Molecular Virology

Doctor of Philosophy

About the Program

Study the viral life cycle or the comorbidities initiated by viral infection when you pursue your PhD in Molecular Virology at Case Western Reserve, one of the top research universities in the U.S. Our interdisciplinary approach to biomedical sciences, through our Biomedical Sciences Training Program, allows you to focus on molecular virology while also taking electives in related disciplines. With that background, you’ll have a strong foundation to pursue a career as a scientist in the biotech field, work as a technical specialist, or continue on to a postdoctoral fellowship. Plus, Cleveland is a great place to advance your career—there are more than 700 biotechnology and biomedical companies in town as well as four top medical institutions.

What to Expect

Start your coursework in cell and molecular biology and advance from there to virology and the host response to viral infections. Smaller class sizes mean you’ll receive individualized attention and mentorship during your six years (or fewer) here.

Then put your knowledge to the test in the lab, where you’ll conduct your research. You can gain funding for HIV/AIDS research in our Center For Aids Research, which is supported through a T32 institutional research training grant. Beyond Ohio, we have an international research collaboration with colleagues in Kampala, Uganda.

During your time here, you’ll have access to our National Institutes of Health-funded Center for AIDS Research, where more than 140 researchers conduct HIV/AIDS research across disciplines. It is one of just 11 centers in the country working toward that goal.

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Beyond the Classroom

As you pursue your research interests here, you’ll have opportunities to show off your work—locally and internationally. Whether you choose to go to the Gordon Conferences, the American Society for Microbiology or another convention, our faculty will be there to support you as you prepare your presentation. If you’re more interested in attending seminars rather than presenting, check out the Lester O. Krampitz Seminars and the Center For Aids Research’s Leaders in AIDS speaker program, both of which host top researchers.

You’ll also have dozens of on-campus clubs to choose from. The Bug Club, for example, hosts chats on virology, microbiology, antibiotic resistance and parasites, while other School of Medicine Journal Club participants prompt discussions on HIV/AIDs, immunology and more.

By the Numbers

100%

tuition coverage, including healthcare

Tier 1

medical research school in the U.S., U.S. News & World Report

#20

private institution in federal expenditures for research and development, National Science Foundation

18th

in the world for contributions to innovation, Nature Index Innovation

3:1

faculty-to-student ratio

👁 A PhD student working in one of the labs on campus

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👁 Students working on a project in the lab

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👁 Students working in a lab looking at samples through a microscope

Meet Our Faculty

👁 A student analyzing a sample

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Admissions Requirements

Our program thrives when we have students with diverse perspectives and a range of educational, professional and life experiences. We look forward to learning more about you!

The application process requires:

Online application, including a statement of purpose
$50 application fee
Bachelor’s degree and/or master’s degree from an accredited institution (either already complete, or will be complete before you enroll)
Unofficial transcripts
Current resume/CV
List of research experiences (optional)
Three letters of recommendation
International applicants: Results of TOEFL, IELTS or PTE