Molecular Medicine | Programs | Case Western Reserve University

Cells and biological chain, molecules and abstract conception

Doctor of Philosophy

About the Program

Apply your research to the treatment, prevention and understanding of human disease when you pursue your PhD in Molecular Medicine at Case Western Reserve University through the Cleveland Clinic Lerner College of Medicine. With the combination of one of the nation’s top medical schools for research and one of the top hospitals in the United States, you’ll have the resources, technology and funding you need to effect change in the field. And when you graduate, you’ll be prepared for a wide variety of careers in research, academia, government and more.

What to Expect

Our weekly seminars and core coursework will give you a solid foundation for your thesis and other research. Cell biology, metabolism, gene regulation and immunology are just a few courses you’ll take during your six (or fewer) years here. You’ll also gain practice writing grant proposals in class so you can hit the ground running with funded research opportunities such as those through the National Institutes of Health (NIH).

Another facet of our NIH-funded doctorate program is the Physicians Researchers Innovating in Science and Medicine (PRISM) program. If you’re already a physician who’s passionate about research, you can get your PhD in Molecular Medicine while you complete your residency or fellowship.

I had the benefit of going to four different rotations and that gave me not only an appreciation for how different labs operate but also the different kind of science and the different kind of techniques that were available here.

John Zhou, Student, Molecular Medicine PhD Program

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Beyond the Classroom

You’ll experience clinical settings firsthand through laboratory rotations, giving you the skills needed to conduct your own research. And once your findings are ready for publication, build your CV and submit to peer-reviewed scientific journals such as Nature, Cell, Science, JCI Insight and many more. Having these high-caliber journals under your belt can lead to NIH postdoctoral positions or any number of fellowships.

By the Numbers

100%

tuition coverage, including healthcare, textbooks, and laptop

70%

of graduates accept academic or NIH postdoctoral positions after graduation

200

labs available within Cleveland Clinic

150

faculty investigators within the program

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3d illustration of a part of RNA chain from which the deoxyribonucleic acid or DNA is composed

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Admission 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
Three letters of recommendation
International applicants: Results of TOEFL, IELTS or PTE