Financial Support
It is the philosophy of the faculty and the Graduate Studies Committee that all doctoral students actively studying in the MCDB Program should be provided with financial support either by the program or by their research advisor. Students are appointed as Graduate Associates or Fellows and receive a competitive stipend throughout their time in program.
The MCDB stipend for academic year 2024-2025 is $2,830 per month ($33,960 annually). This typically increases by 2-3% each year. Graduate Associateship and Fellowship awards are accompanied by fee authorizations that cover academic tuition and fees except for city bus fee, a student activity fee, a recreation facility fee, student legal services fee, and a student union fee. In addition, all students are automatically enrolled in a comprehensive student health insurance plan, with 100% of the premiums paid by the University.
First-year students are supported by the program while they perform laboratory rotations. After selecting a laboratory, most students are supported by their advisors' research grants as Graduate Research Associates (GRAs), although they may also be supported as Graduate Teaching Associates (GTAs).
Fellowships
Outstanding incoming students may be eligible for a variety of competitive Graduate School Fellowships as well as certain College fellowships. To be considered for these fellowships, the applicant must indicate interest by checking the appropriate box on the application form. Students must be nominated by the MCDB program.
MCDB also participates in the NIH-funded Cellular, Molecular and Biochemical Sciences (CMBP) training program, which offers additional professional development opportunities that enhance and complement those offered by the MCDB program. CMBP fellowships are offered to incoming students during recruitment; similar to the Graduate School Fellowships, students must be nominated by the MCDB program.