PhD Program

For over 30 years, The Department of Cell Biology, now The Department of Molecular & Cellular Biology has provided a state-of-the-art education to more than 200 Ph.D. professionals. Graduates from our program find positions at prestigious academic institutions such as Duke, Harvard, Howard Hughes Medical Institute, MD Anderson, The Salk Institute, The University of California at Berkeley and San Diego, The University of Michigan, University of North Carolina, Vanderbilt and Yale. Other graduates hold key positions in biotechnology companies and industry, such as Merck & Co. and, Wyeth.

Doctor of Philosophy Program

The Department of Molecular & Cellular Biology offers a graduate program leading to a Ph.D. designed to prepare scientists for competitive careers in research and teaching. Graduate students are expected to devote full time to research and study. Entering graduate students spend the first year of study in a sequence of required and elective courses that cover the principles and techniques in cellular, molecular, and structural biology. The Department has been instrumental in designing and participating in the centralized service curriculum offered by The Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences. Courses offered in the areas of developmental biology, regulatory biology, and reproductive biology are subspecialties of the curriculum. Graduate students are encouraged to take advantage of the reciprocity among Baylor College of Medicine, Rice University, and The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, by taking courses at these institutions.

Current Thesis Research

Current thesis research projects include studies of the mechanisms of steroid and peptide hormone action in endocrine cells, hormone-receptor co-activator interactions; gene and chromatin structure, mechanisms and regulation of mRNA transcription and processing; biochemistry and regulation of the cytoskeleton, mitotic apparatus, cell motility and secretion; cellular communication; molecular and somatic cell genetics; regulation of replication and cell division; regulation of ovarian and testicular function, neuroendocrinology, implantation; cell signaling for learning and memory; developmental analysis of many tissues during mouse embryogensis; cancer biology (breast, prostate and viral); and Drosophila and mouse genetics; gene therapy.

1st year

A series of programs have been designed to introduce the entering graduate students to the research options available and to facilitate the selection of a major thesis advisor; these include a series of faculty research talks, laboratory rotations and one-on-one readings with faculty. A vigorous program of seminars, workshops, and journal clubs also provide students with current knowledge of specialized topics.

2nd year to graduation

Students are admitted to candidacy for the Ph.D. degree upon successful completion of a qualifying examination consisting of an oral presentation and defense of a research proposal. The progress of students' research and the general quality of their graduate education are maintained by continuous interaction among the student, the major advisor, and the thesis advisory committee. The dissertation is based upon original research work carried out in the major advisor's laboratory.

Enrollment for 2007-08:

• 70 students (35 men/35 women)
• 12 are pursuing MD/PhD's
• 45 domestic and 25 foreign students

Our students enjoy:

• Stipend for 2008-09 will be $26,000.00
• Students are not obliged to TA classes to receive stipends
• Guaranteed tuition scholarship - $11,000.00
• Health insurance, optional dental insurance
• Houston's low cost of living
• Completion of required coursework within one year; limited teaching opportunities
• State of the art facilities
• Well-funded (NIH) research programs in all areas of molecular and cellular biology
• One of the top molecular and cellular biology departments in the USA
• An excellent collaborative research environment with internationally recognized research faculty to supervise thesis research

Department Activities:

• Faculty Research Presentations: Incoming students are introduced to faculty research interests when faculty members give brief overview of their research interests and current projects in their labs.
• Wednesday Seminar: The Department of Molecular & Cellular Biology sponsors a weekly Department Seminar. Participation is an integral part of the department's graduate program.
• Distinguished Guest Lecture Series: Outstanding scientists from around the world present a lecture and meet with students for dinner and discussion.
• Graduate Student Symposium: Organized by the 3rd year class, this daylong event highlights the research of graduate student through poster and platform presentations. Students select the guest lecturer. Departmental awards are presented for academic excellence, posters and platform presentations.

How to join the Department of Molecular & Cellular Biology?

Application deadline: January 1st

The Department will begin reviewing completed applications on a rolling basis in December. We encourage you to submit your application as soon as possible. The deadline for completed applications is January 1, 2008.

Prerequisites:

Applicants should have a bachelor's degree or equivalent with sound preparation in biology, chemistry, and biochemistry.
Research experience is strongly recommended.

Begin with an application:

• Complete the FREE online application. [Select Molecular & Cellular Biology]
  http://www.bcm.edu/gradschool/?PMID=3514l
• Personal statement (include your research interests and career goals)
• Official transcript(s)
• Letters of recommendation (3-4)
• Official GRE scores (not more than 3 years old)
• General Test is required
• Subject Test is recommended. (Biology; biochemistry, cell and molecular biology; or chemistry)
• TOEFL scores are required for foreign applicants attended a non-English speaking university. Tests must not be more than two years old at the time of application.

Application process:

• 10 new students are admitted each year.
• Applications are evaluated and ranked by a faculty-student committee.
• Selected applicants (~30) are invited for an expense paid interview and visit.
• Notification of action regarding admission and financial support is generally made within 2 weeks of the interview and before April 15th.

Interview weekends:

If you are chosen as one of our top applicants we will invite you to Houston for an interview. Applicants arrive by 5:00 p.m. on Thursday evening and attend a dinner reception. They interview with faculty on Friday and tour the city with students on Saturday. Departures are scheduled for Sunday morning.

Interview weekends for 2008 will be January 24-27, 2008 and February 21-24, 2008

The Academic Year:

• Classes begin the first week in August.
• Orientation starts the Wednesday before classes begin.
• 1st year is arranged in 5 cumulative terms with 1-week vacations between each term.
• Students select a lab by the end of term 4 (May) of the 1st year
• Qualifying exams are usually taken at the beginning of the 2nd year
• Students are usually Admitted to Candidacy by the end the 2nd year
• Most of our students graduate during the 5th year.
  

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