Joint Doctoral Program


		Doctoral Program
		Prospective graduate students are encouraged to visit the Graduate Access Page, MyGAP. Using MyGAP you can create a personalized web page containing information about all SDSU graduate programs that interest you. Click on the MyGap image below to begin. JOINT DOCTORAL PROGRAM IN BIOLOGY (Cell and Molecular Biology) San Diego State University (SDSU) offers a doctoral degree program in Biology in cooperation with the University of California, San Diego (UCSD). This joint program involves research training under the supervision of participating SDSU Faculty whose members are drawn from the Departments of Biology, Chemistry and Psychology and whose interests cover a wide range of biological problems and represent the interdisciplinary nature of modern biology. Course Requirements There are no specific number of courses required for the Joint Doctoral Degree in Biology, except a one-year graduate course including genetics, cell and molecular biology. Prior to taking the qualifying examination, every student is expected to have a firm understanding of modern biological principles. Usually students will be expected to complete a set of at least four laboratory rotations, and such rotations may be fulfilled on either campus. Coursework may be selected from offerings at either UCSD or SDSU. SDSU Catalog Information (PDF file) Research Facilities The recently-renovated laboratories of the Department of Biology and the newly built Chemistry laboratories are fully equipped for modern research in cell and molecular biology and biochemistry. Major items include electron microscopes, confocal and deconvolution microscopes, image processing facilities, an oligonucleotide synthesis/DNA sequencing microchemical core facility, NMR and mass spectrometers, spectrofluorometers, other analytical and separation instrumentation, controlled-temperature and animal rooms, research support shops, and numerous computer facilities. The SDSU BioScience Center recently opened and provides facilities to study the linkage of microbial infection, inflammation and cardiovascular disease. SDSU is also a member of the regional CRAY Supercomputer Consortium. Student Group The Joint Ph.D. program in Biology has approximately 40 students enrolled. The unusually high faculty-to-Ph.D. student ratio fosters close contact and quality training for incoming students. Approximately 50 graduate students are also enrolled in the Molecular Biology M.S. program under the direction of Molecular Biology Institute faculty. In addition, more than one hundred graduate students are enrolled in other degree programs in biology and chemistry, including a M.S. program in Biomedical Regulatory Affairs offered by the Center for Bio/Pharmaceutical and Biodevice Development. The Community San Diego is host to one of the major biomedical research communities in the U.S. with close interaction among UCSD, Salk Institute, Scripps Institute of Oceanography, The Scripps Research Institute and SDSU. These interactions extend to numerous other biomedical research institutes and biotechnology companies in San Diego county. SDSU is located 12 miles east of downtown San Diego and the Pacific Ocean. UCSD is located in La Jolla near the coast. San Diego enjoys a reputation for easy living and a highly desirable climate. Major cultural attractions include a variety of music and dance clubs, outdoor theme parks including the world-famous San Diego Zoo, theater, opera, popular and classical music concerts and a rich art scene. Spectator sports enthusiasts can enjoy both college and professional sports teams.The nearby ocean, mountains and deserts allow an unsually wide variety of year-round outdoor activities. The University More than 33,000 students and 1900 faculty members make SDSU one of the largest of 23 institutions within the CSU system, which is itself the largest public university system in the U.S. SDSU is unique within the CSU system in offering a number of Joint-Ph.D. programs. SDSU is rated among the top 200 U.S. higher education institutions through its classification as "Research University - High Research Activity" by the Carnegie Foundation. SDSU was ranked the number one small research university in the nation, according to the faculty scholarly productivity index of Academic Analytics. SDSU is in the midst of a major expansion of its faculty and research endeavors in Cell and Molecular Biology. These efforts include the interdisciplinary programs developed by the SDSU Heart Institute, the Center for Microbial Sciences and the Molecular Biology Institute. The Ph.D. is offered jointly with UCSD, a prominent research university in the UC system. Of 256 Biology programs, UCSD ranked number 2 and SDSU number 37 in funding from the National Institutes of Health. Financial Aid Annual stipends (currently $21,000-$23,000 per year) are provided for all joint Ph.D. students, as is the full cost of tuition. Students receive a complete health benefit package. Application You may request an Application and Information about the Joint Doctoral Program Online. However, it is highly recommended that you use our online application and instructions for applying. Applications for Fall 2008 admission must be complete by January 3, 2008 to guarantee review. Application Information for Foreign Students If you require hard-copy information and application forms for the Graduate Programs in Cell and Molecular Biology at San Diego State University, these can be obtained by contacting: San Diego State University Graduate Program in Cell and Molecular Biology 5500 Campanile Drive San Diego, CA 92182-4614 Correspondence and information about the joint-doctoral program: Dr. Sanford Bernstein Coordinator, Joint Doctoral Program Biology Department San Diego State University San Diego, CA 92182-4614 Information about participating faculty members and their research interests: SDSU Faculty UCSD Faculty