PhD - Doctor of Philosophy in Molecular and Cell Biology

The PhD program in Molecular and Cell Biology begins with core courses in biochemistry, molecular biology, cell biology and quantitative biology. PhD candidates conduct experimental or computational research in a laboratory of their choosing. Research in the department of Biological Sciences is organized into five areas of strength, which are:

Biochemistry and Biophysics
Genomics, Systems and Computational Biology
Microbiology
Molecular and Cell Biology
Pathobiology (cancer, neurobiology, infectious disease)
Our faculty members are dedicated to teaching, and classroom experiences are balanced with a substantial research program that serves as the platform for our mentor-based teaching methods. For those who choose the thesis option, lab work will expose students to state-of-the-art research techniques used to understand the molecular mechanisms of biological processes such as gene expression, protein structure and function, carcinogenesis, neurodegeneration, bacterial pathogenicity and symbiosis, metabolism and signaling networks.

The department is well equipped for research in modern molecular and cell biology. Facilities include next generation sequencing platforms, cell imaging systems, protein and small molecule mass spectrometry and cell sorting.

The minimum requirement for admission to any doctoral program is an appropriate earned UT Dallas master's degree or its equivalent, with an average of at least B+. Applicants currently enrolled in post baccalaureate study may be admitted on the condition that official documentation confirming the conferral of their master's degree is presented before enrollment at UT Dallas is permitted.

Some departments admit directly to the doctoral program from a bachelor's degree for highly qualified candidates.

Degree requirements: Background in calculus, general physics, organic chemistry, biochemistry and general biology, including genetics. Students intending to do research in computational biology should have some background in mathematics and in programming. Entering students not having this background may be required to take some additional course work in their first year or in the summer immediately preceding entry.

English proficiency requirements

Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) iBT (Internet-based test) Minimum score: 80

TOEFL PBT (paper-based test) Minimum score: 550

International English Language Testing System (IELTS) Minimum score: 6.5

Pearson Test of English Academic (PTE) Minimum score: 67

Completion of Level 112 at an ELS Language Center

Duolingo English Test Minimum score: 105

Application Deadlines: Fall term - January 15 (Early), May 1 (Regular); Spring term - May 15 (Early), October 1 (Regular).