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

Program Learning Outcomes

Graduates of this program will be able to:

1. Understand advanced biological concepts beyond the scope of the typical undergraduate degree and increase the depth of their knowledge through coursework and hands-on experiences.
2. Apply scientific principles and appreciate work outside of their particular field.
3. Effectively communicate about science with colleagues as well as those outside of the student's area of expertise.
4. Develop the necessary laboratory skills that will allow testing of hypotheses.

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
    Applications submitted by this deadline will receive the strongest consideration for admission.

Program Requirements

Major Requirements

¹

Students may substitute a different graduate-level statistics course for BSCI 70104, if deemed appropriate by the students' advisor/guidance committee.

²

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

³

Students are to select courses in consultation with their academic faculty advisor. It is recommended that students enroll in BSCI 70195 for selected current topics. Additional coursework should provide the necessary skills and/or knowledge base to aid in the completion of the student's research project and be beneficial for their professional development.

⁴

Students are required to present at least one departmental seminar about their work.

⁵

Doctoral candidates, upon admission to candidacy, 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. It is expected that 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, with not more than one negative vote, in order to be recommended to the Department of Biological Sciences and the College of Arts and Sciences for degree conferral.

Graduation Requirements

• 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

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

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 Arts and Sciences for degree conferral

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