Prospective Students

The Bioscience PhD Programs provide a collaborative and rigorous graduate training environment. The interdisciplinary nature of the programs provide students with a wide-ranging selection of research opportunities representing eleven departments at the University of Utah.

The Bioscience PhD Programs are comprised of the Molecular Biology Program and Biological Chemistry Program. Each program is distinct in its core curriculum and requirements, yet the two programs overlap extensively within the scientific community at the University of Utah. Both have access to the same resources, which are designed to support collaborative, interdisciplinary science in multiple research emphasis areas.

To avoid confusion and delays in processing applications, students are asked to apply to only one of the two programs. Students should identify the Program that best accommodates their research interests and provides the most appropriate core curriculum. Some of the most important similarities and differences between the MB and BC Programs are highlighted in our detailed Program Comparison page.

If you have any questions about either Program, and/or their relationships to one another and the participating departments, please feel free to contact us.

Illustration By Jiani Shi, Neurobiology - Heys Lab

Training Tailored to Your Interests

The Bioscience PhD Programs provide the opportunity for students to carry out cutting-edge research with world-class scientists, in a highly collaborative, interdisciplinary training environment. The breadth of our faculty research ensures that students will find exciting projects suited to their specific interests. Students work in state-of-the-art facilities and have access to exceptional core services.

Well-balanced Lifestyle

Nestled in the foothills of the stunning Wasatch Mountain range, the University of Utah is minutes away from both outdoor and urban recreation. Students enjoy year-round outdoor recreation including: rock and mountain climbing, world-class skiing, hiking, and biking. Nearby urban centers offer a variety of entertainment and cultural events such as: Ballet West, Utah Symphony and Opera, Sundance Film Festival, the Twilight Concert Series, and much more. To top it off, Salt Lake City's moderate cost of living, safe environment, and small-town-meets-big-city feel makes Utah a great place to live and study.

See our Living in Utah page for details!

Student Success

The Bioscience PhD Programs are dedicated to enriching our student training environment. We collaborate with university entities to create a campus climate that accommodates and supports all members of the graduate community.

Learn what resources are available to students on our Student Support page.

1,509

Students who have joined our Programs

200 +

Faculty

11

Departments

Core Facilities

Available to all faculty members and students.

“I was looking for a program that would let me explore different interests in a great academic environment that is also located in a nice location. The ability to explore different departments during the rotations and

having really supportive faculty here is really fantastic and not something I was able to find at other places.

The proximity to hiking/skiing and having a nice city so close by sealed the deal!”

Nathan Burns, Kardon Lab

“I chose the U for graduate school because of its focus on you as a person. When I was applying and told various

faculty members about my family, they all supported my decision to pursue further education while being a mom.

In addition, I am constantly impressed by the collaborative nature and caliber of research.

Not to mention, the students, staff, and faculty are all top-notch.”

Gennie Parkman, Mcmahon & Holmen Lab

“The biggest differentiating factor between the U and the other universities I was considering for my PhD studies is

the strong emphasis Utah places on collaboration over competition. The academic environment here is very

supportive and collaborative, which was important to me. Combine that with the top tier research studies

and the incredibly beautiful natural environment and I was sold.”

Grace Orstad, Synder Lab

“The bioscience program at the U has a great umbrella program where graduate students have the opportunity to choose from over 180 labs from diverse areas of research. The research labs have a collaborative, supportive and

professional environment. The U also has a diverse international community. With respect to

funding, the university graduate school offers fellowships for international students as well.”

Supraja Ranganathan, Bass lab

Join our research community!

APPLY NOW!

Applications for Fall 2025 are due December 1, 2024