The Biology Department offers a combined B.A./M.S. or B.S./M.S. degree in Molecular and Cellular Biology. The combined degree is open only to Johns Hopkins University undergraduates majoring in Biology or Molecular and Cellular Biology.
Admission Requirements
Admission to the Molecular and Cellular Biology M.S. program is selective. Hopkins Biology majors and Molecular and Cellular Biology majors who have achieved a minimum overall grade point average of 3.2, and a minimum natural science grade-point average of 3.0, and have had at least two semesters of previous research experience may apply for admission during their junior or senior year. Students with a GPA below the minimum requirement will be considered under special circumstances. Admission decisions are made by the Molecular and Cellular Biology M.S. Program Committee, on the basis of:
- academic record,
- a written proposal for a project to be completed in the Mentored Research Program,
- letters of support and recommendation,
- an interview if required.
Program Requirements
Students must complete all requirements for the B.A. or B.S. degree and the following requirements.
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Four additional advanced or specialized courses, at least two of which are at the 600-level or above. 1 | ||
| AS.020.603 | Master's Seminar: Molecular & Cellular Biology I | 3 |
| AS.020.402 | Master's Seminar: Molecular and Cellular Biology II | 3 |
| AS.020.551 | Mentored Research | 9 |
| AS.020.552 Mentored Research | 3 | |
| AS.020.553 | Mentored Research | 9 |
| Final report and presentation 2 | ||
| Teaching 3 | ||
| Total Credits | 27 | |
- 1
Eligible courses are listed on the Biology Department website.
- 2
The Mentored Research Program culminates in the preparation of a written report of the research project in the form of a thesis. The written report and an oral presentation of the work are evaluated by a Thesis Committee. Passing performance, as judged by the committee, is required for the M.S. degree.
- 3
Teaching is an integral component of the master’s degree. The teaching requirement is fulfilled as a teaching assistant for lecture and/or lab courses for two semesters.
Students admitted to the combined program will be awarded the M.S. degree if they complete the requirements listed above, receive a grade of B or better in all courses during the duration of the program, and achieve passing performance on the final written report and oral presentation of the research project completed during the research year as judged by the Thesis Committee.