Skip to main content

Program of Study

The CMBS MS program requires a minimum of 30 semester credits. Depending on the preference of the student there is a non-thesis and a thesis option of study. Below are the required courses that students enroll in based on their Non-Thesis or Thesis option. The remaining credits are to be fulfilled with elective courses. In addition to coursework, students are also required to attend weekly in the fall semester of their first year.

For more detail, please refer to the 2023-2024 CMBS Handbook.

Non-Thesis Option

The non-thesis option consists of a range of 14-19 credits in required courses that include laboratory rotations and focused course work.

  • CIPP 907.01 Research Ethics (1 cr)
  • Choose one:
    GPLS 600.01 Cellular & Molecular Basis of Translational Research (5 cr)
    GPLS 601.01 Mechanisms in Biomedical Science (Core Course) (8 cr)
  • GPLS 609.05 Lab Rotations CMBS MS (4-6 cr)
  • GPLS 630.01 Fundamentals of Biostatistics (3 cr)
  • Choose one:
    GPLS 690.01 Current Topics in Vascular & Stem Cell Biology (1 cr)
    GPLS 691.01 Current Topics in Neuroscience (1 cr)
    GPLS 692.01 Current Topics in Genome Biology(1 cr)
    GPLS 693.01 Current Topics in Microbiology (1 cr)

Thesis Option

The thesis option is a research-based program in which the student selects a mentor and undertakes a research project culminating in a written thesis and public seminar. The thesis option consists of a range of 20-26 credits in required courses that include laboratory rotations and focused course work.

  • CIPP 907.01 Research Ethics (1 cr)
  • Choose one:
    GPLS 600.01 Cellular & Molecular Basis of Translational Research (5 cr)
    GPLS 601.01 Mechanisms in Biomedical Science (Core Course) (8 cr)
  • GPLS 609.05 Lab Rotations CMBS MS (4-6 cr)
  • GPLS 630.01 Fundamentals of Biostatistics (3 cr)
  • Choose one:
    GPLS 690.01 Current Topics in Vascular & Stem Cell Biology (1 cr)
    GPLS 691.01 Current Topics in Neuroscience (1 cr)
    GPLS 692.01 Current Topics in Genome Biology(1 cr)
    GPLS 693.01 Current Topics in Microbiology (1 cr)

Each CMBS MS student will be provided an individualized Program of Study that will focus on their educational and professional goals.

Elective Courses


Laboratory Rotations

Research rotations provide students with opportunities to 1) learn how to function and flourish in a research setting; 2) learn a specific skill (e.g., laboratory technique, statistical method) necessary for thesis or continued lab work.

Selection Process

The selection of rotations is made by the student in collaboration with Program Director and are based on the student’s needs and interests. Thus, students who have already identified their area of interest are encouraged to reach out directly with one or more potential mentors. Students who do not yet have a preferred research area should continue working with the Program Director prior to reaching out potential mentors.

Begin by using these search tools to look for faculty by research topic of interest at the School of Medicine Faculty Profiles or at the School of Dentistry Research Programs.


Master's Thesis Research

Thesis research allows for the student to write an original piece of scholarly writing under the direction of a faculty advisor/mentor. Laboratory rotations can lead into a thesis research project and are an extension of the work started in the rotation.

Selection Process

The selection of a thesis lab or mentor is made by the student in collaboration with Program Director and a lab of the student's preference. Students will have identified their area of research interest and have discussed with a potential faculty member the possibility of writing a thesis under their supervision. Credits are variable by semester and in coordination with the scope of the student's thesis project.