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Biomedical Sciences - Cellular and Molecular Biology - Ph.D.

The Biomedical Sciences - Cellular and Molecular Biology Ph.D. program provides advanced training in biomedical research, with a focus on cellular and molecular biology. With access to state-of-the-art facilities and experienced faculty, you'll gain the knowledge and expertise needed to tackle complex biomedical questions and make a meaningful impact in the field.

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Doctoral Degree in Cellular and Molecular Biology

Advance your research expertise with Kent State’s Ph.D. degree in Cellular and Molecular Biology. Dive into cutting-edge coursework and research, covering critical topics like signal transduction, cell systems biology, and gene regulation. This program is designed to develop your scientific inquiry and technical skills, preparing you for leadership roles in academic research, biotechnology, and various biomedical fields.

Program Information for Biomedical Sciences - Cellular and Molecular Biology - Ph.D.

Program Description

Program Description

Full Description

The Ph.D. degree in Biomedical Sciences–Cellular and Molecular Biology prepares creative research scientists for careers in teaching, research and biotechnology. Graduates possess an in-depth comprehension of experimental design at the cellular and molecular levels of biological organization, as well as competency in current techniques in the discipline. Major research emphases include signal transduction, biochemistry and pathobiology, gene regulation, cell systems biology, cell and tissue ultrastructure, membrane structure and function, molecular aspects of neurobiology and endocrinology, genetics and metabolism of microorganisms, virology and immunology and enzymology with an emphasis on protein dynamics and folding, as well as cytochrome P-450s.

The Ph.D. degree is offered in consortium with Cleveland Clinic and Northeast Ohio Medical University (NEOMED). Program faculty are drawn from several departments at Kent State and the other two institutions. Additional participant faculty are located at area clinical facilities and hospitals. This multi-departmental and inter-institutional structure gives doctoral candidates access to the talents of a broadly diverse research faculty as well as significant research facilities and resources.

Admissions for Biomedical Sciences - Cellular and Molecular Biology - Ph.D.

Admissions

For more information about graduate admissions, visit the graduate admission website. For more information on international admissions, visit the international admission website.

Admission Requirements

  • Bachelor's degree or higher from an accredited college or university
  • Minimum 2.750 GPA on a 4.000-point scale
  • Academic preparation adequate to complete graduate coursework in cell and molecular biology (recommended courses in chemistry, cell biology, genetics and biochemistry)
  • Official transcript(s)
  • Résumé or curriculum vitae
  • Goal statement (applicants should describe their research experience and goals in pursuing an advanced degree)
  • Three letters of recommendation
  • English language proficiency - all international students must provide proof of English language proficiency (unless they meet specific exceptions to waive) by earning one of the following:1
    • Minimum 94 TOEFL iBT score
    • Minimum 7.0 IELTS score
    • Minimum 65 PTE score
    • Minimum 120 DET score
1

International applicants who do not meet the above test scores will not be considered for admission.

Application Deadlines

  • Fall Semester
    • Application deadline: November 15

All application materials (including applicable fee, transcripts, recommendation letters, etc.) submitted after this deadline will be considered on a space-available basis.

Learning Outcomes

Learning Outcomes

Program Learning Outcomes

Graduates of this program will be able to:

  1. Publish their research in peer-reviewed journals.
  2. Demonstrate the ability to teach undergraduate students.
  3. Seek employment in fields that reflect their area of training.

Coursework

On This Page

Program Requirements

Major Requirements

Major Requirements
BMS 70120LABORATORY TECHNIQUES IN BIOMEDICAL SCIENCES (taken twice)4
BMS 71000RESPONSIBLE CONDUCT OF RESEARCH 1
BMS 71001INTRODUCTION TO BIOMEDICAL SCIENCES 1
BMS 78637BIOANTHROPOLOGICAL DATA ANALYSIS I 4-5
or BSCI 70104 BIOLOGICAL STATISTICS
BMS 80110CAREER AND PROFESSIONAL SKILLS FOR LIFE SCIENTISTS 2
BSCI 70143EUKARYOTIC CELL BIOLOGY 3
BSCI 70144SELECTED READINGS IN EUKARYOTIC CELL BIOLOGY 1
Graduate Electives Approved by Guidance Committee13-44
Culminating Requirement
BMS 80199DISSERTATION I 130
Minimum Total Credit Hours for Post-Baccalaureate Students:90
Minimum Total Credit Hours for Post-Master's Students:60
1

Upon completion of course requirements and candidacy exam, doctoral students must register for BMS 80199 for two semesters for a total of 30 credit hours. Thereafter, it is expected that a doctoral candidate will continuously register for BMS 80299 each semester until all requirements for the degree have been met. After completion of the candidacy examination, the dissertation committee will be established, consisting of the guidance committee and an outside member. Students will submit their prospectus for the dissertation to this committee. The format of the prospectus will parallel that utilized for NIH grant proposals (without biographical, budget and facilities information). The dissertation committee makes recommendations for reformulation until the proposal is acceptable or may reject it with specific reasons.

Graduation Requirements
Minimum Major GPA Minimum Overall GPA
- 3.000
  • Post-baccalaureate students must complete a minimum of 60 credit hours prior to enrolling in BMS 80199. Minimum 15 of the 60 credit hours must be letter-graded courses.
  • Post-master's students must complete a minimum of 30 credit hours prior to enrolling in BMS 80199.
Program Delivery

Program Delivery

  • Delivery:
    • In person
  • Location:
    • Kent Campus

Cellular & Molecular Biology Faculty

Find valuable information and the specialty areas of faculty who teach in the cellular and molecular biology program.

Faculty Page
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