Master of Science Program
The MCDB Master of Science degree is a non-thesis, non-research based degree, however, some Master's students work in laboratories for course credit. The program consists of twenty-four hours of course work; this includes at least sixteen hours of MCDB courses at the 400 level or above and at least four hours in a cognate subject. This program is flexible and serves a variety of career objectives such as teaching in secondary schools, employment in a variety of research-oriented jobs, and preparation for further professional training.The department does not provide funding for Master's students.
Domestic Master's students may apply for financial aid through the financial aid office at http://www.ofa.umich.edu.
MCDB accepts Master's students for the Fall and Winter terms. Deadlines for applications are April 1 for the Fall term and November 1 for the Winter term.
If accepted into the Masters program will I be funded?
The department does not fund any of the Master's students. GSI positions are reserved for the Ph.D. students.
Domestic Master's students are encouraged to contact the Financial Aid department at http://www.ofa.umich.edu.
When do I choose my research laboratory?
Students are required to do two laboratory rotations and many do three or four rotations prior to selecting a research mentor. Most students rotate for an entire semester during the fall term. In the winter term, many students schedule full semester rotations, whereas others schedule one half semester rotations. Half semester rotations must be approved by the faculty member with whom you are rotating.
When must I make my final selection of a research mentor?
The earliest date for a student to make a laboratory decision is April 15th of their first year. This decision is by mutual agreement between student and research mentor and must be approved by the Graduate Studies Committee. Many students prefer to do additional rotations in the spring and/or summer to allow for a broader research experience prior to committing to a thesis project. All students must have an approved laboratory assignment by the beginning of their 2nd academic year. All students are pursuing thesis research by the beginning of their 2nd academic year.
Can I move directly from the Masters Program into the Ph.D. program?
No. All Ph.D. applications must go through the same application process and review. The Masters program is not a stepping stone to admission to the doctoral program.
What are the departmental and institutional GRE codes?
Institutional code: 1839. Department code: 0203.
What are the departmental and institutional TOEFL codes?
Institutional code: 1839. Department code: 35.
Domestic Master's students may apply for financial aid through the financial aid office at http://www.ofa.umich.edu.
MCDB accepts Master's students for the Fall and Winter terms. Deadlines for applications are April 1 for the Fall term and November 1 for the Winter term.
Frequently Asked Questions for Masters Students
If accepted into the Masters program will I be funded?
The department does not fund any of the Master's students. GSI positions are reserved for the Ph.D. students.
When do I choose my research laboratory?
Students are required to do two laboratory rotations and many do three or four rotations prior to selecting a research mentor. Most students rotate for an entire semester during the fall term. In the winter term, many students schedule full semester rotations, whereas others schedule one half semester rotations. Half semester rotations must be approved by the faculty member with whom you are rotating.
When must I make my final selection of a research mentor?
The earliest date for a student to make a laboratory decision is April 15th of their first year. This decision is by mutual agreement between student and research mentor and must be approved by the Graduate Studies Committee. Many students prefer to do additional rotations in the spring and/or summer to allow for a broader research experience prior to committing to a thesis project. All students must have an approved laboratory assignment by the beginning of their 2nd academic year. All students are pursuing thesis research by the beginning of their 2nd academic year.
Can I move directly from the Masters Program into the Ph.D. program?
No. All Ph.D. applications must go through the same application process and review. The Masters program is not a stepping stone to admission to the doctoral program.
What are the departmental and institutional GRE codes?
Institutional code: 1839. Department code: 0203.
What are the departmental and institutional TOEFL codes?
Institutional code: 1839. Department code: 35.
