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. Our 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. Our MS students take the same courses as our 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

Required Courses
IDPT 500SResponsible Conduct of Research2.0
IDPT 502SLearn Early As Professionals I (LEAP I)1.0
IDPT 504SLearn Early and Practice (LEAP II)1.0
IDPT 533SCore Principles in Biochemistry & Cell Biology4.0
MCBG 501SMCBG 1st Lab Rotation4.0
MCBG 506SAdvanced Cell Biology2.0
MCBG 512SMCBG Journal Club *4.0
MCBG 513SMolec & Cell Biology Seminar *4.0
MCBG 515STechniques in Molecular & Cell Biology & Genetics2.0
MCBG 600SMCBG Thesis Research **18.0
Statistics Requirement2.0
Select at least one Statistics Course from the following courses for a minimum of two credits.
Introduction to Biochemical Data
Applications of Clinical Research Biostatistics
Biostatistics I
Applied Statistics for Biomedical Sciences
Statistics for Neuro/Pharm Research
Advanced Electives5.0
Select at least two advanced electives for a minimum of five credits.
Experimental Approaches to Biochemical Problems
Communication for Researchers
Macromolecular Structure & Function
Introduction to Biochemical Data
Advanced Topics in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
Cancer Biology
Advanced Cancer Biology
Intro to Clinical Trials
Cell Cycle and Apoptosis
Immunology I
Molecular Mechanisms of Microbial Pathogenesis
Immunology II
Emerging Infectious Diseases
Experimental Therapeutics
Advanced Molecular Biology
Graduate Neuroscience I
Advanced Cellular and Developmental Neuroscience
Advanced Systems and Behavioral Neuroscience
Prin of Neuropharmacology
Graduate Pharmacology
New Frontiers in Therapy
Drug Discovery and Development I
Drug Discovery and Development II
Research Methods in Pharmacology
General Electives
Biotechnology Practicum I
Biotechnology Practicum II
Biotechnology Practicum III
Biotechnology Practicum IV
Teaching Practicum II
Teaching Practicum I
Teaching Practicum III
Thesis Defense
MCBG 2nd Lab Rotation ***
MCBG 3rd Lab Rotation
Total Credits49.0
*

Taken each semester in the two year program.

**

Taken each semester starting in the spring semester of year one.

***

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

Required Courses
IDPT 500SResponsible Conduct of Research2.0
IDPT 502SLearn Early As Professionals I (LEAP I)1.0
IDPT 504SLearn Early and Practice (LEAP II)1.0
IDPT 533SCore Principles in Biochemistry & Cell Biology4.0
IDPT 850SLiterature Review Non-Thesis MS5.0
MCBG 506SAdvanced Cell Biology2.0
MCBG 512SMCBG Journal Club *4.0
MCBG 513SMolec & Cell Biology Seminar *4.0
MCBG 515STechniques in Molecular & Cell Biology & Genetics2.0
Statistics Requirement
Select at least one statistics course from the following courses for a minimum of two credits: 2.0
Introduction to Biochemical Data **
Applications of Clinical Research Biostatistics
Biostatistics I
Applied Statistics for Biomedical Sciences
Statistics for Neuro/Pharm Research
Advanced Electives
Select at least three Advanced Electives for a minimum of nine credits.9.0
Experimental Approaches to Biochemical Problems
Communication for Researchers
Biotechnology Practicum I
Biotechnology Practicum II
Biotechnology Practicum III
Biotechnology Practicum IV
Macromolecular Structure & Function
Introduction to Biochemical Data
Advanced Topics in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
Cancer Biology
Advanced Cancer Biology
Intro to Clinical Trials
MCBG 1st Lab Rotation
Cell Cycle and Apoptosis
Immunology I
Molecular Mechanisms of Microbial Pathogenesis
Immunology II
Emerging Infectious Diseases
Experimental Therapeutics
Advanced Molecular Biology
Graduate Neuroscience I
Advanced Cellular and Developmental Neuroscience
Advanced Systems and Behavioral Neuroscience
Prin of Neuropharmacology
Graduate Pharmacology
Drug Discovery and Development I
New Frontiers in Therapy
Drug Discovery and Development II
Research Methods in Pharmacology
General Electives
Teaching Practicum I
Teaching Practicum II
Teaching Practicum III
MCBG 1st Lab Rotation
MCBG Thesis Research
Total Credits36.0
*

Taken each semester in the two year program.

**

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

Sample Plan of Study 

Thesis Option 

First Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits
IDPT 502S1.0IDPT 500S2.0
IDPT 533S4.0IDPT 504S1.0
MCBG 501S4.0MCBG 506S2.0
MCBG 512S1.0MCBG 512S1.0
MCBG 513S1.0MCBG 513S1.0
MCBG 515S2.0Statistics Requirement2.0
 
 General Electives0.0-4.0
 
 13 9-13
Second Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits
MCBG 512S1.0MCBG 600S9.0
MCBG 513S1.0MCBG 512S1.0
MCBG 600S9.0MCBG 513S1.0
Advanced Elective3.0Advanced Elective2.0
 14 13
Total Credits 49-53

Non-Thesis Option

First Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits
IDPT 502S1.0IDPT 500S2.0
IDPT 533S4.0IDPT 504S1.0
MCBG 512S1.0MCBG 506S2.0
MCBG 513S1.0MCBG 512S1.0
MCBG 515S2.0MCBG 513S1.0
 Advanced Elective2.0
 9 9
Second Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits
MCBG 512S1.0MCBG 512S1.0
MCBG 513S1.0MCBG 513S1.0
Advanced Elective7.0IDPT 850S5.0
 Statistics Requirement2.0
 
 9 9
Total Credits 36
  • Schedule of Classes
  • All Course Descriptions
  • Co-op
  • Academic Advising
  • Admissions
  • Tuition & Fees
LEARN MORE