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MS in Integrative Cell Biology

Understand the biology of the cell at the molecular, multicellular, tissue, and organ structure levels

Knowledge in the Biomedical Sciences has been growing exponentially over the last decade. As we learn more about cells at the molecular level, we also discover the need to understand their interactions and functions better. Join the next generation of Biomedical researchers with a Master of Science (MS) in Integrative Cell Biology at Loyola University Chicago.

Throughout our two-year program, you will acquire a solid foundation and understanding of cell function at molecular, multicellular tissue, and organ structure levels and gain a competitive edge in pursuing a PhD, MD, or research career.

Our Commitment To You

Graduates of Loyola's MS in Integrative Cell Biology will gain the following knowledge, skills, and professional values to pursue a PhD, apply to medical school, or pursue research in academia, industry, and/or biotech.

KNOWLEDGE:

  • Develop a fundamental understanding of cellular functions in various disciplines such as cancer, neuroscience, and immunology

SKILLS

  • Gain critical-thinking skills to help you solve biological problems
  • Understand molecular and cellular technologies through your lab work

PROFESSIONAL VALUES:

  • Incorporate and apply Ignatian values into your work
  • Strengthen your presentation skills
  • Professionally interact with peers

Curriculum

Students complete one year of coursework, followed by a second year focusing on research and developing their thesis. In addition to their first-year coursework, students will register for journal club and a seminar series, and select up to three laboratories to complete their rotations.  Students must complete a minimum of 30 credits during this two year MS program.

First-year coursework: 

SEMESTER 1 

  • Bioethics in Biomedical Science
  • Cell Biology
  • Methods in Biomedical Science
  • Mollecular and Cellular Biochemistry
  • Rotations in up to three labs

SEMESTER 2 

  • Biostatistics
  • Histology
  • An elective course, such as Immunology, Neuroscience, Signal Transduction, or Molecular Oncology, depending on your thesis focus

Through the three rotations in the first and second semesters, students will meet with the GPD and a potential mentor to select a laboratory where they will conduct research. Students will receive their degree upon successful defense of their thesis.

Admission

Ready to apply? This is a good place to start.

DEADLINES 

We accept applications for the MS in Integrative Cell Biology on a rolling basis. Early application is encouraged; we begin evaluating applications in early December. The deadline for all application materials is June 15.  Please note the only documents that cannot be uploaded with an application are transcripts and offical test scores.  Please email those documents directly to: gradapp@luc.edu 

APPLICATION PROCESS 

1. COMPLETED APPLICATION

  • Apply online (preferred option) or mail application to:

    Graduate and Professional Enrollment Management
    Loyola University Chicago
    820 N. Michigan Avenue, Suite 1200
    Chicago, IL 60611

2. OFFICIAL TRANSCRIPTS

  • Applicants should have completed at least a bachelor's degree to apply. Transcripts for all undergraduate and graduate work are required for admission.

3. LETTERS OF RECOMMENDATION

  • Applicants must submit three letters of recommendation.

4. STATEMENT OF PURPOSE

  • Your statement of purpose should be a brief, one page statement that explains your interest in this program.

5. INTERVIEW

  • An virtual interview is required for admission. International applicants can interview by phone or video conference.

INTERNATIONAL APPLICANTS

International applicants must have a degree equivalent to a U.S. Bachelor's degree and are required to submit the above documents as well as:

  • TOEFL or IELTS scores
  • A Declaration and Certification of Finances Form
  • Evaluations of international transcripts sent by any member organization of NACES (National Association of Credential Evaluation Services) 

Please visit our International Student Requirements page for more details!

Questions? Contact Student Program Recruiter Patrick Hulseman.

Request more information about our graduate programs

FAQs

WHERE ARE YOU LOCATED?

The Integrative Cell Biology Program is located at Loyola University Chicago's Health Sciences Campus in Maywood, about 12 miles west of downtown Chicago and about one-half mile south of the Eisenhower Expressway (I-290) on First Avenue.

WHAT IS YOUR GRE CODE?

If you choose to submit your GRE score, our code is 1412.

CAN I BEGIN THE MASTER'S DEGREE PROGRAM DURING THE SPRING SEMESTER?

No. We admit students into our Master's degree program for Fall semesters only; we start our program at the beginning of August.

Tuition and Financial Aid

The Biomedical Graduate Programs and Loyola's Financial Aid Office are committed to helping students secure the financial resources to make their education at Loyola affordable.

Faculty

Faculty mentor students and guide them through their research.

Edward M. Campbell, PhD
Assistant Professor, Department of Microbiology and Immunology
University of Illinois, Champaign-Urbana
BS - Life Sciences/Bioengineering, 1998
University of Illinois at Chicago
PhD - Microbiology and Immunology, 2004

Mitchell Denning, PhD
Associate Dean for Graduate Education, Stritch School of Medicine
Professor, Cancer Biology, Molecular Pharmacology and Therapeutics
University of Arizona
BS, Biochemistry, 1986
University of Wisconsin/Madison
PhD, Human Cancer Biology, 1991

Phong T. Le, PhD
Graduate Program Director, Integrative Cell Biology
Professor, Deparment of Microbiology and Immunology
University of Illinois
BS, Microbiology, 1980
The Ohio State University
MS, Immunology, 1982
PhD, Immunology, 1985

Toni R. Pak, PhD
James R. DePauw Professor and Chair, Department of Cell and Molecular Physiology
University of Colorado at Boulder
BA, Environmental, Population and Organismic Biology, 1995
MA, Education (Science), 1997
PhD, Neuroscience, 2002

Karie Scrogin, PhD
Professor, Molecular Pharmacology and Neuroscience
PhD, Behavioral Neuroscience, Oregon Health Sciences University

 

Outcomes

The program prepares students for a career in research laboratories in the Biomedical industry, Pharmaceutical industry or as primary or secondary educators. Students graduating with an MS are competent and competitive if they pursue a PhD or MD.

Knowledge in the Biomedical Sciences has been growing exponentially over the last decade. As we learn more about cells at the molecular level, we also discover the need to understand their interactions and functions better. Join the next generation of Biomedical researchers with a Master of Science (MS) in Integrative Cell Biology at Loyola University Chicago.

Throughout our two-year program, you will acquire a solid foundation and understanding of cell function at molecular, multicellular tissue, and organ structure levels and gain a competitive edge in pursuing a PhD, MD, or research career.