Cancer and Oncology Biology

Overview

Programs in cancer and oncology biology teach people about carcinogens and the progression of cancer. Students learn about cell growth, genetics, and the immune system. They study how the disease begins and behaves.

Cancer and oncology biology programs include topics such as:

• Gene expression
• Viral genes and cancer proliferation
• Cancer proteins
• Tumor patterns
• Treatment therapies
• Genetics

Schools

Several universities and medical schools offer graduate degrees in cancer and oncology biology. A master’s degree typically requires two years of study beyond a bachelor’s degree. Doctoral (PhD) degree programs usually require two or more years of study beyond the master’s degree.

See schools that offer this program.

Graduate Admissions

Admission to graduate programs is competitive. You need a bachelor's degree, good grades, and good test scores.

Additional requirements at some schools include:

• Graduate Record Exam (GRE) General
• Letters of recommendation
• Personal statement
• Laboratory research experience
• Undergraduate degree in the biological sciences
• Significant undergraduate course work in organic chemistry, physics, and calculus

In addition, some programs require you to have taken courses in genetics, immunology, and microbiology.

Typical Course Work

Graduate Program Courses

This graduate program typically includes courses in the following subjects:

• Anatomy and Physiology of Tumors
• Biochemistry
• Biostatistics
• Cellular and Molecular Biology of Cancer
• Genetics
• Human Anatomy and Physiology
• Immunology
• Microbiology
• Molecular Epidemiology
• Pharmacology
• Radiobiology
• Research Methods
• Toxicology

Graduate programs that lead to a master's or doctoral degree typically also include:

• Required courses
• Laboratory rotations
• Thesis (master's degree)
• Preliminary exams (doctoral degree only)
• Dissertation and dissertation defense (doctoral degree)

Things to Know

Many programs combine cancer biology with the study of radiation biology.

Some programs award a master's degree to you while you are studying for your PhD. This means that you can enter the program with a bachelor's degree.

Many schools offer combined MD/PhD programs. This means you become a medical doctor as well as a research scientist.

As a cancer biologist, you can work for private laboratories, drug companies, or hospitals. You can also work for graduate and medical schools.

Schools

King-Snohomish Area

University of Washington - Seattle

• Medical Scientist