University of Chicago

What you'll study

The programme is organised as an umbrella PhD that spans laboratories and faculty across the physical and life sciences. In the first year students typically complete core coursework covering molecular and cell biology, genetics, biochemistry, quantitative methods (statistics and computational analysis), and ethics in research, while undertaking multiple laboratory rotations to sample different research approaches and join a thesis laboratory.

After selecting a research group, students focus on an independent research project leading to a doctoral dissertation. Typical topics include molecular mechanisms of development and disease, cancer biology, immunology, neuroscience, systems and synthetic biology, structural biology, genomics and computational biology, and translational research. Training emphasises experimental design, data analysis, scientific communication and responsible conduct of research through seminars, journal clubs and teaching opportunities.

Key milestones include completion of core courses and rotations, a qualifying examination (often at the end of year two) to assess readiness for dissertation research, formation of a dissertation committee, regular committee meetings to review progress, and a public dissertation defence.

Entry requirements

• Educational background: a strong bachelor’s degree in biology, biochemistry, molecular biology, bioengineering, physics, chemistry, mathematics or a related quantitative discipline. Many applicants hold or pursue a master's degree, but this is not universally required.
• Research experience: prior hands-on research in an academic, industrial or clinical laboratory is expected. Admission committees value demonstrated ability to design experiments, analyse data and sustained involvement in research projects.
• Academic record: competitive GPA and coursework in core subjects such as genetics, cell biology, molecular biology, biochemistry and mathematics/statistics.
• Application materials: transcripts, a personal statement describing research interests and fit with the programme, curriculum vitae, and letters of recommendation from research supervisors or academic referees.
• English language: applicants whose first language is not English must meet the university’s English proficiency requirements through accepted test scores or other approved pathways.
• Standardised tests: the programme’s position on graduate-entry tests (such as the GRE) can vary; applicants should consult the programme’s admissions information for current requirements.

Career prospects

Graduates of the PhD in Biological and Biomedical Sciences pursue a wide range of careers. Many continue in academic research and teaching as postdoctoral researchers and faculty, leading independent laboratories. Others move into research careers in biotechnology and pharmaceutical companies, clinical and translational research, or scientific leadership roles within industry.

Additional common career pathways include roles in bioinformatics and computational biology, scientific project management, regulatory and clinical trial science, science policy, intellectual property and patent law, science communication and education, and entrepreneurship founding or joining start‑ups that commercialise new technologies.

Why study at University of Chicago

The University of Chicago offers a research-intensive environment with broad interdisciplinary connections across biology, engineering, physical sciences and medicine. Students benefit from close faculty mentorship, small-group training, and access to state-of-the-art core facilities for genomics, imaging, proteomics and computational resources.

The campus fosters collaboration with nearby national laboratories and research institutes, as well as translational partnerships that provide opportunities to move discoveries toward clinical or commercial applications. The programme’s flexible structure and emphasis on quantitative and conceptual rigour prepare graduates for diverse careers in research, industry and beyond.

Funding for admitted PhD students commonly includes tuition support and a living stipend; prospective applicants should review official programme materials for details about financial support, trainee responsibilities and professional development resources.