Professional Science Master’s (PSM) in Biotechnology — Internship-Based
Cell and Molecular Biology (CMB) at Grand Valley State University
Explore life at the molecular level through hands-on research and advanced lab techniques. Grand Valley’s Cell and Molecular Biology (CMB) program combines biochemistry, genetics, and biophysics to prepare students for careers in biotechnology, biomedicine, and research.
Students gain real-world experience through research and internships with faculty and industry mentors. Graduates are ready for careers in the life sciences or advanced study, including Ph.D. and M.D./Ph.D. programs.
The CMB Department offers four programs to support your academic and professional goals.
Cell & Molecular Biology at GVSU
Cell and Molecular Biology (CMB) explores how cells function and how those processes influence living organisms. This interdisciplinary field draws on biochemistry, genetics, biophysics, and developmental biology and underpins applied areas such as biotechnology, pharmacology, and biomedicine.
Grand Valley’s Professional Science Master’s (PSM) in Biotechnology combines advanced CMB training with professional skill development in scientific communication, ethics, and laboratory techniques such as DNA/RNA manipulation and cell culture. In the second year, students complete a career-focused internship in industry or research and present their work at a departmental conference.
The PSM program offers five specialized tracks, including Cell and Molecular Biology (Biotechnology), preparing graduates for careers in biotechnology, life sciences, and related industries or for continued advanced study.
Degree Highlights
Industry Internship: A semester-long internship during the second year places students in biotech, pharmaceutical, or healthcare organizations, providing hands-on experience in research and development.
Professional Skills: Coursework emphasizes communication, ethics, leadership, and project management alongside technical training in cell and molecular methods.
Career Readiness: Students present their internship experience at a departmental conference, demonstrating their ability to integrate science and professional practice.
Outcomes: Graduates enter careers in biotechnology, life science research, healthcare, and related industries — or continue into advanced study.
The CMB Experience
- Technical laboratory skills
- Data analysis and interpretation
- Scientific writing and presentation
- Critical and creative thinking
- Applying the scientific method
- Responsible conduct of research
- Collaboration and teamwork
- Problem-solving and troubleshooting
- Use of modern biotechnological tools
- Communication across scientific disciplines
Graduate Assistantships in CMB
To qualify for a graduate assistantship, students must:
- Be fully admitted to a GVSU graduate degree program.
- Enroll in 9+ graduate credits for a full-time GA or 4.5+ credits for a half-time GA.
- Maintain a 3.0 GPA or higher and remain in good academic standing.
- Be enrolled in classes during the semester(s) of their GA appointment.
Learn more about GA at GVSU here.
Full Time GA
- 20 hours/week
- $6,500 stipend
- 9 credit tuition waiver/semester
Half Time GA
- 10 hours/week
- $3,250 stipend/semester
- 4.5 credit tuition waiver/semester
Admission Timeline
To be assured of admission consideration, applicants should submit their application and all supporting documents one to two months prior to the start of their intended semester. International applicants are encouraged to allow additional time for processing and visa requirements.
- Fall Semester: August–December
- Winter Semester: January–April
- Spring/Summer Semester: May–August
