Location:

Stratford, United States

Program Type:

Full Degree

Degree Level:

Master

Specialty:

Cell & Molecular Biology

Program Overview

Program Description:

The Cell and Molecular Biology program at the GSBS was originally established in the Spring of 1997 as part of Stratford campus of UMDNJ. On July 1, 2013, we became the Rowan University GSBS as mandated in the “New Jersey Medical and Health Sciences Restructuring Act”. The Cell and Molecular Biology program is intended to serve students interested in pursuing a PhD or MS degree who seek to be developed into well-trained, research scientists equipped to address critical deficits in our current knowledge in the biomedical sciences. These students will be prepared to pursue a variety of careers in the biomedical sciences. Our graduates go on to research careers in academia, industry, government agencies and scientific writing. A number of graduates go on to further their education in human medicine and veterinary medicine. RowanGSBS is an academic community where research is a priority and where nationally recognized faculty are young and enthusiastic, creating a dynamic interaction between mentor and student. Because we are small, you will work with faculty from a variety of disciplines, unlike other schools where each department might have its own graduate program. The academic program for all students in the Cell and Molecular Biology program features two years of general and specialized course work followed by a period of intensive research in an area selected by the student and his/her faculty mentor. Our doctoral students are immersed in a cutting-edge curriculum in cell and molecular biology and begin research toward their dissertation within a year. Students working toward a PhD take core courses in biochemistry and cell and molecular biology along with skill courses in experimental design, critical reading, scientific writing and bioethics. Elective courses include genetics, molecular oncology, stem cell biology, and biomolecular interactions. The student will also perform 3 or 4 lab rotations to identify a mentor and begin thesis research by the summer of his/her first year. This rigorous curriculum is completed within two years and culminates with the qualifying exam. The PhD degree is awarded on the basis of achievement in a wide range of course work; experience in classroom teaching and laboratory instruction; an advisory meeting to determine the preparedness of a student entering his/her second year of study; a comprehensive qualifying examination evaluating the breadth of background knowledge and the ability for independent thinking; intensive research experience during which the candidate demonstrates ability to initiate, perform, and analyze original experimental work; a written dissertation; and a public defense of the dissertation through a final oral examination. Our new Master’s (thesis) program in Cell and Molecular Biology is a robust option for students considering a doctoral degree towards a career in academia or biomedical research. In fact, students in this program will take classes alongside RowanGSBS doctoral students. The MS degree is awarded on the basis of achievement in a wide range of course work; a comprehensive qualifying examination evaluating the breadth of background knowledge and the ability for independent thinking; intensive research experience during which the candidate demonstrates ability to initiate, perform, and analyze original experimental work; a written dissertation; and a public defense of the dissertation through a final oral examination. A full- or part-time program, the Master of Science in Cell and Molecular Biology is an excellent way to transition smoothly to the RowanGSBS PhD program. Graduation Information for PhD students: Average exit graduate GPA = 3.75 Average time to completion = 5.16 years 100% of our recent PhD graduates find a position in science after graduating

Additional Program Information

Accreditation:

Rowan University is a selective, medium-sized, public state comprehensive research university. Rowan is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.

Financial Aid:

Yes