Molecular and Cellular Biology, MS
Program Description
Degree Awarded: MS Molecular and Cellular Biology
The MS program in molecular and cellular biology encourages interdisciplinary, innovative research, allowing students to choose from a diverse range of research and training opportunities. Students gain skills in contemporary approaches used in molecular and cellular biology.
Our program is unique in that our participating faculty and researchers come from departments, colleges, centers and institutes across Arizona State University, as well as from partner institutions in greater Phoenix. You’ll have opportunities to work with faculty from Mayo Clinic, Phoenix Children’s Hospital, Translational Genomics Research Institute, and the University of Arizona College of Medicine-Phoenix and from ASU, ranked No. 1 in innovation, ahead of Stanford and MIT. See courses and electives below for more information.
Graduates from our program apply their skills in a variety of settings such as the biotechnology industry, teaching or as entrepreneurs. This program is also well-suited for students who want to pursue medical school, evaluate research options, or begin a PhD program.
Courses and electives
Interdisciplinary participants
Participating faculty members and researchers come from many departments, colleges, centers and institutes across the university, including:
- ASU School of Life Sciences
- ASU Department of Psychology
- ASU New College of Interdisciplinary Arts and Sciences
- ASU School of Biological and Health Systems Engineering
- ASU School for Engineering of Matter, Transport and Energy
- ASU School of Molecular Sciences
- ASU School of Human Evolution and Social Change
- ASU School of Mathematical and Statistical Sciences
In addition to Arizona State University, some faculty members are based at partner institutions in greater Phoenix, including:
Degree Requirements
30 credit hours and a thesis
Required Core (6 credit hours)
MCB 555 Advanced Molecular and Cellular Sciences (3)
MCB 556 Advanced Molecular and Cellular Biology II (3)
Electives or Research (10 credit hours)
Other Requirements (8 credit hours)
BIO 543 Molecular Genetics and Genomics (3)
BIO 610 Introduction to Responsible Conduct of Research in Life Sciences (1)
MCB 501 Seminar: Molecular and Cellular Biology Colloquium (4)
Culminating Experience (6 credit hours)
MCB 599 Thesis (6)
Additional Curriculum Information
Students are required to take MCB 501 each semester they are registered. If a student is registered for more or fewer than four semesters, the research hours and MCB 501 hours may be adjusted accordingly to reach 30 credit hours.
Students should see the academic unit for a complete list of approved electives.
Admission Requirements
Applicants must fulfill the requirements of both the Graduate College and The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences.
Applicants are eligible to apply to the program if they have earned a bachelor's or master's degree in the biological sciences, biochemistry or a closely related field from a regionally accredited institution.
Applicants must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.00 (scale is 4.00 = "A") in the last 60 hours of their first bachelor's degree program, or applicants must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.00 (scale is 4.00 = "A") in an applicable master's degree program.
Applicants must submit the following:
- graduate admission application and application fee
- official transcripts
- academic record form
- personal statement
- curriculum vitae or resume
- three letters of recommendation
- proof of English proficiency
Additional Application Information
An applicant whose native language is not English must provide proof of English proficiency regardless of their current residency.
Research experience is a desired qualification.
Flexible Degree Options
Accelerated program options
This program allows students to obtain both a bachelor's and master's degree in as little as five years.
It is offered as an accelerated bachelor's and master's degree with:
BS - Microbiology
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BS - Neuroscience
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BS - Biological Sciences
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BS - Biological Sciences (Genetics, Cell and Developmental Biology)
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BS - Biological Sciences (Conservation Biology and Ecology)
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BS - Biological Sciences (Biology and Society)
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BS - Molecular Biosciences and Biotechnology
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BS - Biological Sciences (Neurobiology, Physiology and Behavior)
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BS - Biological Sciences (Biomedical Sciences)
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Acceptance to the graduate program requires a separate application. During their junior year, eligible students will be advised by their academic departments to apply.
Next Steps to attend ASU
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Career Opportunities
Those who have earned a master's degree in molecular and cellular biology are prepared for academic careers at every level, from community colleges to research universities, and their skills and knowledge are also valuable for careers in federal and state agencies, in industry, and in nongovernmental organizations.
Career examples include:
- instructors at community colleges
- researchers and technicians in government labs and non-profit organizations
- scientists and bioinformaticians in academic, private and industrial labs
- science teachers in elementary and high schools
Program Contact Information
If you have questions related to admission, please click here to request information and an admission specialist will reach out to you directly. For questions regarding faculty or courses, please use the contact information below.
- sols.grad@asu.edu
- 480/965-1768