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

Mobile Clinic - Shelter House promotional image

Mobile Clinic - Shelter House

Saturday, September 26, 2026 8:00am to 11:00am
Shelter House
Mobile Clinic
Mobile Clinic - West Liberty promotional image

Mobile Clinic - West Liberty

Sunday, September 27, 2026 11:00am to 2:00pm
West Liberty
Mobile Clinic
Medicus Blood Drive  promotional image

Medicus Blood Drive

Monday, September 28, 2026 12:00pm to 4:00pm
Iowa Memorial Union (IMU)
The DeGowin Blood Center is hosting a blood drive from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m. on Monday, September 28th, 2026 at the Iowa Memorial Union. Help the University of Iowa climb the Abbott & Big Ten We Give Blood Drive leaderboard and received a special-edition t-shirt from Abbott, while supplies last!