The program of study is planned by the student and the supervisory committee, consisting of at least four faculty members, including the student's advisor. A minimum of 2 members of the supervisory committee must be core MCB faculty members. The program is tailored to the needs of the individual student. In general, Ph.D. degree students should expect to devote to the program of study the equivalent of at least three academic years (84 semester hours) beyond the bachelor's degree. A minimum of 84 semester hours is required. A minimum of 12 designated semester hours of MCB courses and six semester hours of elective course work are required. Exactly 12 hours of MCB 799 Dissertation should be listed on the formal program of study. The remaining courses are selected by the student in consultation with the supervisory committee. Of the 84 semester hours, at least 54 hours (which may include research credit) of the approved Ph.D. program must be completed after admission to a Ph.D. program at ASU. Students may not apply credit hours earned for a doctoral degree previously awarded at ASU or another institution toward their current ASU doctoral degree. However, at the individual academic units discretion, the student may apply up to 30 semester hours from a previously awarded master's degree toward their doctoral program of study.

Written and oral comprehensive examinations are required.

A written dissertation based on original research of high quality that demonstrates proficiency in the area of specialization is required along with a final oral defense of the dissertation. Evidence must be presented that the research contribution is publishable in the primary literature.