Molecular & Cell Biology & Genetics MS

Major: Molecular & Cell Biology & Genetics
Degree Awarded: Master of Science (MS) 
Calendar Type: Semester
Minimum Required Credits: 36.0 (MS, non-thesis); 49.0 (MS, thesis); 
Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP) code: 26.0210
Standard Occupational Classification (SOC) code: 11-9121

About the Program

The interdisciplinary, research-oriented Molecular & Cell Biology & Genetics program offers both MS and PhD degrees. The program provides a broad education-training program for graduate students interested in biomedical problems that cross disciplinary boundaries. It offers the opportunity for students to choose from approximately 80 faculty members in 10 different departments/centers to pursue their research interests. The curriculum and research activities are tailored to students’ needs and interests. Consequently, students can pursue a diverse variety of projects that range from the design and development of new therapeutic treatment strategies to the characterization of the molecular mechanisms that underlie various cellular processes and diseases. This intensive and research-oriented program provides students with opportunities to perform cutting-edge biomedical research employing multidisciplinary strategies. Upon completing these programs, students pursue careers in academic, governmental or industrial settings.

In the MS program, the focus is on strengthening the student's grasp of molecular biology and biotechnology and on providing experience and knowledge of the research methods available in this fast-expanding field. This program is designed to prepare students for competitive industry jobs and for acceptance into PhD programs. MS students take the same courses as PhD students, while also gaining extensive biomedical research experience. A minimum of two years of full-time study is required for a master's degree. Students who wish to continue their graduate training after MS degree completion may apply to the PhD program, and their credits may be applied to the doctoral program. In addition to the thesis-based MS program, Drexel offers a non-thesis degree program in which students can earn the degree without a research project by taking additional classes and writing a literature review paper.

Additional Information

For more information, visit the College of Medicine's Molecular & Cell Biology & Genetics program website.

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.

Additional Information

To learn more about applying to Drexel College of Medicine programs, visit the College of Medicine’s Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences and Professional Studies 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 an 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.

Additional Information

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

Degree Requirements 

Thesis Option

49 semester credits

*

Taken each semester in the FT program and each semester for the first two years in the PT.

**

Taken each semester starting in the spring semester of year one for FT and spring of year three for PT.

***

Required if the student has not identified a thesis laboratory.

†

If BIOC 521S is taken as a requirement, it cannot be taken as an elective. 

Non-Thesis Option

36 semester credits

*

Taken each semester in the FT program and each semester for the first two years in the PT.

**

If BIOC 521S is taken as a requirement, it cannot be taken as an elective. 

Sample Plan of Study 

Thesis Option 

Part-time Thesis Option

Part Time students typically spend 4 years in the MCBG MS program (Theis Track). Part-time students must not exceed 8 credits per semester.

Part-time students earn no more than 8.0 credits per semester.

*MCBG Thesis Research is a variable credit course (1-9 credits). A total of 18.0 credits must be earned.

**Select at least one statistics course from the selection (IDPT 501S, BIOC 521S, MIIM 517S, NEUR 500S, or CR 520S)

Non-Thesis Option

Part-time Non-Thesis Option

Part Time students typically spend 3 years in the MS PhD program (Non-Thesis track). Part-time students must not exceed 8.0 credits per semester.

Part-time students earn no more than 8.0 credits per semester.

**Select at least one statistics course from the selection (IDPT 501S, BIOC 521S, MIIM 517S, NEUR 500S, or CR 520S)