Doctoral Degree in Toxicology and Cancer Biology
OVERVIEW
Who is this program for?
A doctorate in toxicology and cancer biology is ideal for individuals interested in studying the molecular and cellular mechanisms of cancer development, as well as the impact of environmental and chemical exposures on health. Graduates often pursue careers as research scientists, regulatory toxicologists, or academic faculty, working in pharmaceutical companies, government agencies, or research institutions to develop cancer therapies, environmental health policies, and new methods for cancer prevention and treatment.
Program Overview
The Ph.D. in Toxicology & Cancer Biology prepares students to investigate the molecular and cellular mechanisms underlying toxic responses and cancer development. Through interdisciplinary coursework and hands-on research, students explore areas such as environmental toxicants, carcinogenesis, drug development, and cellular signaling pathways. Working alongside faculty experts in state-of-the-art laboratories, students gain the skills to conduct impactful biomedical research. Graduates are well-prepared for careers in academia, government, pharmaceutical and biotech industries, and other health-related research institutions.
The Department of Toxicology and Cancer Biology is a multidisciplinary unit for research and graduate education in the broad areas of toxicology and cancer biology. Our mission is to provide students with an education in toxicology and cancer biology that is based on an understanding of biochemistry, physiology, molecular biology, cell biology, genetics and systems biology. This is coupled with in-depth research experience on the mechanisms by which environmental agents cause disease, with primary emphases in the areas of cancer, cardiovascular disease, and neurodegeneration.
FIND OUT EXACTLY
What You'll Learn
Degree requirements, course descriptions and academic policies for all programs are detailed in the University Catalog.
Admission Requirements
Please view the Graduate School's Admission Requirements. If there are Program Specific Requirements listed below, those will also apply.
Application Requirements
Please view the application requirements for the Graduate School. If there are Program Specific Requirements listed below, those will also apply.
Program Specific Requirements
Students first apply to the Integrated Biomedical Sciences PhD program, and after successful completion of the 1-year curriculum, students can select this doctoral program to pursue their dissertation research and PhD degree.
Admission Requirements:
- An appropriate degree (e.g., Chemistry, Biological Sciences) from an accredited college or university.
- A minimum grade point average of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale.
- A Graduate Record Examination (GRE) score is not required.
- For international applicants, the minimum acceptable TOFEL score is 550 (paper-based), 213 (computer-based), or 79 (internet-based). The minimum IELTS score is 6.5.
Application Requirements:
- 2-3 letters of recommendation. You will be asked to provide the names and contact information of your references.
- A personal statement indicating research interest and goals for doctoral study and beyond.
- CV/Resume.
- If you have written a research paper we encourage you to include it, but it is not required.
Application Deadlines
Domestic Students
-
Fall
- 03/06/2025
-
Spring
- 10/01/2025 International Students apply for Spring by Sept. 15.
Explore Funding Options
As a graduate student, there are additional opportunities for student funding. Once you are admitted into a degree-bearing graduate program at UK, you can apply for a wide variety of financial assistance, including assistantships and fellowships. These opportunities can be tied to your program’s availability, so you should inquire with your program director about opportunities available within your program!
Expand Your Learning
Students directly admitted to Toxicology may select a dissertation mentor from among Core faculty and all Joint faculty of Toxicology and Cancer Biology. Together, these faculty offer students directly admitted to Toxicology a full spectrum of research programs related to environmental, agricultural and biomedical toxicology.
Get Involved!
Students who get involved in activities outside of the classroom tend to do better academically and develop meaningful relationships with others at UK. Our network of student organizations and activities has something for everyone, from academic to professional to fun!
Get More Information
Complete the form to get the latest updates on this program, including special events and application deadlines.
Discover your Future
At the University of Kentucky, we provide personalized support, innovative resources, and countless opportunities to help you turn your aspirations into achievements.
