The Renaissance School of Medicine (RSOM) at Stony Brook University cultivates a collaborative environment where students and researchers engage across scientific, theoretical and clinical disciplines. Our graduate programs span a diverse range of fields, from clinical training and infectious disease to molecular medicine. This interdisciplinary approach fosters innovation, driving the development of breakthrough drugs, lifesaving diagnostics, and cutting-edge treatments. Through hands-on learning and research, we prepare the next generation of science and research leaders, offering master's and doctoral degrees in a dynamic, discovery-driven setting.
Anatomical Sciences
The Department of Anatomical Sciences offers a multidisciplinary PhD program focused on evolutionary morphology, functional morphology, musculoskeletal biology, systematics and vertebrate paleontology. Graduate students receive comprehensive training through coursework and research, collaborating with departments across the RSOM, Biological Sciences and Anthropology. The program emphasizes an evolutionary approach to morphology, structural adaptations of bone, and the application of experimental and quantitative techniques to study form and function. Students gain expertise in diverse research methods, including electromyography, kinematics, finite element analysis and phylogenetic systematics. With access to cutting-edge tools and interdisciplinary collaboration, graduates are well-prepared for careers in teaching and research.
Click here to learn more about the Anatomical Sciences graduate program.
Biochemistry and Structural Biology (BSB)
The Biochemistry and Structural Biology (BSB) PhD program trains students in biochemical, structural and computational approaches to solving complex biological problems. Students gain expertise in molecular biology, advanced imaging, spectroscopy and structural techniques such as NMR, X-ray crystallography and cryo-electron microscopy. Research focuses on enzyme function, cell signaling, gene regulation and other key cellular processes. The program's interdisciplinary nature fosters a highly collaborative environment among faculty from Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Chemistry, Pharmacological Sciences, and Physiology and Biophysics, as well as Brookhaven National Laboratory. Advances in instrumentation and computational analysis enable structural studies of proteins and large biomolecular complexes. Together with the Molecular and Cellular Biology program, the BSB program is central to biochemical research at Stony Brook.
Click here to learn more about the Biochemistry and Structural Biology graduate program.
Biomedical Engineering
The Department of Biomedical Engineering takes a hands-on, interdisciplinary approach to solving complex medical challenges in the post-genomics era. Its curriculum builds a strong foundation in engineering principles, preparing students for advanced research in basic applied, and translational sciences. Graduate programs are offered at both the doctoral and master’s levels, with the PhD track geared toward academic and research careers, while the MS program focuses on applying advanced technology to biomedical products and processes. Students can also pursue an MD/PhD through the Medical Scientist Training Program (MSTP). Additionally, the department offers an Advanced Graduate Certificate in Life Sciences Innovation and Entrepreneurship, a collaboration with the College of Business and the Center for Biotechnology, equipping students with the business, finance and regulatory knowledge needed to translate biomedical innovations into successful ventures. Situated at the intersection of the Renaissance School of Medicine, Stony Brook University, Brookhaven National Laboratory and Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, the department provides unparalleled opportunities for collaboration and cutting-edge research.
Click here to learn more about the Biomedical Engineering graduate programs.
Biomedical Informatics
The Department of Biomedical Informatics (BMI), jointly housed in the Renaissance School of Medicine and the College of Engineering and Applied Sciences, offers MS and PhD programs, along with advanced graduate certificates (AGC). These programs train students to drive innovation in translational bioinformatics, imaging and clinical informatics. Faculty conduct cutting-edge interdisciplinary research in data science, imaging informatics, systems biology, computational biology, clinical informatics, population health and visualization. Graduates are well-prepared for careers in academia, research institutions, healthcare, industry, and government.
Click here to learn more about the Biomedical Informatics graduate programs.
Genetics
Training is truly inter-institutional and is available in three different types of scientific environments. Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory is a world-renowned, free-standing biological research institution that has played a major role in the development of modern genetics and molecular biology. Brookhaven National Laboratory is one of several large national research laboratories sponsored by the United States Department of Energy and carries out basic and applied research in the physical, biomedical and environmental sciences. Thesis research projects are available in over 100 different laboratories studying a variety of topics, including: chromosome structure and function; transposable elements; DNA replication; cell cycle control; signal transduction; regulation of transcription and RNA splicing; the molecular genetics of cancer; behavioral genetics; developmental genetics; bacterial and viral pathogenesis; population genetics; and molecular evolution. The genetic systems employed in these studies include vertebrates, invertebrates, plants, yeasts, cellular slime molds, bacteria, and prokaryotic and eukaryotic viruses.
Click here to learn more about the Genetics graduate program.
Microbiology and Immunology
The PhD program in Microbiology and Immunology trains RSOM students for careers in research, teaching, public health, biodefense, biotechnology, medicine, patent law and science policy. Students conduct dissertation research with faculty whose labs apply cutting-edge methods in molecular genetics, cell biology, and biochemistry to critical areas like cancer, infectious diseases and cell cycle regulation. The program fosters an interactive research environment with coursework, seminars, journal clubs and an annual retreat. Specialized training opportunities include computational biology at the Laufer Center for Physical and Quantitative Biology at Stony Brook University, chemical biology through the Chemical Biology Training Program and translational research via the Stony Brook Scholars in BioMedical Sciences Program. Graduates of the program go on to become leaders in their fields, contributing to advancements in biomedical science and healthcare.
Click here to learn more about the Microbiology and Immunology graduate program.
Molecular and Cellular Biology (MCB)
The Molecular and Cellular Biology (MCB) graduate program offers multidisciplinary PhD training in diverse biological systems, from plants to humans. Students engage in research across a wide range of topics, including cancer, infectious disease, gene expression, neurobiology, immune response and signal transduction. The program gives students the widest range of research opportunities by allowing them to specialize in one of three areas: Molecular Biology and Biochemistry, Cellular and Developmental Biology or Immunology and Pathology. With access to over 100 faculty members across multiple departments and close collaborations with Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory and Brookhaven National Laboratory, the MCB program fosters a collaborative, interdisciplinary research environment. Its rigorous training and dynamic academic opportunities prepare students for successful careers in biological sciences.
Click here to learn more about the Molecular and Cellular Biology graduate program.
Molecular and Cellular Pharmacology (MCP)
The Molecular and Cellular Pharmacology (MCP) graduate program offers both PhD and MS degrees, focusing on the biochemical and molecular mechanisms that regulate cell and organ function, and the development of pharmacological interventions. The PhD program is an interdepartmental collaboration involving faculty from the RSOM and various departments throughout Stony Brook University, as well as scientists from Brookhaven National Laboratory and Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory. Research areas include cancer therapeutics, infectious diseases, cardiovascular and endocrine pharmacology, neuropharmacology and drug design. The MS program provides a strong foundation in pharmacology and prepares students for careers in academia, pharmaceuticals or government, with opportunities for advanced training in health-related fields. Both programs emphasize research, offering students hands-on experience in scientific discovery and technical skill development. The program’s long-standing NIH funding and success in training graduates for top academic and industry positions reflect its renowned reputation.Click here to learn more about the Molecular and Cellular Pharmacology graduate program.
Neuroscience
The graduate program in Neuroscience offers PhD and MS degrees, providing interdisciplinary training across molecular, cellular, behavioral, computational and systems neuroscience. With faculty across the RSOM and the university as well as collaborations with Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory and Brookhaven National Laboratory, students engage in cutting-edge research that span neural development, receptor physiology, integrative functions and computational neuroscience. Both degree programs emphasize coursework and hands-on research, fostering a broad and rigorous scientific foundation. Students benefit from strong mentorship, access to state-of-the-art facilities and opportunities for multidisciplinary collaboration. The program’s dynamic research environment also includes training in scientific communication, technology development and industry partnerships, preparing graduates for diverse careers in neuroscience.
Click here to learn more about the Neuroscience graduate program.
Physiology and Biophysics
The PhD program in the Department of Physiology and Biophysics trains students to apply quantitative methods to complex physiological problems in human health and disease. Research areas include ion channel and gap junction biophysics, intracellular and intercellular signaling in cancer and neurobiology, transgenic disease models and advanced fluorescence microscopy. The curriculum builds a strong foundation in human physiology, biochemistry and statistical methods, with elective coursework in applied mathematics, genetics, neurobiology and science communication. Through hands-on experience with advanced microscopy and experimental techniques, students develop the skills needed to pursue careers in academic and industrial research, government and law.
Click here to learn more about the Physiology and Biophysics graduate program.
Population Health and Clinical Outcomes Research Program
The Population Health and Clinical Outcomes Research Program through the Program in Public Health trains PhD-prepared researchers to address critical health issues through a multidisciplinary, problem-solving approach. The program focuses on population health and clinical outcomes, preparing graduates for careers in academia, research and policy at local, regional and national levels. Students develop expertise in human subject studies, clinical trials and community interventions to advance knowledge in health care quality, accessibility and effectiveness. The curriculum includes rigorous quantitative and analytical coursework, equipping students with advanced problem-solving skills. Under faculty mentorship, students conduct research on pressing health care challenges, influencing policy and clinical practice. Graduates emerge prepared to design, conduct and evaluate studies that shape the future of public health and medical care.
Click here to learn more about the Population Health and Clinical Outcomes Research Program.
