Molecular and Cell Biology and Genetics

About the Program

Master of Science: 36.0 - 48.0 semester credits
Doctor of Philosophy: 96.0 semester credits

 The interdisciplinary, research-oriented Molecular and Cell Biology and Genetics program offers both MS and PhD degrees. Its strength is derived from the combined research expertise of the faculty in various departments, including Neurobiology and Anatomy, Biochemistry and Molecular biology, Microbiology and Immunology, Medicine, Pathology, and Pharmacology and Physiology. Faculty members conduct research on a broad array of topics, including cell, molecular, and cancer biology as well as genetics, infectious diseases and immunology.

About the MS Program

In the MS program, the focus is on strengthening the student's grasp of molecular biology and biotechnology and on providing a knowledge of research methods available in this fast-expanding field.

About the PhD Program

This program is research focused, with the ultimate goal of training students to become leaders of scientific research in academics and industry. In addition to completing the curriculum requirements, PhD students must pass a qualifying exam at the end of their second year.

Additional Information

For more information about the program, contact:

Kate Pelusi, MSEd
Academic Coordinator
Biomedical Graduate and Postgraduate Studies
Drexel University College of Medicine
2900 Queen Lane Suite G24
Philadelphia, PA 19129-1096
215.991.8573
kpelusi@drexelmed.edu

Admission Requirements

Drexel University College of Medicine has a rolling admissions policy, which means that complete applications are reviewed as they are received. Applicants are therefore advised to apply early, as decisions to accept or deny admission may be made before the official deadlines.

To learn more about applying to Drexel College of Medicine programs visit the Drexel College of Medicine's Biomedical Studies Admissions website.

About the Curriculum

Background courses in biochemistry, molecular and cell biology, and integrative biology are taken during the first academic year. In addition, every student carries out short research projects in three different laboratories during the first year. This exposure to research not only gives the student broad research training, but also helps the student to select a thesis advisor at the end of the first academic year. In the second year, the student begins thesis research and takes several advanced courses, tailored to the student’s individual interests.

The program offers a weekly seminar series with invited external and intramural speakers who address the program’s broad research interests. Journal Club members meet weekly in their own informal setting to present results of interest from the current literature.

Courses Repeatable for Credit

As well as taking all required courses, MS and PhD students may re-enroll in courses having the status "repeatable for credit" (such as journal club, seminar and research courses) for the duration of their program in order to meet the total number of credits required for graduation.

For more information, including scheduling a plan of study, visit the College of Medicine's Molecular and Cell Biology and Genetics Program website.

MS Degree Requirements: Thesis Option

48.0 semester credits

MS Degree Requirements: Non-Thesis Option

36.0 semester credits

PhD Degree Requirements

 During the third year, students develop a plan for their doctoral research in conjunction with their thesis advisor. A formal, written thesis proposal is then presented to the student’s Thesis Advisory Committee. Acceptance of this proposal after oral examination by the Committee leads to the final stage of doctoral training. PhD candidates then spend the majority of their time on thesis research. After concluding their research, they must submit and publicly defend their thesis before the Thesis-Examination Committee.

96.0 semester hours