MS Cell, Molecular, and Developmental Biology at University of California, Riverside

Programme overview

A thesis-based research degree in experimental biology at the molecular, cellular and organismal levels, with 70+ participating faculty from 16 cooperating departments.

Faculty: College of Natural and Agricultural Sciences | Department: Cell, Molecular, and Developmental Biology | Duration: Average two years | Study mode: full-time | Location: Riverside, CA, United States

What you will study

One core course in each of cell biology, molecular biology and developmental biology, CMDB 257 program seminar, an annual CMDB 258 research symposium, at least one graduate seminar, and a research project leading to a thesis with public oral defense.

Official programme page

Application information

Entry requirements

Last two years' undergraduate GPA of 3.2 or better; applicants to the PhD with an MS need a 3.0 GPA in the MS. Graduate Division (university-wide): bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited institution or recognized international equivalent; minimum 3.0 undergraduate GPA (some programs set a higher standard); transcripts, statement of purpose and letters of recommendation; English proficiency (TOEFL iBT or IELTS Academic 7 with no component below 6) unless the prior degree was taught in English; GRE/GMAT only where the program requires it (many no longer do). Source: graduate.ucr.edu/admission-requirements.

UC Riverside operates a quarter system. Summer begins mid-June, Fall late September, Winter early January and Spring late March/early April. Most graduate programmes admit and begin in the Fall quarter only.

New domestic applicants: Fall January 5 (fellowship consideration) / June 1 (admission only), Winter November 1, Spring February 1, Summer May 1. New international applicants: Fall January 5 (fellowship consideration) / June 1 (admission only), Winter September 1, Spring December 1, Summer March 1. A few programmes have deadlines after June 1 and some have earlier programme deadlines. The Winter 2027 and Spring 2027 applications are open for select programmes only; the Summer/Fall 2027 application opened September 1, 2026, with rolling review for most programmes.

Apply through the official page: https://grad.ucr.edu/apply/

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