This program's mission is to provide students with:

  • Advanced knowledge in current concepts in molecular, cellular, and genetic processes that contribute to the development and treatment of cancer
  • Specialized training in experimental methodology used to study cancer in a laboratory setting
  • Required shadowing of clinical oncologists to help identify clinically-relevant research questions leading to projects with a potential impact on cancer patients

Learn about our program's curriculum

Curriculum Overview

The Graduate College requires the satisfactory completion of 72 semester hours in order to obtain a Ph.D.

Required Courses

For the first year, students take common courses with other Biomedical Science students.

Cancer is a term that encompasses over 210 different types of malignancies, each with a unique set of biological, etiological, and clinical features. Cancer researchers continue to widen their scope as more is learned, requiring a breadth of knowledge in many areas of research (e.g. cell biology, genetics, immunology, and cell metabolism) to understand the complexities of cancer etiology and treatment.

The Cancer Biology Program provides this knowledge through classroom and research training leading to a PhD degree, and preparing students for a variety of career paths in academic, clinical, and industry environments dealing with the study and/or treatment of cancer.

A campus visual from the Carver College of Medicine outdoor lawn space.

Ready to apply?

You can learn more about the application process and requirements here.

Events

Frontiers in Obesity, Diabetes and Metabolism - Chelsea Howland, PhD, RN  promotional image

Frontiers in Obesity, Diabetes and Metabolism - Chelsea Howland, PhD, RN

Monday, March 2, 2026 1:00pm to 2:00pm
Carver Biomedical Research Building

Chelsea Howland, PhD, RN, Assistant Professor in the College of Nursing will be giving a presentation titled, "Mind-body physical activity intervention among rural older adults with type 2 diabetes".

Molecular Physiology and Biophysics Workshops, Andrew (Drew) Kain and Hannah Rust promotional image

Molecular Physiology and Biophysics Workshops, Andrew (Drew) Kain and Hannah Rust

Tuesday, March 3, 2026 9:30am to 10:30am
Bowen Science Building
College of Pharmacy PSET Seminar Series: Kristina Thiel, PhD promotional image

College of Pharmacy PSET Seminar Series: Kristina Thiel, PhD

Tuesday, March 3, 2026 11:30am
College of Pharmacy Building

The Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Experimental Therapeutics (PSET) in the College of Pharmacy will host a seminar presented by: 

Kristina Thiel, PhD
Assistant Professor
Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology
University of Iowa
Iowa City, Iowa

All are welcome to attend. No pre-registration required.