The graduate program in Cell and Molecular Biology is an interdisciplinary, degree-granting program that comprises over 100 faculty members from 17 departments and 6 colleges who share common interests in cell and molecular biology. The M.S. program core includes coursework in molecular genetics, cell biology, and rigorous and ethical conduct of research. Students may also select additional courses in areas related to their interests. Two alternating graduate seminar series allow students to present their research and attend presentations by CSU faculty and nationally prominent scientists.
Core courses can typically be completed during the first year. The Plan A M.S. degree can be completed within two years. The Plan B M.S. degree can be completed within 3 semesters.
Note: Students are not admitted directly to the Cell & Molecular Biology MS Plan B. This program is available only to students who were admitted to either a CMB PhD program or the MS Plan A program and elect to switch programs after admission. Transfer into the MS Plan B must be approved by the CMB Director and the student's advisor.
Most MS students are admitted with the support of a faculty advisor to oversee the research portion of their training. Current focus areas of research include but are not limited to, Cancer Biology; Gene Expression; Genome Structure, Evolution & Repair; Infectious Disease; Metabolism & Physiology; Microbiomes; Plant Molecular Biology, Prions & Neurobiology; Stem Cells & Development; Synthetic Biology and STEM Communication. Students are encouraged to complete coursework in computational/quantitative approaches, and an emphasis is placed on effective communication with various audiences. The CMB program supports a student association and aims to create an inclusive and welcoming culture for all.
Students interested in this program should refer to the Graduate and Professional Bulletin or the Cell and Molecular Biology website for further details.
Learning Objectives
Graduates from our program will have strong foundations in core cell and molecular biology principles, state-of-the-art training in technical laboratory and computational skills, and leadership and communication skills necessary for professional achievement.
Upon successful completion of the M.S. Plan A program, students will be able to:
- Demonstrate and apply detailed state-of-the-art knowledge of the molecular processes by which genetic material is replicated, expressed, and regulated [molecular biology] and/or the cellular processes involved in membrane formation, organelle biogenesis, cell communication/shape/motility and how these are linked with growth, aging, and death.
- Evaluate primary research papers in the field of cell and molecular biology, including discerning the major questions/hypotheses being addressed, critically interpreting the data presented, assessing whether the conclusions are adequately supported by evidence, and relating the findings to the broader context and significance in the field.
- Collaborate effectively with others in the design and execution of research and other projects.
- Maintain high standards for conduct of rigorous, reproducible, and ethically sound research.
- Demonstrate technical mastery of laboratory/computational approaches.
- Communicate research orally to specialist and general audiences.
- Compose publication-quality scientific manuscripts in the field of cell and molecular biology, based on research findings or literature review.
Upon successful completion of the M.S. Plan B program, students will be able to:
- Demonstrate and apply detailed state-of-the-art knowledge of the molecular processes by which genetic material is replicated, expressed, and regulated [molecular biology] and/or the cellular processes involved in membrane formation, organelle biogenesis, cell communication/shape/motility and how these are linked with growth, aging, and death.
- Evaluate primary research papers in the field of cell and molecular biology, including discerning the major questions/hypotheses being addressed, critically interpreting the data presented, assessing whether the conclusions are adequately supported by evidence, and relating the findings to the broader context and significance in the field.
- Compose a scholarly paper in the field of cell and molecular biology, based on research findings or literature review.
Effective Fall 2026
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Required Courses: | ||
| CM 510 | Introduction to Cell and Molecular Biology | 1 |
| CM 544/MIP 544 | Reproducible Biomedical Research Methods | 3 |
| CM 595 | Independent Study 1 | 1-17 |
| CM 699 | Thesis | 1-17 |
| CM 792 | Cell and Molecular Biology Seminar 2 | 2-6 |
| Select one course from the following: | 4 | |
| Molecular Genetics | ||
| Molecular Regulation of Cell Function | ||
| Ethics Elective (see list below) | 1 | |
| Cell and Molecular Biology Electives 3 | 8 | |
| Program Total Credits: | 30 | |
A minimum of 30 credits are required to complete this program.
Ethics Electives
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Select at least one course from the following: | ||
| BC 601 | Responsible Conduct in Biochemistry | 1 |
| GRAD 544 | Ethical Conduct of Research | 1 |
| MIP 554 | Research Policies and Regulations | 1 |
| NSCI 575/GRAD 575 | Ethical Issues in Big Data Research | 1 |
Cell and Molecular Biology Electives
A minimum of 8 credits of electives related to the student's research area are required. Some possible options are listed, but this list is not exhaustive.
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| AB 511 | Microbiome of Plant Systems | 3 |
| ANEQ 505 | Microbiome of Animal Systems | 3 |
| ANEQ 545 | Molecular Methods in Animal Genetics | 3 |
| ANEQ 575 | Computational Biology in Animal Breeding | 3 |
| BC 511 | Structural Biology I | 4 |
| BC 563 | Molecular Genetics | 4 |
| BC 565 | Molecular Regulation of Cell Function | 4 |
| BC 571 | Quantitative Biochemistry | 1 |
| BC 611 | Structural Biology II | 2 |
| BC 663 | Gene Expression | 2 |
| BC 665A | Advanced Topics in Cell Regulation: Microscopic Methods | 2 |
| BIOM 525/MECH 525 | Cell and Tissue Engineering | 3 |
| BIOM 533/CIVE 533 | Biomolecular Tools for Engineers | 3 |
| BMS 500 | Mammalian Physiology I | 4 |
| BMS 501 | Mammalian Physiology II | 4 |
| BZ 565/MIP 565 | Next Generation Sequencing Platform/Libraries | 1 |
| BZ 570 | Molecular Aspects of Plant Development | 3 |
| CBE 560 | Engineering of Protein Expression Systems | 3 |
| DSCI 511 | Genomics Data Analysis in Python | 2 |
| DSCI 512 | RNA-Sequencing Data Analysis | 1 |
| MIP 543 | RNA Biology | 3 |
| MIP 545 | Microbial Metagenomics/Genomics Data Analysis | 2 |
| MIP 730/ERHS 730 | Principles of Flow Cytometry & Cell Sorting | 2 |
| NB 501 | Cellular and Molecular Neurophysiology | 2 |
| NB 503/BMS 503 | Developmental Neurobiology | 3 |
- 1
Minimum 1 credit for each CM 595 and CM 699, with additional credits as needed to bring degree total to 30 credits, with approval of the graduate advisory committee.
- 2
CM 792 must be taken every semester.
- 3
At least 8 credits in regular graduate-level courses relevant to Cell & Molecular Biology, with approval of the graduate advisory committee.
Non-Coursework Requirements
Lab Rotations - Students admitted as teaching assistants identify and complete up to four short term research experiences in different labs to explore projects and mentorship styles prior to picking a lab for their dissertation project. However, most MS students are admitted directly into a lab and do not generally participate in rotations.
Thesis and Defense - MS students must complete and document an original research project that demonstrates mastery of the field. A project proposal is approved by the advisory committee within three months of joining a laboratory. Upon completion of the data collection and analysis portion of the project the student prepares a thesis which is presented publicly at the Oral Defense. Following the public presentation, the advisory committee conducts additional examination in a closed Q&A session.
Publication - While a publication is not required for graduation, the student must generate publication-quality data that could contribute to a peer-reviewed collaborative publication.
Progress Reports - The student must prepare an annual report describing plans and progress and submit to their committee for review at least one week prior to the annual committee meeting. This report must be approved by the committee and submitted to the CMB Program Office within one week following the meeting. Failure to meet this requirement can result in a hold on registration.
Internships - Internships are not required but are allowed with approval of the advisor and committee.
Teaching & Mentoring - Teaching and mentoring are not required but are permitted with advisor approval. Credit for Supervised College Teaching may be applied to the degree. A graduate teaching certificate is offered through The Institute for Teaching and Learning.
Teamwork - Students are expected to work collaboratively on projects when appropriate.
Conference Presentation - Students are encouraged to present their research findings at local, national and/or international conferences.
Professional Development - All students complete an individual development plan annually to identify and build expertise in areas not covered by the required curriculum (such as leadership, project management, science policy etc). This plan is discussed with the advisor, committee members and others able to facilitate the desired outcomes.
Field and Department Specific Activities - Cell & Molecular Biology students conduct their research under the mentorship of faculty in a wide range of departments and research focus areas. They are strongly encouraged to actively participate in field- and department-specific seminars, colloquia, events and activities with the support of their advisor and committee.
Effective Fall 2026
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Required Courses: | ||
| CM 510 | Introduction to Cell and Molecular Biology | 1 |
| CM 544/MIP 544 | Reproducible Biomedical Research Methods | 3 |
| CM 595 | Independent Study 1 | 1-18 |
| CM 792 | Cell and Molecular Biology Seminar 2 | 2-6 |
| Select one course from the following: | 4 | |
| Molecular Genetics | ||
| Molecular Regulation of Cell Function | ||
| Ethics Elective (see list below) | 1 | |
| Electives 3 | 4-12 | |
| Program Total Credits: | 30 | |
A minimum of 30 credits are required to complete this program.
Ethics Electives
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Select at least one course from the following: | ||
| BC 601 | Responsible Conduct in Biochemistry | 1 |
| GRAD 544 | Ethical Conduct of Research | 1 |
| MIP 554 | Research Policies and Regulations | 1 |
| NSCI 575/GRAD 575 | Ethical Issues in Big Data Research | 1 |
Cell and Molecular Biology Electives
A minimum of 8 credits of electives related to the student's research area are required. Some possible options are listed, but this list is not exhaustive.
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| AB 511 | Microbiome of Plant Systems | 3 |
| ANEQ 505 | Microbiome of Animal Systems | 3 |
| ANEQ 545 | Molecular Methods in Animal Genetics | 3 |
| ANEQ 575 | Computational Biology in Animal Breeding | 3 |
| BC 511 | Structural Biology I | 4 |
| BC 563 | Molecular Genetics | 4 |
| BC 565 | Molecular Regulation of Cell Function | 4 |
| BC 571 | Quantitative Biochemistry | 1 |
| BC 611 | Structural Biology II | 2 |
| BC 663 | Gene Expression | 2 |
| BC 665A | Advanced Topics in Cell Regulation: Microscopic Methods | 2 |
| BIOM 525/MECH 525 | Cell and Tissue Engineering | 3 |
| BIOM 533/CIVE 533 | Biomolecular Tools for Engineers | 3 |
| BMS 500 | Mammalian Physiology I | 4 |
| BMS 501 | Mammalian Physiology II | 4 |
| BZ 565/MIP 565 | Next Generation Sequencing Platform/Libraries | 1 |
| BZ 570 | Molecular Aspects of Plant Development | 3 |
| CBE 560 | Engineering of Protein Expression Systems | 3 |
| DSCI 511 | Genomics Data Analysis in Python | 2 |
| DSCI 512 | RNA-Sequencing Data Analysis | 1 |
| MIP 543 | RNA Biology | 3 |
| MIP 545 | Microbial Metagenomics/Genomics Data Analysis | 2 |
| MIP 730/ERHS 730 | Principles of Flow Cytometry & Cell Sorting | 2 |
| NB 501 | Cellular and Molecular Neurophysiology | 2 |
| NB 503/BMS 503 | Developmental Neurobiology | 3 |
- 1
Minimum 1 credit for CM 595, with additional credits as needed to bring degree total to 30 credits, with approval of the graduate advisory committee.
- 2
CM 792 must be taken every semester.
- 3
At least 8 credits in regular graduate level courses relevant to Cell & Molecular Biology, with approval of the graduate advisory committee.
Non-Coursework Requirements
Students are not admitted directly to the Cell & Molecular Biology MS Plan B. This program is available only to students who were admitted to either a CMB PhD program or the MS Plan A program and elect to switch programs after admission. Transfer into the MS Plan B must be approved by the CMB Director and the student's advisor.
Scholarly Paper - MS Plan B students submit and defend an original scholarly paper in the form of a literature review, research manuscript or research proposal. An outline must be approved by the advisory committee. The advisory committee conducts a formal examination in a closed session during which the student presents the project and answers questions.
Progress Reports - The student must prepare an annual report describing plans and progress and submit to their committee for review at least one week prior to the annual committee meeting. This report must be approved by the committee and submitted to the CMB Program Office within one week following the meeting. Failure to meet this requirement can result in a hold on registration.
Teamwork - Students are expected to work collaboratively on projects when appropriate.
Professional Development - All students complete an individual development plan annually to identify and build expertise in areas not covered by the required curriculum (such as leadership, project management, science policy etc). This plan is discussed with the advisor, committee members and others able to facilitate the desired outcomes.
Field and Department Specific Activities - Cell & Molecular Biology students conduct their research under the mentorship of faculty in a wide range of departments and research focus areas. They are strongly encouraged to actively participate in field- and department-specific seminars, colloquia, events and activities with the support of their advisor and committee.
For more information, please visit Requirements for All Graduate Degrees in the Graduate and Professional Bulletin.
Summary of Procedures for the Master's and Doctoral Degrees
NOTE: Each semester the Graduate School publishes a schedule of deadlines. Deadlines are available on the Graduate School website. Students should consult this schedule whenever they approach important steps in their careers.
Forms are available online.
| Step | Due Date |
|---|---|
| 1. Application for admission (online) | Six months before first registration |
| 2. Diagnostic examination when required | Before first registration |
| 3. Appointment of advisor | Before first registration |
| 4. Selection of graduate committee | Before the time of fourth regular semester registration |
| 5. Filing of program of study (GS Form 6) | Before the time of fourth regular semester registration |
| 6. Preliminary examination (Ph.D. and PD) | Two terms prior to final examination |
| 7. Report of preliminary examination (GS Form 16) - (Ph.D. and PD) | Within two working days after results are known |
| 8. Changes in committee (GS Form 9A) | When change is made |
| 9. Application for Graduation (GS Form 25) | Refer to published deadlines from the Graduate School Website |
| 9a. Reapplication for Graduation (online) | Failure to graduate requires Reapplication for Graduation (online) for the next time term for which you are applying |
| 10. Submit thesis or dissertation to committee | At least two weeks prior to the examination or at the discretion of the graduate committee |
| 11. Final examination | Refer to published deadlines from the Graduate School Website |
| 12. Report of final examination (GS Form 24) | Within two working days after results are known; refer to published deadlines from the Graduate School website |
| 13. Submit a signed Thesis/Dissertation Submission Form (GS Form 30) to the Graduate School and Submit the Survey of Earned Doctorates (Ph.D. only) prior to submitting the electronic thesis/dissertation | Refer to published deadlines from the Graduate School website. |
| 14. Submit the thesis/dissertation electronically | Refer to published deadlines from the Graduate School website |
| 15. Graduation | Ceremony information is available from the Graduate School website |