The Ph.D. program in Molecular Biology provides training for students interested in pursuing advanced courses and conducting an extensive laboratory research project in molecular and cellular biology or microbiological research areas.
Molecular Biology, Ph.D. Additional Information
The Ph.D. in Molecular Biology is a research-intensive degree. Prior to admission to the program, an applicant must contact the Molecular Biology department professor directly to determine if they may be interested in serving as the student's potential adviser. Once a future graduate adviser agrees to accept a student into their lab, an applicant can start an application to the Molecular Biology Graduate program. Admissions to the program are allowed in the Fall, Spring and Summer semesters.
An application to the Ph.D. program should include a curriculum vitae (CV), a 2-page statement of research interests and career plans, contact information for three references, transcripts from previous institutions, and GRE scores. Those students with an M.S. degree may be excluded from the GRE requirement. Following admission, a student will conduct a guided research project in the laboratory into which they have been accepted. The faculty research adviser is responsible for financial support of the student. A research project is expected to result in publications in peer-reviewed journals as well as presentations at the departmental seminars and scientific meetings.
Throughout the degree program, a graduate student is guided and evaluated by their research adviser and graduate committee. A student must develop a Program of Study approved by the student's graduate committee. Student performance is monitored by a dissertation committee that evaluates a student's seminar presentations, research proposal, preliminary exam, written dissertation, final public seminar, and final oral defense of the dissertation. In consultation with the faculty research adviser, a student may elect to serve as a teaching assistant. Students pursing the Ph.D. degree in Molecular Biology usually complete their program in approximately five years.
