PhD Pathology and Laboratory Medicine at University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

Programme overview

The Ph.D. program in Pathobiology and Translational Science offers a structured yet flexible path for students to develop advanced research skills. Key requirements include coursework, passing written and oral exams, developing a research proposal, completing original dissertation research, and successfully defending the dissertation. In the first year, students participate in the Biologic and Biomedical Sciences Program (BBSP), completing foundational coursework and laboratory rotations. The second year and beyond are spent in the Pathobiology and Translational Science Program, focusing on advanced coursework, seminars, and research project development.

Faculty: School of Medicine | Department: Pathology and Laboratory Medicine | Study mode: full-time | Location: Chapel Hill, NC, United States

What you will study

1 Students must take PATH 994 twice for a minimum of 6 credit hours. Core courses include PATH 714L Molecular and Cellular Pathophysiological Basis of Disease: Laboratory I; PATH 801 Critical Thinking in Science: From Hypothesis to Grant Proposal; PATH 850 Scientific Writing in Pathobiology and Translational Science; BBSP 705 Best Practices for Rigor and Reproducibility in Research; PATH 994 Doctoral Research and Dissertation; PATH 723 Practical Considerations for Translational Research.

Career pathways

The program allows students to tailor elective courses to their specific scientific and career goals. The completion and defense of an original research project is the program's central requirement, ensuring students demonstrate mastery of their field and preparedness for a career in experimental pathology.

Official programme page

Application information

Entry requirements

Graduate School minimum (applies to all graduate programmes): a four-year bachelor's degree (or international equivalent) from an accredited institution completed before graduate study begins and a cumulative GPA of 3.0 (B) or better; application via the Graduate School online application with transcripts, three recommendation letters, statement of purpose and CV, plus any programme-specific tests/materials; international applicants add a TOEFL, IELTS or Duolingo English Test score; admission decisions are made by each programme. Programme-specific: Admission to the program is through the Biologic and Biomedical Sciences program.

Tuition is charged per credit, so the total depends on the modules you register for each year. Current fees are listed in the official fee schedule.

Graduate applicants apply for a start term; fall is the main start term. Very few programmes admit new students for spring or summer terms.

Graduate applications and payment must be received by the deadline of the academic programme applied to, which varies by programme; the application closes at 11:59pm Eastern Time on the deadline date. The Graduate School recommends complete applications by December 15, 2026 for full fellowship consideration.

Apply through the official page: https://gradschool.unc.edu/admissions/instructions/

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