Cancer Biology and Therapeutics (CBT) PhD Program
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Cancer Biology and Therapeutics (CBT) PhD Program
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Introduction
The Cancer Biology and Therapeutics (CBT) PhD Program at the University of Mississippi Medical Center (UMMC) is a dynamic doctoral training program that advances cancer research by integrating basic and translational sciences. The program is dedicated to preparing the next generation of cancer researchers and physician-scientists by providing rigorous training in the molecular and cellular mechanisms of cancer alongside cutting-edge approaches to therapeutic development, including drug discovery, drug repurposing, novel delivery platforms, and preclinical evaluation of emerging therapies.
With Mississippi bearing one of the highest cancer mortality rates in the nation, the CBT program is uniquely positioned to address critical regional and national cancer challenges. Leveraging the exceptional clinical, research, and translational infrastructure of UMMC and the UMMC Cancer Center and Research Institute (CCRI), trainees engage in research at the forefront of cancer genetics and epigenetics, tumor cell plasticity, tumor-microenvironment interactions, biomarker discovery, identification of novel therapeutic targets, and innovative treatment strategies. Through close mentorship from multidisciplinary faculty, students gain hands-on experience conducting impactful research aimed at improving cancer prevention, diagnosis, and treatment.
The CBT curriculum combines advanced coursework, immersive laboratory training, and mentored research experiences that foster scientific rigor, innovation, and collaboration. Beyond developing strong experimental and analytical skills, trainees cultivate the leadership, communication, and professional competencies needed to become independent investigators and future leaders in cancer research. Through this comprehensive training environment, the CBT program prepares graduates to make meaningful contributions toward reducing the burden of cancer in Mississippi, the Southeast, and beyond.
MD-PhD Training Option
The goal of the MD-PhD program is to train medical students to become physician-scientists. The MD-PhD program is a seven-year program consisting of the first three years of medical school, three years of graduate studies in the CBT program, and a final year of medical school. Acceptance to the MD-PhD program at UMMC requires prior admission to the medical school.
Why choose the Cancer Biology and Therapeutics Graduate program at UMMC?
Address Critical Cancer Challenges
Trainees contribute directly to research addressing Mississippi’s disproportionate cancer burden, with opportunities to develop discoveries that can rapidly translate into improved patient care and public health impact.
Collaborative and Interdisciplinary Environment
Students train within a highly collaborative ecosystem that integrates expertise across cancer biology, genomics, immunology, pharmacology, translational therapeutics, and clinical oncology. Faculty mentors include nationally and internationally recognized investigators from the Cancer Center and Research Institute, and its affiliated members.
Advanced Research Training
The program provides access to cutting-edge technologies, core facilities, and modern experimental platforms, along with robust professional development opportunities, seminar programs, and interactions with leading national and international scientists.
Strong Career Preparation
CBT graduates are well-positioned for successful careers in academia, the biotechnology and pharmaceutical industries, government research agencies, and clinical and translational research organizations.
For more information, contact:
- Seema Singh, PhD, MBA
Program Director
Professor of Cell and Molecular Biology
Associate Director of Education and Training
UMMC Cancer Center and Research Institute
Email: ssingh3@umc.edu
Vision and Objectives
Vision: To establish the Cancer Biology and Therapeutics (CBT) graduate program as a nationally recognized program in cancer research training by leveraging Mississippi’s unique cancer landscape to develop exceptional scientists who drive discovery, therapeutic innovation, and cancer health outcomes.
Objectives: The CBT Program is committed to training independent, innovative, and highly productive biomedical scientists who combine deep mechanistic understanding of cancer biology with advanced technical expertise and professional leadership skills. Upon completion of the program, graduates will demonstrate:
- Core Knowledge & Scientific Reasoning: Mastery of fundamental and translational principles in cancer genetics/epigenetics, cellular behavior and plasticity, tumor-host interactions, biomarker development, and precision therapeutic strategies.
- Research Excellence: The ability to conceive, design, and execute original, high-impact research utilizing state-of-the-art methodologies and technologies.
- Professional Development: Superior skills in scientific communication, grant writing, ethical conduct, interdisciplinary collaboration, and leadership across academia, industry, and clinical research settings.
- Societal Impact: A commitment to advancing cancer research that measurably reduces incidence, morbidity, and mortality, particularly in high-burden regions like Mississippi, while contributing to global progress.
Current Graduate Students
View current graduate students here.
Curriculum
The CBT PhD curriculum is a carefully structured, integrated training experience combining rigorous foundational coursework, advanced laboratory methods, scientific communication, and intensive dissertation research. The program requires a minimum of 60 credit hours, culminating in a comprehensive qualifying examination, an original and impactful dissertation, and at least one first-author research publication in a high-impact, peer-reviewed journal.
Year 1
Fall
- CMB 704 – Fundamental Biochemistry (6)
- CBT 740 – Perspective in Cancer Biology and Therapeutics Research (2)
- CBT 720 – Seminar (1)
Spring
- CMB 711 – Molecular Enzymology (2)
- CBT 741 – Cancer Biology and Therapeutics Laboratory Rotations (3)
- CBT 720 – Seminar (1)
- ID 709 – Responsible Conduct in Research (1)
- ID 713 – Bioinformatics and Genomics (3)
Students are required to complete rotations (CBT 741) in at least three distinct laboratories at UMMC. The primary goal of these rotations is to help you identify a thesis laboratory and principal investigator whose research focus, environment, and mentoring style best align with your scientific interests, career goals, and personal needs. Rotations are approximately six weeks long.
Year 2
Summer
- CBT 760 – Cancer Biology and Therapeutics - Laboratory Research (1)
Fall
- CBT 720 – Seminar (1)
- CBT 760 – Cancer Biology and Therapeutics - Laboratory Research (1)
Spring
- CBT 745 – Advanced Course in Cancer Biology and Therapeutics (6)
- CBT 720 – Seminar (1)
- CMB 742 – Research Tools in Molecular Biology (3)
- CBT 760 – Cancer Biology and Therapeutics - Laboratory Research (1)
- ID 714 – Professional Skills (1)
Year 3 and Beyond
Students devote primary efforts to dissertation research (CBT 798) while continuing to participate in seminars (CBT 720).
Admission Criteria
Admission is highly competitive and follows the standards of the School of Graduate Studies in the Health Sciences (SGSHS). Successful applicants typically possess:
- An undergraduate GPA of 3.0 or higher (on a 4.0 scale), with strong performance in relevant science coursework.
- A combined GRE score of 300 or higher (recommended).
- Compelling letters of recommendation and a focused personal statement demonstrating research experience, scientific curiosity, and alignment with the program’s mission.
Required materials include official transcripts, GRE scores (if submitted), three letters of recommendation, and a personal statement. International applicants must provide TOEFL or equivalent scores. Technical skills, prior research experience, and an interview may be required. Final decisions are made by the Program Director and the Dean of the SGSHS.
Faculty & Research
CBT students benefit from mentorship by a distinguished faculty with expertise spanning cancer genetics, epigenetics, tumor immunology, metastasis, therapeutic development and clinical translation.
How to Apply
Visit the School of Graduate Studies in the Health Sciences Admissions page for application details, deadlines, and requirements.