Biological Sciences - Cell Biology - M.S. and Ph.D. Download to print

The Master of Science (M.S.) and Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Biological Sciences–Cell Biology is an individualized program of study and research that prepares students for career opportunities in teaching and research in academic, governmental and industrial settings. A core series of courses sets a rigorous foundation in theory, experimental design and technical knowledge of contemporary investigations at the cellular level of organization. Areas of research include developmental biology, cellular and developmental neuroscience, immunology, reproductive biology, cellular endocrinology and molecular genetics.

Admission into the M.S.: official transcript(s); 3.0 GPA; GRE (general test); goal statement; three letters of recommendation; list of up to five potential faculty advisors and undergraduate coursework roughly equivalent to a Biology minor. Before admission can be completed, a prospective student must be accepted by a faculty member in the program who will act as advisor.

Admission into the Ph.D.: official transcript(s); GRE; goal statement; three letters of recommendation; list of up to five potential faculty advisors; baccalaureate in the natural sciences with a minimum of two years of chemistry, one year of calculus, one year of physics and two years of biology, including genetics, plant or animal physiology and morphology. Deficiencies at the time of admission shall be rectified during the first year of graduate study. Before admission can be completed, a prospective student must be accepted by a faculty member in the program who will act as advisor.

For more information about graduate admissions, please visit the Graduate Studies website.  

M.S.: Minimum 32 total credit hours.

Ph.D.: Minimum 60 total credit hours.

Graduates of this program will be able to:

1. Understand advanced biological concepts beyond the scope of the typical undergraduate degree and to increase the depth of their knowledge through coursework and hands-on experiences. 
2. Apply scientific principles and appreciate work outside of their particular field. 
3. Effectively communicate about science with colleagues as well as those outside of the student's area of expertise. 
4. Develop the necessary laboratory skills that will allow testing of hypotheses. 

M.S.: A thesis and final defense is required.

Ph.D.: Dissertation and final defense is required.