UNIVERSITY OF MICHIGAN · UNITED STATES
PhD Program: Molecular, Cellular & Developmental Biology
PhD · Taught in en
At a glance
66 mo
Duration
—
IELTS
€26k
Tuition / yr
en
Language
PhD
Level
- ~80PhD students
- 40+Internationally recognized mentoring faculty
- ~12New students admitted annually
- State-of-the-art facilityNew building opened in 2018
- Top 3 rankingRanked 3rd best MCDB program nationally by NRC Survey
- 5-5.5 yearsTypical program completion time
The Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology (MCDB) PhD program at the University of Michigan offers a comprehensive and inclusive training environment for aspiring scientists. The program's primary goal is to equip students with the essential scientific knowledge and technical skills required to become independent researchers. It provides a flexible structure that allows students to explore and develop their unique research interests across various disciplines within MCDB. The program emphasizes basic research into the fundamental functions of life, with applications relevant to human health and biotechnology.
Curriculum
The curriculum is designed to foster independent scientific thinking and facilitate a swift transition to full-time research. Students engage in core coursework, research rotations, and a preliminary examination. The program also includes a teaching requirement.
- Year 1
- Research EthicsPIBS 503
- Modern Molecular Biology ApproachesMCDB 527
- Modern Cell Biology TechniquesMCDB 528
- Research Rotations (at least two)
- Year 2
- Proposal Writing CourseMCDB 615
Careers
MCDB doctoral graduates are well-prepared for competitive postdoctoral positions in prestigious institutions. Many alumni also transition into productive careers in industry and government, leveraging the advanced knowledge and skills acquired during their graduate training.
- Academic positions
- Postdoctoral researcher
- Industry scientist
- Government researcher
Frequently asked questions
- Does the PhD program in Molecular, Cellular & Developmental Biology offer funding for doctoral students?
- Yes, doctoral students admitted into the program receive funding which includes tuition, health and dental benefits, and a living stipend. Additional support is provided for conference travel and research projects.
- What is the typical duration of the PhD program?
- The typical program completion time is 5 to 5.5 years.
- What are the career prospects for graduates of this program?
- Graduates are well-prepared for postdoctoral positions, and many transition into careers in industry and government as scientists.
- How do I apply to the program?
- You must submit an application through the unified PIBS (Program in Biomedical Sciences) application portal. It is recommended to explore faculty profiles and research areas within the MCDB department as part of your application process.
- What is the language of instruction for this program?
- The language of instruction for this program is English.
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Fees
Tuition (international)Full-time doctoral students are typically funded. For reference, non-resident tuition for the 2025-26 Full Term (Fall & Winter) is $30,685 for 9+ credit hours. Half Term (Spring & Summer) non-resident tuition is $17,030 for 5+ credit hours. These figures are for reference and do not reflect the typical funding package.
Tuition (home)Full-time doctoral students are typically funded. For reference, Michigan resident tuition for the 2025-26 Full Term (Fall & Winter) is $15,204 for 9+ credit hours. Half Term (Spring & Summer) resident tuition is $8,430 for 5+ credit hours. These figures are for reference and do not reflect the typical funding package.
Living—
Doctoral students admitted into the program receive funding which includes tuition, health and dental benefits, and a living stipend. Additional support is provided for conference travel and research projects.
How to apply
1. Submit PIBS ApplicationComplete and submit the application through the PIBS (Program in Biomedical Sciences) application portal. Details on specific application requirements and deadlines should be confirmed on the PIBS admissions page.
2. Identify Research InterestsExplore the research areas and faculty profiles within the MCDB department to identify potential mentors and research interests.
3. Complete First Year RequirementsDuring the first year, students undertake coursework and at least two research rotations in MCDB faculty labs to select a dissertation research mentor.
4. Preliminary ExaminationAt the end of the first year, students must pass an oral preliminary examination covering topics from core courses or a primary literature research paper, depending on the student's track.
5. Teaching RequirementFulfill the requirement of teaching for at least two semesters.
6. Dissertation ResearchComplete dissertation research and defend the thesis, typically within 5-5.5 years of study.
Frequently asked questions
Does the PhD program in Molecular, Cellular & Developmental Biology offer funding for doctoral students?
+
Yes, doctoral students admitted into the program receive funding which includes tuition, health and dental benefits, and a living stipend. Additional support is provided for conference travel and research projects.
What is the typical duration of the PhD program?
+
The typical program completion time is 5 to 5.5 years.
What are the career prospects for graduates of this program?
+
Graduates are well-prepared for postdoctoral positions, and many transition into careers in industry and government as scientists.
How do I apply to the program?
+
You must submit an application through the unified PIBS (Program in Biomedical Sciences) application portal. It is recommended to explore faculty profiles and research areas within the MCDB department as part of your application process.
What is the language of instruction for this program?
+
The language of instruction for this program is English.