Program Overview

Last updated Spring 2022

The Molecular and Cellular Biology (MCB) Program provides graduate training in virtually all aspects of biological sciences. The program serves as an umbrella program that builds close ties among its ~100 faculty members in various departments, fostering a collaborative environment that encourages interdisciplinary research.

Research falls broadly into three areas based on faculty interests—Biological Chemistry and Molecular Biophysics, Cellular and Developmental Biology, and Biomedicine. In many cases, faculty research overlaps these interdisciplinary areas.

Most students admitted to the MCB program have obtained a bachelor's degree in basic sciences (biology, chemistry, biochemistry, physics or mathematics). Students interested in a career in life-sciences research in various aspects of biomedicine are encouraged to apply. All qualified applicants may apply to the Ph.D. program; only students from the Five College consortium are eligible to apply for the fast-track M.S. degree program.

Prerequisites of the Program

Admission to the program is dependent upon a strong background in the biological sciences, chemistry, and mathematics. 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.