The explosion of information and ever-increasing understanding of biological systems at a molecular level make this an extraordinarily exciting time to embark on graduate studies in the biomedical and life sciences.
We offer our students an innovative and integrated curriculum with training in fields such as Biochemistry, Genetics, Cell and Developmental Biology, Pharmacology, Physiology, Structural, and Computational Biology.
We feature a creative faculty committed to mentoring and a personalized curriculum that offers exposure to an array of experimental approaches in an interdisciplinary manner.
A lively learning community of students makes Rutgers a leading research University and a great choice for pursuing graduate work at the forefront of the molecular biosciences.
Piscataway/ New Brunswick is in Central New Jersey with easy access to New York, Philadelphia, and Washington, DC.
Our graduates obtain positions of leadership in education, research, and industry.
Apply now - A GRE score is not required. Completed applications are due by December 1.
PhD Programs
Molecular Biosciences is an umbrella of five graduate programs in the biomedical and life sciences at Rutgers University. Molecular Biosciences serves as an entry portal to review applications for admission, coordinate the first-year curriculum, and assist students in identifying a laboratory for their thesis research. Students are free to carry out their PhD research with any faculty member affiliated with one of the five Molecular Biosciences graduate programs.
Molecular Biosciences offers research opportunities in more than 200 laboratories across campus. A stipend, tuition remission, and health benefits are guaranteed for all students in good standing with the program. While students initially apply to one of five programs for admission, they may select any lab and program at the end of their first year.
Following the first year, students in Molecular Biosciences have the flexibility to create an individualized curriculum tailored to match their research training needs. With input from their academic and thesis advisors, students select from a variety of one, two and three-credit courses to deepen the knowledge needed to pursue their own thesis project. As one of their course requirements, and in alignment with NIH training goals, all students must take a course in biostatistics, which is usually done during the second year.
Toward the end of the second year, students write, present, and defend a thesis proposal before their thesis advisory committee. To facilitate progress towards graduation, each student meets at least annually with their thesis advisory committee, consisting of at least three program faculty members, who help the advisor in guiding the student's research project. We also make use of Individual Development Plans (IDPs) to systematically identify training needs and competencies, establish goals, and monitor progress. Most students complete and defend their thesis within 5 to 6 years.
Three of the programs also offer a Master's degree to which students may apply directly.
