Overview

The CMB Program is a certificate program which draws from eight different bioscience departments throughout Duke University and the Duke University Medical Center. Although students apply to and are admitted directly through the CMB Program, students will affiliate with a more specialized PhD-granting Department or Program by the end of their first year of graduate study, and will eventually earn their Ph.D. through that unit.

Naturally, the competition each year for the 15-20 students receiving fellowship support from the Program is extremely intense. Our admission standards are quite high, and the pool of applicants who accept Duke University for their training remains excellent.

Facts About the Program:

• Certificate Program. Ph.D. degree offered through one of eight participating departments
• Total number of graduate students: approximately 110
• Students receiving financial aid: 100%
• Average GRE (V+Q) of CMB students: 1320
• Average undergrad GPA of CMB students: 3.6
• Very high retention rate (summary of all CMB students who were supported by the training grant over the last 10 years):
  • 50% completed their PhD
  • 40% are in training
  • 7% left the program with a Masters*
  • 3% withdrew without a degree*

  * Most of those students who left the program without a PhD did so of their own volition

Admission Requirements:

• The Program's deadline for applications is December 31 of the year prior to desired entry. The Graduate School also offers a deadline that qualifies you for a reduced application fee.
• Tests prior to application:
  • GRE General: Required
  • GRE Subject: Recommended (any of the following: Biology, Chemistry, Biochemistry, Cell, and Molecular Biology)
  • For non-native English speakers, TOEFL is required.
• Spring applications: NO
• Part-time study: NO

You should also visit the Graduate School webpage, paying attention to the general admissions requirements of the Graduate School. An On-line application form can be found here.