Molecular, Cellular and Developmental Biology Doctor of Philosophy

About us

The Graduate Program in Molecular, Cellular and Developmental Biology (MCDB) is an interdisciplinary doctoral training program comprising more than 100 PhD students and 200 faculty from multiple departments and colleges across the campus of The Ohio State University.

The Program offers an intensive course of study leading to a doctoral degree in Molecular, Cellular and Developmental Biology. Students take advanced courses in molecular, cellular and developmental biology and apprentice in the laboratory of a faculty member where they receive cutting-edge and individualized training in scientific inquiry and laboratory research.  

Our mission is to train students to be independent research scientists equipped with the intellectual, professional and scientific skills to compete successfully in the job market and to assume leadership positions in research, education and related fields. 

Areas of expertise include, but are not limited to:

  • bioinformatics
  • cancer biology
  • cell biology
  • developmental biology
  • DNA replication and repair
  • gene expression
  • molecular medicine
  • molecular neurobiology
  • plant molecular biology
  • RNA biology
  • virology

Optional Practical Training (OPT)

International graduates of this major are approved by the Department of Homeland Security for three (3) years of work permission in the United States after graduation. Visit the Office of International Affairs website for more information.