Program Overview

The Program in Molecular and Cellular Biology meets the needs of those students who prefer advanced interdisciplinary training that is generally more flexible than the programs offered by the participating Departments of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Biology, Chemistry, Microbiology and others.

Prerequisites of the Program
Admission to the program is dependent upon a strong background in the biological sciences, chemistry, mathematics, and physics. This includes minimally two semesters each of organic chemistry and physics, at least one semester of physical chemistry, and mathematics through calculus. Students with deficiencies in these courses must remove them by taking appropriate courses at the earliest possible time. Only recent graduates of the life sciences departments at the University of Massachusetts Amherst, Amherst College, Hampshire College, Mount Holyoke College, or Smith College are accepted into the Master’s program.

General Requirements
The general requirements for the M.S. and Ph.D. degrees in Molecular and Cellular Biology are those of the Graduate School. The program requires no foreign language competency for the doctorate. A detailed description of degree requirements may be obtained from the Program Director.