Pathology and Experimental Pathology

Overview

Programs in pathology and experimental pathology teach people how molecules and cells influence the causes of disease and death. Students study biology, cell injury, and the immune system. They learn to investigate how problems begin and progress.

Pathology and experimental pathology programs include topics such as:

• Immunology
• Microbiology
• Gene expression
• Inflammation
• Cell injury

Schools

Very few colleges and universities offer bachelor’s degrees in pathology and experimental pathology. A bachelor's degree usually takes about four years of full-time study.

Many universities and medical schools offer graduate degrees in pathology and experimental pathology. 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
• Undergraduate degree in biology, physics, chemistry, math, genetics, or biochemistry

Typical Course Work

Graduate Program Courses

This graduate program typically includes courses in the following subjects:

• Biochemistry
• Biostatistics
• Cell Biology
• Epidemiology
• General Pathology
• Histology
• Human Genetics
• Immunology
• Molecular Aspects of Disease
• Molecular Biology
• Pharmacology
• Physiology
• Toxicology

Depending on your research interests, you can also take courses that focus on the following areas:

• Aging
• Cardiovascular Disease
• HIV/AIDS
• Immune Response
• Recombinant DNA
• Tumor Growth

In addition, graduate programs in pathology usually include:

• Significant laboratory research
• Thesis (master's degree)
• Preliminary exams (doctoral degree only)
• Dissertation and dissertation defense (doctoral degree)

Things to Know

Pathology and experimental pathology programs are often offered through medical schools.

Graduate study in pathology and experimental pathology prepares you to become a research scientist. You can work for university labs or pharmaceutical companies. You can also work for government agencies, such as the National Institutes of Health or the Food and Drug Administration.

Schools

King-Snohomish Area

University of Washington - Seattle

• Pathobiology
• Pathology