The graduate program in Cell and Molecular Biology is an interdisciplinary, degree-granting program that comprises over 100 faculty members from 17 departments and 6 colleges who share common interests in cell and molecular biology. The M.S. program core includes coursework in molecular genetics, cell biology, science communication, and ethical conduct of research. Students may also select additional courses in areas related to their interests. Two alternating graduate seminar series allow students to present their research and attend presentations by CSU faculty and nationally prominent scientists.

Core courses can typically be completed during the first year. The Plan A M.S. degree can be completed within two years. The Plan B M.S. degree can be completed within 3 semesters.

Most MS students are admitted with the support of a faculty advisor to oversee the research portion of their training. Current focus areas of research include but are not limited to, Cancer Biology; Gene Expression; Genome Structure, Evolution & Repair; Infectious Disease; Metabolism & Physiology; Microbiomes; Plant Molecular Biology, Prions & Neurobiology; Stem Cells & Development; Synthetic Biology and STEM Communication. Students are encouraged to complete coursework in computational/quantitative approaches, and an emphasis is placed on effective communication with various audiences. The CMB program supports a student association and aims to create an inclusive and welcoming culture for all.

Students interested in this graduate program should refer to the Cell and Molecular Biology website for further details.

Effective Fall 2019

BC 563Molecular Genetics4
BC 565Molecular Regulation of Cell Function4
CM 510Introduction to Cell and Molecular Biology1
CM 595Independent Study 11-3
CM 699Thesis 11-4
CM 792Cell and Molecular Biology Seminar 21-2
CM 793Seminar 21-2
GRAD 550STEM Communication1
MIP 611Advanced Microbiological Research Methods4
Ethics Elective (see list below)1-3
Electives 34-11
Program Total Credits:30

 Ethics Electives

Select at least one course from the following:
BC 601Responsible Conduct in Biochemistry1
CM 601Responsible Conduct of Research in CMB1
CM 666/PHIL 666Science and Ethics3
GRAD 544Ethical Conduct of Research1
MIP 654Research Policies and Regulations1
NSCI 575/GRAD 575Ethical Issues in Big Data Research1

A minimum of 30 credits are required to complete this program.  

1

Minimum 1 credit for each CM 595 and CM 699, with additional credits as needed to bring degree total to 30 credits, with approval of their graduate advisory committee.

2

Student must take this course each year in spring or fall semester.

3

At least 4 credits in regular graduate-level courses, with approval of their graduate advisory committee.

Effective Fall 2019

BC 563Molecular Genetics4
BC 565Molecular Regulation of Cell Function4
CM 510Introduction to Cell and Molecular Biology1
CM 595Independent Study 11-4
CM 792Cell and Molecular Biology Seminar 21-2
CM 793Seminar 21-2
GRAD 550STEM Communication1
MIP 611Advanced Microbiological Research Methods4
Ethics Elective (see list below)1-3
Electives 34-12
Program Total Credits:30

Ethics Electives

Select at least one course from the following:
BC 601Responsible Conduct in Biochemistry1
CM 601Responsible Conduct of Research in CMB1
CM 666/PHIL 666Science and Ethics3
GRAD 544Ethical Conduct of Research1
MIP 654Research Policies and Regulations1
NSCI 575/GRAD 575Ethical Issues in Big Data Research1

A minimum of 30 credits are required to complete this program.

1

Minimum 1 credit for CM 595, with additional credits as needed to bring degree total to 30 credits, with approval of the graduate advisory committee.

2

Students must take this course each year in spring or fall semester.

3

At least 4 credits in regular graduate level courses relevant to Cell & Molecular Biology, with approval of their graduate advisory committee.