Cell and Molecular Biology
Master of Science (M.S.)
Graduate Major
Grand Rapids • Face to face • 35-37 Credits
Cell and molecular biology is the study of cells and their molecular components, focusing on their structure, function, and interactions within living organisms.
Overview
Grand Valley's M.S. in Cell and Molecular Biology (CMB) is for students with a passion for the life sciences. It is focused on determining how cells develop and function and the significance of those functions in the living organism. CMB is the basis for such applied fields as biotechnology, pharmacology, and biomedicine. The program prepares students for employment in life sciences or for doctoral-level or professional (medical, M.D./Ph.D.) programs.
The thesis-based (research emphasis) track focuses on an intensive, 15-to-18-month research project that results in a publishable thesis. Students work closely with a research mentor and are expected to present the results of their research at a professional conference.
CMB coursework includes scientific communication, ethics and professionalism in science, and statistics for life scientists. Students also delve into specialized topics such as DNA/RNA manipulation and cell culture and bioprocessing, equipping them with the skills and knowledge necessary for advanced research and professional practice in the field.
Grand Valley's CMB program offers a unique interdisciplinary experience in a region that is becoming a center for biotechnology research, industry, and education. Students benefit from internships at prestigious institutions like the Van Andel Research Institute and Spectrum Health Research Labs. Faculty members are actively engaged in research, often involving students, and the laboratories are equipped with state-of-the-art equipment, providing valuable hands-on experience.
Cell and Molecular Biology
gvsu.edu/cmb
3300A Kindschi
Hall of Science
(616) 331-2315
Program Director
Mark Staves, Ph.D.
(616) 331-2473
Application Deadline
Applications are accepted on a rolling basis. Deadline for fall semester start is February 1, international; and April 1, domestic. Deadline for winter semester start is September 1, international; and November 1, domestic. The $30 nonrefundable application fee is waived if the applicant has previously applied to GVSU.
Career Opportunities
Apply principles and methods of bioinformatics to assist scientists in areas such as pharmaceuticals, medical technology, biotechnology, computational biology, proteomics, computer information science, biology and medical informatics. Apply bioinformatics tools to visualize, analyze, manipulate or interpret molecular data. May build and maintain databases for processing and analyzing genomic or other biological information.
Top skills- Reading Comprehension
- Active Learning
- Critical Thinking
- Writing
- Active Listening
Earnings statistics
| Annual Earnings | Percentile |
|---|---|
| $ 36,226.64 | 10% |
| $ 47,127.86 | 25% |
| $ 67,076.44 | 50% |
| $ 95,775.07 | 75% |
| $148,355.73 | 90% |
Conduct research using bioinformatics theory and methods in areas such as pharmaceuticals, medical technology, biotechnology, computational biology, proteomics, computer information science, biology and medical informatics. May design databases and develop algorithms for processing and analyzing genomic information, or other biological information.
Top skills- Reading Comprehension
- Critical Thinking
- Active Listening
- Speaking
- Complex Problem Solving
Earnings statistics
| Annual Earnings | Percentile |
|---|---|
| $ 50,682.59 | 10% |
| $ 62,182.46 | 25% |
| $ 81,607.45 | 50% |
| $ 98,192.55 | 75% |
| $128,328.06 | 90% |
Research and study cellular molecules and organelles to understand cell function and organization.
Top skills- Science
- Reading Comprehension
- Writing
- Critical Thinking
- Speaking
Earnings statistics
| Annual Earnings | Percentile |
|---|---|
| $ 50,682.59 | 10% |
| $ 62,182.46 | 25% |
| $ 81,607.45 | 50% |
| $ 98,192.55 | 75% |
| $128,328.06 | 90% |
Research and study the inheritance of traits at the molecular, organism or population level. May evaluate or treat patients with genetic disorders.
Top skills- Reading Comprehension
- Science
- Writing
- Critical Thinking
- Speaking
Earnings statistics
| Annual Earnings | Percentile |
|---|---|
| $ 50,682.59 | 10% |
| $ 62,182.46 | 25% |
| $ 81,607.45 | 50% |
| $ 98,192.55 | 75% |
| $128,328.06 | 90% |
A "Best Bang for Your Buck"
By Washington Monthly
106K
GVSU Alumni in Michigan
85%
GVSU Students Receive Offers Before Graduation
Valuable Internships
Students benefit from internships at prestigious institutions like the Van Andel Research Institute and Spectrum Health Research Labs.
Scholarships
Grand Valley State University offers a wide variety of merit-based
scholarships. For information on all of the scholarships that are
available to students, please visit Scholarships at GVSU.
Grand Valley offers myScholarships
(a scholarship matching tool) to help admitted students match
with GVSU scholarships, as well as external scholarship opportunities.
myScholarships will prompt you to answer questions to help match you
to scholarships for which you might qualify.
Accelerated B.S. to M.S. in Cell and Molecular Biology
Qualified undergraduates may be admitted to an accelerated bachelor's/master's program and obtain both a B.S. and an M.S. in cell and molecular biology within an accelerated time frame.
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