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

Internal Medicine Grand Rounds 6/25/2026

Thursday, June 25, 2026 12:00pm to 1:00pm
General Hospital

Lung nodule management in the era of robotic bronchoscopy
Robert Smyth, MD

Summer Undergraduate Research Program Seminars promotional image

Summer Undergraduate Research Program Seminars

Thursday, June 25, 2026 12:00pm to 1:00pm
Eckstein Medical Research Building
The first of a series as part of the Summer Undergraduate Research Program
UIPDA Inaugural Postdoc Conference promotional image

UIPDA Inaugural Postdoc Conference

Friday, June 26, 2026 8:00am to 5:00pm
Medical Education Research Facility

The University of Iowa Postdoctoral Association is excited to host the 1st Interdisciplinary Postdoctoral Conference! Postdocs from all disciplines are invited to participate by presenting a poster, giving a 5- to 10-minute oral presentation, or attending the conference. The poster session will be held from 9 to 11 a.m.