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Cell and Molecular Biology M.S. and Ph.D.

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Program overview

Armed with a deep understanding of the structure of cells, professionals in the field of Cell and Molecular Biology (CMB) are leading the charge against some of the world's most prevalent illnesses and health problems.

Cell and Molecular Biology (CMB) is a degree path within the Molecular Biosciences interdisciplinary graduate program. We offer graduate studies culminating in the Master of Science and the Doctor of Philosophy degrees and we prepare students for careers in biological and biomedical research, industry, and teaching.

Program at a Glance

Admissions cycles: Fall, rolling as space allows
Application Deadlines: Dec 15 (Fall) | June 15 (Spring)
Assistantship types available: Research, Teaching
Graduate director: Subhash Verma

Our highly interactive program offers a supportive environment for a large graduate student body. Students will find excellent research opportunities in a broad range of areas, including:

  • Biochemistry
  • Bioinformatics
  • Cancer Biology
  • Cardiovascular Research
  • Cell Biology
  • Gametogenesis and Fertility
  • Functional Genomics
  • Hormones
  • Immunology
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Insect Biochemistry
  • Insect Molecular Genetics
  • Metabolic Regulation
  • Metabolomics
  • Microbial Ecology
  • Microbiology
  • Neuroscience
  • Nutrition
  • Pathology
  • Plant Biochemistry
  • Plant Molecular Genetics
  • Protein Structure-function
  • Proteomics
  • Regulation of Gene Expression
  • Signal Transduction
  • Smooth Muscle Biology
  • Stem Cell Biology
  • Virology

M.S. overview

Our highly interactive program offers a wide range of study options dealing with contemporary biophysics, cancer, cell biology, chemical biology, immunology, insect biochemistry, microbiology, pharmacology and plant biology.

Our students pursue a rigorous training program with diverse research opportunities using state-of-the-art facilities and equipment. A shared first year curriculum and series of lab rotations introduce students to the full range of the molecular biosciences research community.

The degree is excellent preparation for careers in biological and biomedical research, and biotechnology and pharmaceutical industries.

Students who seek admission to the program should have completed the following course requirements: 8 credits of both organic chemistry and biology, 6 credits of physics and 4 credits of calculus. If a student is admitted with a deficiency in these courses, the required courses must be completed during the first year of graduate study.

Ph.D. overview

A Ph.D. in Cell and Molecular Biology and Physiology is excellent preparation for high-level careers in biological and biomedical research, as well as the biotechnology and pharmaceutical industries. Graduates of this program may also choose to teach at the University level.

The University's Molecular Biosciences Graduate Program, which hosts the CMB Ph.D., is a true interdisciplinary effort that pulls expertise from many areas around campus.  More than 60 participating faculty members are drawn from nine different departments. The program provides a supportive environment for more than 100 graduate students with excellent opportunities in a broad range of biological and biomedical research areas, including:

  • Contemporary biophysics
  • Cancer
  • Cell biology
  • Chemical biology
  • Immunology
  • Insect biochemistry
  • Microbiology
  • Pharmacology
  • Plant biology

Students here pursue a rigorous training program with diverse research opportunities using state-of-the-art facilities and equipment. A shared first-year curriculum and series of lab rotations introduce students to the full range of the molecular biosciences research community. From there, students branch off into specialties such as Cell and Molecular Biology.

Program information

View the program timeline and curriculum, admissions requirements, funding information and how to find an advisor.

Start your application

Ready to apply to the Molecular Biosciences Ph.D. program? 

Visit the Graduate School's admission page to begin your application.