The Graduate Certificate in Cell and Molecular Biology prepares students for graduate-level studies or laboratory work in cell and molecular biology. Students will be introduced to research, experimental design, and laboratory methods. Students will gain knowledge in the cellular and molecular aspects of human cell functioning and its pathophysiology. Upon graduation, students will be able to analyze and interpret the results of experiments such as cell cultures, blood tests, and tumor biomarker tests. Graduates will also be prepared to apply to graduate programs in biology and related science disciplines.

Admissions

University-wide admissions policies can be found in the Graduate Admissions Policies section of this catalog. International students and students having earned international degrees should also refer to Admission of International Students for additional requirements.

Eligibility

Applicants must possess an earned baccalaureate degree from an institution of higher education accredited by a Mason-recognized U.S. institutional accrediting agency or international equivalent in a biological field, a chemical field, a closely related field of study, or be enrolled in the Enlisted to Medical Degree Preparatory Program (EDMP2). Additionally, applicants should hold an undergraduate GPA of 3.00.

Application Requirements

To apply for this certificate, prospective students should submit the George Mason University Admissions Application and its required supplemental documentation, three letters of recommendation, and a statement of interest.

The GRE is not required for admission into this certificate.

Policies

For policies governing all graduate certificates, see AP.6 Graduate Policies.

Students may not enroll initially in any College of Science master's or doctoral program and later transfer into this certificate program.

Transferring Previous Graduate Credit into this Certificate

Previously earned and relevant graduate credits may be eligible for transfer into this certificate; details can be found in the Credit by Exam or Transfer section of this catalog.

Premium Tuition

This certificate charges students a differential tuition rate of $100 per credit hour, which is added to the standard graduate tuition rate (regardless of in- or out-of-state status).

Banner Code: SC-CERG-CMB

Certificate Requirements

Total credits: 15

This certificate may be pursued on a full-or part-time basis.

Students should refer to the Admissions & Policies tab for specific policies related to this certificate.

Core Courses

BIOL 566Cancer Genomics3
BIOL 682Advanced Eukaryotic Cell Biology3
BIOL 691Current Topics in Biology (when the topic is "Creativity and Innovation” )3
Total Credits9

Restricted Electives

Select at least 6 credits from the following courses. All restricted electives must be approved by an advisor.6
Selected Topics in Microbiology (when the topic is "Medical Microbiology")
Mammalian Neurobiology
Advanced Topics in Immunology
Personalized Medicine
Advanced Topics in Molecular Genetics
Human Genetics
General Biochemistry
Human Genetics Concepts for Health Care
Signal Transduction in Cancer
Bioinformatics Methods
Molecular Biotechnology
Total Credits6