The Cell and Molecular Biology Graduate Program stresses solving fundamental problems of biology through cellular and molecular approaches.
The flexible program of docotral (PhD) study is designed to provide excellent training and research opportunities individually tailored to each student's needs.
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Program Outline
The key components of the doctoral (PhD) program are:
1. Lab rotations during the first academic year. New students are required to complete rotations with different labs during their first academic year. The rotations provide students the opportunity to explore different research interests prior to the selection of a Ph.D. supervisor. At the end of the first year students must secure placement in a permanent lab and identify a faculty advisor to supervise the remainder of their doctoral work.
2. Coursework. All students are required to complete a series of required courses during their first year, and then additional graduate level coursework specific to their CMB Track.
3. Weekly Seminar Series. A weekly seminar series gives students the opportunity to participate in discussions with faculty and peers about various topics and research problems. Students should regularly attend these free, extracurricular seminars.
4. Teaching. Students are required to hold a Teaching Assistant (TA) appointment for one-long semester during their studies. Students may not hold a TA position during the first academic year. A TA Training Workshop is offered annually and must be completed prior to the first TA-ship.
5. Qualifying Exam. To be admitted to candidacy for the doctoral degree, students must successful complete preliminary examination in the spring of the second year. The exam consists of a presentation and defense of a National Institutes of Health grant proposal based on the student's research. A Grant Writing and Presentation Skills course is required in the fall of the second year to help the student prepare for the qualifying exam.
6. Track specific requirements. All CMB students join a specific CMB track at the start of their second year. Each track has specific course requirements that must be fulfilled. Requirements vary, and tracks typically require 1-2 additional elective requirements.
7. Annual retreat. The Institute for Cell and Molecular Biology hosts an annual retreat. This event is an exciting opportunity for faculty, post-docs, and graduate students to meet and discuss science in an informal setting. Attendance for first-year students is typically sponsored by the program.
8. Conduct independent, original research under the direction of a faculty member; the results of this research constitute the dissertation.
Program Requirements and Timeline
Prospective students are encouraged to review the Program Requirements and Timeline and the CMB Graduate Program Handbook for detailed information about the doctoral degree program. A well-qualified student can usually complete the doctoral degree program in five to six years.
Financial Support
During the first academic year in the Cell and Molecular Biology Graduate Program, students are fully supported through Graduate Research Assistantship (GRA) with the Interdisciplinary Life Sciences (ILS) Graduate Programs. This provides a stipend at the annual rate of $40,000/year, full tuition and fees, and access to university health insurance. Beginning in the summer after the first academic year students must select a faculty advisor and are responsible for joining a permanent lab to ensure continued funding. Financial support is then coordinated with the permanent laboratory and may take the form of research assistantships, teaching appointments, or university fellowships.
Continuing students are also eligible for competitive university fellowships that are awarded on the basis of teaching performance or academic excellence. Funding for travel to professional conferences and professional development is also available.
Please visit this page for more information about financial support.
Commitment to Diversity
The Cell and Molecular Biology (CMB) Graduate Program is committed to providing educational opportunities to students from diverse backgrounds. We strongly encourage qualified and talented students to apply for admission, especially those who are underrepresented in the biological sciences. In addition to the support from our department, the University of Texas at Austin offers a number of fellowships to promote graduate study and diversity.
The CMB program also participates in the Summer Undergraduate Program for Experiential Research (SUPER), which provides research opportunities for undergraduates in UT Austin's lab facilities. The SUPER program seeks to make lab experience accessible to rising Sophomores, Juniors, and Seniors who are considering a career in life-science research. Graduate students may participate in SUPER as research mentors.
Resources that Support a Safe and Inclusive Campus
The CMB Graduate Program, the University of Texas, and the College of Natural Sciences want all graduate students to benefit from supportive, inclusive, and safe classroom and research experiences. The following resources are available to support this goal:
- CNS Diversity and Inclusion Resources and Initiatives
- Resources for Graduate Students
- Division of Diversity and Community Engagement (DDCE)
- Title IX Office
- Gender and Sexuality Center
- Services for Students with Disabilities
Read more about the Department of Molecular Biosciences' Diversity and Inclusion Committee, the College of Natural Sciences' commitment to equity, and the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion efforts within the College of Natural Sciences.
Contact
If you have questions please read our Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) or contact our professional staff at ilsgrad@austin.utexas.edu.
