Post-Baccalaureate Certificate in Molecular Basis of Cancer

Certificate Level: Graduate
Admission Requirements: Bachelor's degree or higher
Certificate Type: Post-Baccalaureate
Number of Credits to Completion: 15.0
Instructional Delivery: Online
Calendar Type: Semester
Expected Time To Completion: 1.5 years
Financial Aid Eligibility: Aid eligible

Classification of Instructional Program (CIP) Code: 26.0911
Standard Occupational Classification (SOC) Code: 19-1029

About the Program

The online Molecular Basis of Cancer post-baccalaureate certificate program trains students to understand the molecular, cellular and physiological basis of cancer. The program utilizes the College of Medicine's renowned faculty expertise in cancer research to train graduate students in basic, translational, and clinical research in cancer biology. This training will prepare students for careers in cancer biology research. For career advancers who are already employed, the curriculum will expand their knowledge base to provide detailed understanding of the physiological basis of cancer. To accommodate working students, the curriculum is formatted as an online, asynchronous curriculum, compatible with part-time students.

Admission Requirements

Applicant must have completed a four-year biology- or chemistry-based BA/BS degree program with a preferred GPA of at least 2.75, two confidential letters of recommendation, a personal statement explaining their interest in the program, a current résumé and all previous official educational transcripts. No standardized test is required for admission. A math-science GPA form can be filled out through the Discover Drexel portal after the application is completed.

All documents submitted by you or on your behalf in support of this application for admission to Drexel University become the property of the University and will under no circumstances be released to you or any other party.

Transcripts

  • Applicant must have completed a four-year biology- or chemistry-based BA/BS degree program with a preferred GPA of at least 2.75. Provide official transcripts from all colleges and universities attended.
  • If your GPA is below this target, please briefly explain the conditions surrounding your GPA as a part of your essay (will not count toward the 500 word target).
  • International students: If you have already graduated from your previous institution at the time of your application, please email your graduation certificate(s) attached as PDF or Microsoft Word documents to enroll@drexel.edu.

International Transcript Evaluation (international applicants only)

  • Transcripts must be evaluated by a NACES.org member.
  • Applicants are responsible for supplying all necessary documentation and paying all necessary fees to have your transcripts evaluated. Please have the course-by-course evaluation sent to the mailing address listed below.

Standardized Test Scores

  • The Graduate Record Exam (GRE) is not required for admission to the Molecular Basis of Cancer post-baccalaureate certificate program.
  • TOEFL or IELTS scores are required for international applicants or applicants who earned a degree outside the U.S. Scores will be reviewed based on section scores and total scores.

Essay

  • Please write approximately 500 words explaining your reasons for pursuing a degree from Drexel; your short-term and long-term career plans; and how your background, experience, interests and/or values, when combined with a Drexel degree, will enable you to pursue these goals successfully.
  • Submit your essay with your application or through the Discover Drexel portal after you submit your application.

Resumé

  • Upload your current résumé as part of your admission application or through the Discover Drexel Portal after you submit your application.

Letters of Recommendation

  • Two letters of recommendation are required. To electronically request recommendations, you must list your recommenders and their contact information on your application. We advise that you follow up with your recommenders to ensure they received your recommendation request — they may need to check their junk mail folder. Additionally, it is your responsibility to confirm that your recommenders will submit letters by your application deadline and follow up with recommenders who have not completed their recommendations.
  • Request recommendations with your application or through the Discover Drexel portal after you submit your application.

Application Fee

  • An application fee of $75 U.S. is required.
  • For students who find this fee a hardship, please contact the program director.

Math-Science GPA Form

  • Complete your math-science GPA form through the Discover Drexel portal after you submit your application.

Additional Information

For more information, please visit the Molecular Basis of Cancer certificate website.

Program Requirements

Required Courses
CMCA 500SFoundations in Bioscience 13.0
CMCA 501SFoundations in Bioscience 23.0
CMCA 510SIntroduction to Cancer Biology2.0
CMCA 520SMolecular Basis of Cancer3.0
Electives4.0
Elective Options
Control of the Cell Cycle and Cell Death
Experimental Approaches in Cancer Research
Graduate Pharmacology
Drug Discovery and Development I
Drug Discovery and Development II
Total Credits15.0

Sample Plan of Study

First Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits
CMCA 500S3.0CMCA 501S3.0
CMCA 510S2.0Elective2.0
 5 5
Second Year
FallCredits 
CMCA 520S3.0 
Elective2.0 
 5 
Total Credits 15
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