FAQs
ABOUT THE PROGRAM
Q: I am really interested in work that many people are conducting and would like to work with more than one faculty member. Is that possible?
A: Yes. While you must have a primary advisor, in most cases, students work with many faculty members on their research projects. IBG is unlike many places in that there are a number of experts in different areas (behavioral genetics, pharmacology, and molecular genetics) who are willing to help you further develop your research interests.
Q: Can international students apply for an internship in the IBG?
A: Yes. However, there is limited financial support for international students because they cannot be appointed to NIH training grants. Non-CU students should contact faculty with whom they are interested in working.
Q: Is it reasonable to complete the IBG Certificate in addition to the full requirements for a separate program such as Clinical Psychology?
A: Yes! If you plan ahead, this is very possible. Furthermore, if your clinical interests overlap with behavioral genetics, the courses will complement your clinical training.
Q: Do I need to enroll in IBG courses in a particular order?
A: While it's best to garner a solid background in genetics before launching into higher level courses, IBG's courses are designed to be independent entities that students can take at multiple points during their graduate career.
Q: Can students change departments/program/mentors after their admittance in the program?
A: It depends on the situation. Remember that IBG does not grant degrees, but a certificate in Behavioral Genetics to students who are admitted to a doctoral program. Therefore, if a student wants to change to a different doctoral program, they must be admitted to that program. Within a program, it is possible for students to change mentors if their research interests change. The Director of the IBG Graduate Training Program works closely with involved students and faculty if a situation arises to ensure that the best interests of the student is carefully considered.
Q: What can I do to improve my chances of getting in to this program?
A: As with any graduate program, it is best to find a match between your interests and a specific potential mentor. In addition to researching their past publications, you should talk to them on the phone, and if possible, come out to meet them in person. Once you become confident about a specific mentor, it might be worthwhile to suggest working with them over a summer prior to or while applying. Even if you change your mind, you will gain invaluable knowledge and experience.
Q: What additional training opportunities are available to students in the BG program?
A: There are a number of excellent training opportunities at IBG. "Journal Club" is one example. Journal Club provides a forum for faculty, postdocs and graduate students to discuss a variety of research topics. Topics vary from week to week, but they invariably provoke lively discussion. Presentations are given by visiting researchers, IBG faculty, and graduate students.
ABOUT FUNDING SUPPORT
Q: Is it difficult to find affordable housing in the Boulder area when your only financial support comes from training grant/TAing?
A: There are several options to more affordable living. One of these is student housing. While perhaps not ideal for a family, they are more than adequate for an individual, and much less expensive than some of the pricier areas in Boulder. A second option, if you prefer to live off-campus, is a roommate. There seems to be no shortage of people who are also looking for a cheaper way to live. Or, if you own a car or don't mind using the bus, you could look into renting a place in one of the towns near Boulder, such as Longmont, Louisville, or Broomfield. All of these surrounding towns are very nice, and the cost of renting seems to be much lower, on average.
Q: Is it possible to supplement your income through other sources?
A: In general student financial loans are the best measure to supplement your stipend.
Q: If a student (applicant) is not appointed to a training grant the first year what is the likelihood they will be awarded an appointment the second year?
A: Selection of training grant appointees involves a number of factors that fluctuate every year. These include the number of slots opening up due to graduation of advanced trainees and continued funding through NIH. In addition, we make an effort to distribute the positions among different faculty, as it would not be appropriate for one or two faculty to have multiple students supported through these grants. However, second year students who have been actively participating in the program by doing well in classes, attending colloquium and journal club, and generally being a contributing member of the Institute, are given high priority.
Q: Are there differences in stipend levels between students who are supported on a training grant, as a teaching assistant, or a research assistant?
A: All IBG trainees receive an equal level of support, no matter what mechanism.
Q: Is the student insurance through IBG extensible to cover spouses or other dependents of the student?
A: Yes, this is best discussed at the time of admittance with the director of the training program.
About life outside graduate school...
Q: Is it possible to have a family and be a successful graduate student, financially and time-wise?
A: Yes, it most definitely is possible to have or start a family during graduate school and has been done in the past. Advice from those who have done it would be to be sure to pick your advisor and your project carefully, so that you have the flexibility you need. Graduate students in the past have successfully juggled both a family and their graduate school career. Financially, in addition to the graduate student stipend, graduate students are entitled to take out additional student loans, which can be helpful in supporting a family.
Q: What are some of the challenges of grad school?
A: Obviously there are many, but one of the greatest challenges of graduate school is adapting to the complete immersion which becomes necessary in order to be successful in your program.
Q: What are the opportunities to get out of the city?
A: Boulder has many opportunities to venture near or far. There are a multitude of outdoor activities nearby such as hiking, camping and skiing. You can also easily drive to Denver for such things as concerts and museums.
Q: Is it cold in Boulder?
A: Yes and no. While we do experience a few days a year when the thermometer doesn't rise above freezing, the majority of days in Boulder are pleasant (the sun does shine over 300 days a year in Boulder.) When it does snow, the views are amazing, and most people enjoy playing in the snow for a day or two. Fortunately, the weather changes quickly in Boulder, and snow rarely stays on the ground for more than 3-4 days.
If you have a question about our program, don't hesitate to contact us.