MS in Integrative Cell Biology

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

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

During the summer between the first and second year, students will meet with a potential mentor and select a laboratory where they will conduct research. Students will receive their degree upon successful defense of their thesis.

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 Anna Dauzvardis.

Request more information about our graduate programs

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.

• Cost
• Financial Aid
• Payment

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

Michael A. Collins, PhD

Professor, Department of Microbiology and Immunology

University of Vermont
BA, 1962

Purdue University
PhD, 1968

Mitchell Denning, PhD

Associate Dean for Graduate Education, Stritch School of Medicine

Professor, Pathology; Molecular Pharmacology and Therapeutics

University of Arizona

BS, Biochemistry

University of Wisconsin/Madison

PhD, Human Cancer Biology

Lydia L. DonCarlos, PhD

Professor, Cell and Molecular Physiology

University of Oklahoma

BA, 1977; MA, 1979

Kent State University
PhD, 1985

Jose Guevara-Patino, MD, PhD

Associate Professor, Surgical Research

Phong T. Le, PhD

Professor, Department of Microbiology and Immunology
Graduate Program Director, Integrative Cell Biology

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 Therapeutics

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