MSTP Funding

[clg5026]

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Hi all,

Funding isn't really a major concern for me in the MSTP application process (I want to at least get in first!), but I do have a question.

Since I plan to do my PhD working with people, I realize completing research can typically take longer than working with animals, cells, etc. I'd say finishing my PhD would take 4-5 years.

If a student is in the program longer than 7 years, do they receive funding for the extra time or is funding only available for 7 years? Also, does this vary by school?

Thanks!

 

[mrsanator]

If you go for 8-9 years, at least at most major MSTP institutions you will retain you stipend.

It's not that unusual at many schools to graduate in 8-9 years (although NIH is pressuring institutions to get people out faster). At my institution we use our MSTP-funded T32 slots to pay for students while they are in medical student (among other funding sources). While in graduate school, students are paid via PI/graduate department funding or independent grants. The amount of time you spend in graduate school costs your PI / graduate department money (and you're cheap labor at $20-25k/yr), but it generally doesn't cost the MD-PhD program itself (although, again, your program will look bad if you do a 10 year MD/PhD).

 

[bd4727]

At my MSTP, you just have to submitt some paperwork justifying your extra time once you go past 8yrs. Basically the money is there, but the programs don't want to pay for you if it is because you are a slack.

 

[flashback]

from my understanding it is dependent on the program. I believe for some MSTPs funding for your PhD will come directly from your mentor. In that case, I'd assume you're in the clear (funding-wise) as they understand the time requirements.

From my experience this far in interviewing, most mstp's will probably highly discourage you from that type of work simply because it takes so long. I believe part of their evaluation by NIH (who is providing their funding and giving them the "MSTP" label) is the average time it takes them to get their MSTP students out the door. For your applications and interviews you may want to consider taking another approach....