Office of Graduate Studies

- Education Overview
- Leadership
  UNMC Graduate Studies is lead by a diverse group of faculty and staff dedicated to advancing health science education at UNMC.
- Awards and Recognition
  The Office of Graduate Studies celebrates the accomplishments of graduate students who go above and beyond.
- Students of Distinction
  The Graduate Students of Distinction award is reserved for students who receive national and international recognition.
- Learning Outcomes
  Each of the five Graduate Studies Learning Outcomes fulfill one or more of UNMC’s Institutional Learning Outcomes.
- Annual Report
  View our major accomplishments on our journey of positively impacting the nation’s supply of research scientists, educators and leaders.
- Contact Us
  Contact the Office of Graduate Studies however is easiest for you. Normal office hours are 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday to Friday.
- Admissions Overview
- - Steps to Admission
    Review the process to join UNMC Graduate Studies, from application to enrollment.
  - Non-Degree Students
    We offer flexibility in non-degree courses for students looking to further professional abilities, advance workplace skills, or simply learn something new.
  - Intercampus Enrollment
    Students within the University of Nebraska are able to take courses at other NU campuses to fulfill degree requirements for their home college.
- - Incoming Students
    Review important steps to complete as you prepare for your first day of classes at UNMC.
  - Matriculation Ceremony
    Build a community of fellow students who will become invaluable friends and teammates as you work toward your advanced degrees.
  - Incoming Student Survival Guide
    This guide was created by UNMC graduate students to aid incoming students and help them achieve success as they acclimate to our campus.
  - Moving to Omaha
    When you’re not hitting the books, the Omaha metro offers plenty of options to comfortably accommodate your lifestyle.
- - English Proficiency
    UNMC graduate courses are advanced and require a firm understanding of the English language in order to best succeed.
  - Equivalent Degrees
    Review a list of international degrees that are considered equivalent to a four-year Bachelor’s degree in the United States.
  - Financial Resources
    International students who wish to gain an F-1 or J-1 visa must be able to provide evidence of financial support for the first year of study.
  - Immigration and Visas
    We’ll pair you with an International Student Advisor to help you through the process of obtaining a student visa.
- - Costs and Funding
    At UNMC, we work to make our tuition affordable year after year. Review opportunities for financing your graduate degree.
  - Assistantships/Fellowships
    Review eligibility criteria and deadlines to apply for a Graduate Studies Research Assistantship or Fellowship at UNMC.
  - External Funding Opportunities
    Many outside corporations, businesses, and agencies provide funding for graduate students. We offer additional incentives for successful applications.
  - Office of Financial Aid
    The Office of Financial Aid manages financial aid distribution, UNMC scholarships and grants, and veteran and military education benefits.
- Programs Overview
- - Business for Bioscientists
    The Business for Bioscientists Certificate is designed to provide you with a fundamental background in business to enhance employment opportunities and success.
  - Health Professions Teaching and Technology
    This certificate provides health professions educators with a foundation in health science education, teaching skills, and the science of teaching.
  - Applied Health Informatics
    This certificate prepares healthcare professionals with the skills necessary to effectively apply health informatics in practice to improve patient care.
  - Heathcare Quality Improvement
    Through this certificate, health care professionals will engage in the application and utility of quality improvement to optimize healthcare service delivery.
- - The Medical Sciences Interdepartmental Area Program (MSIA)
    The MSIA is intended for those who wish to pursue individually designed programs of an interdisciplinary nature within the medical sciences.
  - MS Degree Timeline
    Review UNMC’s Master’s degree timeline and make sure you stay on track to graduate.
  - Individual Programs
    A Master’s degree from UNMC Graduate Studies can help you gain the additional skills you need to take your health sciences career to the next level
- - The Medical Sciences Interdepartmental Area Program (MSIA)
    The MSIA is intended for those who wish to pursue individually designed programs of an interdisciplinary nature within the medical sciences.
  - Interdisciplinary Graduate Program in Biomedical Sciences (IGPBS)
    This programs consists of seven interdisciplinary doctoral programs with over 200 participating research faculty from 32 basic science and clinical departments.
  - Individual Programs
    As a doctoral student, you will work with faculty members who are global leaders in health science innovation.
  - PhD Degree Timeline
    Review UNMC’s Doctoral degree timeline and make sure you stay on track to graduate.
- - Institutional Training Grant Programs for Doctoral Students
    UNMC's institutional training grant programs offer enhanced, specialized experience on top of your doctoral program coursework.
  - Institutional Training Grants Definition
    Find out what institutional training grants are and the types available at UNMC for doctoral students.
  - Benefits of Participating
    Discover how working on one of our training grants can advance your career and set you up for success.
- Professional Development Overview
- - Career Counseling
    Our counselors can provide you with additional insight, information, and perspectives on career opportunities and professions.
  - Proficiency and Certificate Programs
    These non-degree programs enhance your background and create further career opportunities and possibilities upon graduation.
  - Individual Development Plan (IDP)
    Establishing an Individual Development Plan will give you the tools to reach your professional goals and make sure you stay on track.
  - On-Line Career Training Platform
    Log into Beyond the Professoriate's career training platform to explore career options and prepare for careers inside and outside academia.
- - Graduate Studies Mentorship
    Professors, advisors, and alumni can provide you with formative information about tasks and trials you’ll face after graduation.
- - Dissertation & Thesis Boot Camps
    Whether you can't find a good place to begin or are simply procrastinating, UNMC's Dissertation and Thesis Boot Camps are here to help.
  - Teaching Skills
    UNMC Graduate Studies has a variety of opportunities for you to obtain and grow the teaching skills needed to thrive as an educator.
  - Workshops and Seminars
    Our workshops, presentations and seminars bolster you with an extra edge for present and future professional ventures, regardless of the career you choose.
  - Lunch & Learn
    The Professional Development Lunch and Learn Series provides you with various seminar topics to help develop professional skills.
- - Service-Learning and Professional Development Badge Program
    A program that empowers graduate students to document their learning from time devoted to a wide range of important activities that advance their education and careers outside of the laboratory or classroom.
  - Transferable Skills Digital Badge Program
    Online micro credentials and not academic credits that allow you to showcase your achievements and skills gained through co-curricular learning experiences.

— Office of Graduate Studies — Programs — Interdisciplinary Graduate Program in Biomedical Sciences (IGPBS) — PhD in Cancer Research — Cancer Research Areas

Cancer Research Areas

Despite impressive progress during the past 30 years, cancer remains one of the most complex and challenging problems of biomedical research. For this reason, cancer research is a key component of the Interdisciplinary Graduate Program in Biomedical Sciences. Cancer researchers at UNMC are engaged in work that addresses the root causes of cancer, as well as the means of enhancing the detection and treatment of cancer. This research employs a wide range of animal and cellular model systems, includes both basic and translational research, and focuses heavily on the molecular basis of cancer.

Research Interests

Areas of particular strength include focus groups working on cancers of the prostate, breast, pancreas and blood. Cancer research at UNMC is recognized and supported by the National Cancer Institute.

Causes of Cancer

This area of research includes evaluation of the genetic, environmental and nutritional factors that contribute to cancer incidence as well as cancer prevention. Research efforts related to this area of inquiry include:

Functional genomics
DNA damage and repair
Environmental risk factors
Cancer genetics
Animal models of cancer

Molecular and Cellular Ramifications of Cancer

This research is focused on the differences in molecules and cells that define cancer. The following avenues are taken in research at the molecular level:

Gene expression
Signal transduction
Structural biochemistry

Diagnostics and Therapeutics

State-of-the-art technology couples with cutting-edge cancer research at UNMC to identify new ways of diagnosing and treating cancer. Several research innovations are used, including:

High-throughput screening for novel anti-tumor drugs
Analysis of unique clinical cancer resources
Identification of new cancer biomarkers
Immunotherapy

Courses and Other Education Opportunities

Special topic courses on grant writing and on seminar presentation skills
Translational cancer research
Attendance at discussions of cancer cases by oncologists
Participation in interdisciplinary clinical/basic cancer research groups