Ph.D. in Pathology

The Ph.D. in Pathology focuses on comprehensive study of the pathogenesis of various diseases and methods for their diagnosis, prevention and treatment. As part of this multidisciplinary program, you’ll also deepen your knowledge of cellular and molecular biology, biochemistry and immunology. With a focus on advanced research and laboratory training, you’ll be prepared for a career as a research scientist in the broad area of disease pathogenesis or other related fields and professions.

Current research interests of the faculty in the Department of Pathology, Microbiology and Immunology, include cancer, toxicology, inflammatory and cardiovascular diseases, as well as stem cell research. The department also hosts several core facilities, including histology, flow cytometry and genomics core laboratories. A wide range of research laboratories within the Department of Pathology, Microbiology and Immunology, and the College’s Cancer Research Institute are available for your dissertation research project. Affiliation with Westchester Medical Center (WMC) allows for the development of translational research bridging basic and clinical science.

Current Multidisciplinary Research Initiatives

Faculty research programs, supported by federal and industrial grants, include studies on a variety of subject areas in cancer, disease and cell function:

• Mechanisms of biochemical toxicology
• Cancer cell biology
• Chemical carcinogenesis
• Hypersensitivity and chronic inflammation
• Molecular genetics of hypertension
• Tissue engineering

As a Ph.D. student, you’ll be able to specialize in your chosen areas, assisted by your faculty advisor in your dissertation project.

Program Curriculum

Whether you’re entering through the Integrated Ph.D. Program (IPP) or with advanced standing, the course requirements are the same. Aside from the core didactic coursework, the main focus of the Ph.D. program is research. You’ll have the opportunity to enroll in up to three laboratory rotations early in the program, which allows you to discover where your research interests lie.

The curriculum starts with an introduction to general disease processes, such as genetic and circulatory disorders, blood and vascular diseases, and neoplasia. The coursework is oriented towards problem solving and allows you to analyze a variety of diseases specific to the brain, lungs, bone marrow and other tissues. You'll learn how to manage lab animals and conduct procedures—an essential part of pathology research.

Through classwork and laboratory training, you'll learn how diagnostic methodology and analytic tools are used in scientific investigation. As the program progresses, the research skills and knowledge you learn will lead to a dissertation in your chosen topic. You'll be able to pursue advanced research in areas like cancer, environmental diseases or stem cell research. Visit the Pathology Curriculum page for detailed descriptions of our courses and lab rotations.

Earning your Ph.D. is a multi-step process that includes a qualifying examination and meetings with your dissertation committee. For a detailed overview of Ph.D. requirements over the length of the program, visit our Ph.D. Program Requirements page.

Admission into the Pathology Ph.D. Program

The admissions committee for our Ph.D. program views each application holistically. A master’s degree or GRE is not required to enter the program. Although we consider students from a variety of academic backgrounds, we recommend that Ph.D. applicants have a foundation in the sciences and some prior wet lab research experience. An interview will be conducted before admission into the program. Review all Ph.D. admission and application requirements.

Pathology, Microbiology and Immunology Faculty

The Department of Pathology, Microbiology and Immunology, is home to expert faculty, many of whom hold a Ph.D., M.D. or both degrees, and teach in the SOM. Their extensive clinical experience in health care plays an important role in their teaching and adds valuable perspectives to the study of pathology. In our program, graduate faculty mentors provide guidance for your original laboratory research, and our 2:1 student-faculty ratio allows for plenty of individual attention. Learn more about our knowledgeable and experienced biomedical sciences faculty.