PhD in Cell and Molecular Biology - Infectious Disease in Fort Collins United States | Colorado State University

CSU boasts a state-of-the-art BSL-3 facility at its Foothills Campus, where scientists conduct research on M. tuberculosis, vector-borne viruses, prions, and other high-containment pathogens. The campus neighbors the CDC's Division of Vector-Borne Diseases in Fort Collins.
Meanwhile, BSL-2 research on the main campus concentrates on retroviruses like HIV, picornaviruses, and non-tuberculous mycobacteria. Studies explore pathogen biochemistry, replication, transmission, and host immune responses. The Cell and Molecular Biology Program provides diverse research opportunities spanning cancer biology, infectious diseases, biofuel-related metabolism, neuroscience, plant biology, physiology, genetics, reproductive and developmental biology, and structural biology. This interdisciplinary graduate program involves more than 100 faculty across 15 departments and 5 colleges, offering both M.S. and Ph.D. degrees with a Cancer Biology specialization option. The curriculum features core courses in molecular genetics, cell biology, research techniques, and scientific ethics, plus electives in specialized topics and grant writing. Students participate in seminar series presenting their work and attending lectures by CSU faculty and visiting scholars. Most core coursework finishes in the first year, with M.S. degrees typically completed in two years and Ph.D. degrees in five.