PhD in Molecular and Cellular Biology

Students enrolled in doctoral graduate studies conduct dissertation research under the mentorship of expert faculty in the areas of aging, neuronal development and neuropathogenesis, epigenetics and gene regulation, structural biology, inflammation and immunity, drug resistance, cancer biology, and infectious diseases. During the first semester, students rotate through 2-3 different laboratories before choosing a faculty mentor to supervise their Ph.D. research. All new students are advised by the Biological Sciences-Graduate Education Committee (GEC) and are required to have at least one annual meeting with their Graduate Advisory Committee to review their academic and research progress.

The Molecular and Cellular Biology Ph.D. degree program requires approximately four to five years to complete, including:

• 60 credit hours
• Two-year full-time residency
• Passing a qualifying examination at the end of the second year
• Complete a research program
• Writing and defending a monograph detailing proposed research

In the Ph.D. program, financial support provides students with a competitive stipend amount of $30,000 per year plus benefits, which includes health care, for a total support package of $39,750 per year. In addition, Ph.D. students do not pay tuition and fees, which are covered by the university.

The graduate programs in Molecular and Cellular Biology prepares students for careers in modern biological research. The diverse faculty ensures broad training that includes coursework and research experience in:

• Molecular biology of prokaryotes and eukaryotes
• Biochemistry and structural biology
• Advance cell biology
• Epigenetic regulation of gene expression
• Genetics and molecular biology of model organisms and human pathogens
• Virology and cancer biology
• Mechanisms of aging and senescence
• Neuronal development and RNA processing
• Neurodegeneration
• Structure and dynamics of nucleotide binding and membrane proteins

SMU's Moody School of Graduate and Advanced Studies is proud to offer doctoral and master’s degrees in a wide variety of fields across four different colleges and schools: the Dedman College of Humanities and Sciences, the Lyle School of Engineering, the Meadows School of the Arts, and the Simmons School of Education and Human Development. These programs help students to pursue their passions and make significant contributions to both academia and industry.

• 32 Doctoral degrees
• 120+ Masters degrees
• 47 Fully-funded Ph.D. fellows

Thinking about studying at SMU? Welcome!

Southern Methodist University is a private, research-driven institution focused on providing innovative, interdisciplinary, and impactful studies. Located in the international city of Dallas, TX, our graduate students get to live and learn in one of the 10 best business locations in the U.S. according to Fortune magazine.

The Moody School of Graduate and Advanced Studies, in partnership with five of SMU's Colleges and Schools, offers 32 doctoral degrees and over 120 master's degrees in addition to several professional degrees. These programs help our students pursue their passions and make significant contributions in their academic fields and beyond.

Diversity at SMU

Southern Methodist University is committed to nurturing an inclusive, respectful, and intellectually challenging environment for all of our graduate students.

We believe that a supportive community embracing individual viewpoints and backgrounds leads to a more rigorous academic environment and a more fulfilling experience for all.