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South Texas Doctoral Bridge Program

Prospective Applicants

Program Overview for Prospective Applicants

The South Texas Doctoral Bridge Program (STDBP) is a two-year training program for scholars who have completed undergraduate training and are interested in pursuing graduate study in a biomedical discipline. STDBP Scholars complete their master's program (M.S. Biochemistry) at Texas State University where they will gain biomedical-related research experience, complete graduate level courses, and participate in professional development activities.

Program Eligibility

To be eligible to apply to the program scholars must:

  • Be eligible to be accepted into the M.S. Biochemistry Program at Texas State University and have submitted an application or already be enrolled.
    • M.S. program requirements include:
      • A baccalaureate degree in chemistry, biochemistry, or a closely related field from a regionally accredited university
      • minimum 3.0 GPA in your last 60 hours of undergraduate course work (plus any completed graduate courses)

  •  US Citizen or permanent resident status, or non-Citizen national (U.S. non-citizen nationals are persons born in lands that are not states but are under U.S. sovereignty, jurisdiction, or administration, e.g., American Samoa.)

  • Identify as a member of one or more groups specifically identified by the NIH as underrepresented in biomedicine.

  • A desire to apply to a biomedical-related Ph.D. program following master's studies.

Application Process: Deadline for Fall 2022 Applications is March 15, 2022!

What will Bridge Scholars need to do to participate in the program*?

  • Enroll and maintain status as a full-time student in the M.S. Biochemistry program at Texas State University
  • Join a Bridge Program Faculty Mentor research group at Texas State University doing biomedical-related research 
  • Maintain 3.4 GPA or higher

*This is not comprehensive; Scholars must meet all Bridge program requirements as detailed in individualized contracts

South Texas Doctoral Bridge Program Timeline*

* Note, this is a general timeline for Bridge Program Scholars and will differ between individual scholars based. This timeline is to give prospective applicants an idea of the program timeline.

First Year of Bridge Program

Late Summer

  • Arrive at Texas State University (San Marcos, TX) and participate in  orientation activities and HR onboarding.
  • Meet with STDBP Program Team, Faculty Mentors, and Scholars
    • Interview all participating Faculty Mentors and select a research lab
  • Meet with the Graduate Advisor for the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry and register for Fall classes.

Fall

  • Start graduate courses
  • Start research project
  • Participate in STDBP weekly development sessions and other Bridge Program workshops
  • Meet with STDBP Program Team for individualized career mentoring and guidance
  • Participate in STEM conferences occurring at Texas State University and potentially attend other national conferences.
  • Meet with the Graduate Advisor for the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry and register for Spring classes.

Spring

  • Continue graduate courses
  • Continue research project - prepare for First Year Review/Thesis Proposal
  • Participate in STDBP weekly development sessions and other Bridge Program workshops
  • Meet with STDBP Program Team for individualized career mentoring and guidance
  • Participate in STEM conferences occurring at Texas State University and potentially attend other national conferences.
  • Meet with the Graduate Advisor for the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry and register for Fall classes.
  • Year-end program evaluations
  • Annual Spring Luncheon

Summer

  • Continue research project 
  • Participate in STDBP monthly development sessions and other Bridge Program workshops
  • Meet with STDBP Program Team for individualized career mentoring and guidance
    • Complete GRE Prep Course and take the GRE
  • Participate in STEM conferences occurring at Texas State University and potentially attend other regional/national conferences

Second Year of Bridge Program

Fall

  • Continue graduate courses
  • Continue research project
  • Apply to Ph.D. programs
  • Participate in STDBP weekly development sessions and other Bridge Program workshops
  • Meet with STDBP Program Team for individualized career mentoring and guidance
  • Participate in STEM conferences occurring at Texas State University and potentially attend other regional/national conferences
  • Meet with the Graduate Advisor for the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry and register for Spring classes

Spring

  • Continue graduate courses
  • Continue research project - prepare for submission of written Thesis Document, Thesis Capstone Presentation, and Comprehensive Exam
  • Attend Ph.D. program interviews
  • Participate in STDBP weekly development sessions and other Bridge Program workshops
  • Meet with STDBP Program Team for individualized career mentoring and guidance
  • Participate in STEM conferences occurring at Texas State University and potentially attend other regional/national conferences
  • Year-end program evaluations
  • Annual Spring Luncheon
  • Graduate from M.S. Biochemistry Program

 

The South Texas Doctoral Bridge Program is funded by the NIH through the R25 Bridges to the Doctorate Program (GM102783)