M.A. in Counseling in Educational Setting
The M.A. in Counseling in Educational Settings at Rowan University is a comprehensive p...
M.S. in Molecular Cell Biology and Neuroscience
Stratford
INTAKE: August
Program Overview
The STEM-designated M.S. in Molecular Cell Biology and Neuroscience (MCBN) at Rowan University, offered through the Rowan-Virtua School of Translational Biomedical Engineering and Sciences, provides a challenging and hands-on graduate education. This program is designed for students seeking an in-depth understanding of biomedical processes at the cellular, tissue, and whole organism levels, encompassing a broad range of disciplines including biochemistry, molecular cell biology, and neuroscience. The program emphasizes intensive research, original experimentation, and the development of skills crucial for scientific inquiry, such as experimental design, data analysis, scientific writing, and oral presentation. It aims to prepare students for doctoral programs, professional schools, or careers in biomedical research, fostering creative and independent scientists.
STEM Designated: The M.S. in Molecular Cell Biology and Neuroscience program is STEM-designated, highlighting its rigorous foundation in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. This designation is beneficial for students, especially international students, as it can extend opportunities for Optional Practical Training (OPT) in the U.S. post-graduation, recognizing the program's strong technical and analytical focus in a high-demand field.
Curriculum: The M.S. in Molecular Cell Biology and Neuroscience program curriculum is structured to provide a comprehensive and challenging experience. It includes foundational courses such as MCBN Foundations I & II, and skill courses in Quantitative Methods and Scientific Writing. Students also select focus courses from a range of topics like Advanced Emerging Topics in Biomedical Sciences, Antimicrobial Drugs, Biomolecular Interactions, Graduate Genetics, Immunology, Neuroanatomy, Neurophysiology, Neuropharmacology & Behavior, Principles of Pharmacology, and Research Topics in Neurobiology. A significant component of the program includes required Responsible Conduct in Research training, Laboratory Rotations, and culminates in Thesis Research. Master's students attend courses alongside doctoral classmates, providing a strong academic environment.
Research Focus: The M.S. in Molecular Cell Biology and Neuroscience program has a strong emphasis on intensive, hands-on research and original experimentation, leading to a Master of Science thesis. Students have the opportunity to conduct research within Rowan's state-of-the-art Science Center, which is integrated on a medical school campus. Faculty members engage in a broad range of research interests, including neuroscience, gene expression, cell growth and signaling, tissue and organ development, inheritance, reproduction, disease pathology, stress, and aging. Students are encouraged in self-guided learning and discovery, working alongside and collaborating with faculty mentors to contribute new scientific knowledge.
Industry Engagement: The M.S. in Molecular Cell Biology and Neuroscience program prepares students for careers in the biomedical research industry, including pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies. The emphasis on experimental design, data analysis, and scientific communication directly aligns with skills valued by these industries. While specific named industry partnerships aren't extensively detailed, the program's focus on "high-end practical learning" and preparing students for "careers that require skills in experimental design, data analysis, scientific writing, technical communication, and oral presentation" suggests a curriculum designed with industry relevance in mind. Opportunities for co-authoring published studies further enhance students' appeal to industry employers.
Global Perspective: The M.S. in Molecular Cell Biology and Neuroscience program inherently incorporates a global perspective by addressing fundamental biomedical processes and diseases that affect populations worldwide. Research areas such as neurodegeneration, cancer, and infectious diseases are global health challenges. The program's focus on understanding biological systems at molecular and cellular levels provides universally applicable knowledge. Furthermore, the diverse backgrounds of faculty and the potential for international student participation contribute to a broader scientific and cultural understanding within the program, preparing graduates to contribute to a global scientific community.
Location
Stratford
Score
IELTS 6.5
Tuition Fee
USD 19150
Postgraduate Entry Requirements
Application Fee: $65
Academic Qualifications: Applicants for postgraduate programs typically require a minimum academic achievement of 65% or above in their bachelor's degree.
English Language Proficiency:
- IELTS: Overall band score of 6.5 or 7.0 with a minimum of 6.0 in each component.
- TOEFL: Overall score of 70 or higher.
- PTE: Overall score of 50 or higher.
- DET (Duolingo English Test): Minimum score of 110.
Rowan University offers a variety of scholarships and financial aid opportunities specifically aimed at supporting international students in their academic pursuits. Understanding that studying abroad can be a significant financial investment, Rowan provides merit-based scholarships, awards, and grants to help ease the financial burden and reward academic excellence and leadership potential.
Merit-Based Scholarships: International students at Rowan University may be eligible for merit scholarships based on their academic achievements, standardized test scores, and other criteria. These scholarships can range from partial to substantial tuition awards and are typically renewable for multiple years, provided students maintain satisfactory academic progress.
Global Academic Excellence Scholarship: One of the key awards available to incoming international undergraduate students is the Global Academic Excellence Scholarship, which recognizes outstanding academic records and exceptional leadership qualities. This scholarship helps reduce tuition costs and encourages high-performing students to join Rowan’s diverse community.
Departmental Scholarships and Awards: Many of Rowan’s individual colleges and departments offer specialized scholarships for international students pursuing degrees in specific fields such as business, engineering, communication, or health sciences. These awards are often competitive and based on academic merit, portfolio submissions, or departmental recommendations.
Graduate Assistantships and Fellowships: For international graduate students, Rowan provides assistantships and fellowships that offer tuition remission along with a stipend in exchange for teaching or research support. These positions not only help finance graduate education but also provide valuable professional experience and academic networking opportunities.
Graduates of the M.S. in Molecular Cell Biology and Neuroscience program at Rowan University acquire a highly specialized and comprehensive skillset, making them competitive for advanced roles in scientific research, healthcare, and related industries. The program's blend of molecular, cellular, and neuroscientific expertise, coupled with strong research training, opens doors to a variety of impactful career paths.
Research Scientist (Molecular/Cellular/Neuroscience): Conducting advanced laboratory research in academic institutions, government labs (e.g., NIH), or pharmaceutical/biotechnology companies, focusing on understanding disease mechanisms, drug discovery, or fundamental biological processes.
Bioinformatics Scientist/Analyst: Applying computational tools and statistical methods to analyze large biological datasets (genomics, proteomics, neuroimaging) to identify patterns, build predictive models, and extract meaningful biological insights.
Clinical Research Coordinator/Associate: Managing and supporting clinical trials for new drugs or therapies, particularly those targeting neurological disorders or cellular processes, ensuring ethical conduct and data integrity.
Neuroscientist (Research-focused): Specializing in the study of the nervous system, including brain function, neurological disorders (e.g., Alzheimer's, Parkinson's), and neural development, often in research settings.
Biomedical Data Scientist: Working with large datasets in healthcare or life science companies, applying advanced analytical techniques and machine learning to inform decision-making in drug development, patient care, or public health.
Medical Writer/Editor: Communicating complex scientific findings and research results through various documents such as peer-reviewed articles, grant proposals, regulatory submissions, and educational materials.
Laboratory Manager: Overseeing the operations of a research or diagnostic laboratory, ensuring efficiency, safety, quality control, and compliance with regulations.
Biotechnology Specialist/Process Development Scientist: Contributing to the development and optimization of biotechnological products and processes, often involving cell culture, gene editing, or protein engineering.
Scientific Consultant: Providing expert scientific and technical advice to pharmaceutical companies, biotech startups, or investment firms on research strategies, product development, and market analysis in molecular biology and neuroscience.
Further Professional or Doctoral Studies: Many graduates leverage this master's degree as a robust stepping stone for admission to competitive Ph.D. programs in neuroscience, molecular biology, genetics, or related biomedical sciences, as well as to medical (MD/DO), dental (DDS/DMD), or other health-related professional schools.
