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Biological Sciences - Cell Biology and Molecular Genetics - M.S.

The Master of Science degree in Biological Sciences - Cell Biology and Molecular Genetics is an individualized program of study and research that prepares students for career opportunities in teaching and research in academic, governmental and industrial settings. A core series of courses sets a rigorous foundation in theory, experimental design and technical knowledge of contemporary investigations at the cellular level of organization. Areas of research include developmental biology, cellular and developmental neuroscience, immunology, reproductive biology, cellular endocrinology and molecular genetics.

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Master's Degree in Cell Biology and Molecular Genetics

Explore the microscopic world with Kent State’s Master of Science degree in Cell Biology and Molecular Genetics. Delve into advanced coursework and hands-on research to understand the complexities of cells and genetic material. Our program prepares you for diverse careers in biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, and academia.

Application Fee Waivers

For Domestic Applicants: Kent State University is offering a Free Application Week (waiving the application fee) for applications submitted between Oct. 21 - 28, 2024.

For International Applicants: If you are interested in applying for the PhD or  MS Graduate Program in Biological Sciences and you are having a financial hardship, we encourage you to submit the BSCI International Graduate Application Fee Waiver Request no later than Oct. 4.

  • Applicants who are selected to receive the fee waiver will be notified by Nov. 1.  We will award up to 10 fee waivers to our top applicants.
  • Earning a fee waiver does NOT guarantee acceptance to the BSCI graduate program.
  • All applicants who earn a fee waiver are encouraged to submit their official application through the Kent State University application system by Nov. 15.

 

Program Information for Biological Sciences - Cell Biology and Molecular Genetics - M.S.

Learning Outcomes

Program Learning Outcomes

Graduates of this program will be able to:

  1. Understand advanced biological concepts beyond the scope of the typical undergraduate degree and increase the depth of their knowledge through coursework and hands-on experiences.
  2. Apply scientific principles and appreciate work outside of their particular field.
  3. Effectively communicate about science with colleagues as well as those outside of their area of expertise.
  4. Develop the necessary laboratory skills that will allow testing of hypotheses.
Admissions for Biological Sciences - Cell Biology and Molecular Genetics - M.S.

For more information about graduate admissions, visit the graduate admission website. For more information on international admissions, visit the international admission website.

Admission Requirements

  • Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university
  • Completion of undergraduate coursework roughly equivalent to the Biology minor
  • Minimum 2.750 undergraduate GPA on a 4.000-point scale
  • Official transcript(s) - copies of official transcripts can be submitted for initial review of application
  • Résumé or curriculum vitae
  • Personal statement that clearly explains why the applicant wishes to pursue an advanced degree and describes research experience and interest; statement must include a list of potential faculty mentors
  • Three letters of recommendation that comment on chance of success in an advanced degree program, with minimum one from someone who can comment on research aptitude
  • English language proficiency - all international students must provide proof of English language proficiency (unless they meet specific exceptions to waive) by earning one of the following:1
    • Minimum 94 TOEFL iBT score
    • Minimum 7.0 IELTS score
    • Minimum 65 PTE score
    • Minimum 120 DET score
1

International applicants who do not meet the above test scores will not be considered for admission.

Application Deadlines

  • Fall Semester
    • Priority deadline: November 15
      Applications submitted by this deadline will receive the strongest consideration for admission.
Coursework

Program Requirements

Major Requirements

Major Requirements
BSCI 50142BIOENERGETICS 3
BSCI 50143EUKARYOTIC CELL BIOLOGY 3
BSCI 60104BIOLOGICAL STATISTICS 14
BSCI 60144SELECTED READINGS IN EUKARYOTIC CELL BIOLOGY 1
BSCI 60184RESPONSIBLE CONDUCT IN RESEARCH AND TEACHING-BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES 22
BSCI 60191SEMINAR IN BIOLOGY (taken 2-4 times)2-4
Major Electives 39-11
Student Seminar Presentation 4
Culminating Requirement
BSCI 60199THESIS I 56
Minimum Total Credit Hours:32
1

Students may substitute a different graduate-level statistics course for BSCI 60104, if deemed appropriate by the students' advisor/guidance committee.

2

Students are required to enroll in BSCI 60184 their first semester (or the following fall semester for those starting their studies in the spring semester).

3

Students are to select courses in consultation with their academic faculty advisor. It is recommended that students enroll in BSCI 50195 for selected current topics. Additional coursework should provide the necessary skills and/or knowledge base to aid in the completion of the student's research project and be beneficial for their professional development.

4

Students are required to present at least one departmental seminar about their work.

5

After completing 6 credit hours of BSCI 60199, students must register continually for BSCI 60299 until the degree is earned. Students begin research by successfully preparing, presenting and defending a formal prospectus for their research project to their committee. For the thesis and final defense, it is expected that students will present the results of their study in a defense open to students and faculty. The thesis must be presented and defended before the Guidance Committee with not more than one negative vote in order to be recommended to the Department of Biological Sciences and the College of Arts and Sciences for degree conferral.

Graduation Requirements

Minimum Major GPA Minimum Overall GPA
- 3.000
  • Students must complete a minimum 14 credit hours of graduate courses beyond BSCI 60198 toward their degree.
  • No more than one-half of a graduate student’s coursework may be taken in 50000-level courses.
  • Grades below C are not counted toward completion of requirements for the degree.
Program Delivery
  • Delivery:
    • In person
  • Location:
    • Kent Campus
M.S. Timeline
  • Semester 1: Form faculty guidance committee
  • End of Semester 1: Create a program of study to define required coursework
  • End of Semester 2: Generate a research proposal
  • End of year 2: Complete all required coursework
  • Final Semester (average 2 years):
    • Complete Thesis
    • Give Department seminar (30-minute)
    • Pass final oral defense
Competitive Applications

GPA average for accepted students 3.5

  • Minimum GPA 2.75 required; however, applicants must demonstrate an ability to maintain a 3.0 GPA in graduate coursework.  Applicants can demonstrate this by meeting one or more of the following conditions:
    • Earned an undergraduate degree from an accredited institution with 3.0 GPA.
    • Completed 9 or more graduate hours in graded coursework at an accredited institution and earned a 3.0 cumulative GPA or above.
    • Earned a 3.0 cumulative GPA in undergraduate courses related to the academic program to which the applicant has applied.
    • Earned a 3.0 cumulative GPA in the last 60 credit hours of completed undergraduate courses.
    • Solid science background with a focus in the program  area to which the applicant applied
    • Clearly explain in their personal statement why they wish to pursue a MS or PhD in Biology, a description of their research experience and outline their research interests and long-term goals. Students should identify 3-5 faculty who they are interested in working with based on their and the faculty’s research interests. Faculty research interests can be found on the program webpages. 

Examples of Possible Careers and Salaries for Biological Sciences - Cell Biology and Molecular Genetics - M.S.

Graduates of Kent State University's Master of Science degree in Cell Biology and Molecular Genetics can pursue advanced careers in the biological sciences industry, including research, academic, and high-level professional roles.

Biological science teachers, postsecondary

9.3%

much faster than the average

64,700

number of jobs

$85,600

potential earnings

Biological scientists, all other

2.2%

slower than the average

44,700

number of jobs

$85,290

potential earnings

Biological technicians

4.9%

about as fast as the average

87,500

number of jobs

$46,340

potential earnings

Microbiologists

3.1%

about as fast as the average

20,200

number of jobs

$84,400

potential earnings

Notice: Career Information Source
* Source of occupation titles and labor data comes from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics' Occupational Outlook Handbook. Data comprises projected percent change in employment over the next 10 years; nation-wide employment numbers; and the yearly median wage at which half of the workers in the occupation earned more than that amount and half earned less.