Ph.D. in Pathology

Program Description

Researchers in the Department of Pathology study disease processes relevant to medicine at a molecular and translational level. Our curriculum include core courses in basic sciences such as molecular biology, biochemistry, immunology, genetics and cell biology as well as applied sciences such histology, pathology, and the translational aspects of pathobiology. We also offer advanced courses in disease-relevant topics such as the molecular basis of human disease and utility of animal models.

The departmental program is designed to give a broad background in molecular biology of disease processes, with advanced training in one of the areas of specialization of the department: inflammation, tumor biology, vascular biology, infectious diseases, and vaccine development.

• Inflammation research is aimed at investigating episodes that occur when white blood cells and their products interact with host cells and tissues or infectious pathogens.
• Tumor biology involves analysis of neoplastic events that lead to cancers and the application of novel therapies.
• Vascular biology seeks to understand processes occurring at the interface between the vessel and the blood wall.
• Vaccine development involves identification of vaccine antigen candidates and appropriate adjuvants to boost immune responses.

Students are encouraged to tailor their own programs to meet individual goals, and there is close interaction with the Toxicology, Immunology, Cancer Biology, Cell and Molecular Biology, and Genetics programs. Resources for study include access to the Cancer Center Isolation Facility, tissue bank, animal core facility, and electron and confocal microscope facilities.

Statistics

• Pathology: PhD Admissions and Enrollment Statistics
• Pathology: PhD Completion Rate Statistics
• Pathology: PhD Time to Degree Statistics
• Pathology: PhD Career Outcomes Statistics

Application Information

Application Terms Available: Fall

Application Deadline: November 30

Graduate School Application Requirements
See the Application Instructions page for important details about each Graduate School requirement.

• Transcripts: Unofficial transcripts required with application submission; official transcripts required upon admission
• Letters of Recommendation: 3 Required
• Statement of Purpose: Required
• Résumé: Required
• GRE Scores:
  • GRE General (Optional)
  • GRE Subject (Optional)
• English Language Exam: TOEFL, IELTS, or Duolingo English Test required* for applicants whose first language is not English
  *test waiver may apply for some applicants
• GPA: Undergraduate GPA calculated on 4.0 scale required

Department-Specific Application Requirements (submitted through online application)

Writing Sample
None required

Additional Components
Optional Video Essay: How would a Duke PhD training experience help you achieve your academic and professional goals? Max video length 2 minutes; record externally and provide URL in application.

We strongly encourage you to review additional department-specific application guidance from the program to which you are applying: Departmental Application Guidance

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