Doctor of Philosophy in Biomedical Sciences - Molecular & Cellular Biology & Pathobiology

The Doctor of Philosophy in Biomedical Sciences in Molecular and Cellular Biology and Pathobiology (MCBP) program at the Medical University of South Carolina provides a dynamic, interdisciplinary training environment supported by over 60 faculty members across 16 departments. Students join a collaborative research community that includes participants in the D.M.D./Ph.D. and M.D./Ph.D. dual-degree programs, with shared interests spanning molecular mechanisms of disease, translational medicine, and cutting-edge biomedical science.

In the first year, students complete the Biomolecular, Genetic, and Cellular Essentials core curriculum alongside Techniques and Experimental Design. During the spring semester, students choose from six intensive mini-courses designed to deepen their expertise in key areas, such as cancer biology, immunobiology, cardiovascular biology, metabolism, drug discovery, and genomics. Paired with three laboratory rotations, these experiences help students identify research interests and select a faculty mentor by the end of the first year. Students formally join the MCBP program in May and begin their dissertation research, followed by a summer course in Science Writing as Persuasion to strengthen scientific communication skills.

The MCBP program offers six distinct areas of study, each supported by specialized journal clubs, advanced coursework, and faculty mentorship. These tracks enable academic flexibility while maintaining a focused and supportive training environment. Students benefit from a rich seminar series, T32-supported training opportunities, and a culture of interdisciplinary collaboration that fosters innovation and discovery.

Graduates of the MCBP program pursue successful careers in academia, industry, and government thanks to a strong foundation in both experimental science and professional development. Located in the vibrant city of Charleston, MUSC offers not only premier biomedical training but also an outstanding quality of life. U.S. citizens receive a waived application fee, and selected candidates are invited to visit campus for interview weekends at no cost.

Areas of Study

As part of the Doctor of Philosophy program in Biomedical Sciences in Molecular and Cellular Biology and Pathobiology, students pursue focused training in one of several interdisciplinary research areas. These areas of study provide a foundation for advanced scientific inquiry, offering diverse opportunities to explore mechanisms of human health and disease through hands-on research and faculty mentorship.

Cancer Biology

The Cancer Biology research area trains students to investigate the molecular, cellular, and genetic mechanisms that drive cancer development and progression. Leveraging state-of-the-art technologies and collaborative environments, students work with faculty engaged in translational research spanning tumor biology, immuno-oncology, cancer genomics, and targeted therapies. This area provides a strong foundation for students pursuing careers in academic research, biotechnology, or clinical translation.

Cardiovascular Biology

The Cardiovascular Biology research area explores the cellular and molecular mechanisms that regulate heart and vascular function in health and disease. Students investigate topics such as vascular signaling, cardiac remodeling, hypertension, and endothelial dysfunction using interdisciplinary approaches that integrate physiology, pharmacology, and molecular biology. This area prepares students for research careers aimed at understanding and treating cardiovascular conditions that remain among the leading causes of death worldwide.

Cell Regulation

The Cell Regulation research area focuses on the biochemical and molecular control of cellular processes, including gene expression, protein function, and intracellular signaling. Students in this area investigate how the dysregulation of these pathways contributes to human diseases, including cancer, cardiovascular conditions, and genetic disorders. Faculty mentorship and interdisciplinary collaboration prepare students to address fundamental questions in cell biology using cutting-edge experimental approaches.

Molecular & Structural Biology

The Molecular and Structural Biology research area focuses on uncovering the architecture and dynamics of macromolecules to understand their roles in cellular function and disease. Students investigate protein folding, enzyme mechanisms, biomolecular interactions, and structure-function relationships using techniques such as X‑ray crystallography, NMR spectroscopy, cryo‑EM, and computational modeling. This interdisciplinary focus bridges biochemistry, biophysics, and molecular biology, preparing trainees to elucidate fundamental mechanisms and design targeted interventions. Graduates are well-equipped for careers in academic research, biotechnology, or drug discovery, where atomic-level insights drive innovation in health sciences.

Oral Health Sciences

The Oral Health Sciences research area emphasizes the cellular and molecular basis of oral and craniofacial development, regeneration, and disease. Students collaborate with faculty across dentistry, medicine, and biomedical sciences to explore topics such as salivary gland biology, microbial pathogenesis, and tissue engineering. This area provides a multidisciplinary training environment that supports careers in academic research, oral health innovation, and translational science.

Tissue Development, Injury, & Repair

The Tissue Development, Injury, and Repair research area focuses on the cellular and molecular mechanisms that govern the formation, healing, and regeneration of tissues following injury. Students explore processes such as stem/progenitor cell activation, extracellular matrix remodeling, angiogenesis, wound healing, and tissue engineering using multidisciplinary approaches, ranging from in vivo models to biomaterials and gene therapies. This field integrates developmental biology, bioengineering, and regenerative medicine to address challenges in tissue loss, chronic wounds, fibrosis, and organ repair. Graduates are well prepared for careers in academic labs, biotech firms, and translational research, advancing therapies that restore form and function across a wide range of diseases and injuries.

Application Process

Applications will be accepted through the dates shown below. However, the admissions process is rolling and you are encouraged to submit all of your application materials by December 1 for best consideration.

All applications to the College of Graduate Studies must be submitted online. If you are unable to apply online you must petition the office of the Dean for special accommodation explaining why you are unable to apply online. The online application fee is automatically waived for domestic applicants applying to all College of Graduate Studies Ph.D. programs.

In addition to the application itself the applicant must complete all supplemental materials specific for the program to which they are applying. These forms are sent through email once an application is submitted. All references are requested and submitted electronically through the application.

Applicants are required to submit unofficial or official transcripts for each and every post-secondary school attended even if listed as transfer credit on another transcript. All materials must be received by the application deadline. In the cases where we accept unofficial documents, the unofficial document must be a copy of the original. If you are submitting an unofficial transcript, it must reflect all courses, grades, degrees awarded (if applicable), and the name of the institution must be clearly visible.

All applicants that have attended international institutions are required to submit transcripts that have been evaluated by an external credentials service. We accept evaluations from World Education Services, National Association of Credential Evaluation Services, or International Education Research Foundation. If offered a position, and the applicant has only submitted an unofficial transcript evaluation, the candidate will be required to provide an official transcript and evaluation before any further consideration of that applicant will be given.

Some academic advising reports and degree audits do not contain all the necessary information so please review the document before submitting. As part of your online application, you may upload one copy of the scanned unofficial transcript from each undergraduate and graduate institution where you earned credit. For International transcripts, please make sure you include the diploma or certification verifying the degree obtained.

If you are offered a position, you will be asked to request an official transcript from each institution listed in the Education section of your application, regardless of the number of credits earned. MUSC reserves the right to rescind any offer of admission if any discrepancies are found between your unofficial and official transcripts.

Application Information

Stipends of $38,000 per year, paid health insurance, and tuition and fees paid by a Dean's Scholarship are provided for Ph.D. students.

Application Requirements

No single metric is used to assess applicants, but rather a broader picture of the candidate's qualities is considered by our Admissions Committee. Applicants more likely to be considered favorably will meet the following requirements/guidelines.

Possess Bachelor's degree or equivalent from a recognized institution
Have a minimum GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale
Submit transcripts from all colleges and universities attended
Submit reference letters from 3 individuals (References should address the applicant's aptitude for research when possible)
Provide evidence of research experience (except applicants who are interested in Biostatistics or Epidemiology and have majored in math or a similar field)
The general GRE test is no longer required for most of our programs. Students applying for Biostatistics and/or Epidemiology are strongly encouraged to submit their GRE scores.

Once an application is complete it is sent for evaluation to the Graduate Admissions Committee. Selected applicants are invited to visit the campus and the cost of the visit is partially defrayed by the College. The visit is composed of interviews with members of the Graduate Admissions Committee, campus tours, introduction to the graduate training programs and discussion with faculty. After an applicant is interviewed, the Graduate Admissions Committee meets to decide on the qualifications of each applicant. Applicants are notified within a week or two of the interview of the Graduate Admissions Committee decision.

Interview weekends take place in January, February, and March.

Application Timeline

Applications Open	September 1, 2205
Application Deadline	December 1, 2025

Start Your Application

Begin your online application to the Medical University of South Carolina.

Scholarship Eligibility

MUSC offers scholarships for which you may be eligible. Some are awarded based on academic achievement; others are awarded based on community service, for example. However, the majority of scholarships awarded at MUSC are based on financial need. This means those scholarships are only awarded to students who need some financial assistance to cover the cost of tuition and fees. If you would like to be considered for a financial need-based scholarship, you must have an up-to-date Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) on file. Make sure you list Medical University of South Carolina on your FAFSA form, along with MUSC's code: 003438. We encourage you to submit the FAFSA as early as possible. It is recommended to submit the FAFSA in January if you plan to enroll in the Fall.

International Students

Academic records from foreign institutions must be provided in English, certified, and validated as authentic by a university or government official. The College of Graduate Studies requires that transcripts be evaluated by professional agencies and are submitted to MUSC electronically or in unopened envelopes showing the equivalency of work completed outside the U.S. The following websites are preferred agencies and are members of the National Association for Credit Evaluation Services (NACES). Their costs vary across agencies, and we encourage you to compare prices and select the best choice for you. NACES International Education Research Foundation – Credential Evaluation & Translation Services – Chartered NACES Member World Education Services: International Credential Evaluation for U.S. (wes.org) If your education was completed in the U.S., you do not need to complete a transcript credit evaluation.

If offered a position, and the applicant has only submitted an unofficial transcript evaluation, the candidate will be required to provide an official transcript and evaluation before any further consideration of that applicant will be given.

A language proficiency test is required for all applicants whose native language is not English. Scores must not be more than two years old. Exceptions can be made if a student has attended a United States institution for an extended period. An exception might also be made for students in a foreign institution that uses English as the primary language for instruction, however, these are made on a case-by-case basis.

Final consideration cannot be granted to an international student’s application for admission until these official scores are received by the Office of Enrollment Management. Accepted tests are IELTS and TOEFL. Minimal requirements are: TOEFL: 100 IELTS: 7

Robin Muise-Helmericks, PhD