Molecular & Cell Biology & Genetics PhD

Major: Molecular & Cell Biology & Genetics
Degree Awarded: Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)
Calendar Type: Semester
Minimum Required Credits: 123.0 
Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP) code: 26.0210
Standard Occupational Classification (SOC) code: 11-9121

About the Program

The interdisciplinary, research-oriented Molecular & Cell Biology & Genetics program offers a PhD degree. The program provides a broad education-training program for graduate students interested in biomedical problems that cross disciplinary boundaries and offers the opportunity for students to choose from approximately 80 faculty members in 10 different departments/centers to pursue their research interests. Our curriculum and research activities are tailored to students’ needs and interests. Consequently, students can pursue a diverse variety of projects that range from the design and development of new therapeutic treatment strategies to the characterization of the molecular mechanisms that underlie various cellular processes and diseases. This intensive and research-oriented program provides students with opportunities to perform cutting-edge biomedical research employing multidisciplinary strategies. Upon completing these programs, students pursue careers in academic, governmental or industrial settings.

This program is research focused, with the ultimate goal of training students to become leaders of scientific research in academics and industry.  The PhD candidates must pass a qualifying examination by November 1 of their third year. During the course of the program, the PhD candidates must also submit at least one manuscript and prepare a second manuscript for publication. The average amount of time required to complete the PhD requirements is five years.

Additional Information

For more information, visit the College of Medicine's Molecular & Cell Biology & Genetics program website.

Admission Requirements

Drexel University College of Medicine has a rolling admissions policy, which means that complete applications are reviewed as they are received. Applicants are therefore advised to apply early, as decisions to accept or deny admission may be made before the official deadlines.

Additional Information

To learn more about applying to Drexel College of Medicine programs, visit the College of Medicine’s Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences and Professional Studies website.

About the Curriculum

Background courses in biochemistry, molecular and cell biology, and integrative biology are taken during the first academic year. In addition, every student carries out short research projects in three different laboratories during the first year. This exposure to research not only gives the student broad research training, but also helps the student to select a thesis advisor at the end of the first academic year. In the second year, the student begins thesis research and takes several advanced courses, tailored to the student’s individual interests.

The program offers a weekly seminar series with invited external and intramural speakers who address the program’s broad research interests. Journal Club members meet weekly in an informal setting to present results of interest from the current literature.

Courses Repeatable for Credit

As well as taking all required courses, MS and PhD students may re-enroll in courses having the status "repeatable for credit" (such as journal club, seminar and research courses) for the duration of their program in order to meet the total number of credits required for graduation.

Additional Information

For more information, including scheduling a plan of study, visit the College of Medicine's Molecular & Cell Biology & Genetics program website.

Degree Requirements

For additional graduation requirements, refer to the Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences and Professional Studies Handbook and the Molecular & Cell Biology & Genetics PhD Program Policies and Procedures.

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Taken each semester with the exception of the last, when only Thesis Defense is taken.

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Taken each semester starting in year 2, with the exception of the last semester when only 
Thesis Defense is taken.

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If BIOC 521S is taken as a requirement, it cannot be taken as an elective.

Sample Plan of Study