Cancer Biology PhD Program Overview

The objectives of the Cancer Biology PhD Program are to mentor and train students in the field of cancer research. Housed within the Department of Oncology Science, our program trains students on research on new cancer diagnostic tools, molecular mechanisms, disease etiologies, cancer therapies, and quality of life measures. We are committed to facilitating interdisciplinary, collaborative, and innovative team-science to make OU Health Sciences Center a world-leader in translational cancer research. This coincides with the mission of the University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center to educate students, residents, and other trainees in professional and graduate programs to become Oklahoma’s future team of healthcare leaders, clinicians, researchers, and educators.

Program Distinctions

The Cancer Biology PhD Program offers a unique emphasis on cancer-focused and translational research. Students benefit from our integration with the Graduate Program in Biomedical Sciences (GPiBS), which provides foundational training in core biomedical sciences. Through this structure, students have the opportunity to rotate through laboratories led by faculty from seven distinct research tracks, allowing them to explore diverse areas before selecting a research mentor. Application materials may be requested from gpibs@ouhsc.edu.

Upon successful completion of the GPiBS curriculum, students may formally join their chosen mentor’s laboratory to complete their doctoral training within the Cancer Biology PhD Program.

Direct Admission Option

In addition to the GPiBS pathway, students may also be admitted directly into the Cancer Biology PhD Program. Applicants with prior graduate coursework covering these core competencies from other institutions, may be eligible for credit transfer in accordance with the Graduate College Bulletin 4.6.1 - Transfer Credit for Doctoral Programs.

Students completing this program will receive a doctor of philosophy (PhD) degree in Cancer Biology.

^{As with all other graduate programs at OUHSC, the Cancer Biology PhD Program adheres to all guidelines and policies outlined by the Graduate College.}

Financial Support

Graduate students stipends for the academic year 2025-2026 is $36,000 per year, plus tuition and health plan. 

If participating in GPiBS, tuition and stipend support for the first year of study will be granted through their office. During subsequent years, each student's Dissertation Advisor has responsibility for arranging this support.

For more information on the cancer biology graduate program, please contact:

Ms. Isabel Nierwinski
Administrative Manager
Department of Oncology Science
OU Health | Stephenson Cancer Center
isabel-nierwinski@ou.edu

The Department of Oncology Seminar Series is focused on current and emerging areas of cancer research. The seminars are organized with the goal of educating faculty, postdocs, students, and other trainees about the latest advancements in the field and facilitating interdisciplinary collaborations. 

Follow us on X and Instagram for upcoming seminar presentation announcements!

 @OncologyScience

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