Fisk-Vanderbilt Master's-to-Ph.D. Bridge Program

The Fisk-Vanderbilt Master's-to-PhD Bridge Program aims to enhance diversity in STEM by providing underrepresented minority (URM) students with a pathway from Master's to PhD. Formally established in 2004 through collaboration between Fisk University, an accredited Historically Black College and University (HBCU), and Vanderbilt University, the program was conceived by Dr. David Ernst, Dr. Eugene Collins, and Dr. Arnold Burger. Dr. Keivan Stassun and Dr. Burger serve as Co-Directors, alongside Dr. Kelly Holley-Bockelmann at Vanderbilt since 2015. With funding from NASA, NSF CAREER, and IGERT programs, along with institutional support, the program has flourished. Students have achieved remarkable success, publishing numerous manuscripts and securing prestigious fellowships and grants. To date, 172 students have enrolled, with 120 transitioning to PhD programs and 52 earning their PhD. Today, 24 students are in a Vanderbilt PhD program, while 20 are in a Fisk Master’s program. Reflecting the program's commitment to inclusivity 52% of the students are African-American, 21% Hispanic, 7% other minorities, including Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander, 17% white or other non-minority, and 58% identify as female. With an 83% retention rate to PhD, the Fisk-Vanderbilt Master's-to-PhD Bridge Program is a leading contributor to the STEM workforce, reinforcing Fisk's position as the top producer of African American Master's Degrees. Join us in shaping the future of STEM.