Cancer Biology Program Requirements & Standards

Prerequisites for Admission

• Minimum of a baccalaureate degree in biology, biochemistry, or related field
• Cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 3.5/4.0 in most recent science-related degree
• GRE scores demonstrating an average of 60th percentile or better on the GRE revised General Test
• TOEFL iBT score of at least 100 or IELTS of at least 7 (international applicants only)
• Equivalence of at least 6 credits at the 300–400 level with laboratory experience in at least two or more of the following areas:
  • Microbiology
  • Biochemistry
  • Genetics
  • Cellular Biology

Program Requirements

All or most of the didactic coursework is completed within the first two years.

Other Requirements

• Predoctoral students must pass written and oral comprehensive qualifying exams.
• Publication of research papers in peer-reviewed journals as well as presentations at scientific conferences is expected. 
• As part of the qualifying exams, students are expected to write and defend grants written in NIH format.
• Writing and successfully defending a dissertation.

For a detailed description of the requirements, please see the Path to Your PhD page on The Wistar Institute site.