by the GSBS Dean.
Failure to complete core courses successfully during the first year may result in delayed graduation and/or other academic
consequences, including but not limited to:

• Students may be placed on academic probation for not completing the core courses within the expected term;
• Students receiving a grade of C or below in Core I, Core II, or Core III will be required to repeat the course; and
• Students receiving grades of C or below in two or more core courses will be at risk of dismissal.

Students who have a master’s degree or previous doctoral coursework in a biomedical or biological sciences discipline may request to opt out of the following individual core courses: Core I, Core II, and/or Core III. Students, however, cannot opt out of Core IV or Core V. Refer to Transfer Credit from Other Colleges and Universities for additional details.

A student must initiate a transfer request related to a core course with the Senior Associate Dean—Lubbock prior to the first day of classes of the initial fall semester. The Senior Associate Dean will review the submitted materials in collaboration with the course director of the applicable course and the Core Curriculum Coordination Committee (CCCC). While a final decision is pending, the student must audit the applicable core course. The GSBS office will notify the student of the transfer request prior to the official census date for the semester.

Undeclared Student Information

All students enter the Ph.D. in Biomedical Sciences degree program with an undeclared concentration. Before or after New Student Orientation, each student will meet with the Student Affairs Advocate (Undeclared Students) to discuss first-year course selection, laboratory rotations, procedures guiding concentration selection, and related academic topics.

During the fall semester, students complete the core curriculum, including GSBS 5275 (Core V: Introduction to Biomedical Research). During the first 4 weeks of the course, faculty will present concentration-specific information and discuss research opportunities within each concentration. Then students will complete a minimum of two lab rotations based on their interests and faculty availability. Students are also encouraged to review program guidelines for each concentration and become familiar with concentration expectations. Speaking with individual research mentors, Graduate Advisors, and current students in each concentration are excellent strategies to inform the decision-making process.

The earliest a student may declare a specific concentration and research mentor is the last day of the fall semester of Year 1. The selection must be mutual by the student and research mentor. If a student remains undecided after the fall semester, additional lab rotations may be completed during the spring term. A concentration and mentor must be selected by the end of the summer term prior to Year 2. Although GSBS faculty and/or staff will provide assistance, each student accepts final responsibility for identifying a research mentor. A student who is unable to identify a mentor will not be able to fulfill program requirements and must withdraw from the program.
Once a research mentor has been identified, the student should submit the Application for Change in Major/Declare Concentration form to the GSBS office. This form is available online to current students.

Interdisciplinary Course Descriptions

Below are the interdisciplinary courses available through the Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences (GSBS) for master’s level and doctoral programs. Specific program and/or concentration courses are listed in the appropriate sections.

GSBS uses a course numbering system comparable to systems used by peer institutions. In general, the course prefix indicates the unit/department in which the course is offered. The first digit of the course number represents the level of the course (i.e., graduate); the second digit represents the number of credit hours associated with the course; and the remaining digits represent identification numbers for the course. After the course title, there are three digits in parentheses: (1) total credit hours, (2) lecture contact hours/week, and (3) laboratory contact hours/week. Some courses may have variable (V) credit hours.

GSBS

• 5000 - Foundations of Interprofessional Collaborative Practice (0:0:0)
  • An introduction to broad concepts related to four interprofessional core competencies for healthcare providers: understanding roles and responsibilities; interprofessional communication; interprofessional teams and teamwork; and values and ethics for interprofessional practice. A module on electronic health records is also included. Course is required for all new GSBS students matriculated in a degree-granting program.
• 5097 - Internship (V1-9:0:3-27)
  • Through study in the laboratories of pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies, institutions, or government agencies, standard experimental techniques used in industry are explored by means of a series of hands-on laboratory exercise and directed projects.
• 5098 - Techniques in Biomedical Research (V1-9:0:3-27)
  • Through rotations in different laboratories, students will be introduced to fundamental principles and techniques in basic biomedical research.
• 5099 - Special Topics (V1-9:1-9:0)
  • Topics in a specific area of interest in the related discipline. May be repeated for credit if content varies.
• 5101 - Responsible Conduct of Research (1:1:0)
  • This course will address the regulatory and ethical environment of today's biomedical research as well as such topics as authorship and data management. The class format includes lectures and case discussions. Course is required for all GSBS students.
• 5174 - Core IV: Biomedical Seminar Series (1:1:0)
  • Lecture series, discussions, and/or forum designed to provide training in the presentation and/or critical evaluation of research data or published manuscripts. This course will provide opportunities for students to enhance their oral and written communication, presentation, active listening, and/or critical thinking skills.
• 5210 - Biomedical Statistics (2:2:0)
  • Teaches the essentials for designing and analyzing biomedical experiments including appropriate experimental design, appropriate statistical tests for specific conditions, understanding power and sample size, statistical traps to avoid, and design and analyses for student research.
• 5275 - Core V: Introduction to Biomedical Research (2:2:0)
  • Introduces the first-year Biomedical Sciences (PhD) student to the fundamental principles and techniques in basic biomedical research.
• 5372  - Core II: Cells (3:3:0)
  • The structure/function relationships that underlie basic cellular processes, including translation, protein trafficking, cytoskeletal organization and motility, cell adhesion, and cell division. Required for first-year Biomedical Sciences (PhD) and Biotechnology (MS) students.
• 5373 - Core III: Genes (3:3:0)
  • Teaches essential scientific concepts underlying the field of molecular biology and molecular genetics. Required for first-year Biomedical Sciences (PhD) and Biotechnology (MS) students.
• 5471 - Core I: Molecules (4:4:0)
  • This course offers a broad coverage of biochemistry with an emphasis on structure and function of macromolecules, biosynthesis of small molecule precursors of macromolecules, and the pathways of intermediary metabolism. Required for first-year Biomedical Sciences (PhD) and Biotechnology (MS) students.

Biomedical Sciences, Ph.D.: Biochemistry, Cellular and Molecular Biology

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Program Leaders and Staff Contacts (Lubbock)

About the Concentration

The Biochemistry, Cellular and Molecular Biology (BCMB) concentration prepares students for careers in the fields of biochemistry, cellular, developmental, and molecular biology. Dissertation topics in this concentration vary widely. Examples include regulation of gene expression, development and regeneration of the nervous system, protein amyloidogenesis, and tumor microenvironment in cancer progression. Specific employment opportunities for graduates include faculty positions in academia, industry, and related government agencies.

Sample Curriculum

A minimum of three (3) years of full-time graduate study beyond the bachelor’s degree is required for a doctoral degree. In addition, all Ph.D. candidates are required to complete a minimum total of 72 semester credit hours (SCH). Specific requirements include: (a) 48 SCH of didactic course instruction, (b) 12 SCH of research, and (c) 12 SCH of dissertation. It is common for students to spend 4-5 years of full-time graduate study in the program. Below is a sample curriculum.

Biomedical Sciences, Ph.D.: Immunology and Infectious Diseases

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Program Leaders and Staff Contacts (Lubbock)

About the Concentration

The Immunology and Infectious Diseases (IID) concentration integrates several disciplines, such as immunology, bacterial pathogenesis, virology, and parasitology. Dissertation topics in this concentration vary widely but examples include microbial pathogenesis, biofilms, multi-drug resistance, and tumor antigen identification. Specific employment opportunities for graduates include faculty positions in academia, industry, and related government agencies.

Sample Curriculum

A minimum of three (3) years of full-time graduate study beyond the bachelor’s degree is required for a doctoral degree. In addition, all Ph.D. candidates are required to complete a minimum total of 72 semester credit hours (SCH). Specific requirements include: (a) 48 SCH of didactic course instruction, (b) 12 SCH of research, and (c) 12 SCH of dissertation. It is common for students to spend 4-5 years of full-time graduate study in the program. Below is a sample curriculum.

Biomedical Sciences, Ph.D. Concentration: Molecular Biophysics

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Program Leaders and Staff Contacts (Lubbock)

About the Concentration

The Molecular Biophysics (MB) concentration is geared towards students who have a primary research interest in studying the structure of membrane proteins and their function in health and disease, as well as utilizing cellular and molecular approaches to study these areas. The concentration is closely aligned with work in the TTUHSC School of Medicine’s Center
for Membrane Protein Research. Potential research topics relate to the: (a) ion transport and the role of ligand- and voltagegated potassium channels in normal physiological and pathophysiological conditions; (b) structure/function correlations and structural modeling of ion channels and transporters; and (c) structure-function studies of proteins involved in membrane traffic and fusion. State-of-the-art approaches and techniques, such as X-ray crystallography, molecular spectroscopy, patch-clamp electrophysiology, and confocal microscopy, are used to carry out various research projects. Specific employment opportunities for graduates include faculty positions in academia, industry, and related government agencies.

Sample Curriculum

A minimum of three (3) years of full-time graduate study beyond the bachelor’s degree is required for a doctoral degree. In addition, all Ph.D. candidates are required to complete a minimum total of 72 semester credit hours (SCH). Specific requirements include: (a) 48 SCH of didactic course instruction, (b) 12 SCH of research, and (c) 12 SCH of dissertation. It is common for students to spend 4-5 years of full-time graduate study in the program. Below is a sample curriculum.

Biomedical Sciences, Ph.D. Concentration: Translational Neuroscience and Pharmacology

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Program Leaders and Staff Contacts (Lubbock)

About the Concentration

The Translational Neuroscience and Pharmacology (TNP) concentration facilitates graduate study in several areas, including systems and cellular neuropharmacology and neuroscience, molecular pharmacology, biochemistry, and neurobiology of disease. The School of Medicine’s Center of Excellence for Translational Neuroscience and Therapeutics provides valuable opportunities for interdisciplinary basic science and translational research. Clinically relevant research topics include pain mechanisms and therapies in various preclinical models (arthritis, multiple sclerosis, HIV, chemotherapy- and nerve injuryinduced neuropathic pain); alcohol abuse disorders; alcohol- and oxidative stress-induced damage to the developing brain and neurodegeneration; neurodegenerative disorders (Alzheimer’s disease); and anti-neoplastic drug development and mechanisms of drug resistance. Specific employment opportunities for graduates include faculty positions in academia, industry, and related government agencies.

Sample Curriculum

A minimum of three (3) years of full-time graduate study beyond the bachelor’s degree is required for a doctoral degree. In addition, all Ph.D. candidates are required to complete a minimum total of 72 semester credit hours (SCH). Specific requirements include: (a) 48 SCH of didactic course instruction, (b) 12 SCH of research, and (c) 12 SCH of dissertation. It is common for students to spend 4-5 years of full-time graduate study in the program. Below is a sample curriculum. 

Pharmaceutical Sciences, Ph.D.

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Program Leaders and Staff Contacts

About the Program

The Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Pharmaceutical Sciences, which is offered on the Amarillo and Abilene campuses, encompasses all areas of pharmacy research that pertain to drug design, delivery, therapeutics and immunotherapeutics, and biotechnology. This doctoral program is designed to educate students for careers in the pharmaceutical industry, academia, and federal agencies, such as the FDA and NIH. Departmental faculty members exhibit research interests and expertise in drug design and delivery, pharmacology, pharmaceutics, pharmacokinetics, drug receptor modeling, molecular biology, biochemistry, pathophysiology, immunology and cancer biology and therapy, and medicinal chemistry. All students enter the degree program with an undeclared laboratory. Although GSBS faculty and/or staff will provide assistance, each student accepts final responsibility for identifying a research mentor. A student who is unable to identify a mentor will not be able to fulfill program requirements and must withdraw from the program.

Every doctoral student is required to publish an original peer-reviewed research paper to demonstrate that the student has made a significant contribution to science based on work accomplished during the academic program. The student must be the “first author” or share “first authorship” with a co-author of the manuscript, and the work must be completed during the current academic program. Refer to Publication of Student Work for more details.

The qualifying examination is also one of the major requirements of the doctoral degree program. The examination requires a synthesis and application of knowledge acquired during the doctoral degree course of study. The purpose of the qualifying examination is to ensure that students have mastered the fundamentals in a major area of interest; can apply the scientific process to study a specific problem; and are adequately prepared to begin working full-time on the doctoral research project. For more information, see Qualifying Examination.

In addition, each doctoral student must propose, prepare, and defend a dissertation that demonstrates a mastery of research techniques, a thorough understanding of the subject matter and its background, and a high degree of skill in organizing and presenting the materials. The dissertation, which is presented in a scholarly manuscript, should embody a significant contribution of new information to a subject or a substantial reevaluation of existing knowledge. Refer to
Dissertations and Theses for more information.

Core Curriculum

Doctoral students complete approximately 32 semester credit hours (SCH) of core curriculum courses, including GPSC 7101:
Seminar. This course must be taken each fall and spring semester of enrollment. Students must also take a minimum of 16
SCH of electives in order to complete the required 48 SCH of didactic coursework.

Sample Curriculum

A minimum of three (3) years of full-time graduate study beyond the bachelor’s degree is required for a doctoral degree. In
addition, all Ph.D. candidates are required to complete a minimum total of 72 semester credit hours (SCH). Specific
requirements include: (a) 48 SCH of didactic course instruction, (b) 12 SCH of research, and (c) 12 SCH of dissertation. It is
common for students to spend 4-5 years of full-time graduate study in the program. Refer to the sample curriculum.