University of South Florida

Program Information

Degree Offered

Ph.D.- Cancer Biology

Program Description:

The Cancer Biology Ph.D. Program is a collaborative effort between the University of South Florida and H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center designed to prepare young scientists to meet the future challenges of cancer research. The program was founded in 2000 and embraces the concept that curing cancer is based on two challenges: unraveling the molecular and biological basis for tumor development and devising new detection and treatment approaches based on those discoveries. To meet these challenges, the program provides an integrated curriculum that incorporates training in multiple disciplines encompassing immunology, cancer genetics, cell and molecular biology, signal transduction, drug discovery, functional genomics, proteomics, bioinformatics, chemistry, and translational cancer therapies.
The Cancer Biology Ph.D. Program draws participating faculty members from multiple university departments and colleges. The majority of the faculty is housed within the Moffitt Cancer Center as part of the Department of Interdisciplinary Oncology and includes both basic science and clinical research investigators. The program is strengthened by faculty members from the College of Medicine, College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, and the College of Engineering. Members encompass five broad areas of interest: immunology, molecular oncology, drug discovery, cancer control, and clinical investigations. Each area shares the common goal of understanding, preventing, and curing cancer.
Students begin research during the first semester, typically rotating through two to three laboratories. Formal course work is usually completed by the end of the second academic year. Qualifying examinations consist of a written exam and the development and defense of a unique research proposal. Most students complete the qualifying examinations before the beginning of the third academic year. Past graduates have earned their Ph.D. degrees within four to five years of entering the program.

International Student Requirements:

International students must achieve a minimal TOEFL score of 550 (paper based), 213 (computer based) or 80 (Internet based). The TOEFL test must be taken within two years of the desired term of entry. Submission of the general GRE score is also required.

Tuition & Financial Aid

Financial Aid Offered: No

Format: Campus

Classification: Doctoral/Research Universities - Extensive

Institution Sector: Public

Locale: Large City

Size & Settings: 20,000 and above