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For more information, use the button below or contact the Graduate Program administrator at iphygrad@colorado.edu or 303-735-8195. Professor Ken Wright (Associate Chair of Graduate Affairs) can be contacted at kenneth.wright@colorado.edu.

Introduction

Integrative Physiology at CU Boulder is one of the top physiology graduate programs in the country, having been ranked 9th out of 63 PhD programs.  Our diverse faculty include several who have joint affiliations with the Institute for Behavioral Genetics and the Center for Neuroscience, as well as clinical divisions at the CU-Anschutz medical campus.  The range of research in the department has expanded with several recent faculty hires.

Our rapidly growing program is recruiting outstanding applicants interested in graduate study.  A graduate degree in Integrative Physiology provides opportunities for careers in academia, government, industry, and the health professions. The placement list of PhD and MS graduates indicates some of the jobs and educational programs that our graduate students have found after completion of the PhD or MS degree.

The Department of Integrative Physiology offers a variety of graduate study opportunities that range from a coursework-only option to a research-intensive option. To facilitate maximal flexibility in the design of a student's program, the Department has established a minimum number of required courses that must be completed by all graduate students and the remainder of the program can be individualized to meet the long-term goals of the student. View list of Integrative Physiology graduate courses.

Degrees Offered

The graduate degrees offered are a Doctor of Philosophy (doctoral) degree (PhD) and a Master of Science (master’s) degree (MS).  The master’s degree is available in two tracks, Research track or Coursework Only track.  The master's degree may be pursued on its own, or in combination with a bachelor's degree through the Bachelor's-Accelerated Master's program. 

To facilitate maximal flexibility in the design of a student's program, the Department has established a minimum number of required courses that must be completed by all graduate students and the remainder of the program can be individualized to meet the long-term goals of the student. View list of Integrative Physiology graduate courses.

Diversity and Underrepresented Students

We seek and encourage applications from outstanding individuals including, but not limited to, underrepresented minorities, underserved communities, individuals with disabilities, individuals who identify as sexual orientation/gender minorities, and first-generation college students. Diversity is highly valued by our scientific community as it provides innovative, balanced, and informed perspectives that enhances scientific productivity and fosters the growth of the scientific field.  Learn more about diversity in IPHY.

Students from underrepresented backgrounds that enter IPHY as PhD students are eligible for two years of summer Research Assistant support.

The Colorado Advantage Graduate Preview Weekend (October 20-21, 2022) provides an opportunity for underrepresented students to preview the doctoral programs in IPHY and other CU Boulder Science, Technology, Engineering and Math departments. Application details may be found at the Colorado Advantage web page.

Financial support

All applicants accepted in our program are automatically considered for teaching assistantship funding. There is no separate application for this funding as your faculty advisor will make the necessary request. Currently, it is typical for us to offer a 30% minimum appointment for MS students and a 50% appointment for PhD students. The level of appointment will be determined each semester based on the number of assignments available, the amount of funding available, the courses you are qualified to teach, and whether you have any additional RA support from your lab. Your lab mentor will determine your level of RA support, and the graduate faculty director will determine the level of TA appointment. All appointments include a monthly stipend, tuition remission, student fee coverage, and 91% of the cost of your Buff Gold insurance. See 2023/24 table below:

Summer teaching assistantships may also be available. The Graduate School maintains an Awards page that lists several grants and fellowships available to graduate students at the University.  Also see the Curci Scholars program which provides scholarships to Ph.D. students in the life sciences, particularly (but not exclusively) international students.