Do you know a graduating senior who is passionate about pursuing a career in a physical or biomedical science, but needs additional coursework, training, or research experience before beginning PhD-level work?
 
The Fisk-Vanderbilt Masters-to-PhD Bridge Program is seeking students with undergraduate majors in physics, chemistry, biology, or other science disciplines, who are motivated to pursue the PhD but require additional coursework, training, and/or research experience.  Unlike a post-baccalaureate program, successful students earn a master’s degree upon completion of the program’s requirements. By completing a master’s degree under the guidance of caring faculty mentors, students in the Fisk-Vanderbilt Masters-to-PhD Bridge program develop the strong academic foundation, research skills, and one-on-one mentoring relationships that will foster a successful transition to the PhD. The program is flexible and is individualized to the goals and needs of each student. Courses are selected to address any gaps in academic preparation, and research experiences are provided that allow students to develop -- and to demonstrate -- their full scientific talent and potential. To date, 92% of students admitted into the Bridge Program have successfully gained admission into a PhD program at Vanderbilt or to another PhD program of their choice.
The program provides:
	• Full access to instructional opportunities at both Fisk and Vanderbilt, leading to the completion of most or all coursework required for the PhD;
	• Research performed with Fisk and Vanderbilt faculty, leading to the selection of a Vanderbilt PhD adviser;
	• A nurturing, friendly academic environment and a warm, social network with other Bridge students, post-docs, and faculty;
	• Full funding support, including full tuition, monthly stipend, and health insurance.
 
Disciplines currently included in the program leading to a PhD at Vanderbilt University are physics, materials science, biology, chemistry, and biomedical sciences. The application deadline is March 15, 2012. Applications and program details are available online at http://www.vanderbilt.edu/gradschool/bridge.
 
For more information about this bridge program, please contact Prof. Keivan Stassun, Co-Director, Fisk-Vanderbilt Masters-to-PhD Bridge Program by email ([log in to unmask]) or by phone (615-322-2828).