Graduate Program

Choosing a graduate program is an important life decision. As you begin to explore your options, we welcome the opportunity to tell you about the excellent Ph.D. in Integrative Biomedical Sciences program offered in the School of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences. If you have any questions as you explore the graduate pages, we encourage you to contact us.

Our program focuses on health and disease with an emphasis on molecular and population biology methods. We are proud of our state-of-the-art facilities but we are equally proud of our people— first-rate researchers, faculty and staff— and equally important are our graduate students, some of whom will become your lifelong friends and, perhaps, colleagues.

We will strive to accommodate your research interests and needs in preparation for an exciting and fulfilling career in academia, business or industry. We are strongly committed to helping you succeed.

The School of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences is strong in the area of infectious diseases and neurobiology. It is becoming increasingly clear that to control the spread of infectious diseases, we need a greater understanding of the interactions between pathogen and host:

• How does the host respond to pathogens?
• How do pathogens persist outside the host in the environment?
• How are pathogens transmitted to susceptible hosts?

We also have a strong program in neurobiology (neurobiology, neurovirology and neurotoxicology), where we look at the biology of circadian rhythms, the pathogenesis of neurodegenerative disorders and infectious processes by which viruses affect the nervous system.

Our research extends from the molecular through the population level and addresses mechanisms of disease, population medicine and related topics in biomedical research.

In all aspects of our research, we emphasize collaborative efforts toward advancement of biomedical knowledge. We use our scientific knowledge and skills for the benefit of the society at large through the protection of human and animal health, the relief of animal suffering, the conservation of livestock resources and the promotion of public health and a safe environment.

Learn more about the areas of study and our research facilities.

Susan Ann Smith Mills Memorial Award

The Susan Ann Smith Mills Award was established in 1987 by Susan Mills' uncle and aunt to commemorate her life and dedication to research. The award recognizes outstanding graduate students conducting research in the biomedical science area and is based on their accomplishments and research credentials. Learn more.

Best Seminar Award

Each year, one Ph.D. graduate student will receive a $100 award for the best seminar. Recipients are chosen by peer graduate students. No application is needed. This award is open only to SVMBS students.

CRWAD Award

The sole purpose of CRWAD (Center for Research Workers in Animal Diseases) is to discuss and disseminate the most current research advances in animal diseases. There is an annual meeting each December where research scientists from around the world present their recent research in oral or poster presentation formats. SVMBS will assist with the travel expense for those who are presenting at CRWAD. Contact the School office, VBS 120, for more information. This award is open only to SVMBS students.

Larrick/Whitmore Travel Fund

The Larrick/Whitmore Research Travel Funds Program provides funding toward graduate student travel expenses for students who are presenting the results of their research and/or scholarly activity.

In accordance with the donor's instructions, the Whitmore funds will support graduate student travel to professional society meetings in the fields of animal science; agricultural leadership, education and communication; and veterinary and biomedical sciences. In addition, the Larrick funds will support all other fields related to agricultural research.

Students may only receive one travel grant per degree program. The funds received (maximum award, $500) can be applied to travel related expenses including registration fees, transportation charges not to exceed coach class airfare, lodging and meals.

Application process

• Applications must submitted to ARD by the SVMBS office. To meet the ARD deadline for travel in 2025, applications must be received by the SVMBS office, 120 VBS, by Wednesday, November 27, 2024. 
• The STUDENT must supply the information requested on the application form, and submit it as a PDF file to their department.

Milton E. Mohr Scholarship

The Milton E. Mohr Awards Program recognizes outstanding students in the sciences of biotechnology and engineering based on their academic performance and potential for accomplishments in their specific field. The scholarships and fellowships are awarded each spring and are made possible through an endowment to the University Foundation.

Dr. Mohr was described in his lifetime as "...engineer, inventor, entrepreneur, corporate leader" and was instrumental in providing key leadership to young adults. In 1938, he graduated highest in his class from University of Nebraska–Lincoln with a bachelor of science degree in electrical engineering and in 1959 the university awarded him an honorary doctorate of engineering.

Applications are accepted during a specified time in the spring. Students are notified when applications are being accepted and can pick up the forms at the School office, VBS 120, or request that the forms be emailed to them.

Apply online

Enrollment

Enrollment occurs at the beginning of the fall semester, and all applications must be received by January 15.

To be admitted to the graduate program in the School of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences you must meet the requirements of the Office of Graduate Studies and those of the School of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences.

SVMBS admission requirements

• B.S., D.V.M or equivalent degree with a minimum cumulative grade point average equivalent to 3.0 (B average) or above in a 4-point scale, and
• GRE general test scores. (Success in our program is increased if you rank above 55 percent in both the quantitative and verbal reasoning portions of the GRE.)
• If English is not your native language, a minimum score of 79 (Internet-based) on the TOEFL or 550 (paper-based) is required.

A limited number of stipends are available through SVMBS. If you're planning to apply for an assistantship, it's best to contact potential faculty mentors before you apply for admission.

Cost of study and financial aid

Support for graduate students in the Integrative Biomedical Sciences Ph.D. program is primarily derived from funds available through individual faculty members within the School of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences. These funds are typically obtained from extramural grants or contracts. Few departmental or university assistantships are available to support graduate students. Applicants to our graduate program who are in need of a graduate assistantship are encouraged to contact potential faculty mentors and inquire about the availability of support and openings prior to submitting their formal application with the Office of Graduate Studies.

For information regarding the estimated cost of attending graduate school at the University of Nebraska, please visit the Business and Finance website. Additional information can be found on the University of Nebraska Office of Graduate Studies website.