MA in MCBB
The MA in Molecular Biology, Cell Biology & Biochemistry (MCBB) is designed to provide a solid foundation in these three interdisciplinary fields through coursework, seminars, and research. There are three paths to the MA degree: the coursework track, the research thesis track, and the scholarly paper track. Research-based theses are based on original research performed in a faculty member’s laboratory. Scholarly papers comprise a comprehensive review of a defined scientific field, as supervised by a faculty member. Students who choose the coursework track take additional elective courses in place of research or literature review credits.
The primary goal of the program is to propel students into successful careers in the biotechnology and pharmaceutical industries. The program accepts post-bachelor’s applicants with degrees related to biology, chemistry, biotechnology, biochemistry, or other relevant fields.
Please note:
We will be adding a Coursework track beginning in the 2026/27 academic year.
For the Research Thesis track, we will be recruiting directly into labs for Fall 2026; we recommend contacting faculty of interest prior to applying.
How to Apply Frequently Asked Questions Request More Information
Learning Outcomes
1. Acquire thorough understanding of knowledge in molecular biology, cell biology, and biochemistry.
2. Acquire laboratory and critical-thinking skills in the biological sciences.
3. Follow the ethics for appropriate behavior in the scientific discipline.
4. Be prepared to enter the job market.
Coursework Requirements
A total of 32 credits is required for the MA degree. Coursework track students will fulfill the 32 credit requirement with the courses below, in addition to a selection of elective credits. Research Thesis and Scholarly Paper students will also fulfill the required course components below, in addition to research, reading, and/or elective credits.
Two semesters of Molecular Biology:
- CAS BI 552 Molecular Biology I (4 units)
- CAS BI 553 Molecular Biology II (4 units) or CAS BI 753 Advanced Molecular Biology (4 units)
One semester of Cell Biology, options include (select at least one):
- CAS BB 522 Molecular Biology Laboratory (4 units)
- CAS BI 551 Biology of Stem Cells (4 units)
- CAS BI 572 Advanced Genetics (4 units)
- CAS BI 576 Carcinogenesis (4 units)
- CAS BI 610 Developmental Biology (4 units)
- CAS BI 681 Molecular Biology of the Neuron (4 units)
- CAS BI 735 Advanced Cell Biology (4 units)
Two semesters of Biochemistry:
- CAS BB 621 Biochemistry I (4 units)
- CAS BB 622 Biochemistry II (4 units)
Two classes with a laboratory component, options include (can be fulfilled by a course requirement listed above):
- CAS BB 621/622 Biochemistry I/II (4 units/4 units)
- CAS BB 522 Molecular Biology Laboratory (4 units)
- CAS BI 513 Genetics Laboratory (4 units)
- CAS CH 524 Chemical Biology Laboratory (4 units)
Minimum of 4-12 units of elective courses, reading, and/or research units, chosen in consultation with the student’s advisor.
Students are strongly encouraged to attend MB 583/MB 584 throughout their graduate career, but only a maximum of 4 credits may count towards their degree.
Upon approval from the Program Director, students may fulfill some of the above requirements with previous coursework in Molecular Biology, Cell Biology & Biochemistry, allowing them to take additional elective courses.
More information is available in the Graduate Program Guide and in the MA Plans of Study document.
Scholarly Paper Requirements
The Scholarly Review Paper must be on a selected topic in the field of Molecular Biology, Cell Biology, or Biochemistry in consultation with a faculty advisor from the MCBB Program who serves as the first reader. The paper should review a selected current research topic, and usually includes several chapters and extensive literature references. The final version of the paper must be read and approved by the first reader and at least one other MCBB faculty member. The paper must comply with the format described in the current Graduate Program Guide. A final copy must be given to both readers, and an electronic copy must be sent to the Graduate Program Specialist. This paper is not submitted to GRS.
Research Thesis Requirements
The Research Thesis details the original research that was conducted under the sponsoring faculty member. The thesis must meet the format outlined in the current Graduate Program Guide. The thesis must be read and approved by a committee of three faculty members that includes at least two faculty members from the MCBB Program; one committee member must be the faculty member who acted as the research advisor. The student must provide final copies of the thesis to the first and second readers (and, when requested, to other members of the Committee), as well as an electronic copy to the Graduate Program Specialist.
The final reader-approved thesis must be submitted to the Electronics Thesis and Dissertations (ETD) Administrator for final approval by the graduate school before the date posted on the GRS submission calendar. More information about thesis formatting and submission can be found on the GRS website.
Graduation Timeline
Forms and additional information about MS graduation can be found on the GRS website.
[ALL Tracks]
Semester prior to your intended graduation cycle
[Scholarly Paper Track only]
About 2 months before end of last semester
- Send first draft of paper to readers
At least two weeks prior to degree conferral
- Final copy of paper sent to Graduate Program Specialist
[Research Thesis Track only]
About 2 months before thesis submission deadline
- Send first draft of thesis to readers
At least three weeks prior to thesis submission deadline
- Properly formatted draft of thesis submitted as PDF to grsrec@bu.edu
See the Graduate Program Guide for final dates to submit thesis to ETD
- Submit final thesis to ETD (online submission)
- Submit signature page to Graduate Program Specialist with original signatures from readers
Time Limits
Officially, the master’s degree requirements must be completed within three years from the date of first registration. However, students may apply to the Graduate School for extensions past the three-year deadline. MA degrees are conferred in May, August, or January, as specified on the GRS website.
Funding
The MCBB Program does not guarantee financial support for MA students, though there are often Teaching Assistant positions available for MA students. Please see article 18 of the BU Graduate Workers Union collective bargaining agreement for information about current pay rates.
MA students are also eligible for the scholarships offered by the Graduate School of Arts & Sciences. Application materials are used for scholarship recommendations. Scholarships are usually renewed each year as long as the student is in good academic standing.
More information on the cost of attendance and financial aid is available on the GRS website.
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