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

Alumni Day 2026 promotional image

Alumni Day 2026

Saturday, April 18, 2026 (all day)
Levitt Center for University Advancement
Once a Hawkeye, Always a Hawkeye
Iowa City Mini Medical School - Beyond the Bump: Latest in Maternal, Fetal, and Neonatal Medicine promotional image

Iowa City Mini Medical School - Beyond the Bump: Latest in Maternal, Fetal, and Neonatal Medicine

Saturday, April 18, 2026 8:30am to 11:30am
Medical Education Research Facility

NOTE: Location has changed! This event will now be held in the Medical Education Research Facility (MERF) on the medical campus.

Exploring how maternal, fetal, and neonatal medicine affects everyone’s health

Maternal and fetal medicine isn’t just for babies. Pregnancy and birth outcomes affect everyone’s health. Join us for an educational event to explore the latest from Iowa’s research leaders and how advancements in maternity care and neonatal medicine support critical health needs in our state...

Molecular Physiology and Biophysics Seminar, Brian Shy, MD, PhD promotional image

Molecular Physiology and Biophysics Seminar, Brian Shy, MD, PhD

Tuesday, April 21, 2026 9:30am to 10:30am
Bowen Science Building