Frequently Asked Questions

Postdoctoral Fellows F.A.Q.

Coming soon

Graduate Programs F.A.Q.

What is the Cleveland Clinic Foundation and why should I consider it the best place to complete my Ph.D.?
The Cleveland Clinic Foundation has ranked among the nation's top 10 medical centers for 10 consecutive years. The Cleveland Clinic has been known as a world leader in medical discovery and ground-breaking biomedical research since it opened its doors in 1921. New and innovative treatments for a wide variety of diseases, bench-to-bedside cures and cutting-edge basic research programs are the solid foundation at The Clinic for training the scientists of tomorrow and providing world-class clinical care.

Currently, more than 130 students in our partnership Ph.D. programs with three local universities are receiving their primary doctoral research training under the guidance of one of 110 Cleveland Clinic Research Faculty. Our students complete required coursework at the partner university during the first year of enrollment, maintain their academic status during research training at The Clinic and graduate from Case Western Reserve University (CWRU), Cleveland State University (CSU) or Kent State University (KSU).

How do I apply for Ph.D. research in the Lerner Research Institute?
If you are interested in pursuing a career in biomedical investigation by earning a Ph.D. degree in one of our joint academic programs, visit this website for general information: http://www.lerner.ccf.org/education/grad To apply, you must first choose one or more of our three partner universities and apply directly to those graduate schools. Graduate school applications require the applicant to specify a Ph.D. program. You will find specific information about these programs and application deadlines through website addresses for all three graduate schools and all of our affiliate Ph.D. programs at the end of this brochure.

After I am enrolled in a Ph.D. program at CWRU, CSU or KSU, what’s next?
Before you request the opportunity to complete your Ph.D. thesis research project with a specific Lerner Research Institute faculty advisor, you may be required to complete one or more laboratory rotations that you and your university advisor choose. You may be required to complete rotations at both The Clinic and your university.

Who will be on my Ph.D. dissertation committee?
Dissertation committee guidelines may vary between programs and institutions. At most, however, you and your Ph.D. advisor will ask members of the faculty from both your university and the Lerner Research Institute to serve on your Ph.D. advisory committee. This committee will be responsible for decisions regarding your academic curriculum, your dissertation research proposal, progress of your research and the final defense of your dissertation once your research has been completed. The Lerner Research Institute faculty advisor usually chairs this committee.

Will I have financial support?
Most students accepted into our partnership Ph.D. programs receive fi nancial support for most or all of the time of their graduate training. This financial support typically covers tuition and an annual living stipend. The Lerner Research Institute advisor provides funding for supplies and other support for the Ph.D. project from research grants. Stipend amounts vary with the university Ph.D. program and will be paid directly to the student by the university. Health insurance is available from the university.

What about student organizations?
Lerner Research Institute graduate students participate in the Graduate Student Activities Committee (GSAC). This committee plans and provides both academic and social functions for all The Clinic graduate students. New graduate students are encouraged to join the GSAC to facilitate both social and professional networking in the Lerner Research Institute research community. Students also remain involved in similar activities at their universities throughout their training.

What about graduation?
Upon successful completion of all coursework, research requirements and dissertation (including defense of your research project) in your program of choice, you will graduate with a doctorate from your university.

Where do I go for details regarding living in Cleveland, these universities and the Clinic partnership Ph.D. programs?
The following websites will provide detailed information about the graduate school application process, faculty, partnership Ph.D. programs and housing.