The graduate program in Cell and Molecular Biology is an interdisciplinary degree-granting program that involves over 100 faculty members from 17 departments and 6 colleges who share common interests in cell and molecular biology. The PhD program includes core coursework in molecular genetics and cell biology. Elective courses cover specialized areas, including grant writing, ethical conduct of research and statistics. Two alternating graduate seminar series allow students to present their research and to attend presentations by CSU faculty and nationally prominent scientists. Core courses typically are completed during the first year and most students advance to candidacy by the end of their 5th semester. The PhD degree can generally be completed within five years. There is an option to include a Cancer Biology Specialization.  

Most students admitted to the PhD program rotate through three laboratories in their first year to identify a PhD advisor.  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 2022

BC 563Molecular Genetics4
BC 565Molecular Regulation of Cell Function4
CM 510Introduction to Cell and Molecular Biology1
CM 792Cell and Molecular Biology Seminar 1, 24-10
CM 793Seminar 1, 24-10
GRAD 550STEM Communication1
MIP 611Advanced Microbiological Research Methods4
Independent Study and Dissertation (select a minimum of 6 credits from the following):6
Independent Study 2
Dissertation 2
Electives must contain at least one course from each section list: 244
Ethics Elective (see list below)1-3
Statistics Elective (see list below)3-4
Topics Elective (see list below)2
Writing Elective (see list below)1-3
Master's Degree Credit (a maximum of 30 credits may be accepted from a master's degree)30
Program Total Credits:72

 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

Statistics Electives

Select at least one course from the following:
STAR 511Design and Data Analysis for Researchers I4
STAR 512Design and Data Analysis for Researchers II4
STAT 540Data Analysis and Regression3
VS 562Applied Data Analysis3
VS 733Advanced Veterinary Epidemiology4

Topics Electives

Topics Electives provide guided practice in reading, interpreting, and critiquing scientific literature relevant to the field of Cell & Molecular Biology.

Preferred course, to be taken two semesters, 2 credits total:
CM 700Critical Analysis of Scientific Literature2
Courses that could substitute for CM 700 in consultation with advisor:
BSPM 502BTopics in Plant Pathology: Plant Bacteriology1
BMS 796A/NB 796CGroup Study: Topics in Neuroscience1-4
BMS 796BGroup Study: Cardiopulmonary Physiology1-18
BMS 796CGroup Study: Reproductive Physiology1-18
CHEM 651BSpecial Topics in Chemistry: Inorganic Chemistry1-4
FSHN 650ARecent Developments in Human Nutrition: Protein, Vitamins, and Minerals2
FSHN 650BRecent Developments in Human Nutrition: Carbohydrates, Lipids, and Energy2
FSHN 650CRecent Developments in Human Nutrition: Genomic, Proteomics, and Metabolomics2
MIP 700Topics in Microbiology1
SOCR 730Topics in Plant Breeding and Genetics1

Writing Electives

Select at least one course from the following:
BC 701Grant Proposal Writing and Reviewing1
BSPM 530/SOCR 530Scientific Writing1
BZ 544Presenting Research in Biology2
CM 644/E 644Creative Science Writing3
HES 700Professional Skills in Bioenergetics3
MIP 643Grant Writing for Microbiology/Pathology1
MIP 666Writing Scientific Manuscripts3
NB 771Writing, Submitting, and Reviewing Grants1

A minimum of 72 credits are required to complete this program. 

1

CM 792 and CM 793  must be taken each year in spring or fall semester.

2

Students must complete at least one credit from each CM 795 and CM 799, and select enough independent study, dissertation, seminar, and other elective course credits to bring the program total to a minimum of 72 credits, with approval of graduate advisory committee.