The Texas A&M Life Science Network (LSN) represents the premier PhD programs in the life sciences that collaborate on recruiting, orientation, programming, and graduate student support. These programs provide exceptional opportunities to pursue a PhD degree across a wide breath of life science disciplines and represent the most stellar faculty and research programs on campus. The participating LSN programs represent all NIH T32 Training Grant programs, a national hallmark of program excellence.
Choosing a Life Science PhD Program
Students in any LSN program can access training resources and facilities the across Texas A&M campus. However, each PhD program is independently administered and varies in focus, curriculum, application due dates, and degree requirements. Prospective students should explore each participating LSN program. All programs believe programs are stronger with inclusive communities that strive for diversity in every dimension.
Participating Programs
Biochemistry and Biophysics: The PhD program in Biochemistry and Biophysics provides training on pressing scientific challenges of modern society through cohesive application of both empirical and theoretical methods in the biochemical sciences.
Genetics and Genomics: The PhD program in Genetics and Genomics (GGEN) is an interdisciplinary graduate program that provides training all disciplines of genetics and genomics, from computational genetics and bioinformatics to molecular, organismal, and evolutionary genetics and genomics.
Medical Sciences: The PhD program in Medical Sciences provides training in a wide area of biomedical problems including infectious diseases, cancer, neuro-degenerative diseases and trauma, substance use and psychiatric disorders, heart and lymphatic disease among others.
Neuroscience: The Graduate Training Program in Neuroscience prepares students to become successful independent researchers that can help society meet wide-ranging needs in industry, medicine, defense and academic fields. The interdisciplinary program spans several colleges (Arts and Sciences, Medicine, Liberal Arts, Engineering, Veterinary Medicine) thereby offering our access to a breadth of tools, training and expertise not normally found in single departments. Major breakthroughs in Neuroscience research often come from the fusion of novel technologies applied to basic questions.
Nutrition: The PhD program in Nutrition provides training in all areas of nutrition ranging from nutritional biochemistry and molecular biology of nutrients to nutritional physiology, applied human nutrition, community nutrition, and nutritional policy.
Toxicology: The PhD program in Toxicology is an interdisciplinary graduate program that provides training in mechanistic research and risk assessment with a focus on scientifically sound, risk-based regulatory evaluations of the effects of drugs and other chemicals on human health and the environment.
Applying to an LSN Program
Each program administers its own admission process, although prospective students may apply to up to three programs. All programs evaluate applications using a holistic review and all programs encourage applications from diverse prospective students. Programs in the LSN are partially supported by an NIGMS T32 Training Grant: Initiative for Maximizing Student Development and some programs have discipline specific NIH T32 Training Grants. GRE scores are not required by the programs. All LSN program applications are through Texas A&M’s GradCAS.
Applying to Multiple LSN Programs
Prospective students are encouraged to review each LSN program to identify the program that best meets their academic interests and career aspirations. Prospective students may apply to up to three programs each academic year. Each program will independently evaluate the applications. Prospective students who receive invitations from multiple programs to the in person LSN Life Science Graduate Recruitment Symposium, the programs will coordinate to allow the prospective students to meet with all interested programs.
When applying to multiple programs, make sure each application is unique and addresses your interest in each program. This will usually require separate application essays. Transcripts and letters of recommendation will also be submitted separately for each program.
Diversity within the LSN
Knowledge is power, and a primary goal of Texas A&M University is to uplift humanity through the continuous advancement of the power of knowledge. This is achieved through the creation (research), dissemination (teaching/learning), and application of knowledge in service to humanity. Given that knowledge comes from diverse sources and experiences, diversity is a sine qua non of excellence. Grounded in this fundamental framework, Texas A&M University is deeply committed to a culture that embraces, expands, and celebrates diversity in an inclusive environment
where all parties are appreciated, encouraged, and supported.
Why Choose Texas A&M?
At Texas A&M University, graduate and professional students learn from faculty members who are respected experts at the top of their fields. They work together in state-of-the-art facilities to solve pressing global challenges. Through practical learning experiences, students gain the skills and knowledge needed to excel professionally in their chosen field.
If you value excellence, integrity and selfless service — and you want to lead positive change in the world — a graduate or professional program at Texas A&M could be right for you. Learn more about the Graduate and Professional School at Texas A&M University.