Best Graduate Programs in Cell, Cellular and Molecular Biology in Massachusetts

Graduate students in the Molecular and Cellular Biology (MCB) are members of an interdepartmental and interdisciplinary training program called Molecules, Cells, and Organisms (MCO). MCO’s unique approach to the biological sciences PhD cultivates versatility as well as depth of expertise by exposing its students to the full spectrum of modern biology. The MCO PhD training program features an unparalleled range of research areas within the biological sciences, including biochemistry, biophysics, cellular biology, chemical and structural biology, computational biology, developmental biology, engineering, evolutionary biology, genetics, genomics, microbiology, molecular biology, neurobiology, physical biology, stem cell biology, and systems biology.

The program offers strong interdisciplinary training across a spectrum of biomedically-related translational areas that arose from the merger of three strong PhD programs: Biochemistry, Physiology and Cell Biology. The first year serves as an "umbrella" program leading to training in one of three concentrations: Structural & Chemical Biology; Cell & Developmental Biology; and Cancer Biology.

The goal of Brandeis University Molecular and Cell Biology graduate program is to train aspiring scientists interested in solving this fundamental question. Students acquire a broad knowledge current developments in molecular and cell biology, learn to be effective scientific communicators, and are trained to perform independent scientific research. Research areas include genetics, molecular biology, developmental biology, cell biology, and neurobiology. Graduate students can engage with BioMaterials research by taking courses within the Quantitative Biology Training Program and then joining research laboratories funded by the Materials Research Science and Engineering Center

The PhD in Molecular Biology, Cell Biology & Biochemistry (MCBB) is designed to build a solid foundation in these three, related fields through coursework and seminars, and to develop the skills for achieving cutting-edge research accomplishments. The program is based on an interdisciplinary environment and a breadth of approaches and biological interests, including faculty from multiple departments (e.g., Biology, Biomedical Engineering, Chemistry, Health Sciences). Its goal is to propel students into successful careers in academia, research institutions, or industry (e.g., biotechnology and pharmaceutical industries), or in government as policy makers. The program accepts applicants with degrees in related disciplines where the focus has been on biology, chemistry, biotechnology, biochemistry, or a relevant field.

Established in 2009, the interdepartmental biochemistry and molecular biology (BCMB) doctoral program offers a student-centered learning experience right from the start. This agile structure allows students to draw upon extensive state-of-the-art facilities, equipment, and resources of these departments while conducting interdisciplinary research addressing some of today’s most important challenges. The BCMB program offers a variety of research foci, including protein structure and function, chemical biology, molecular genetics, developmental biology, genomics, and molecular evolution. Graduate students receive full tuition remission for five years, a stipend for teaching assistantships, and when available, research assistantships.

Others are in life sciences departments on the nearby campuses of Smith College, Mount Holyoke College, Hampshire College, and Amherst College. There are usually 75 students working toward doctoral degrees and 10 students pursuing master degrees in the MCB program. Please use the secure on-line application to apply for the MCB Program. Please be certain to save the user name and password you create to log on.