Ph.D. in Natural Sciences: Molecular Biology and Biochemistry
Program Overview
The Natural Sciences Ph.D. program's molecular biology and biochemistry discipline integrates academic training and research into the study of these areas. In this program, students engage in coursework, conduct research, attend seminars, participate in a teaching program and complete a dissertation.
The research opportunities span various aspects of modern life sciences, addressing fundamental processes at the cellular, subcellular and molecular levels.
Program Structure
Format
In-person
Typical program length
5 years
Typical course load
3 courses per semester the first year, 3-5 courses per semester the second year, dissertation research after year 2
Program Details
Program Requirements
The program is comprised of at least 48 credit hours, including:
- 23 credit hours in the Molecular Biology and Biochemistry 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 funding opportunities that can make earning your degree more affordable.
- Our Ph.D. students are given tuition remission and a $26,000 stipend ($27,000 after they pass their qualifying exam).
- Students are encouraged to apply for NSF Graduate Research Fellowship Program (GRFP) awards and NIH F31 awards.
- There are numerous travel and research awards sponsored by UMKC.
- Estimated costs
- International student costs
- Financial aid
- Funding opportunities
Why UMKC?
Broad discipline training
Explore cross-disciplinary training in fields such as physics, biology, engineering, environmental studies and more.
Vast career opportunities
Join alumni who have worked at notable universities and corporations like Yale, Northwestern University, Intermountain Precision Genomics and Catalant Pharma Solutions.
Industry partners
Gain invaluable insights and make connections by working with our professional program partners.
Application Details
Application Procedures and Requirements
- 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
- Complete the online application. 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. Please be sure to pay applicable domestic or international program fees.
- Make sure you meet other discipline-specific requirements, which are listed in the academic catalog.
Application Deadlines
- The application deadline for this program is December 15 for fullest consideration.
- Applications submitted after the deadline will only be reviewed on a space-available basis.
- It is strongly recommended that applicants reach out to the program coordinator prior to applying.
- Applications received by the December 15 deadline will receive final admission decisions by February 15.
Still Have Questions?
Email our program coordinator for more information.
Karyn Turla Teaching Professor Phone: 816-235-6404 Email: turlak@umkc.edu
Natural Sciences Ph.D. Coordinator: Cell Biology and Biophysics, Molecular Biology and Biochemistry