Molecular and Cellular Biology, PhD
Investigate the essential molecular functions at the core of all life. Through a wide variety of research and training opportunities led by professional faculty, you can gain the expertise to understand what powers and sustains every living organism.
Quick facts
Locations
Credits
Additional facts
STEM-OPT extension eligible: Yes
International students (F1) can extend U.S. work experience by 24 months.
Accreditation
Accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Molecular and Cellular Biology, PhD degree description
The Doctor of Philosophy program in molecular and cellular biology emphasizes interdisciplinary approaches in fundamental and highly applied molecular and cellular biology to answer basic and translational research questions. You can tailor the program to your interests while gaining skills in the most innovative approaches and techniques.
The program extends beyond the traditional boundaries of biological research. Faculty have a wide variety of research interests and training opportunities for you. Participating faculty members and researchers are drawn from multiple departments, colleges, centers and institutes across the university, including:
- New College of Interdisciplinary Arts and Sciences
- School for Engineering of Matter, Transport and Energy
- School of Biological and Health Systems Engineering
- School of Human Evolution and Social Change
- School of Life Sciences
- School of Mathematical and Statistical Sciences
- School of Molecular Sciences
Participating faculty members are also based at partner institutions in the greater Phoenix area, including:
- Caris Life Sciences
- Mayo Clinic Arizona
- Phoenix Children's Hospital
- Translational Genomics Research Institute
- University of Arizona College of Medicine - Phoenix
Curriculum
This graduate degree includes courses focused on a specialized topic, so you can advance your skills for further professional opportunities. Explore all courses below:
84 credit hours, a written comprehensive exam, an oral comprehensive exam, a prospectus and a dissertation
Required Core (6 credit hours) Electives or Research (54 credit hours) Other Requirements (12 credit hours) Culminating Experience (12 credit hours) Additional Curriculum Information
MCB 555 Advanced Molecular and Cellular Sciences (3)
MCB 556 Advanced Molecular and Cellular Biology II (3)
BIO 543 Molecular Genetics and Genomics (3)
BIO 610 Introduction to Responsible Conduct of Research (RCR) in Life Sciences (1)
MCB 501 Seminar: Molecular and Cellular Biology Colloquium (8)
MCB 799 Dissertation (12)
Students take MCB 501 eight times for one credit hour each. Courses listed under Other Requirements may be substituted with approval of the academic unit.
What you'll learn
The following learning outcomes highlight some of the knowledge and skills you'll develop to support your future success.
- Able to review the literature relevant to the research question in molecular and cellular biology that they address in their dissertation.
- Able to execute a research plan of their own design that addresses a significant scientific question about molecular and cellular biology.
- Able to communicate the rationale and results of their research, both orally and in writing.
Able to review the literature relevant to the research question in molecular and cellular biology that they address in their dissertation.Admission requirements
Here are the admission and application details
All students are required to meet general university admission requirements.
U.S. applicants (opens in new window) | International applicants (opens in new window) | English proficiency (opens in new window)
Applicants must fulfill the requirements of both the Graduate College and The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences. Applicants must have earned a bachelor's or master's degree in the biological sciences, biochemistry or a closely related field from a regionally accredited institution. Applicants must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.00 (scale is 4.00 = "A") in the last 60 hours of their first bachelor's degree program or a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.00 (scale is 4.00 = "A") in an applicable master's degree program. Applicants must submit the following: Additional Application Information Research experience is a desired qualification.
An applicant whose native language is not English must provide proof of English proficiency regardless of their current residency.
Application deadlines
| Session | Modality | Deadline | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| Session A/C | In Person | 11/15 | Final* |
*A final deadline means that all applications and application materials must be received by Admission Services by the deadline date. Applications that are incomplete may not be considered after the final deadline. Applications that are submitted past the final deadline may not be considered.
Paying for college
Use our calculator to estimate your full-time or part-time tuition fees for this program prior to any financial aid. Keep in mind that most of our students receive financial aid, which can reduce out-of-pocket costs.
Get an estimateCareer opportunities
Careers this molecular and cellular biology PhD degree prepares you for
Graduates hold positions as researchers and leaders in nongovernmental organizations, biotech and pharma, and in federal and state agencies.
Career examples include:
- faculty member at a university or college
- leader of a nonprofit organization
- principal investigator or leader in a private, government or industrial lab
Contact information
Use the contact information below to get in touch if you're a current student or have general questions.
Prospective students should fill out the Request for Information form.
School of Life Sciences
|
LSA 181
sols.grad@asu.edu
480-965-1768
Admission deadlines
Frequently asked questions about degree programs
Accelerated programs allow students the opportunity to expedite the completion of their degree.
Accelerated master's
These programs allow students to accelerate their studies to earn a bachelor's plus a master's degree in as few as five years (for some programs).
Each program has requirements students must meet to be eligible for consideration. Students typically receive approval to pursue the accelerated master's during the junior year of their bachelor's degree program. Interested students can learn about eligibility requirements and how to apply.
Concurrent degrees allow students to pursue their own personal or professional interests, earn two distinct degrees and receive two diplomas. To add a concurrent degree to your existing degree, work with your academic advisor.
Joint programs, or jointly conferred degrees, are offered by more than one college and provide opportunities for students to take advantage of the academic strengths of two academic units. Upon graduation, students are awarded one degree and one diploma conferred by two colleges.
ASU adds new programs to Degree Search frequently. Come back often and look for the "New Programs" option.
ASU Online offers programs in an entirely online format with multiple enrollment sessions throughout the year. See https://asuonline.asu.edu/ for more information.
The Western Regional Graduate Program (WRGP) provides a reduced tuition rate to non-resident graduate students who qualify. Visit the WRGP/WICHE webpage for more information: https://graduate.asu.edu/wiche.
