Cell and molecular biology is the study of how cells function at the molecular level, forming the foundation for understanding human health, development, and disease. It connects core biological principles to clinically relevant areas like anatomy, physiology, and pathology, making it central to fields ranging from laboratory research to medicine.

The program focuses on professional development.

- Professional Speaker Series: Healthcare is provided by a broad array of professionals. Representatives of these professions speak about education and training, their responsibilities, and the opportunities available in their profession. As examples, we discuss the training, responsibilities, income, and employment potential of physician assistants, physical therapists, and the whole array of opportunities in nursing.

-Cultivating Communication Skills: Clinicians and scientists both need to communicate effectively with other professionals as well as the general public. Communication skills will be cultivated through student presentations in research seminars and Journal Clubs.

-Mentoring and Advising: Each students communicates regularly with an assigned faculty member, who closely monitors their progress. Our faculty works with each student's unique strengths and weaknesses to assist them in meeting their career goals.

MCAT, DAT and GRE preparation classes, conducted by KAPLAN instructors, are incorporated into the curriculum.

-KAPLAN test preparation classes are held during the spring semester.

-The cost for the KAPLAN classes is included in the students' tuition.  

Students will complete 50 hours of service learning and shadowing at local hospitals, clinics, coroners' offices, research labs, and other locations around New Orleans per semester.

-Locations are selected to provide experiences which will enhance career preparation and provide direct contact with patients and healthcare providers.

Emphasis is placed on foundational classes in Biology while introducing students to more clinically relevant topics such as human anatomy, histology, embryology, biochemistry, physiology and disease.

-Students take 30 credit hours over the course of two semesters.

Requirements for admission to our program are as follows:

-A Bachelor's Degree in any discipline

-Completed Chemistry and Biology or Cell Biology

-GPA of 3.0 or higher

-GRE, MCAT, DAT, or OAT scores are optional

-Two letters of recommendation; it is preferred that both be in the field of science

We accept students from a broad range of academic backgrounds; however, it is necessary for success in our program that students have taken general science courses and received a B or higher.

Applications must be submitted with all required documents using Tulane's School of Science and Engineering Graduate Application portal.

-All relevant documents must be uploaded with your application BEFORE clicking submit. The application system for Fall 2026 will open October 1, 2025. Applications are reviewed as they become complete. Students are therefore encouraged to apply as early as possible.

A complete application must include:

-Completed application, including statement of purpose.

-Two letters of recommendation, preferably both in the field of science. Students may also use their committee or individual letters for professional schools. We accept committee letters from all processing centers; Interfolio, University Pre-Health Professional Offices, etc.

-GRE, MCAT, DAT, or OAT scores are strongly encouraged but not required. You do not need to submit official scores. Copies are sufficient.

-Unofficial transcripts from all previous academic institutions. Official transcripts are only required if you are accepted into the program. Please upload the copies of your transcripts with your application. 

-Resume or CV which will list all relevant experiences such as research, employment, volunteering, and shadowing.

Once we have received all the required information, your application will be complete and will be viewed by the department's Master's Program Admissions Committee.

Applicants accepted have a 3.0 or higher.

GRE Institution Code: 6173; GRE Department Code: 0206 (Cell and Molecular Biology).

TOEFL Institution Code: 6173; TOEFL Department Code: 35 (Biology).

There are no scholarships or teaching assistantships available for this program.

No, all students are encouraged to apply to our program. See Admission Requirements.

Yes, however, such students will be required to complete the necessary prerequisites on their own time, outside of our program. We do not encourage taking any of these prerequisites while in our program due to the rigorous schedule.

You can self-report your MCAT and/or GRE, DAT or OAT scores in the spaces provided on the application. Please upload a copy of your scores with your application before clicking submit.

Yes. When you receive our offer of admission, you will be required to respond by the deadline given. If we do not receive your response by the specified date, you will forfeit your spot in the program. This is necessary due to the high number of qualified applications we receive and the limited number of spots available in the program.

Yes. We accept committee letters from all processing centers (Interfolio, University Pre-Health Professional offices, etc).

No, there is no maximum. However, the committee recommends around two pages in length.

The committee will begin reviewing complete applications in early February. Acceptances will be made on a rolling basis, and applicants who are waitlisted may receive an offer as late as early August. Applicants who are waitlisted may continue to submit updated transcripts and/or standardized test results.

As soon as you formally accept our offer and are processed in the University system (receive a Tulane email account) you can register. You will be contacted via email regarding course requirements and options prior to the start of the fall semester. Advisors will be available via email and phone if you have any questions regarding your schedule. There will be two mandatory core courses per semester and you will receive information regarding these courses via email. We make sure there are adequate spaces in the required courses for our MS students.

Yes, an orientation is held in August each year for our new students. You will be contacted by the Department of Cell and Molecular Biology via email shortly after acceptance with more information.

No. At the beginning of each semester, you will meet individually with the Directors of the program to go over their transcripts and come up with a personalized course plan. Seats are reserved for MS students, so there is no need to register prior to your arrival. You will be contacted in August by the Cell and Molecular Biology Department with information regarding this meeting and other aspects of orientation.

The Master's program follows the same academic calendar as the undergraduates at Tulane. You can look over the calendar here.

Yes, it is strongly encouraged that you do apply while in the program.

No, students must start each fall semester.