Molecular and Cellular Biology, MS
Alternative Fuels, Biology, Development, Genetics, Immunology, Interdisciplinary, Proteomics, Virus, approved for STEM-OPT extension, cellular, genomics, microbes, molecular
Do you want to understand the fundamental molecular events at the core of all life? You'll gain skills in contemporary techniques and have the opportunity to tailor the program around your research and career interests.
The Master of Science program in molecular and cellular biology encourages interdisciplinary, innovative research, allowing students to choose from a wide variety of research and training opportunities. Students gain skills in contemporary approaches used in molecular and cellular biology.
This program may be eligible for an Optional Practical Training extension for up to 24 months. This OPT work authorization period may help international students gain skills and experience in the U.S. Those interested in an OPT extension should review ASU degrees that qualify for the STEM-OPT extension at ASU's International Students and Scholars Center website.
The OPT extension only applies to students on an F-1 visa and does not apply to students completing a degree through ASU Online.
- College/school:
The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences
- Location: Tempe
- STEM-OPT extension eligible: Yes
Acceptance to the graduate program requires a separate application. Students typically receive approval to pursue the accelerated master’s during the junior year of their bachelor's degree program. Interested students can learn about eligibility requirements and how to apply.
30 credit hours and a thesis
Required Core (6 credit hours) Electives or Research (10 credit hours) Other Requirements (8 credit hours) Culminating Experience (6 credit hours) Additional Curriculum Information Students should see the academic unit for a complete list of approved electives.
MCB 555 Advanced Molecular and Cellular Sciences (3)
MCB 556 Advanced Molecular and Cellular Biology II (3)
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)
MCB 599 Thesis (6)
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.
General university admission requirements:
All students are required to meet general
university admission requirements.
U.S. applicants | International applicants | English proficiency
Applicants must fulfill the requirements of both the Graduate College and The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences.
Applicants must 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 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.
| Session | Modality | Deadline | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| Session A/C | In Person | 11/15 | Final |
Graduates are prepared for academic careers at every level, from community colleges to research universities. Their skills and knowledge are also valuable for careers in federal and state agencies, in industry and in nongovernmental organizations.
Career examples include:
- community college instructor
- elementary or high school science teacher
- researcher or technician in a government lab or nonprofit organization
- scientist or bioinformatician in an academic, private or industrial lab
School of Life Sciences
|
LSA 181
sols.grad@asu.edu
480-965-1768
Admission deadlines
3 year programs
These programs allow students to fast-track their studies after admission and earn a bachelor's degree in three years or fewer while participating in the same high-quality educational experience of a 4-year option. Students should talk to their academic advisor to get started.
Accelerated master's
These programs allow students to accelerate their studies to earn a bachelor's plus a master's degree in as few as five years (for some programs).
Each program has requirements students must meet to be eligible for consideration. Acceptance to the graduate program requires a separate application. Students typically receive approval to pursue the accelerated master’s during the junior year of their bachelor's degree program. Interested students can learn about eligibility requirements and how to apply.
