MD/PhD Molecular Biology at Princeton University

The Department of Molecular Biology graduate program prepares students to become independent scientists through coursework, mentored research and intellectual freedom, and lists an M.D./Ph.D. offering alongside the Ph.D. Areas of concentration include biochemistry, biophysics, cancer, cell biology, computation and modeling, development, evolution, genetics, genomics, microbiology and virology, policy, and structural biology.

Department: Department of Molecular Biology  |  Duration: Ph.D. program length 5 years  |  Intake: Application deadline December 1 (for fall 2027 enrollment)  |  Study mode: full-time  |  Location: Princeton, NJ, United States

What you will study

Students complete three laboratory rotations in the first year, five core courses with a B average or better by spring of the second year, and MOL 561 Scientific Integrity by the end of the third year, then take a general examination (defense of the thesis proposal) in May of the second year. Students teach two undergraduate courses, form a thesis committee, and write a dissertation defended in a final public oral; at least one first-author peer-reviewed publication is expected before the defense.

Official programme page