The Molecular Biosciences Ph.D. interdisciplinary program focuses on the study of biological problems at the molecular level using chemical, computational, mathematical, physical, and statistical approaches as well as conventional biological approaches. Faculty come from the departments of Biology, Chemistry, Mathematical Sciences, and Physics and Astronomy, offering students a truly diverse education. The program helps each graduate develop in-depth research ability in a specific area within the sub-disciplines. Doctoral candidates initially engage in bench research with faculty mentors. Students later design and conduct research as independent scientists who contribute original knowledge to the discipline and complete a dissertation. Faculty are engaged in research areas such as biochemistry, biotechnology, cell biology, ecology, environmental toxicology, evolutionary biology, immunology, microbiology, molecular modelling, and structural biology. Students are required to make research presentations, author or co-author journal articles, and make a significant contribution to an external grant proposal. Research and teaching assistantships are available on a competitive basis.
Careers
The Molecular Biosciences doctorate program aims to produce graduates who are fully prepared to pursue research careers in academia, industry, and at national labs. Most graduates either go on to do academic postdoctoral fellows or are hired by industrial or medical biotechnology companies or the pharmaceutical industry.
January 2025
College of Basic and Applied Sciences
MTSU, Box 83,
MURFREESBORO,
Tennessee,
37132, United States
Admission to the Ph.D. in Molecular Biosciences program is based on a comprehensive assessment of a candidate's qualifications, including
an earned bachelor's, master's, or doctoral degree from an accredited university or college in biochemistry, biology, chemistry, or a closely related subject. In addition, the following undergraduate courses are specifically recommended:
six semesters of a combination of general biology, microbiology, cell biology, genetics, and biochemistry courses, including some laboratory coursework.
two semesters of general/inorganic chemistry and at least one semester of organic chemistry, which should include a laboratory component.
two semesters of physics.
one semester of calculus.
Successful applicants typically have a minimum 3.50 GPA in their graduate work or a minimum 3.00 GPA when entering with a bachelor's degree.
TOEFL- IBT minimum score 71 (We ONLY accept ETS official test scores for the TOEFL);
IELTS- overall score of 6
UMELI- minimum score 85
ELS Level 112 Certificate of Completion
Duolingo English Test - minimum score 95
Application deadlines: The application deadline is January 31 for those wishing to be considered for graduate assistantships for the following Fall. Applications may also be considered for Spring admission. This deadline is September 30. Late applications may also be considered, but assistantship availability may be limited.
*There may be different IELTS requirements depending on your chosen course.
