Graduate Degrees in Molecular, Cellular & Developmental Biology

Molecular, Cellular & Developmental Biology

The graduate program in molecular, cellular and developmental biology (MCDB) is designed to provide students with diverse opportunities for acquiring a strong foundation in these areas of modern biology and applying it toward the generation of new knowledge through research.

All students are expected to acquire training in biochemistry, molecular biology, cell structure and function, genetics, and developmental biology through laboratory research, coursework and teaching. Students are also expected to participate in the intellectual life of the department through regular attendance at seminars and the weekly research talks of students and postdoctoral fellows (MMB—Mostly Molecular Biology), and by participating in journal clubs.

Degree Types

PhD

Top Green College

(Princeton Review, 2025)

No. 46 among public universities in the country

(U.S. News & World Report, 2026)

5 Nobel Laureates

Since 1989

Students can advance their research in our state-of-the-art research labs.

In addition to regular courses, we offer numerous venues for learning and interaction with your scientific peers.

Nearby scientific meetings on many topics in biology attract a large number of visitors to the department. Other scientific visitors come to Boulder to use our many core facilities, to visit and speak at biotechnology companies in the area, and to spend their sabbaticals in MCDB.

Degree Options & Application Requirements

Molecular, Cellular and Developmental Biology

Doctor of Philosophy

A minimum of 30 credit hours of courses numbered 5000 and above, plus 30 credit hours of doctoral thesis, are required. Specific courses depend on the student background and field of specialization.
Opportunities for graduate study and original research leading to the PhD degree are available in a variety of areas.
The department does not offer a terminal, stand-alone master's degree program. Students enrolled in the doctoral program may earn their master's degree if they decide to leave the program after completing 30 hours of graduate coursework, and the PhD oral and written comprehensive examination.

Application Deadlines & Requirements

To learn about the upcoming term application deadlines, please visit the Graduate School website.

For program details, review the .

Research Areas

Cancer
Heart Disease
Diabetes
Blindness
Neurological and Muscle Disorders
Infectious Disease and Antibiotic Resistance
Environmental Destruction

Funding Opportunities

We understand funding opportunities play a major role in helping you to decide whether a program is right for you. At �� Boulder, PhD students are supported through research and teaching assistantships. Students are also encouraged to apply for their own sources of funding.

Explore General Funding Explore Department-Specific Funding

Graduate Student Resources

Student success is best met with holistic support and resources. �� Boulder offers robust resources, programming and opportunities to help students establish meaningful connections, adjust to graduate student life and find assistance when they need it. Whether it’s academic, social, or health and wellness support, the university provides an array of resources to meet the diverse needs of our students.

Graduate Student Organizations