PhD in Cancer Biology
The PhD in Cancer Biology program at PCOM is focused on understanding the biological
and molecular basis of cancer initiation and progression with an emphasis on the process
of drug discovery and therapeutic development.
Offered in partnership with The Ellen and Ronald Caplan Cancer Center at The Wistar Institute, the nation’s first independent institution devoted to biomedical research and training,
the PhD in Cancer Biology prepares graduates for careers in cancer biology or drug
development. Students will have access to state-of-the-art laboratory facilities and
equipment. Additionally, students will participate in a cancer biology journal club
where they will have the opportunity to discuss current research in molecular oncology,
cancer genetics and more.
As a student in the PhD in Cancer Biology program, you will:
- gain further understanding of the fundamental cellular process of cancer;
- learn to successfully collaborate with others in a multidisciplinary environment;
- develop effective work habits including the time management and organizational skills
critical for career success;
- apply clinical and translational research to human cancer studies; and
- prepare for careers in academic, government or industrial research.
About the PhD in Cancer Biology Program
The PhD in Cancer Biology program is designed to be completed in 5-7 years of full-time
study. The program is offered on PCOM's main campus in Philadelphia, PA and requires
99-121 credit hours to complete. All full-time students will receive a full scholarship,
health insurance through PCOM and a stipend while they are in the program.
DOWNLOAD PROGRAM BROCHURE
PhD in Cancer Biology Career Options
Graduates of our PhD program may choose to pursue careers in academia or the corporate
sector. Potential career options include:
- Principal investigator
- Bench scientist
- Faculty research or teaching positions
- Drug development
- Postdoctoral fellow
- Clinical research coordinator
- Health educator
- Clinical investigator
- Science policy, management and administration
Curriculum
In the first year of the program, students will take classes in biostatistics, vaccine
and immune therapeutics, the molecular basis of medicine, medical pharmacology and
physiology at PCOM and will do lab rotations and participate in a cancer biology journal
club at The Wistar Institute.
Year two classes include cancer biology and bioinformatics. Students will continue
pre-doctoral research and participation in the journal club at The Wistar Institute.
Beginning in the third year, students will focus exclusively on their doctoral research.
Application Process and Requirements
Visit our application requirements page to learn about course prerequisites, program requirements, the application process
and more for the PhD in Cancer Biology program.