Cancer Biology PhD Program Overview
Pursing a Cancer Biology PhD at the Gerstner Sloan Kettering Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences gives you training that combines Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center’s basic science and clinical arms. As a student, you will join one of MSK’s more than 130 laboratories where you will examine cancer science through the lenses of basic, clinical, and translational research.
Cancer Biology PhD Curriculum
The Cancer Biology program at GSK is an integrated course that takes students from genes and proteins to human pathophysiology. Aspects of our curriculum include:
- A 10-to-1 faculty-to-new student ratio in a program that gives you training that combines Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center’s basic science and clinical arms
- An innovative core course in the first year that provides a foundation in experimental, mechanistic, and cancer biology, taught by over 80 MSK faculty
- Full-time thesis research by year 2 of the program
- Weekly President’s Research Seminar Series featuring renowned scientists presenting their latest research
- Opportunity to pair with a clinical mentor
- Exposure to cutting-edge science with MSK faculty
Learn more about the GSK Cancer Biology PhD curriculum
Faculty & Research
At GSK, our faculty includes 130+ scientists from MSK specializing in biomedical science, including cancer biology, genomics, immunology, structural biology, and more. Each have been recognized as leaders in their fields around the world and typically MSK labs publish over 1,000 papers and file more than 100 patents applications each year.
When you begin your Cancer Biology PhD program at GSK, you do not need to make a formal commitment to a particular laboratory. This gives you the flexibility to explore potential research mentors during the first-year curriculum as well as an opportunity to meet with faculty to learn about new areas of research before making your decision.
Learn more about GSK faculty members.
Student Life
Students in the GSK Cancer Biology PhD program are supported in both their academic and social needs, including:
- Housing options
- Career support
- Student facilities
- New York City’s scientific community
- The GSK Student Council
- GSK Women in Science
Cancer Biology PhD Admission Requirements
To apply to the PhD program at the Gerstner Sloan Kettering Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, you will need a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution. GRE scores are optional.
Applicants are recommended to have completed the following college-level courses:
- General biology
- General chemistry
- General physics
- Organic chemistry (two semesters)
- Mathematics (through integral calculus)
- Introductory course in biochemistry
- Physical chemistry (recommended)
Application Information
The annual application window is from August to December 1. Applications should be submitted online.
GSK welcomes international students. Learn more about how to apply.
Get more information about the admissions process.
Still have questions?
Get answers to frequently asked questions about GSK’s Cancer Biology PhD program.