Master of Science in Molecular Medicine

The Master of Science in Molecular Medicine program provides education and training in areas of research in human health at the molecular level. Students in this program acquire theoretical and practical knowledge about normal body functions and disease pathogenesis at the molecular level. Students also learn how this knowledge is applied to develop novel tools for diagnosis, treatment, prognosis, and prevention of disease. Graduates from this program will be ready to enter the biotechnology workforce, and are attractive candidates for doctoral programs in science and medicine. The Master of Science in Molecular Medicine program is designed to provide academic and practical biotechnological knowledge in translational research, particularly in the areas of molecular therapeutics and vaccine development. Curriculum The two year non-thesis program encompasses fundamental requirements to establish a sound grounding in microbiology, biochemistry, genetics, and molecular biology. The program is designed with two full-time years (four semesters of at least nine credits) of required and elective graduate courses, and one or more experiential research components in the first or second year. The flexibility of the curriculum enables students to complete the degree requirement within 18 months on an accelerated basis, and up to 4 years on a part-time basis. The successful completion of the degree will be determined by grades obtained in the graduate courses, participation in seminars and journal clubs, and performance in the research component. A minimum of 36.0 credits is required to graduate, with at least 6.0 of those earned as research credits. The research component of the curriculum can be fulfilled by two alternative approaches. Most students choose to engage in a hands-on research internship in which a 12 week research program will be undertaken in a laboratory at Drexel, another academic institution, or at a biotechnology or biopharmaceutical company. Alternatively, students may choose to engage in an independent research project, with the approval and supervision of Program Directors.