Dual-Title PhD in Cancer Research
The Dual-Title PhD in Cancer Research equips graduate students with specialized cancer-focused training alongside their primary PhD program. This unique degree builds scientific depth, interdisciplinary perspective and career readiness for roles in academia, industry and government.
GAIN ADVANCED EXPERTISE
A competitive edge in cancer research
Launched in summer 2024, the Dual Title PhD in Cancer Research is only the second program of its kind ever approved at Purdue. This innovative, interdisciplinary degree enables students to earn their doctorate in their home department while completing specialized coursework and seminars focused on cancer research and professional development, culminating in a second PhD in cancer research. The opportunity engages scholars in cancer-focused work and allows students to showcase their expertise in the field. With additional departments recently added, the program continues to grow.
The field of cancer research is becoming increasingly complex, creating demand for scientists who have the skills and expertise to bridge disciplines and translate discoveries into impact.
The Purdue Institute for Cancer Research (PICR) now offers a Dual-Title PhD Program in Cancer Research, providing a unique opportunity for aspiring scholars to distinguish themselves within the dynamic field of cancer research.
The program underscores PICR’s dedication to training and empowering the next generation of leading-edge cancer researchers, equipping tomorrow’s workforce to confront the global challenges of this urgent health threat.
KEY BENEFITS
Why pursue a Dual-Title PhD?
Earning a Dual-Title PhD in Cancer Research signals advanced expertise and prepares graduates for leadership roles in the rapidly growing biotechnology and biomedical sectors.
- Stand out: A dual-title degree highlights specialized cancer research training, positioning graduates as highly competitive candidates for academic, industry, and government roles.
- Think across disciplines: Gain experience that integrates biology, chemistry, engineering, and clinical science, developing the ability to collaborate effectively across diverse research teams.
- Prepare to make an impact: Build the scientific depth and translational skills needed to move discoveries from the lab toward better diagnostics, treatments, and patient outcomes.
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 PICR. The majority of the plan-of-study comprises discipline-based coursework aligned with the student’s research interests.
Students pursuing a dual-title PhD in cancer research complete 18 graduate credits in cancer-related coursework approved by PICR’s Office of Academic Programs and Career Success. Of those, 7 credits will come from core courses and the remaining 11 credits can be taken from the approved list of courses. Additionally, there is a possibility that alternate courses can count for credit in place of the current courses listed, but only after a student has received permission from the PICR Office of Academic Programs and Career Success.
7 credit hours of core coursework required
- BIOL51600 Molecular Biology of Cancer (3 credits): Explore the intricate molecular mechanisms underlying cancer, laying a solid foundation for advanced research.
- NUTR 590: 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.
11 credit hours of additional approved coursework required
- 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
Students pursuing the dual-title PhD in cancer must complete dissertation research that focuses on a cancer-related topic.
Applications are accepted at any time during the completion of your degree. Each applicant will be thoroughly reviewed by the PICR Committee for Academic and Career Success, led by the committee’s associate director.
To apply to the PICR Dual-Title PhD program, complete the form at the link below. You will need to submit a plan of study, and approval from your major advisor will be requested. As part of the process, you will sign a Request for Transfer of Departments form; however, you will not be transferring departments. Because this is a Dual-Title PhD, you will remain in your home department while fulfilling the requirements for the PICR program.
For questions or help with the application process, contact Sara Strasser (sstrasse@purdue.edu), the training and education program administrator for PICR.
PURSUE A DUAL-TITLE PHD IN CANCER RESEARCH
Apply for the program
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Phone: 765-494-9129
Fax: 765-494-9193
Email: cancerresearch@purdue.edu
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201 S. University St.
Hansen Life Sciences Bldg, Rm. 141
West Lafayette, IN 47907