The Molecular & Cell Biology & Genetics (MCBG) program is an interdisciplinary graduate program recognizing the need for highly trained scientists conversant across various disciplines.
The program provides a broad education-training program for graduate students interested in biomedical problems that cross disciplinary boundaries and offers the opportunity for students to choose from approximately 80 faculty in 10 different departments/centers to pursue their research interests. This program offers both MS and PhD degrees and focuses on the study of the structure, function and makeup of biologically important molecules within the context of the living cells. Our curriculum and research activities are tailored to students’ needs and interests.
Our faculty are at the forefront of new advances in the biomedical sciences and new developments in techniques for understanding the genetic and molecular basis of developmental pathways and disease states such as cancer, aging, AIDS, malaria and neurological disorders. Consequently, students can pursue a diverse variety of projects that range from the design and development of new therapeutic treatment strategies to the characterization of the molecular mechanisms that underlie various cellular processes and diseases. This intensive and research-oriented program provides students with opportunities to perform cutting edge biomedical research employing multidisciplinary strategies.
GRADUATE PLACEMENT
Recent Molecular & Cell Biology & Genetics program graduates are at:
Academic or Clinical Institutions
· Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia
· Columbia University Herbert Irving Comprehensive Cancer Center
· Dana-Farber Cancer Institute
· Duke University
· Drexel University College of Medicine
· Fox Chase Cancer Center
· Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center
· Institute for Protein Innovation
· Massachusetts General Hospital Cancer Center
· Rutgers University
· Thomas Jefferson University
· University of California Los Angeles, School of Medicine
· University of Minnesota
· University of Pennsylvania Center for Innovation
· University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine
· Vanderbilt University Medical Center
Academic Institutions (PhD Studies after MS completion)
· Drexel University College of Medicine
· Emory University
· Medical University of South Carolina
· Ohio State University
· Temple University
· Thomas Jefferson University
· University of Delaware
· University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine
Biotech and Pharmaceutical Companies
· Alcon
· Absorption Systems
· BioTek Instruments
· Biomeme
· Boehringer Ingelheim
· Carisma Therapeutics
· Castle Creek Biosciences
· CellOxess
· EMD Serono
· Eurofins Scientific
· Fishawack Group of Companies
· Genewiz
· GlaxoSmithKline
· Illumina
· Janssen Pharmaceutical Companies of Johnson & Johnson
· Merck & Co.
· Opentrons Labworks
· Pharmaceutical Product Development
· Quest Diagnostics
· Rockland Immunochemicals
· Sana Biotechnology
· Spark Therapeutics
· Tmunity Therapeutics Incorporated
· UCB
CURRICULUM
All students must successfully complete the core curriculum before advancing the specific program requirements for their degree. The core curriculum is a comprehensive interdisciplinary program of study for all first year master’s and doctoral students in the biomedical science programs. The goal of the core curriculum is to provide a broad foundation in biomedical sciences and serve as a framework for advanced study in more specialized areas.
In addition to the core curriculum and other required courses, in the first year, student must complete the research laboratory rotations. These research rotations give students the opportunities to obtain broad research training and help them select a thesis research advisor by the end of the first twelve months. In the second year, students begin thesis research and take several advanced courses, tailored to the students’ individual interests.
The Molecular & Cell Biology & Genetics programoffers a weekly seminar series with invited external and internal speakers who address the program’s broad research interests. Journal Club members meet weekly in an informal setting to present results of interest from the current literature.
In the Molecular & Cell Biology & Genetics Master’s program, the focus is on strengthening the student’s grasp of
providing knowledge of research methods available in the fast-expanding field. The program offers both a thesis-based degree and a non-thesis based degree tracks. In the thesis track, MS students will have specific research goals, relating a chosen area of molecular & cellular biology & genetics. In the non-thesis track, students can earn the MS degree by taking additional classes and writing a literature review paper. A minimum of two years of full-time study is required for a master’s degree.
The Molecular & Cell Biology & Genetics PhD program trains individuals to become independent researchers and educators in related fields of studies. The PhD candidates must pass a qualifying examination by November 1st of their third year. During the course of the program, the PhD candidates must also submit at least one manuscript and prepare a second manuscript for publication. The average amount of time required to complete the PhD requirements is five years.
PROGRAM LEVEL OUTCOMES
Graduates of the Master of Science/PhD in Molecular & Cell Biology & Genetics program will achieve nine program level outcomes that describe the skills, competencies and knowledge gained through completion of the program curriculum.
- Be prepared to acquire independent and competitive careers in scientific research
- Have the skills to function on and lead interdisciplinary and multidisciplinary teams
- Be able to use and apply state-of-the-art techniques to conduct independent and collaborative scientific investigations
- Have the ability to independently and broadly explore the scientific literature and develop novel hypotheses based upon the existing knowledge base
- Have the ability to combine the existing scientific knowledge and the results of their own scientific investigations to develop novel avenues of research
- Be able to identify problems and troubleshoot in scientific investigations
- Have a broad education in biomedical sciences so as to understand the impact of scientific investigations on human society
- Be able to effectively communicate science, in written and oral formats, with a wide range of audiences including both scientists and non-scientists
- Understand and abide by ethical and professional standards of the field
DEADLINES
Application deadline for the PhD in Molecular & Cell Biology & Genetics:
- International fall deadline: December 15
- Domestic fall deadline: December 15
Application deadline for the Master of Science in Molecular & Cell Biology & Genetics:
- International fall deadline: May 15
- Domestic fall deadline: July 15
REQUIRED COMPONENTS OF A COMPLETED APPLICATION
To be considered for acceptance, an applicant must provide the following as part of a complete online application for admission.
Graduate Admission Application
Applicants may only apply to one program. 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. Please note, an application fee of $75 U.S. is required.
Transcripts
Official transcripts must be sent directly to Drexel from all the colleges/universities that you have attended. Transcripts must be submitted in a sealed envelope with the college/university seal over the flap. Please note that transcripts are required regardless of number of credits taken or if the credits were transferred to another school. An admission decision may be delayed if you do not send transcripts from all colleges/universities attended.
Standardized Test Scores
The Graduate Record Exam (GRE) is not required for admission to the Molecular & Cell Biology & Genetics MS and PhD programs. International applicants must demonstrate their comprehension of the English Language by submitting results on the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or International English Language Testing System (IELTS).
Essay/Personal Statement
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. Please submit your essay with your application.
Résumé
Upload your résumé as part of your admission application or through the Discover Drexel portal after you submit your application.
Letters of Recommendation
Three 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.
Math Science GPA Calculation Form
Completed online math science GPA calculations. Please note, you will need to start your application before you can use the form.
FINANCIAL INFORMATION
Tuition information for the Molecular & Cell Biology & Genetics program is available on the Drexel Central website.
Financial aid is available from many sources, such as the federal government and private organizations, or from the University itself. Financial aid may be in the form of loans, grants, scholarships or part-time employment. For information regarding financing your education, please visit Drexel Central.