Pathology PhD Program Overview for Prospective Students

Pathology PhD Program Overview and Admissions

The Pathology Ph.D. Program encompasses studies of the molecular, cell biological and pathophysiological underpinnings of human disease. Students may choose to concentrate their coursework in either Cell Biology of Disease, Cancer Biology, or Bioinformatics. Our trainees make discoveries about the underlying mechanisms of human disease on a path toward developing new treatments or diagnostic tests. Graduates go on to rewarding careers in academic, medical, industrial, non-profit, and government settings.

Our PhD program is multidisciplinary in nature, drawing on faculty expertise in all aspects of human biology, including molecular underpinnings of disease, examination of cell, tissue, and animal model systems, employment of ‘omic’ sciences and informatics, and design of therapeutic interventions. Over 60 laboratories are part of the PhD Program in Pathology, including faculty from every arena within the Medical Center community.

Core areas of research include:

• Cell biology and genetics of the cardiopulmonary and sensory / neurological systems
• Orthopedics and the musculoskeletal system
• Biology of cancer
• Hematology and immunology

We welcome your application to our school should you choose to apply. For more information about admissions, visit the school's PhD Admissions page.

Your Path to Ph.D. Success

During your first year of study, you will take foundational coursework covering fundamentals of molecular and cell biology and human disease while conducting research in three different laboratories under mentors from the PhD Program in Pathology. Through program activities and coursework, you will also begin developing professional skills such as scientific writing and presentation.

At the start of your second year, you will select a mentor and begin the research that will comprise your Ph.D. thesis. Second-year students take elective coursework related to their scientific interests, including choosing a concentration. With your mentor and thesis advisory committee, you will develop and defend a proposed research plan. After completing this milestone, you will focus primarily on your thesis research project.

Pathology PhD students graduate in an average of 5.5 years, usually with multiple scientific publications. Students have opportunities to travel and present at conferences and to gain professional skills such as leadership, teaching, scientific communication, or bio-manufacturing through coursework and extracurricular activities. Some students also conduct internships in industry or government settings as they move toward graduation.

Applying to the Pathology PhD Program

Admission to the program is highly competitive, with less than 20% of applicants admitted each year.

Successful applicants typically have:

• Bachelor’s degree in biological, chemical, or biomedical sciences with laboratory research experience and a minimum GPA of 3.0.
• Statement of Purpose describing interest in the Pathology program, research interests, and future career goals.
• Transcripts from all post-secondary institutions attended.
• Resume or curriculum vitae.
• Three letters of recommendation (letters from research supervisors preferred).
• Applicants whose native language is not English must demonstrate English proficiency with scores within two years of the test date.

Accepted English proficiency tests:

•  Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL iBT)  (SMD code: 2948, SOPHAS code: 5688)
•  International English Language Testing System (IELTS)  (select University of Rochester School of Medicine & Dentistry)
•  Duolingo English Test  (select University of Rochester School of Medicine & Dentistry)

When official score reports cannot be sent directly from the testing agency because they are older than one year, applicants may scan and upload their official score report to their online application under “Other Documents.”

Optional: GRE General or Biology Subject Test scores are not required, but scores above the 60th percentile are considered competitive.

Scholarships and Stipends

All students receive a full-tuition scholarship, individual health insurance, and an annual stipend. Up-to-date information can be found on the  Financial Aid page .

Online Application

Prospective PhD students apply through the School of Medicine and Dentistry (SMD)  online application . Application deadlines are set by SMD, generally due late fall or early winter with interviews held in winter and spring for enrollment the following fall semester.