Molecular Basis of Cancer MS

Major: Molecular Basis of Cancer
Degree Awarded: Master of Science (MS)
Calendar Type: Semester
Minimum Required Credits: 36.0
Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP) code: 26.0911
Standard Occupational Classification (SOC) code: 19-1042

About the Program

The Master of Science in Molecular Basis of Cancer aims to provide students with in-depth academic and practical knowledge about basic and translational cancer research, with emphasis on molecular targets and therapeutics. This program is designed to help students establish or advance their career within the pharmaceutical and biotechnology industry. The specialized focus of the degree will be on research and development relevant to new diagnostics, therapeutics and treatment of cancers of various etiologies. After establishing foundational knowledge in molecular and cellular cancer biology, special attention will be given to topics including therapeutic and target identification, drug discovery and development, mechanisms of tumor growth and metastasis, and the processes by which tumors evade therapeutic interventions during the course of treatment.

It should be noted that this program is “stackable” with the Post-baccalaureate Certificate Program in Molecular Basis of Cancer (CMCA) and all completed courses in the certificate program can be applied toward the MS degree.

The MS in Molecular Basis of Cancer is available to individuals who have already obtained a BS or BA degree in the life, physical or health sciences and wish to pursue industry-focused training. This includes individuals who wish to have a broader base of information about cancer biology and research, those who may wish to transition into the industry or those who have recently transitioned into the industry.

In general, the MS in Molecular Basis of Cancer will encompass three years of required and elective graduate courses. The successful completion of the MS degree in the program will be determined by grades obtained in the interactive online courses and participation in virtual journal clubs. A total of 36 semester credits is required to complete the program. The program is designed to prepare students for careers in cancer biology basic science, translational and clinical research in government, industry and academic environments.

Additional Information

For more detailed information about the curriculum and program goals, please contact:

Jessica Chen, PhD
jc4632@drexel.edu

Admission Requirements

For acceptance to the Master of Science Program in Molecular Basis of Cancer, the applicant must have completed a four-year, biology- or chemistry-based BA or BS degree program with a preferred GPA of at least 3.0. All students must submit two confidential letters of recommendation, a personal statement explaining their interest in the program, a current resume or curriculum vitae, and all previous official educational transcripts. No standardized test is required for admission, but if one has been taken, such as the GRE and MCAT, the scores should be submitted for review. The merit of each applicant will be evaluated by the Admissions Committee of the program, and all qualifications, including professional experience, will be taken into consideration.

Degree Requirements

Required Courses
MCAN 521SAdvanced Molecular Mechanisms of Cancer 2.0
CMCA 500SFoundations in Bioscience 1 3.0
CMCA 501SFoundations in Bioscience 23.0
CMCA 510SIntroduction to Cancer Biology 2.0
CMCA 520SMolecular Basis of Cancer3.0
CR 520SApplications of Clinical Research Biostatistics *2.0-3.0
or MIIM 517S Applied Statistics for Biomedical Sciences
CR 612SFundamentals of Compliance *2.0-3.0
or MIIM 503S Biomedical Ethics
Elective Courses *
Select from the options listed below:17.0-19.0
Control of the Cell Cycle and Cell Death
Experimental Approaches in Cancer Research
Special Topics in the Molecular Basis of Cancer
Scientific Writing and Medical Literature
Current Federal Regulatory Issues in Biomedical Research
Biochemistry of Cancer Therapeutics Discovery
Current Topics in Cell Biology
Practicum in Molecular Basis of Cancer
Special Topics in Cancer Therapeutics
Biotechniques I: Molecular and Genomic Methods
Biotechniques II: Immunological Methods
Immunology, Immunopathology and Infectious Diseases
Introduction to Infectious Diseases
Clinical Correlations in Immunology
Emerging Biomedical Interventions for Human Disease
Cell and Gene Therapy 1
Cell and Gene Therapy 2
Molecular Genetics
Graduate Pharmacology
Drug Discovery and Development I
Drug Discovery and Development II
Total Credits36.0-38.0
*

If student takes a 2 credit class, they must add elective credits to their plan in order to reach 36 credit minimum for degree. Students may need to add up to 2 credits total to free electives.

Sample Plans of Study

Plan of Study Grid
First Year
FallCredits
CMCA 500S Foundations in Bioscience 1 3.0
CR 612S Fundamentals of Compliance * 3.0
 Credits6
Spring
CMCA 501S Foundations in Bioscience 2 3.0
CMCA 510S Introduction to Cancer Biology 2.0
 Credits5
Second Year
Fall
CMCA 520S Molecular Basis of Cancer 3.0
Electives 4.0
 Credits7
Spring
Electives 6.0
 Credits6
Third Year
Fall
CR 520S Applications of Clinical Research Biostatistics * 3.0
Electives 3.0
 Credits6
Spring
MCAN 521S Advanced Molecular Mechanisms of Cancer 2.0
Electives 4.0
 Credits6
 Total Credits36
*

If a student takes MIIM 517S (2 credit), they must add 1 elective credit to their plan. If a student takesMIIM 503S (2 credits), they must add 1 elective credit to their plan.  In order to reach the 36 credit minimum for this degree, students may need to add up to 2 credits total to free electives.

Plan of Study Grid
First Year
SpringCredits
CMCA 500S Foundations in Bioscience 1 3.0
CMCA 510S Introduction to Cancer Biology 2.0
 Credits5
Second Year
Fall
CMCA 501S Foundations in Bioscience 2 3.0
CR 612S Fundamentals of Compliance * 3.0
 Credits6
Spring
Electives 6.0
 Credits6
Third Year
Fall
CMCA 520S Molecular Basis of Cancer 3.0
Electives 4.0
 Credits7
Spring
MCAN 521S Advanced Molecular Mechanisms of Cancer 2.0
Electives 4.0
 Credits6
Fourth Year
Fall
CR 520S Applications of Clinical Research Biostatistics * 3.0
Electives 3.0
 Credits6
 Total Credits36
*

If a student takesMIIM 517S (2 credit), they must add 1 elective credit to their plan. If a student takesMIIM 503S (2 credits), they must add 1 elective credit to their plan.  In order to reach the 36 credit minimum for this degree, students may need to add up to 2 credits total to free electives.