Masters+

Ph.D.+

Why Study Molecular and Cell Biology?

UMBC’s Ph.D. program in Biological Sciences offers students interdepartmental access to faculty and research facilities and intense training in molecular and cell biology.

Join our challenging Ph.D. program and hone your analytical skills as you delve into advanced-level courses in molecular and cell biology and develop and conduct a research project (dissertation). With the support of experienced faculty and advisors, you’ll build both a strong conceptual and technical foundation that can prepare you for leadership positions in the field.

At a Glance

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FINANCIAL AID ↓HOW TO APPLY ↓APPLICATION DEADLINES ↓PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS ↓PROGRAM CONTACTS ↓

What Are My Career Options Studying Molecular and Cell Biology?

Gain extensive lab and research experience essential to career success by conducting original research in a project that you manage.

Tuition, Scholarships & Financial Aid

Find opportunities to further advance your career and academic studies.

UMBC participates in all federal and state student financial aid programs and offers scholarships and assistantships through the Graduate School, Graduate Departments and the Office of Financial Aid and Scholarships.

2025–2026 Graduate Cost Calculator Graduate Assistantships Fellowships Funding Your Education

Ready to Apply?

Review Doctor of Philosophy in Molecular Biology Requirements

GRE tests are accepted, but not required

Undergraduate training in organic chemistry, general biology, genetics, cell biology, physics, and calculus; recommend having taken a biochemistry course; recommend undergraduate major in biochemistry, chemistry, chemical engineering, microbiology, molecular biology, or the biological sciences.

Start Your Graduate Admissions Application

Please note that application decisions can take 6-8 weeks after the program’s deadline, and depend on how many applications a department receives. You will receive an email once the department processes your decision letter. You will be able to see your decision letter by logging in to the application website. Your decision letter will be where the application checklist was. You may also check your recommendation statuses to send reminders or update contact information from the user page. If you are having trouble logging back in, you can recover your account.

Have Questions?

Please contact the appropriate Graduate School staff member for assistance, or contact our Main Office at gradschool@umbc.edu or 410-455-2537.

Application Deadlines

Fall Semester

All Students:
Apply (Rolling Admissions) by January 1

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Contact Information

Molecular and Cell Biology Program Contacts

Main Contact

410-455-3669

Program Director

Stephen Miller
410-455-3381
stmiller@umbc.edu

Program Coordinator

Brandy Darcey
410-455-3669
bdarcey@umbc.edu

UMBC Graduate School Admissions Office Contact Information

Mailing Address

UMBC Graduate School
1000 Hilltop Circle Baltimore, MD 21250

Admissions Staff

Staff are available from
Mon - Fri, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. 410-455-2537

Request Help

Email Graduate Admissions at gradschool@umbc.edu.

Doctor of Philosophy in Molecular Biology