Cell & Developmental Biology (PhD) Program at the Medical College of Wisconsin

The Graduate Program in Cell and Developmental Biology (PDF) provides doctoral research training in cell and developmental biology and the neurosciences. Students are prepared through formal coursework, independent readings, seminars, journal clubs and faculty-supervised research for careers of scientific research in academia and industry.

Our current research strengths are in cellular and molecular mechanisms in developmental biology and neurobiology which employ genetic approaches offered by mice, zebrafish and stem cells. The developmental biology focus is on differentiation and specification in heart, liver, muscle and the nervous system. The neuroscience strengths include pain mechanisms, circadian rhythms, mitochondrial gene expression, color vision, sleep, muscle atrophy, and neuronal development and plasticity.

Our departmental and institutional facilities offer state-of-the art equipment for molecular-to-organism approaches to research problems and hands-on experience with modern cutting-edge technology, including automated protein and DNA sequencing. An imaging core and an electron microscopy service facility offer laser confocal microscopy and high resolution transmission imaging. The College supports medical imaging facilities equipped for scanning brain function (fMRI).

Find out more about the Cell Biology, Neurobiology & Anatomy students.

The Cell and Developmental Biology PhD Program is the only graduate program offered by the Department of Cell Biology, Neurobiology and Anatomy at MCW. The purpose of this program is to provide state of the art research training leading to a Doctor of Philosophy degree in Cell and Developmental Biology. This is accomplished through a combination of coursework, seminars, journal clubs, and "hands-on" laboratory research in the laboratory of a faculty mentor. To maintain full-time status, graduate students are required to take a minimum of 6 credits in the summer, 9 credits in the fall and 9 credits in the spring semesters. Accrual of at least 60 graduate course credits is needed for the PhD degree. Students are required to meet with their thesis committee starting in the third year of training. The student will write a 1-2 page summary of the meeting, detailing what was presented and discussed and any bench-marks or time-lines that were established. As part of the training process, it is also required as a minimum that the student thesis research culminate in publication of at least 2 articles in peer-reviewed journals for which the student is first author.

Those interested in pursuing education and research within the Department of Cell Biology, Neurobiology & Anatomy should pursue admission through either the Interdisciplinary Program in Biomedical Sciences (IDP) and/or Neuroscience Doctoral Program (NDP) as well as the Medical Scientist Training Program (MD/PhD).

A Bachelor’s degree (either completed or in the process of completing) is required for admission to any MCW graduate program. Applicants will ideally have a 3.0 or higher grade point average (GPA). Personal statements and letters of recommendation from professors, advisors, and research supervisors. who know you well are highly regarded in the admission process. Prior research experience is also strongly considered.

The MCW Graduate School operates on a rolling admissions basis. However, applications accepted by the priority application deadline of December 15^th will receive first priority for admission the following Fall. Students are admitted once per year.

If you have questions regarding tuition or your account, please contact the Office of Student Accounts, at (414) 955-8172 or mcwtuition@mcw.edu. Please refer to the All Student Handbook (PDF) for tuition payment policies and information.

• Tuition and Fees Schedule
• View your Tuition Statement (login required)

PhD Students
All full-time PhD degree-seeking students in good academic and professional standing receive the following financial support package:

• Full tuition coverage
• Yearly stipend ($33,612 for the '23-'24 academic year)
• Complimentary health insurance

There is no additional process to secure this package aside from accepting an offer of admission. Further, this package is guaranteed from the time of enrollment through completion of degree requirements.

Current MCW Employees
Tuition Course Approval Form - Human Resources (PDF)

Late Fees
There is a $250 late payment fee for tuition not paid on time according to the Tuition Payments policy in the All Student Handbook.

MCW has one of the lowest student-to-faculty ratios in the world. Read more about our faculty’s research interests and backgrounds.

Forms (Documents)

Preparing for Graduation

Depending on your degree and program within MCW’s Graduate School, there will be several forms that you will need to complete in preparation for earning your degree. Here you will find information on the steps you need to complete before you will be awarded your PhD, Master degree, or graduate certificate from MCW.

Documents for Cell and Developmental Biology Graduate Program

• Guide for PhD program (PDF)
• External Course Approval (PDF)
• Petition to Waive two First Author Paper (PDF)
• Masters degree requirements (PDF)
• NIH training grant CDB program info 2023 (PDF)
• CDB Committee Meeting Summary and Development Plan (PDF)
• CDB Travel Policies (PDF)

PhD and Master's Degree Forms

Please refer to the Graduate School student forms web page for more information.