Program Overview

Cell and Molecular Biology, M.S.

The Cell and Molecular Biology M.S. program at Florida Tech is designed to provide students with a comprehensive foundation in the function and interactions of cellular and molecular components. This research-driven program allows students to gain hands-on expertise in DNA and protein purification, recombinant DNA technology, genomics, bioinformatics, and biotechnology.

Program Overview

• The program is tailored to prepare students for careers in biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, medical research, genetic engineering, and more.
• Students work closely with faculty mentors to plan a program of study customized to their interests and goals.
• The program culminates in the preparation and oral defense of a thesis, and the presentation of a graduate thesis seminar.

Research Areas

• Molecular Mechanisms of Disease & Therapeutics: Investigating proteasome regulation, neurodegeneration, and vascular function to identify novel drug targets and therapeutic strategies.
• Microbial & Protein Biochemistry: Studying bacterial chromosome replication to develop new antimicrobials and examining amyloid fiber formation associated with disease.
• Cell Signaling & Regulation: Exploring how the ubiquitin-proteasome system, autophagy, and proteasome trafficking influence cellular health, cancer, and neurodegenerative disorders.
• Plant Molecular Biology & Biotechnology: Uncovering plant-biotic interactions to enhance crop resilience, improve disease resistance, and advance sustainable agriculture.

Career Opportunities

• Assay development scientist
• Biocomputational biologist
• Biomanufacturing or bioprocessing scientist
• Biomedical scientist
• Biopharmaceutical scientist
• Biotechnology researcher
• Cell culture specialist
• Clinical research associate
• Computational biologist
• Genomics scientist
• Medical and clinical laboratory scientist
• Molecular biologist
• Regulatory affairs specialist
• Research associate
• Toxicologist

Advanced Degree Options

• After receiving a master’s in cell and molecular biology, many graduates enter a doctoral program.
• A doctorate can increase an individual’s earning potential and position them as a subject-matter expert.
• Qualified students who are planning to pursue the Ph.D. in cell and molecular biology may also consider applying directly to the doctoral program upon completion of their undergraduate degree.

Locations Offered

• Melbourne Campus

Rankings and Recognition

• Top 15%: Best Master's Degree Schools (College Factual)
• Tier 1: Best National University (U.S. News & World Report)
• Top 5.8%: World University Ranking (The Center for World University Rankings)

Why Choose Florida Tech?

• Personalized mentorship and opportunities for hands-on learning.
• Cutting-edge research alongside faculty.
• Access to state-of-the-art facilities, including the F.W. Olin Life Sciences Building and the Bioengineering and Sciences Building.
• Location in a high-tech corridor with numerous internship and employment opportunities.

Curriculum

• The program is designed to provide a comprehensive foundation in the function and interactions of cellular and molecular components.
• Students work with their advisor to plan a program of study customized to their interests and goals.
• Topics include:
  • Cell signaling in health and disease
  • Bioinformatics, genomics, and proteomics
  • Microbial reproduction, gene expression regulation, and cell division mechanisms
  • Cancer biology
  • Molecular genetics

Related Programs

• Biochemistry, M.S.
• Biotechnology, M.S.
• Biomedical Engineering, M.S.

Hands-On Experience

• Graduate students conduct cutting-edge investigations using the university’s advanced laboratory resources.
• Students gain hands-on expertise in molecular biology techniques while contributing to discoveries that advance medicine, biotechnology, and agriculture.

Global Campus Community

• Florida Tech offers a rich, dynamic environment where students from the U.S. and around the world come together.
• This sense of community fosters mutual understanding and collaboration, reflecting the increasingly interconnected world we all share.