PhD Molecular and Cellular Biology at Arizona State University

Programme overview

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.

What you will study

84 credit hours, a written comprehensive exam, an oral comprehensive exam, a prospectus and a dissertation Required Core (6 credit hours) MCB 555 Advanced Molecular and Cellular Sciences (3) MCB 556 Advanced Molecular and Cellular Biology II (3) Electives or Research (54 credit hours) Other Requirements (12 credit hours) 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) Culminating Experience (12 credit hours) MCB 799 Dissertation (12) Additional Curriculum Information Students take MCB 501 eight times for one credit hour each.

Career pathways

Graduates hold positions as researchers and leaders in nongovernmental organizations, biotech and pharma, and in federal and state agencies. Career examples: faculty member at a university or college, leader of a nonprofit organization, principal investigator or leader in a private, government or industrial lab.

Official programme page

Application information

Entry requirements

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: graduate admission application and application fee official transcripts academic record form personal statement curriculum vitae or resume three letters of recommendation proof of English proficiency Additional Application Information An applicant whose native language is not English must provide proof of English proficiency regardless of their current residency. Research experience is a desired qualification.

Domestic applicants: USD 13,327 a year (2026-27). Arizona resident tuition. Tuition only for the graduate on-campus (Tempe/Downtown Phoenix/Polytechnic/West Valley) rate band in the ASU tuition estimator, 2026-27: Fall 2026 plus Spring 2027 term tuition summed (full-time flat rate; part-time credit loads Source

International applicants: USD 24,780 a year (2026-27). International tuition. Tuition only for the graduate on-campus (Tempe/Downtown Phoenix/Polytechnic/West Valley) rate band in the ASU tuition estimator, 2026-27: Fall 2026 plus Spring 2027 term tuition summed (full-time flat rate; part-time credit loads ar Source

Entry terms: Fall, Spring and Summer; the terms available for each programme are listed in Degree Search.

Graduate application deadlines are set by each programme office and listed in Degree Search. The nonrefundable application fee is $75 for U.S. citizens, permanent residents, DACA and international online students outside the U.S., and $120 for international students on a nonimmigrant visa studying in the U.S.

Apply through the official page: https://admission.asu.edu/apply/graduate/admission

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