A graduate student in the biology masters program at SMU prepares to study a slide in a microscope.

Graduate programs

Master’s in molecular and cellular biology

Drive the revolution in the biomedical sciences

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Program format

In person

Commitment

Full time

Duration

12 to 24 months

Overview

The master’s in molecular and cellular biology program places great emphasis on training independent scientists, through didactic lectures, scientific discourse and active research. Through exceptional research and training opportunities, students are prepared for future careers in the biomedical and molecular biosciences. SMU offers both an M.A. and an M.S. in molecular and cellular biology.

Students are taught to cover the breadth of modern molecular biology yet maintain adequate time to follow up on areas of more specific interest in their own research. The department boasts state-of-the-art facilities and instrumentation for a wide array of experimental approaches that can be applied in a variety of ways.

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Student success

Graduates present research results at national and regional conferences and publish their work in peer-reviewed scientific journals. SMU’s facilities enable our graduate students to work at the forefront of their fields. Graduate students are able to come together across campus to celebrate their research with our annual Research Day program, open to all graduate students at SMU.

This program prepares you to excel in the following areas and professions:

  • Pharmaceutical research and drug development
  • Biotechnology
  • Biomedical research
  • Health professions
  • Ph.D. programs and academic careers
  • Clinical and medical laboratories
  • Immunology and vaccine development
  • Forensic biology and public safety science

Top 20%

Best National Universities

U.S. News & World Report (2026)

9:1

graduate student-to-faculty ratio

30+

graduate study programs at Dedman College of Humanities and Sciences

Admissions

Deadlines and details

Key dates and admissions information to help plan your application with confidence.

International students

All the essential admission requirements international students need to know.

Application questions

Find answers to Dedman application questions.

Additional links

Requirements

  1. Application
  2. Application fee
  3. Official transcripts
  4. English language proficiency documentation (if applicable)
  5. A baccalaureate degree from an accredited institution; a minimum undergraduate grade point average of 3.0 (on a 4.0 scale).

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Ready to apply?

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Tuition and financial aid

Tuition and costs

Explore the cost breakdown of tuition for graduate programs.

Financial aid

Find information on scholarships and financial support available at SMU.

Curriculum and learning

Featured courses

BIOL 6310

Advanced Cell Biology

Ultrastructure, molecular architecture and physiological function of cells and their organelles.

BIOL 6318

Advanced Topics in Biochemistry

Includes topics in protein and nucleic acid structure, enzyme kinetics and inhibition, ligand binding and allostery, metabolic pathways and methods of molecular analysis.

BIOL 6322

Molecular Biology of Eukaryotes

Structure and function of eukaryotic chromosomes as mediators of gene expression during growth, differentiation and oncogenesis.

View course catalog

Faculty

Current faculty conduct research in diverse areas such as genetics and developmental biology, aging and metabolism, biochemical structures and functions, and brain development.

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Portrait of professor Bianca Batista

Bianca Batista, Ph.D.

Lecturer
Amy Brewster portrait

Amy L. Brewster, Ph.D.

Associate Professor

Alejandro Dbrot portrait

Alejandro D’Brot

Lecturer
Professional photo of Edward Glasscock wearing a sportcoat

Edward Glasscock, Ph.D.

Professor, Prothro Distinguished Chair & Director of Graduate Studies

Carolyn Harrod

Carolyn Harrod

Laboratory Coordinator & Senior Lecturer
Robert Harrod portrait

Robert Harrod

Professor
Jon Hibshman photo

Jon Hibshman

Assistant Professor
Richard Jones Portrait

Richard S. Jones

Chair and Professor
Photo of Eva Oberdoerster leaning on a ledge wearing a blue shirt

Eva Oberdorster

Senior Lecturer and Director of Undergraduate Studies

Assistant Professor Catherine Schretter

Catherine Schretter, Ph.D.

Assistant Professor
Bethany Smith photo

Bethany Smith

Lecturer
pia vogel portrait

Pia Vogel

Professor
Rachel Wright

Rachel Wright

Lecturer
Photo of Zhihao Wun wearing a black suite jacket

Zhihao Wu

Assistant Professor
Annika Wylie Photo

Annika Wylie

Assistant Professor

Facilities

Chemistry bachelor’s degree students often use the labs within SMU’s Dedman Life Sciences Building.

Dedman Life Sciences Building

The Dedman Life Sciences Building houses classrooms, research and teaching labs, computer labs and faculty offices for the Department of Biological Sciences as well as the offices of the University’s pre-health program.

The historic Dallas Hall on the SMU campus is the home of Dedman College of Humanities and Sciences.

Dallas Hall

For more than 100 years, SMU’s elegant first building has served as a symbol of the University. Today, in addition to the Dedman College Interdisciplinary Institute and the administrative offices of the dean of Dedman College, it houses the English Department, the William P. Clements Department of History and the William P. Clements Center for Southwest Studies.

Frequently asked questions

The M.A. in molecular and cellular biology program is designed for students who seek additional training in the biological sciences as a prerequisite to further study in professional schools or for individuals seeking additional training for secondary education. To obtain the M.A. degree, candidates must complete 30 credit hours at the 6000 level in biological science.

The M.S. in molecular and cellular biology program is designed primarily for students who are research oriented and who wish to prepare for advanced work at the doctoral level. To become candidates for the M.S. degree, students must prepare, present and successfully defend a written thesis based on students’ research that has been approved by their faculty committee.

In addition, candidates must complete 30 credit hours, including 18 credit hours at the 6000 level and BIOL 6398 - Thesis and BIOL 6399 - Thesis, and conduct a research project, the results of which must be presented orally and defended before an appropriate examining committee of the faculty.

The molecular and cellular biology graduate programs provide opportunities for research in neuroscience, epigenetics, gene regulation, virology, infectious diseases, cancer, inflammation, structural biochemistry and developmental biology, which leads to careers in medicine, biochemistry, academia and much more. 

Yes. As of 2026, the average annual pay for a master’s in molecular biology in the United States is $80,687 a year, according to ZipRecruiter.

No. The Department of Biological Sciences and its faculty provide insight into how life and physical sciences intersect. Students receive top-notch, interdisciplinary academics and the opportunity to participate in hands-on research in a variety of subjects including cancer, immunity and aging, and neuroscience, among many others. 

Yes. Courses prepare students for medical school, research, doctorate study and beyond.

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