PROGRAM OVERVIEW & GOALS

The Molecular Genetics and Cell Biology (MGCB) doctoral program seeks to train students to conduct rigorous and interdisciplinary research focused on understanding the cellular, molecular and genetic basis of normal development as well as disease pathogenesis.   The program is designed to prepare students for careers as independent biomedical scientists and educators.   

More than 70 faculty members from 12 different departments and/or institutes participate in MGCB.  Thus, MGCB offers students the opportunity to explore a wide range of research disciplines and approaches.  

The program leverages the broad expertise of participating faculty to provide rigorous interdisciplinary training in the broad areas of molecular genetics and cell biology.  The MGCB doctoral program seeks to provide a challenging, collaborative, supportive, and enthusiastic training environment for students. 

Research in the MGCB doctoral program is strongly supported by the robust research resources infrastructure at UNMC and state-of-the-art instrumentation.  These resources include the Mouse Genome Engineering Facility for generation of knockout and transgenic mouse models, the Next Generation Sequencing Core for whole genome, whole exome or RNASeq analysis, the Confocal Microscopy Core, the Tissue Science Facility, the Flow Cytometry Research Facility, the Bioinformatics and Systems Biology Facility, the Bioimaging Core, and many others. 

CURRICULUM 

For a complete list of required courses visit the UNMC Catalog.

MOLECULAR GENETICS & CELL BIOLOGY PHD 

MOLECULAR GENETICS & CELL BIOLOGY MD/PHD 

APPLICATION

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited undergraduate institution or international equivalent.
• GPA of 3.25 on a 4.0 grading scale.
• GRE is not required for both domestic and international applicants. However, if an applicant chooses to submit GRE scores, the scores will be considered during the application review.
• MCAT is required for MD/PhD applicants.
• For international applicants, a minimum TOEFL score of 95, with no less than 20 in any single section; or an IELTS minimum overall score of 6.5, is required.
• Official transcripts from all colleges and universities attended.
• Minimum of three (3) letters of recommendation. 

FINANCIAL SUPPORT

Students are provided with stipend support of $31,500 USD (pre-tax) per year, throughout their PhD studies.

After the first year, students are encouraged to seek outside sources of stipend support by applying for fellowships, assistantships, and grants.  Students that obtain a federal or foundation grant may be eligible to receive an annual stipend supplement of up to 25% of the current level of stipend support.

Tuition:
Tuition and fees are waived for MGCB PhD students.

Living and Housing Costs:
UNMC has limited on-campus housing and there are a variety of apartment complexes found within walking distance of campus. Within a short driving distance, there is a wide variety of housing options available in a range of prices; the average cost of monthly rent is $800 to $900 for a single bedroom apartment.

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