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Biology graduate earns doctorate at age 25.

Biological Sciences - Cell Biology and Molecular Genetics - Ph.D.

Lead the next generation of scientific discovery as you explore the mechanisms that drive life at the cellular and genetic levels. This research-intensive Ph.D. combines advanced coursework with individualized, hands-on investigation, preparing you to design and conduct original studies in cutting-edge areas of biology. With strong preparation for careers in academia, biotechnology and research, you will graduate ready to make meaningful contributions to science and society.

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Ph.D. Degree in Cell Biology and Molecular Genetics

Advance your expertise with Kent State’s Ph.D. in Cell Biology and Molecular Genetics. Engage in cutting-edge research and specialized coursework to explore the complexities of cellular and genetic processes. Our program prepares you for leadership roles in research, academia, and industry, equipping you with the skills to drive innovation in biotechnology and genetic research. 

There are NO Application Fee Waivers being offered for Fall 2026 Admission.

Program Information for Biological Sciences - Cell Biology and Molecular Genetics - Ph.D.

Program Description

Full Description

The Ph.D. degree in Biological Sciences - Cell Biology and Molecular Genetics is an individualized program of study and research that prepares students for career opportunities in teaching and research in academic, governmental and industrial settings. A core series of courses sets a rigorous foundation in theory, experimental design and technical knowledge of contemporary investigations at the cellular level of organization. Areas of research include developmental biology, cellular and developmental neuroscience, immunology, reproductive biology, cellular endocrinology and molecular genetics.

Examples of Possible Jobs and Salaries*

Biological science teachers, postsecondary

  • 7.3% faster than the average
  • 66,000 number of jobs
  • $83,460 potential earnings

Biological scientists, all other

  • 1.2% slower than the average
  • 63,700 number of jobs
  • $93,330 potential earnings

Medical scientists, except epidemiologists

  • 8.7% much faster than the average
  • 165,300 number of jobs
  • $100,590 potential earnings

Microbiologists

  • 4.1% about as fast as the average
  • 20,700 number of jobs
  • $87,330 potential earnings

Admissions for Biological Sciences - Cell Biology and Molecular Genetics - Ph.D.

For more information about graduate admissions, visit the graduate admission website. For more information on international admissions, visit the international admission website.

Admission Requirements

  • Bachelor's degree or higher from an accredited college or university
  • Minimum 2.750 GPA on a 4.000-point scale
  • Strong background in biology and related subjects such as chemistry and mathematics1
  • Official transcript(s) - copies of official transcripts can be submitted for initial review of application
  • Résumé or curriculum vitae
  • Personal statement that clearly explains why the applicant wishes to pursue an advanced degree and describes research experience and interest; statement must include a list of potential faculty mentors
  • Three letters of recommendation that comment on chance of success in an advanced degree program, with minimum one from someone who can comment on research aptitude
  • English language proficiency - all international students must provide proof of English language proficiency (unless they meet specific exceptions to waive) by earning one of the following:2
    • Minimum 94 TOEFL iBT score
    • Minimum 7.0 IELTS score
    • Minimum 65 PTE score
    • Minimum 120 DET score
1

Student deficiencies in these areas at the time of admission shall be rectified during the first year of graduate study.

2

International applicants who do not meet the above test scores will not be considered for admission.

Application Deadlines

  • Fall Semester
    • Priority deadline: November 15

All application materials (including applicable fee, transcripts, recommendation letters, etc.) submitted by this deadline will receive the strongest consideration for admission.

Learning Outcomes

Program Learning Outcomes

Graduates of this program will be able to:

  1. Synthesize complex biological theories and empirical findings in cellular biology and molecular genetic beyond the master’s level.
  2. Formulate and test novel hypotheses using advanced research techniques.
  3. Produce original research that contributes new knowledge to the biological sciences and defend findings.
  4. Disseminate scientific research through professional presentations and publications for diverse audiences with colleagues as well as with those outside their research field.

Coursework

On This Page

Program Requirements

Major Requirements

Major Requirements
BSCI 70104BIOLOGICAL STATISTICS 4
BSCI 70142BIOENERGETICS 3
BSCI 70143EUKARYOTIC CELL BIOLOGY 3
BSCI 70144SELECTED READINGS IN EUKARYOTIC CELL BIOLOGY 1
BSCI 70184RESPONSIBLE CONDUCT IN RESEARCH AND TEACHING-BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES 12
BSCI 70191SEMINAR IN BIOLOGY (taken 2-4 times)2-4
or BSCI 70491 SEMINAR IN PHYSIOLOGY
Major Electives, choose from the following:43-75
BMS 70440
CELLULAR AND MOLECULAR SIGNALING
BMS 70729
CELLULAR AND MOLECULAR NEUROSCIENCE
CHEM 70261
BIOCHEMISTRY: BIOMOLECULE STRUCTURE AND FUNCTION
Any Biological Sciences (BSCI) Doctoral Courses (70000 level or higher)
Other graduate courses as approved by guidance committee
Culminating Requirement
BSCI 80199
DISSERTATION I 2
Minimum Total Credit Hours for Post-Baccalaureate Students:90
Minimum Total Credit Hours for Post-Master’s Students:60
1

Students are required to enroll in BSCI 70184 their first semester (or the following fall semester for those starting their studies in the spring semester).

2

Upon admission to candidacy, students must register for BSCI 80199 for a total of 30 hours. It is expected that doctoral candidates will continuously register for BSCI 80199, and thereafter BSCI 80299, each semester, until all requirements for the degree have been met. Credit hours for BSCI 80299 do not count toward the degree. Candidates will present the results of their research in a defense open to students and faculty, at which the dissertation will be presented and defended before the dissertation committee.

Graduation Requirements
Minimum Major GPA Minimum Overall GPA
- 3.000
  • Students entering the program with a bachelor's degree must complete a minimum 20 credit hours of graduate courses beyond BSCI 80198 toward their degree.
  • Students entering the program with a master's degree should consult with their guidance committee to determine how many courses are required.

Candidacy for the Degree

Candidacy Exams: Students are admitted to doctoral candidacy following successful completion of both written and oral candidacy examinations. These exams are based on prior coursework and coursework taken in this graduate program as determined by students' academic Guidance Committee, which must consist of at least three eligible faculty members. The advisor(s) and a majority of members of the Guidance Committee must be members of the appropriate graduate program. This committee is responsible for determining the student's academic curriculum and for administering the candidacy exams. Following successful completion of candidacy exams, students register for dissertation - BSCI 80199 for two semesters and, thereafter, for BSCI 80299 continually until complete.

Prospectus: Following completion of the candidacy exam, doctoral students must successfully prepare, present and defend a formal prospectus of the research project before their dissertation committee.

Dissertation and Final Defense: Doctoral candidates must complete a dissertation. It is expected that candidates will present the results of their research in a defense open to students and faculty, during which they will present and defend their dissertation before their dissertation committee, with not more than one negative vote, in order to be recommended to the department and College of Sciences and Humanities for degree conferral

Program Delivery

  • Delivery:
    • In person
  • Location:
    • Kent Campus

What does delivery mean?

PhD Timeline
  • Semester 1: Form faculty guidance committee
  • End of Semester 1: Create a program of study to define required coursework.
  • End of year 2: Complete all required coursework & take candidacy examination
  • End of year 3: Complete prospectus
  • Final Semester (average 5 years):
    • Complete Dissertation
    • Give Department seminar (45-minute)
    • Pass final oral defense
Competitive Applications

GPA average for accepted students 3.5

  • Minimum GPA 2.75 required; however, applicants must demonstrate an ability to maintain a 3.0 GPA in graduate coursework.  Applicants can demonstrate this by meeting one or more of the following conditions:
    • Earned an undergraduate degree from an accredited institution with 3.0 GPA.
    • Completed 9 or more graduate hours in graded coursework at an accredited institution and earned a 3.0 cumulative GPA or above.
    • Earned a 3.0 cumulative GPA in undergraduate courses related to the academic program to which the applicant has applied.
    • Earned a 3.0 cumulative GPA in the last 60 credit hours of completed undergraduate courses.
    • Solid science background with a focus in the program  area to which the applicant applied
    • Clearly explain in their personal statement why they wish to pursue a MS or PhD in Biology, a description of their research experience and outline their research interests and long-term goals. Students should identify 3-5 faculty who they are interested in working with based on their and the faculty’s research interests. Faculty research interests can be found on the program webpages. 

Examples of Possible Jobs and Salaries for Biological Sciences - Cell Biology and Molecular Genetics - Ph.D.

Graduates of Kent State University's Ph.D. degree in Cell Biology and Molecular Genetics can benefit from specialized career opportunities in the biological sciences industry.

Notice: Career Information Source
* Source of occupation titles and labor data comes from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics' Occupational Outlook Handbook. Data comprises projected percent change in employment over the next 10 years; nation-wide employment numbers; and the yearly median wage at which half of the workers in the occupation earned more than that amount and half earned less.
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