UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS URBANA-CHAMPAIGN · UNITED STATES
PhD in Molecular & Cellular Biology
PhD · Taught in en
At a glance
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Duration
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Tuition / yr
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PhD
Level
- Over 65 active research labsResearch Opportunities
- Interdisciplinary collaborationCollaborative Environment
- Strong faculty mentorshipMentorship
- Guaranteed financial supportFinancial Support
- Graduates become faculty or industry leadersCareer Outcomes
The University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign's School of Molecular & Cellular Biology (MCB) offers a PhD program that is a cornerstone of life-changing research and education. The program brings together faculty and students from the Departments of Biochemistry, Cell & Developmental Biology, Microbiology, and Molecular & Integrative Physiology. PhD students are considered an integral part of the university's tradition of excellence, benefiting from accessible faculty who provide strong mentorship. During the first year, students engage in three laboratory rotations to explore research interests. By December of the first year, a research advisor and laboratory are selected, and students join a specific departmental graduate program. The school boasts over 65 active research labs recruiting PhD students, fostering a collaborative environment for scientific advancement.
Careers
Graduates from the MCB PhD program pursue careers as faculty at top academic research universities or as leaders in various industries, including pharmaceutical companies, national laboratories, and clinics.
- Faculty at academic research universities
- Leaders in the pharmaceutical industry
- Researchers in national laboratories
- Professionals in clinics
Frequently asked questions
- What financial support is available for PhD students in Molecular & Cellular Biology?
- PhD students receive guaranteed financial support through fellowships, traineeships, or graduate assistantships, which include a stipend and a full tuition and partial fee waiver.
- How do international students demonstrate financial self-sufficiency for visa purposes?
- International candidates must demonstrate the ability to self-support during studies for visa purposes by providing documentation proving they can fully support themselves during their studies.
- What are the typical career paths for graduates of this program?
- Graduates pursue careers as faculty at top academic research universities or as leaders in various industries, including pharmaceutical companies, national laboratories, and clinics.
- What is the application process for the PhD in Molecular & Cellular Biology?
- Prospective students must submit an application through the Graduate College, selecting a specific departmental program within MCB, and provide transcripts and proof of financial support if applicable.
- What academic qualifications are required for the PhD program?
- Applicants need a Bachelor's degree in biological or physical sciences.
Entry requirements
Bachelor's degreeIn biological or physical sciences
Applicants interested in specific departmental PhD programs (Biochemistry, Cell and Developmental Biology, Microbiology, or Molecular and Integrative Physiology) apply through the Molecular and Cellular Biology PhD Program. Students interested in a PhD in Biophysics should apply directly to that program.
Fees
Tuition (international)PhD students receive financial support through fellowships, traineeships, or graduate assistantships, which include a stipend and a full tuition and partial fee waiver.
Tuition (home)PhD students receive financial support through fellowships, traineeships, or graduate assistantships, which include a stipend and a full tuition and partial fee waiver.
LivingInternational candidates must demonstrate ability to self-support during studies for visa purposes.
Financial support is guaranteed as long as satisfactory progress is made toward the degree. Competitive fellowships are available for outstanding applicants.
How to apply
1. Choose a Departmental ProgramDecide whether you wish to pursue a PhD in Biochemistry, Cell & Developmental Biology, Microbiology, or Molecular & Integrative Physiology. All these applications are managed through the MCB PhD Program.
2. Submit ApplicationComplete the online graduate application for the Molecular and Cellular Biology PhD Program. Specific application deadlines should be verified on the program's website.
3. Provide Transcripts and CredentialsSubmit official transcripts from all previous institutions and any other required academic credentials.
4. Demonstrate Financial Support (International Applicants)International students must provide documentation proving they can fully support themselves during their studies to obtain a visa. The Graduate College will not process applications until these documents are received.
Frequently asked questions
What financial support is available for PhD students in Molecular & Cellular Biology?
+
PhD students receive guaranteed financial support through fellowships, traineeships, or graduate assistantships, which include a stipend and a full tuition and partial fee waiver.
How do international students demonstrate financial self-sufficiency for visa purposes?
+
International candidates must demonstrate the ability to self-support during studies for visa purposes by providing documentation proving they can fully support themselves during their studies.
What are the typical career paths for graduates of this program?
+
Graduates pursue careers as faculty at top academic research universities or as leaders in various industries, including pharmaceutical companies, national laboratories, and clinics.
What is the application process for the PhD in Molecular & Cellular Biology?
+
Prospective students must submit an application through the Graduate College, selecting a specific departmental program within MCB, and provide transcripts and proof of financial support if applicable.
What academic qualifications are required for the PhD program?
+
Applicants need a Bachelor's degree in biological or physical sciences.