Graduate Program

The Department of Cell Biology and Molecular Genetics (CBMG) administers the graduate program in Cell Biology and Molecular Genetics (CBMG). Although the faculty research interests in this program span the broad discipline of the molecular, cellular, and developmental biology of viral, prokaryotic, and eukaryotic organisms, the CBMG graduate program is divided into 5 specializations: 1) Genetics and Genomics; 2) Microbiology, Microbial Pathogenesis, and Immunology; 3) Cell and Developmental Biology; 4) Virology; and 5) Plant Biology. Students interested in joining the department are encouraged to contact the CBMG Graduate Office for application materials.

The graduate programs in the department offer advanced education resulting in the M. S. and Ph. D. degrees. The Ph.D. degree, which involves independent and creative scholarly research resulting in an original dissertation, is typically completed within 4 to 6 years. Our Ph. D. graduates have readily obtained rewarding and challenging positions as research scientists, college professors, government administrators, or other careers requiring advanced skills at the Ph.D. level. The M. S. degree, which involves advanced technical training resulting in an original thesis, is often completed in 3 years. Our M. S. students are typically employed as research technicians in the biotech and biomedical industries or in government laboratories.

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