Graduate Program in Pathology

What can someone pursue in this field of study?  

• Academic Research Scientist/Professor 
• Biotechnology & Pharmaceutical Industry Scientist 
• Government Research Scientist 
• Clinical Laboratory director (with additional certification) 
• Science Writer/Communicator 
• Consultant 

What makes this program special at the college?  

Bridging Department –Strong link between basic and clinical research: 

• The Department of Pathology at the University of Oklahoma Health Campus views itself as a “bridging department" that connects fundamental scientific research with clinical application. This means PhD student are trained not only in core laboratory science but also in understanding how their discoveries relate to human disease and patient care. 

Focus on Experimental Pathology (Molecular and Cellular Basis of disease): 

• The program emphasizes the cellular and molecular basis of disease processes, leading to a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) degree in Experimental pathology. 
• Students receive rigorous training in modern tools and techniques in molecular biology, cell biology, immunology, biochemistry, and genetics tools and techniques. The goal is to equip them to unravel the intricate mechanisms underlying various diseases. 
• Participation in the Graduate Program in Biomedical Sciences (GPiBS): 
• The Pathology PhD program is part of the larger Graduate Program in Biomedical Sciences (GPiBS) at the OU Health Campus. This offers a broad, interdisciplinary foundation in the first year. 
• Students in GPiBS complete a common, integrated curriculum covering molecular, cellular and systemic biology. This fosters collaboration and exposes students to a wide range of research areas and faculty across multiple basic science departments (including Biochemistry & Molecular biology, Cell Biology, Microbiology & Immunology, Pharmaceutical Sciences, Oncological Sciences, and Physiology). 
• This interdisciplinary start allows students to explore different research interest before committing to a specific lab in Pathology. 

Nationally Acknowledged Research Expertise: 

• The Pathology faculty have recognized expertise and active research programs in several key areas. This provides diverse opportunities for dissertation research in experimental pathology. 

Access to State of the Art Facilities and Resources: 

• The department boasts well-equipped, spacious laboratories 
• Students and faculty have access to numerous core facilities, including: 
  • Histology and immunohistology 
  • Molecular pathology 
  • Flow cytometry 
  • Genomics and bioinformatics 
  • Centralized animal care facilities 
• Collaboration opportunities extend to the Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation (OMRF) and the Stephenson Cancer Center (Oklahoma’s only NCI-Designated Cancer Center), providing exposure to a wider range of high-end biomedical equipment and collaborative research projects. 

Diverse and engaged Faculty: 

• Students are guided by a mix of full-time PhD experimental pathology researchers and clinical faculty with active research programs. This provides varied perspectives and mentorship opportunities. 
• The department graduate students are an integral part of the community and are important for the department’s growth and progress. 

Training for Independent Investigators: 

• The program is designed to develop independent new investigators who are competitive for career opportunities in the biomedical arena at a national level. The emphasis is on hypothesis-driven research using cutting-edge experimental approaches. 

In essence, the OU Health Campus PhD in Pathology program is special because it offers a robust research environment with a strong translational focus, interdisciplinary training, and access to significant research infrastructure, all aimed at preparing future leaders in disease research.