Best Schools for Oncology

Students looking to pursue oncological studies can undertake a master's degree or PhD program. Individuals will acquire theoretical and practical knowledge on the treatment, analysis, and prevention of cancer. Courses also generally include laboratory experience, seminars, and extensive coursework to help students hone their research skills in the field of cancer treatment.

What Is Oncology?

Oncology is the study and treatment of cancer tumors. While the field of oncology is divided into three main areas--medical, radiation, and surgical--oncology studies may also be applied to the gynecology (treating gynecologic cancers), pediatrics (treating cancers among children and adolescents), and hematology (treating blood cancers) fields.

Medical oncology concerns the treatment of cancer-diagnosed patients with medications such as chemotherapy, targeted therapy, and immunotherapy; radiation oncology focuses on cancer treatment using radiation therapy; and surgical oncology involves the use of biopsies to diagnose cancer in patients, along with the operative procedures required to remove tumors and their surrounding tissue.

What Are My Degree Options for Oncology?

Postsecondary oncological studies typically start at the master's degree level. Students then have the option of pursuing further studies in a PhD program. Most of these programs lead to a Master of Science in Cancer Biology, though programs can also fall under different names - such as Master of Science in Cellular and Molecular Oncology or Master of Science in Tumor Biology.

Through these programs, students perform extensive cancer research through lab-based training, academic coursework, seminars, and other interactive student activities (i.e., journal clubs). Courses explore topics of virology, metastasis, immunology, treatment, therapy, and prevention. With the changing landscape of cancer research, students may also be trained to handle new, cutting-edge technologies to aid in their investigations.

What Schools Offer Master's Degrees in Oncology?

A master's degree can prepare students for an oncology-focused career in academia research or teaching - as well as employment in the biotech, biomedical, and pharmaceutical industries. Schools that offer a master's degree in oncology include:

• Wayne State University (offers a Master of Science in Cancer Biology)
• University of Wisconsin - Madison (offers a Master of Science in Cancer Biology)
• Drexel University - College of Medicine (offers a Master of Science in Cancer Biology)
• Loyola University Chicago (offers a Master of Science in Cellular and Molecular Oncology)

Should I Pursue a PhD?

Pursuing a PhD will allow students to dive even deeper into the field of cancer research, further refining their academic approach to the varied aspects of cancer - including genetics, biochemistry, molecular oncology, and immunology. These programs provide interdisciplinary training that includes laboratory rotations, conferences, and comprehensive examinations. Most will culminate in a medical dissertation or thesis.

Graduates from a PhD program will be prepared to make significant research contributions to cancer processes, diagnoses, treatment, therapy, and immunization.

What Schools Offer a PhD Program in Oncology?

Like master's degree programs, PhD programs in oncology may be labelled differently, though all have a focus on the science behind cancer research. These degrees take about 4 or 5 years to complete. Schools offering a PhD program in oncology include:

• New York University - School of Medicine (offers a PhD in Molecular Oncology and Tumor Immunology)
• Stanford University (offers a PhD in Cancer Biology)
• Augusta University (offers a PhD in Biochemistry and Cancer Biology)
• The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center (offers a PhD in Cancer Biology)
• Indiana University - Bloomington (offers a PhD in Cell, Molecular, and Cancer Biology)

What Are the Admission Requirements for These Programs?

Admission requirements for both master's and PhD degree programs in oncology commonly include a completed bachelor's degree in science. Preferred fields can include mathematics biochemistry, molecular biology, physics, chemistry, and related disciplines. A personal statement or essay, letters of recommendation, previous transcripts from accredited schools, and a Test of English as a Foreign Language (for non-native speakers) are also commonly evaluated.

Applicants to PhD programs may also be judged based on their research experience and scientific potential.