The Molecular, Cellular and Integrative Physiology (MCIP) graduate program at Michigan State University provides individualized, crosscutting training in the basic and applied physiological underpinnings of diseases with the goal of identifying treatment and prevention strategies. Students develop their scientific interests and learn best practices for experimental design, data analyses and quantitative methodologies with multidisciplinary groups of renowned physiology faculty. Areas of particular strength include cancer biology, cardiac pathophysiology, cardiometabolic disease, gastrointestinal physiology, immunity and neurobiology. The MCIP program offers the option of obtaining a master’s and/or doctoral degree or combining program study with other degrees such as MD/PhD and DO/PhD.
MCIP master’s program: The master's program provides advanced, individualized research experience in molecular, cellular and integrative physiology accompanied by a comprehensive course curriculum. The program provides teaching and leadership opportunities to foster the professional skills needed to excel in competitive science careers. Students typically complete this program in two years.
MCIP PhD program: The primary objective of the doctoral program is to provide students with a thorough basic knowledge of integrative, cellular and molecular physiology, and to prepare them to be leaders in academia, industry or government sectors. Students typically complete this program in five years.
MCIP students have the opportunity to work with expert faculty doing physiology-related research using the latest and most innovative approaches in outstanding facilities throughout Michigan State University. MCIP students develop comprehensive, crosscutting research that bridges multiple physiologic systems. Students therefore acquire an extensive and integrative research portfolio necessary to successfully enter a competitive job market and to be leaders of their communities. Our particular areas of research strength include:
- cancer biology,
- cardiac pathophysiology,
- diabetes and obesity,
- gastrointestinal health and disease,
- immunity and tissue inflammation,
- neuroscience, and
- pathophysiology of the skeletal system
Doctoral students: MCIP Students apply via the interdisciplinary BioMolecular Science Gateway. Admitted students are provided the first nine months of full support (stipend, tuition assistance and health benefits) while they pursue three lab rotations and complete courses. While pursuing their PhD, stipend, tuition assistance, health benefits are covered by students’ dissertation advisors or by teaching assistantships (TA), fellowships or training grants.
Master’s students: The department does not guarantee stipends for students in the master’s program. However, students may obtain support from their research thesis advisor, TA positions or other sources. Apply for our master’s program.
MCIP students also have unique opportunities to support their scientific and professional development including:
- Graduate forum: Hone presentation skills in a supportive environment.
- Responsible conduct of research training: Group discussions are led by faculty online and in-person to discuss areas related to scientific integrity.
- Weekly lunch and network: Network with physiology seminar speakers from other institutions to learn about career options and opportunities.
- Travel awards: Attend and present research at scientific conferences or special workshops.
- Meites and Hoffert research awards: Competitive scholarships recognize MCIP students
- Outreach opportunities: Students participate and lead events to increase awareness of the significance of science in our society and the importance of the physiology discipline in the well-being of our communities.
Contact Gina Leinninger, PhD (MCIP Graduate Program Director) with questions about MCIP degree programs. leinning@msu.edu; phone 517-884-5123.
Quick Program Facts
Degree Programs: MS, PhD, BS/MS, MD/PhD, DO/PhD
Application Deadlines:
- PhD: December 1
- MS: September 1 and June 1