--- title: Graduate Studies in Molecular and Cellular Biology description: The graduate programs at SMU in Molecular and Cellular Biology prepares students for careers in modern biological research. image: https://grad.smu.edu/hubfs/AdobeStock_143065230-1.jpeg --- [Skip to content](https://grad.smu.edu/graduate-studies-in-molecular-and-cellular-biology#main-content) [![SMU logo](https://grad.smu.edu/hs-fs/hubfs/SMU%20logo.png?width=150&height=44&name=SMU%20logo.png "SMU logo")](https://www.smu.edu/) [EXPLORE SMU](https://www.smu.edu/aboutsmu) ## [Moody School of Graduate and Advanced Studies](https://www.smu.edu/moody/) - About Show submenu for About - [About](https://www.smu.edu/moody/about) - [Mission and History](https://www.smu.edu/moody/about/mission-and-history) - [Moody Foundation Gift](https://www.smu.edu/moody/about/moody-foundation-gift) - [Charter](https://www.smu.edu/-/media/Site/Moody/graduate/Moody-School-Charter-Summer-2021-Final.pdf) - [Director of Graduate Studies Handbook](https://www.smu.edu/-/media/Site/Moody/Moody-School-DGS-Handbook-20220811.pdf) - 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[Meet our Ph.D. Fellows](https://www.smu.edu/moody/funding/phd-fellows) - [Ph.D. Health Insurance](https://www.smu.edu/moody/funding/phd-health-insurance) - [Graduate Student Travel Grant](https://www.smu.edu/moody/funding/moody-grad-student-travel-grant) - [Dedman Graduate Student Assembly](https://www.smu.edu/moody/funding/gsa) - About Show submenu for About - [About](https://www.smu.edu/moody/about) - [Mission and History](https://www.smu.edu/moody/about/mission-and-history) - [Moody Foundation Gift](https://www.smu.edu/moody/about/moody-foundation-gift) - [Charter](https://www.smu.edu/-/media/Site/Moody/graduate/Moody-School-Charter-Summer-2021-Final.pdf) - [Director of Graduate Studies Handbook](https://www.smu.edu/-/media/Site/Moody/Moody-School-DGS-Handbook-20220811.pdf) - [Moody Hall](https://www.smu.edu/moody/about/moody-hall) - [Dean's Office](https://www.smu.edu/moody/about/deans-office) - [Graduate Council](https://www.smu.edu/moody/about/graduate-council) - [Contact Us](https://www.smu.edu/moody/about/contact) - 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The diverse faculty ensures broad training that includes coursework and research experience in: - Molecular biology of prokaryotes and eukaryotes - Biochemistry and structural biology - Advance cell biology - Epigenetic regulation of gene expression - Genetics and molecular biology of model organisms and human pathogens - Virology and cancer biology - Mechanisms of aging and senescence - Neuronal development and RNA processing - Neurodegeneration - Structure and dynamics of nucleotide binding and membrane proteins The graduate program offers three degree options: PhD, MS, and MA A five-year combined BS-MS program is also offered to current SMU undergraduates. [APPLY NOW](https://gradadmission.smu.edu/apply/) ## We Offer three degrees [Molecular and Cellular Biology MA](https://grad.smu.edu/graduate-studies-in-molecular-and-cellular-biology#ma) [Molecular and Cellular Biology MS](https://grad.smu.edu/graduate-studies-in-molecular-and-cellular-biology#ms) [Molecular and Cellular Biology PhD](https://grad.smu.edu/graduate-studies-in-molecular-and-cellular-biology#phd) ![](https://grad.smu.edu/hubfs/Program%20Pages/Doctoral%20Degrees/Molecular_Cell_Biology_PhD_Program.jpg) ## Molecular and Cellular Biology MA - Admission Deadline Final deadline for Fall admission to the Master's program is **May 1.** - Admission Requirements - 3.00 GPA (cumulative) - Foundational Courses:  - 6 hours of calculus or statistics - 16 hours of chemistry including 8 hours of organic chemistry - 4 or more hours of advanced credit in biology - Transcripts from all institutions attended (post high school; unofficial documents can be uploaded to your application). - 3 Letters of Recommendation - Résumé - Statement of Purpose\*  - [GRE Scores](https://www.smu.edu/Moody/Prospective-Students/Dedman-College-GRE-Requirement) - Score for the Biology, or the Biochemistry, Cell and Molecular Biology subject test is encouraged, but not required.  - International applicants must provide [English Language Proficiency](https://www.smu.edu/Moody/Prospective-Students/International-Applicants/Dedman-International-Students) scores if their degree does not meet our waiver requirements.    [Learn More](https://www.smu.edu/Dedman/Academics/Departments/Biological-Sciences/Graduate/MA) [Learn more about this degree](https://www.smu.edu/dedman/academics/departments/biological-sciences/graduate/ma) [Apply Now](https://gradadmission.smu.edu/apply/) ## Molecular and Cellular Biology MS - Admission Deadline Final deadline for Fall admission to the Master's program is **May 1.** - Admission Requirements - 3.00 GPA (cumulative) - Foundational Courses:  - 6 hours of calculus or statistics - 16 hours of chemistry including 8 hours of organic chemistry - 4 or more hours of advanced credit in biology - Transcripts from all institutions attended (post high school; unofficial documents can be uploaded to your application). - 3 Letters of Recommendation - Résumé - Statement of Purpose\*  - [GRE Scores](https://www.smu.edu/Moody/Prospective-Students/Dedman-College-GRE-Requirement) - Score for the Biology, or the Biochemistry, Cell and Molecular Biology subject test is encouraged, but not required.  - International applicants must provide [English Language Proficiency](https://www.smu.edu/Moody/Prospective-Students/International-Applicants/Dedman-International-Students) scores if their degree does not meet our waiver requirements.    [Learn More](https://www.smu.edu/Dedman/Academics/Departments/Biological-Sciences/Graduate/MA) [Learn more about this degree](https://www.smu.edu/dedman/academics/departments/biological-sciences/graduate/ma) [Apply Now](https://gradadmission.smu.edu/apply/) ![](https://grad.smu.edu/hubfs/Biology-Banner-1.jpeg) ![](https://grad.smu.edu/hubfs/AdobeStock_216707903-1.jpeg) ## Molecular and Cellular Biology PhD - Admission Deadline Priority deadline for Fall admission to the Ph.D. program is January 15. - Admission Requirements - 3.00 GPA (cumulative) - Foundational Courses:  - 6 hours of calculus or statistics - 16 hours of chemistry including 8 hours of organic chemistry - 4 or more hours of advanced credit in biology - Transcripts from all institutions attended (post high school; unofficial documents can be uploaded to your application). - 3 Letters of Recommendation - Résumé - Statement of Purpose\*  - [GRE Scores](https://www.smu.edu/Moody/Prospective-Students/Dedman-College-GRE-Requirement) - Score for the Biology, or the Biochemistry, Cell and Molecular Biology subject test is encouraged, but not required.  - International applicants must provide [English Language Proficiency](https://www.smu.edu/Moody/Prospective-Students/International-Applicants/Dedman-International-Students) scores if their degree does not meet our waiver requirements.  [Learn more about this degree](https://www.smu.edu/Dedman/Academics/Departments/Biological-Sciences/Graduate/PhD) [Apply Now](https://gradadmission.smu.edu/apply/) ![Ph.D. Guide Cover viewed on an iPad and iPhone.](https://grad.smu.edu/hs-fs/hubfs/Ph.D.%20Guide%20Cover%20viewed%20on%20an%20iPad%20and%20iPhone..png?width=400&name=Ph.D.%20Guide%20Cover%20viewed%20on%20an%20iPad%20and%20iPhone..png) ## Access Our Free Digital Download A Guide to Choosing and Applying to PhD Programs [![Download Now](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/3974384/4b6e2514-3b92-4184-999b-5f906188547a.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/3974384/4b6e2514-3b92-4184-999b-5f906188547a) ### Related Blog Articles ## About the department [Send Us A Message](https://grad.smu.edu/graduate-studies-in-molecular-and-cellular-biology#send-us-a-message) [Useful Links](https://grad.smu.edu/graduate-studies-in-molecular-and-cellular-biology#links) ## Send Us a Message ## Useful Links [Read Our Blog](https://gradarticles.smu.edu/advancing-the-field/tag/statistical-science) [Send an Inquiry](https://grad.smu.edu/graduate-studies-in-molecular-and-cellular-biology#send-request) [Visit the department website](https://www.smu.edu/Dedman/Academics/Departments/Biological-Sciences/Graduate) [Apply Now](https://gradadmission.smu.edu/apply/) - [Cox School of Business](https://www.smu.edu/cox) - [Dedman College of Humanities and Sciences](https://www.smu.edu/dedman) - [Dedman School of Law](https://www.smu.edu/law) - [Lyle School of Engineering](https://www.smu.edu/lyle) - [Meadows School of the Arts](https://www.smu.edu/meadows) - [Moody School of Graduate and Advanced Studies](https://www.smu.edu/moody) - [Perkins School of Theology](https://www.smu.edu/perkins) - [Simmons School of Education & Human Development](https://www.smu.edu/simmons) - [SMU CAPE](https://www.smu.edu/cape) - [SMU Libraries](https://www.smu.edu/libraries) - [SMU Guildhall](https://www.smu.edu/guildhall) - [Undergraduate Students](https://www.smu.edu/infofor/students) - [Graduate Students](https://www.smu.edu/moody) - [Alumni](https://www.smu.edu/alumni) - [Faculty & Staff](https://www.smu.edu/infofor/faculty-staff) - [Media](https://www.smu.edu/news) - [Parents](https://www.smu.edu/studentaffairs) - [SMU Ignited: Boldly Shaping Tomorrow](https://www.smu.edu/ignited) - [Corporate and Foundation Relations](https://www.smu.edu/corporate-foundation-relations) - [Bush Center](https://www.smu.edu/bushcenter) - [SMU Store](https://smu.bncollege.com/shop/smu/home) - [Academic Calendar](https://www.smu.edu/enrollmentservices/registrar/academiccalendarscoursecatalogs/academiccalendars) - [Academic Ceremonies](https://www.smu.edu/academic-ceremonies) - [Events Calendar](https://calendar.smu.edu/) - [Employment](https://www.smu.edu/businessfinance/hr/workingatsmu) - [Giving to SMU](https://giving.smu.edu/) - [Virtual Tour](https://www.smu.edu/admission/visit/virtualtour) - [SMU Stories](https://www.smu.edu/stories) - [Contact Us](https://www.smu.edu/aboutsmu/contactsmu) - [Maps Directions](https://www.smu.edu/aboutsmu/maps) - [Compliance](https://www.smu.edu/compliance) - [Legal Disclosures](https://www.smu.edu/legaldisclosures) - [Privacy Policy Statement](https://www.smu.edu/legaldisclosures/privacystatement) - [Report Sexual Harassment](https://www.smu.edu/sexualharassment) - [Reporting a Bias Incident](https://www.smu.edu/studentaffairs/get-help/bert) - [SMU Aware](https://www.smu.edu/aware) - [Emergency Preparedness](https://www.smu.edu/businessfinance/risk-management/emergency-management-fire-safety) - [Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/smudallas) - [Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/smudallas/) - [LinkedIn](https://www.linkedin.com/school/smudallas/mycompany/) - [TikTok](https://www.tiktok.com/@smu) - [YouTube](https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCbLRmiYkXF2YHOXzIqasjzg) - [X](https://twitter.com/smu/) [![](https://grad.smu.edu/hs-fs/hubfs/SMU%20logo.png?width=140&height=41&name=SMU%20logo.png)](https://smu.edu/) © SOUTHERN METHODIST UNIVERSITY