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.
- 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 — Medical Sciences Interdepartmental Area Program — MSIA Committee Membership

MSIA Committee Membership

Laura Bilek, PT, PhD
MSIA Chair

Molly Cowgill, MHR
MSIA Interdisciplinary Program Coordinator

Applied Behavior Analysis

Nicole M. Rodriguez, PhD
Sub-plan Director

ABA Graduate Faculty
Sub-plan Committee Members

Biological Defense and Health Security

Joshua Santarpia, PhD
Sub-plan Director

Clinical Translational Research Mentored Scholars Program

Lani (Chi Chi) Zimmerman, PhD
Sub-plan Director

Jennifer Larsen, PhD, Sub-plan Committee Member
Chi Lin, PhD, Sub-plan Committee Member
Roslyn Mannon, MD, Sub-plan Committee member

Clinically Relevant Basis Research

Carol A. Casey, PhD
Sub-plan Director

Iqbal Ahmad, PhD
Sub-plan Committee Member

Health Practice and Medical Education Research

Sharon Medcalf, PhD
Sub-plan Director

Jenenne A. Geske, PhD
Sub-plan Committee Member

Eleanor G. Rogan, PhD
Sub-plan Committee Member

Oral Biology

James K. Wahl III, PhD
Sub-plan Director

Oral Biology Graduate Faculty
Sub-plan Committee Members

Patient-Oriented Research

Ka-Chun (Joseph) Siu, PhD
Sub-plan Director

Laura Bilek, PT, PhD
Sub-plan Committee Member

Bhavana Dave, PhD
Sub-plan Committee Member