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

Improving Health Outcomes Through Preventing Childhood Obesity Conference  promotional image

Improving Health Outcomes Through Preventing Childhood Obesity Conference

Tuesday, January 13, 2026 8:30am to 4:30pm
Virtual
Join physicians, nurses, public health educators, researchers, teachers, social workers and dietitians in a conversation about the prevention of, and the implications of, childhood obesity!

Join physicians, nurses, public health educators, researchers, teachers, social workers and dietitians in a conversation about the prevention of, and the implications of, childhood obesity!
Hardin Open Workshops - EndNote Basic - Online Version (Zoom) promotional image

Hardin Open Workshops - EndNote Basic - Online Version (Zoom)

Tuesday, January 13, 2026 11:00am to 12:00pm
Virtual
Hardin Open Workshops: EndNote Basic
ACB Seminar Series - Juan Rodriguez and Sahebgowda Patil  promotional image

ACB Seminar Series - Juan Rodriguez and Sahebgowda Patil

Wednesday, January 14, 2026 9:30am to 10:30am
Bowen Science Building

Juan Rodriguez, a Cell and Developmental Biology Student in the Yang Lab, will present a seminar titled “Regulation of Ide-mediated Hepatic Insulin Clearance by Nitrosative Stress."

Sahebgowda Patil, a Cell and Developmental Biology Student in the Yang Lab, will present a seminar titled “Role of the Lysosome Enzyme GILT in Bone Marrow Adipocyte Function under the Context of Obesity."