Institute for Cancer Research

Graduate/Doctorate Training & Education

Participate in an immersive experience at the forefront of cancer research and education. Purdue University Institute of Cancer Research (PICR) is now offering a Dual-Title PhD Program in Cancer Research, a unique opportunity for aspiring scholars to distinguish themselves in the dynamic field of cancer research.

Why Choose a Dual-Title PhD in Cancer Research?

As cancer continues to pose complex challenges, the demand for experts in this field has never been higher. Graduates from a degree program focused on cancer are poised for diverse and rewarding career opportunities in academia, industry, private NGOs, and government sectors. However, those with a Dual-Title PhD in cancer research, in combination with one of Purdue University's established degree programs, elevate their profile as scholars and researchers with a specific disciplinary focus coupled with an in-depth understanding of cancer.

Key Benefits of the Dual-Title PhD in Cancer Research

  1. Enhanced Visibility: Holding a dual-title PhD in Cancer Research sets you apart in the competitive landscape, making you highly visible to potential employers and collaborators.
  2. Interdisciplinary Competence: Gain a comprehensive understanding of cancer from various perspectives, equipping you with interdisciplinary competence crucial for addressing complex challenges.
  3. Career Readiness: Graduates emerge with higher skill levels, thoroughly prepared for success in academia, industry, NGOs, or government roles, thanks to a curriculum tailored to the demands of the evolving field of cancer research.

Program Structure

The dual-title PhD program integrates cancer-focused education with established Purdue University degree programs. Students are advised by a professor from their home department who is also a full or associate member of the PICR. The majority of the Plan-of-Study comprises discipline-based coursework aligned with the student's research interests. Students pursuing the dual-title PhD in cancer research complete 18 graduate credits in cancer-related courses approved by the PICR Cancer Education Research and Training Program. Of those, 7 credits will come from Core Course and the remaining 11 credits can be taken from the approved list of course. Additionally, there is a possibility that alternate course can counted for credit in place of the current courses listed, but only after as student has received permission from the PICR Cancer Education Research and Training Program.

Core Courses (7 credit hours)

  • BIOL51600 Molecular Biology of Cancer (3 credits): Explore the intricate molecular mechanisms underlying cancer, laying a solid foundation for advanced research.
  • Research Seminar in Cancer (2 credits): Immerse yourself in cutting-edge research discussions, fostering collaboration and exposure to diverse perspectives.
  • GRAD61200 Responsible Conduct of Research (1 credit): Understand the ethical considerations inherent in cancer research and scholarly activities.
  • Grant Writing Course (1 credit minimum): Choose from courses like HORT60300, MCMP625, NUTR69000, or equivalents, enhancing your ability to secure funding for your research endeavors.

Additional Approved Courses (11 credit hours)

  • NUTR 62300 Nutrition and Cancer (2 credit)
  • BIOL 55900 Endocrinology (3 credits)
  • BIOL 59500PD Pathways in Human Health and Disease (3 credits)
  • MCMP 57000 Basic Principles of Chemical Action on Biological Systems (3 credits)
  • NUTR 60500 Nutritional Biochemistry and Physiology I (4 credits)
  • NUTR 60600 Nutritional Biochemistry and Physiology II (2 credits)
  • NUTR 60700 Nutritional Biochemistry and Physiology III (2 credits)
  • BCHM 60501 Macromolecules (3 credits)
  • BCHM 61100 Chromatin Biology and Chromosome Dynamics (2 credits)
  • BIOL 59500TMM Theory of Molecular Methods (3 credits)
  • BIOL 60000 Bioenergetics (2 credits)
  • CHM 63400 Biochemistry: Structural Aspects (3 credits)
  • BCHM 61000 Regulation of Eukaryotic Gene Expression (3 credits)
  • BIOL 62000 Advanced Topics in Eukaryotic Cell Biology (3 credits)
  • BIOL 69500 Advanced Molecular Virology (3 credits)
  • BME 55100 Tissue Engineering (3 credits)
  • BME 55600 Introduction to Clinical Medicine for Engineering Solutions (3 credits)
  • BME 68300 Polymers in Biomedical & Pharmaceutical Systems (3 credits)
  • BIOL 59500ICI - Immunology of Cancer & Infectious Disease
  • NUTR 69500 Nutrition Science Seminar (or equivalent, participatory, minimum 1 credit)
  • STAT 50300 – Statistical Methods for Biology
  • BIOL 53700 – Immunobiology
  • BIOL 55001 – Eukaryotic Molecular Biology
  • BCHM 61500 - Pathways

Additional Requirements

Students pursuing the dual-title PhD in cancer must complete dissertation research that focuses on a cancer-related topic.

Application Process

Applications are accepted at any time during the completion of your degree. Each applicant will be thoroughly reviewed by the PICR Cancer Research Training and Education Committee, led by our Associate Director in charge of this area.

Join Us in Shaping the Future of Cancer Research

Our Dual-Title PhD program reflects our commitment to fostering the next generation of leaders in cancer research. Take the first step towards an impactful career by joining our program.

For questions, contact Sara Strasser (sstrasse@purdue.edu), PICR Training and Education program Administrator

For more information on the graduate study in cancer biology, check out the Cancer Biology Training Program within the Purdue University Interdisciplinary Life Science Program (PULSe).

 

 

  • Federal agencies

    • National Cancer Institute fellowships and awards

      • Name: F31- Ruth L. Kirschstein National Research Service Awards for Individual Predoctoral Fellows

        Career Stage: Predoctoral

        Program Description: This award supports promising doctoral candidates who will perform dissertation research and training for a PhD degree in a scientific health-related field relevant to the mission of the NCI during the tenure of the award. Applicants for the F31 must be candidates for the PhD degree and must be at the dissertation research stage of training at the time of award.

        NCI requires a clear cancer focus in graduate research training and gives funding priority to applications whose primary sponsor has cancer-related R01, or R01-like, peer-reviewed research grants at the time of application and the time of the award. For the NCI F31 Award, R01-like research funding includes peer-reviewed research grants from other federal sources and private foundations with a duration of at least 3 years with a minimum of $150,000 direct costs per year. The primary sponsor is expected to maintain such grant support during the project period. Grants under a no-cost extension do not qualify.

      • Name: F99/K00- The NCI Predoctoral to Postdoctoral Fellow Transition Award

        Career Stage: 3rd or 4th year Predoctoral

        Program Description: This award supports outstanding Ph.D. and other Research Doctoral candidates complete their dissertation research training (F99 phase) and transition in a timely manner to mentored, cancer-focused postdoctoral career development research positions (K00 phase).

    • National Science Foundation fellowships and awards in biological sciences

      • Name: NSF Graduate Research Fellowship Program  (GRFP)

        Career Stage: Predoctoral

        Program Description: The purpose of the NSF Graduate Research Fellowship Program (GRFP) is to help ensure the vitality and diversity of the scientific and engineering workforce of the United States. The program recognizes and supports outstanding graduate students who are pursuing full-time research-based master's and doctoral degrees in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) or in STEM education. The GRFP provides three years of support for the graduate education of individuals who have demonstrated their potential for significant research achievements in STEM or STEM education. NSF especially encourages women, members of underrepresented minority groups, persons with disabilities, veterans, and undergraduate seniors to apply.

  • Nonfederal agencies
  • Institute for Cancer Research fellowships/awards
  • Grant writing