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Thank you for your interest! At UNC-Chapel Hill, all students interested in earning a PhD in the biomedical sciences, including those interested in Cell Biology and Physiology, apply through the Biological & Biomedical Sciences Program (BBSP). This umbrella program supports students in their first year, allowing them to take courses and complete research rotations across various programs. After the first year, students select a dissertation lab and join a PhD program to complete their studies.

If you’re interested in Cell Biology and Physiology, you can focus on its coursework or explore options in other programs before deciding. Your PhD will reflect the program you choose at the end of your first year. To apply, use the BBSP portal listed below and indicate your interest in Cell Biology and Physiology. DO NOT apply for “direct admit.”

To check the status of your application, login to the online admissions application using your username and password.

PhD preparation opportunities

UNC PREP (Postbaccalaureate Research Education Program)
UNC PREP is a one-year program at UNC Chapel Hill for students who have recently completed their bachelor’s degree. The program helps students gain and strengthen the skills needed for entry and success in top-tiered PhD programs in the biological and biomedical sciences.

The Summer Undergraduate Research Experience (SURE-REU) Program in Molecular Biosciences at UNC-Chapel Hill
The SURE-REU Program provides opportunities for independent summer research. Undergraduate students interested working in a specific cell biology and physiology lab are strongly encouraged to directly contact the principal investigator of that research group.