School of
Graduate Studies

Program Details

Program requirements

The program is comprised of at least 48 credit hours, including:

  • 23 credit hours in the cell biology and biophysics primary discipline
  • 10 hours outside the primary discipline
  • 15 dissertation hours

Complete course listing on Academic Catalog

Program benchmarks

  • Pass a qualifying exam at the end of the second year.
  • Successfully defend your dissertation. 
  • It's expected that your dissertation will lead to publications in peer-reviewed journals.

Costs, aid and funding opportunities

Cost is a major consideration when deciding whether to continue your education. Please contact the program coordinator about assistantships that may be available. We also encourage you to learn more about costs and financial aid and external funding opportunities that can make earning your degree more affordable.

Estimated costs International student costs Financial aid  Funding opportunities

Application Details

Application procedures and requirements

  1. Prepare the required documentation, including:
    • Official transcripts from all previously attended institutions
    • Statement of purpose outlining your interests and career goals
    • Three letters of recommendation
  2. Complete the online application and please be sure to pay applicable domestic or international program fees. Potential students need to choose either Cell Biology and Biophysics or Molecular Biology and Biochemistry as their discipline. Applicants to both disciplines will be evaluated as a group.
  3. Make sure you meet discipline-specific requirements, which are listed in the Academic Catalog.

Application deadlines

  • Dec. 15 for full consideration for Fall Semester entry. 
  • Applications accepted on a rolling basis after Dec. 15 as cohort space allows. Please contact the discipline coordinator if you plan to apply after Dec. 15.

Still Have Questions?

Email our program coordinator for more information.

Jeffrey Price, Ph.D.

Cell Biology and Biophysics Program Coordinator
Email: pricejl@umkc.edu