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

Blood Drive @ UIHC IRL promotional image

Blood Drive @ UIHC IRL

Friday, September 18, 2026 10:00am to 2:00pm
Iowa River Landing
The DeGowin Blood Center is hosting a blood drive from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Friday, September 18th 2026 at the UIHC IRL . 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!
Neuroscience Seminar: Ronald Davis, PhD promotional image

Neuroscience Seminar: Ronald Davis, PhD

Friday, September 18, 2026 12:00pm to 1:00pm
Carver Biomedical Research Building
Neuroscience seminar presented by Ronald Davis, PhD, Herbert Wertheim UF Scripps Institute for Biomedical Innovation and Technology
Iowa ReSpectacle Back to School Donation Drive promotional image

Iowa ReSpectacle Back to School Donation Drive

Friday, September 18 to Friday, September 25, 2026 (all day)
Medical Education Research Facility
Donate used glasses to be recycled and redistributed across the globe during the back-to-school season! Drop-off locations are available from Aug. 24 to Sept. 25 across the University of Iowa campuses and clinics.