Department of Medical and Molecular Sciences

Medical Sciences (PhD)

Our Ph.D. program in Medical Sciences provides advanced training with the goal of preparing students for research-based careers. Areas of in-depth study are driven by faculty research and encompass clinically related fields such as diabetes mellitus, obesity, immunology and infectious disease, oncology and other chronic health conditions.

Telephone: (302) 831-2849
https://sites.udel.edu/mms/phdms/
Coordinator: Esther Biswas-Fiss, Ph.D.
Telephone: (302) 831-2912
Address: University of Delaware, 305B Willard Hall Edu. Bldg, Newark, DE 19716
Email: ebiswas@udel.edu

Admissions Requirements

1. BS, MS or equivalent degree from an accredited college or university,
2. GRE scores of at least 148 on quantitative reasoning and at least 150 on verbal reasoning
3. An undergraduate GPA of 3.0 or higher
4. Written statement of goals and objectives (the personal statement) that clearly identifies the applicant’s research and curriculum interests and explains how admission to the program will facilitate his/her professional objectives. The applicant should identify specific researchers within the program with whom they would be interested in studying with.
5. Current résumé and three letters of recommendation

All students will be expected to be sufficiently conversant in English and knowledgeable in the written word to convey clear, logical and complex written expressions.

Admission is selective and competitive, based on the number of well-qualified applicants and the limits of available faculty and facilities. Those who meet stated minimum academic requirements are not guaranteed admission, nor are those who fail to meet those requirements necessarily precluded from admission if they offer other appropriate strengths. See Graduate Admissions for additional information. Admission applications are available at https://grad.udel.edu/apply/

Medical Sciences (MS)

In today’s competitive employment market, individuals seeking management and leadership positions in the laboratory-based health professions require a graduate level degree. The Master of Science in Medical Sciences (MMS) is designed for practicing professionals who want to advance their knowledge and skills in the clinical laboratory sciences and develop new proficiencies needed to meet the challenges of a changing profession and fast-paced development in technology.

The MMS will allow students to specifically tailor their program of study to meet their specific career goals whether it be laboratory administration, advanced laboratory practice skills, research or laboratory science education. The curricular flexibility of this program will allow laboratory professionals to gain knowledge and technical competency in emerging areas of practice in the laboratory such as molecular diagnostics.

Telephone: (302) 831-2849
https://sites.udel.edu/mms/phdms/
Coordinator: Esther Biswas-Fiss, Ph.D.
Telephone: (302) 831-2912
Address: University of Delaware, 305B Willard Hall Edu. Bldg, Newark, DE 19716
Email: ebiswas@udel.edu

Admissions Requirements

Admission to the graduate program is competitive. Those who meet stated minimum requirements are not guaranteed admission, nor are those who fail to meet all of those requirements necessarily precluded from admission if they offer appropriate strengths.

Expected Minimum Requirements for Admission into the Medical Sciences Program - Admissions decisions are made by the Medical Sciences Program Committee. Students will be admitted to the program based on enrollment availability and their ability to meet the following minimum recommended entrance requirements:

1. BS, equivalent degree or post-baccalaureate certificate in a laboratory profession (such as medical laboratory sciences, biotechnology, cytogenetic technology or cytotechnology; other laboratory professionals may be eligible, based on training and experience) from an accredited college or university.
2. The GRE is not required, TOEFL requirements are described in detail below for international applicants.
3. An undergraduate GPA of 3.0 or higher.
4. Written statement of goals and objectives (the personal statement) that clearly identifies the applicant’s research and curriculum interests and explains how admission to the program will facilitate his/her professional objectives.
5. Current résumé and two letters of recommendation.

All students will be expected to be sufficiently conversant in English and knowledgeable in the written word to convey clear, logical and complex written expressions.

Admission Procedures - Applicants must submit all of the following items directly to the University Office of Graduate Studies using the online admission process before admission can be considered:

1. A completed application should be submitted no later than February 1 for the fall semester, and October 1 for the spring semester to ensure consideration.
2. A nonrefundable application fee must be submitted with the application. Credit card payment is accepted with the online application. Checks must be payable to the University of Delaware. Applications received without the application fee will not be processed. International students paying by check must use a check drawn on a US bank or an International Postal Money Order.
3. Applicants must submit responses to specific questions asked on the application; a résumé; and a statement of professional goals and objectives.
4. Applicants must submit at least two letters of recommendation. All letters of recommendation should be mailed directly to the Office of Graduate Studies.
5. One official transcript of all US colleges and universities attended must be sent directly from the institution to the Office of Graduate Studies or be provided in a sealed envelope with the application packet. Students who have attended the University of Delaware need not supply a transcript from Delaware.
6. One official transcript of all non-US based college and university records is required. The transcript must list all classes taken and grades earned. If the transcript does not state that the degree has been awarded, send a degree certificate that states that the degree has been awarded. If the degree has not been awarded or the degree certificate has not been issued, evidence of the awarded degree must be provided prior to the first day of classes in the term of admission. For institutions that issue documents only in English, send the English original. For institutions that issue documents both in English and a foreign language, send both the English language original and the foreign language original. For institutions that issue documents only in a foreign language, send the foreign language original and a certified translation in English. The translation must be certified by an official of the issuing institution, a state- or court-appointed translator, or the Embassy of the issuing country in the United States. If it is necessary to send non-original documents: a. The documents must be original “attested copies”, officially attested to by the issuing institution or the Embassy of the using country in the United States, and b. Certified translations must be originals, no copies will be accepted.
7. International student applicants must demonstrate a satisfactory level of proficiency in the English language if English is not the first language. The Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) is offered by the ETS in test centers throughout the world. The University requires an official paper-based TOEFL score of at least 550 or at least 79 on the Internet-based TOEFL for an applicant to be considered for admission. TOEFL scores more than two years old cannot be validated or considered official.
8. International students must be offered admission to the University and provide evidence of adequate financial resources before a student visa will be issued. The University has been authorized under federal law to enroll nonimmigrant alien students. International students are required to purchase the University-sponsored insurance plan or its equivalent.
9. All first-time international students are required to attend the Orientation Day for new international students, which takes place before classes begin.
10. It is a Delaware State Board of Health regulation and a University of Delaware mandate that all graduate students with a birth date after January 1, 1957, be immunized for measles, mumps and rubella (MMR). Also, students may be required to provide evidence of PPD (Mantoux) Tuberculosis Screening Test within 6 months prior to beginning classes. Students who are admitted beginning January 2002 are required to show proof of vaccination against meningococcal disease unless granted a waiver. Students should refer to and complete the Student Health Service Immunization Documentation form upon admission. Admission Application Processing - Applications will be processed as they are submitted. The admission process is completed as follows: First, completed applications consisting of the application form, undergraduate/graduate transcripts, letters of recommendations, résumé, statement of purpose, and written statement of goals and objectives are reviewed by the Program Committee of the Medical Sciences Program. The Program Committee arrives at an admission decision after reviewing the completed application. Students are notified in writing of the admissions decision within two weeks of the decision. There is only one category of admission - there is no provisional admission to the MMS.
11. Admission to the MS in Medical Sciences does not confer admission to the Ph.D. in Medical Sciences, which is a distinct graduate program offered through the College of Health Sciences.

4+1 BS/MS Programs

These accelerated degree programs provide students with the opportunity to complete a bachelor’s degree in Applied Molecular Biology and Biotechnology or Medical Laboratory Science or Medical Diagnostics or Medical Diagnostics/Pre-PA and a master’s degree in Medical Sciences in less time at less cost than completing both programs individually. With a combined degree, students will have specialized, in-depth professional skills knowledge and will be prepared to succeed within the increasingly complex biomedical science sector. In today’s competitive employment market, individuals seeking management and leadership positions in the laboratory-based professions require a graduate level degree. The 4+1 program will allow students to specifically tailor their graduate program of study to meet their specific career goals, whether it be laboratory administration, research or laboratory science education.

While completing the 4+1 program, students will take six (6) credits of graduate-level courses in lieu of regularly required undergraduate courses in the major. The six credits will be counted toward both the Bachelor of Science degree and the Master of Science.

Admission to the graduate program is competitive. Those who meet stated minimum requirements are no guaranteed admission, nor are those who fail to meet all of those requirements necessarily precluded from admission if they offer appropriate strengths.

Admission Requirements

Expected Minimum Requirements for Admission and Progression - Admissions decisions are made by the Masters in Medical Sciences Program Committee. Students will be admitted to the program based on enrollment availability and their ability to meet the following minimum recommended entrance requirements. Application is competitive and a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.2 is strongly recommended for consideration. A high level of academic success in the first four semesters of coursework of an MMSC major is required. Following provisional admission, students must maintain a 3.0 GPA throughout their remaining undergraduate studies. Students who fail to demonstrate satisfactory academic progress may be restricted from progressing to the graduate phase of the program. Once students complete their baccalaureate degree coursework, the provisional status is removed.

Specific Admission Procedures

Students apply for admission to the Masters in Medical Sciences by May 15th of their sophomore year and are provisionally admitted as juniors. Students submit the following through the application portal on the University of Delaware Graduate and Professional School website. Admission applications are available at https://grad.udel.edu/apply/

1. Written statement of goals and objectives (the personal statement) that clearly identifies the applicant’s research and curriculum interests and explains how admission to the program will facilitate their professional objectives. The personal statement must specify the intention to pursue the 4+1 track with a Masters in Medical Sciences.
2. Application is competitive and a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.2 is recommended for consideration.
3. Current résumé and two letters of recommendation. One of the two letters of reference must be from a Department of MMS professor who is familiar with the applicant.
4. The GRE is not required.

Masters’ of Science in Applied Molecular Biology and Biotechnology (AMBB) and Masters’ of Science in Medical Laboratory Science (MLS)

These Masters’ programs are available to students who have already earned a baccalaureate degree in a major other than AMBB or MLS offered by the Department of Medical and Molecular Sciences. The programs are designed for students who are interested in Biotechnology or Medical Laboratory Sciences and who wish to acquire specific sets of technical and managerial competencies that will prepare them for employment in biotech, clinical, or research laboratories. These accelerated programs are offered in intensive curricula that are completed in 12 or 18 consecutive months of full‐time study, respectively, including summer sessions. At the conclusion of the advanced or professional programs, the Master of Science degree is awarded by the University.

Admission

Admission to the graduate program is competitive. Those who meet stated minimum requirements are not guaranteed admission, nor are those who fail to meet all of those requirements necessarily precluded from admission if they offer appropriate strengths.

The MS in Applied Molecular Biology program is not intended for those who already hold a Bachelor’s degree in Applied Molecular Biology and Biotechnology. Such individuals should consider enrolling in the MS in Medical Sciences offered through the Department of Medical and Molecular Sciences, which is intended for those who have already completed a BS degree in a Biotechnology laboratory based discipline. Questions regarding which MS degree program is appropriate should be directed to the Program Director for the MS in AMBB.

Admission Requirements

Expected Minimum Requirements for Admission into the MS in Applied Molecular Biology & Biotechnology - Admissions decisions are made by the Department of Medical and Molecular Sciences’ Master’s Program Committee. Students will be admitted to the program based on enrollment availability and their ability to meet the following minimum recommended entrance requirements:

1. Successful completion of a Bachelor’s degree, from an accredited academic institution, in a biomedical sciences based discipline, including, but not limited to: Biology, Chemistry, Biochemistry, Nutrition or Exercise Science. 
2. Students not having completed a BS in a science based discipline may be considered for admission provided they have completed the following science and math prerequisite coursework: 12 credits Biological Sciences, with lab, including one semester of Microbiology; 8 credits of General Chemistry, 4 credits of Organic Chemistry; 3 credits of college level math or elementary statistics.
3. Application is competitive and a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 is recommended. 
4. The GRE is not required.
5. Completion of the TOEFL requirements are described in detail below for international applicants
6. Written statement of goals and objectives (the personal statement) that clearly identifies the applicant’s research and curriculum interests and explains how admission to the program will facilitate his/her professional objectives.
7. Current résumé and two academic or professional letters of recommendation.

All students will be expected to be sufficiently conversant in English and knowledgeable in the written word to convey clear, logical and complex written expressions.

Expected Minimum Requirements for Admission into the MS in Medical Laboratory Science - Admissions decisions are made by the Department of Medical and Molecular Sciences’ Master’s Program Committee. Students will be admitted to the program based on enrollment availability and their ability to meet the following minimum recommended entrance requirements:

1. Successful completion of a Bachelor’s degree, from an accredited academic institution, in a biomedical science-based discipline, including, but not limited to: Biology, Chemistry, Biochemistry, Nutrition or Exercise Science.
2. Students not having completed a BS in a science-based discipline may be considered for admission provided they have completed the following science and math prerequisite coursework: 16 credits of Biological Sciences including one semester of Microbiology (a course in Immunology is strongly recommended); 12 credits of chemistry including one semester of organic chemistry; and 3 credits of college level math or statistics.
3. Application is competitive and a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 is recommended.
4. The GRE is not required.
5. Completion of the TOEFL requirements are described in detail below for international applicants
6. Written statement of goals and objectives (the personal statement) that clearly identifies the applicant’s research and curriculum interests and explains how admission to the program will facilitate his/her professional objectives.
7. Current résumé and two academic or professional letters of recommendation.

All students will be expected to be sufficiently conversant in English and knowledgeable in the written word to convey clear, logical and complex written expressions.

Specific Admission Procedures - Applicants must submit all of the following items directly to the University Office of Graduate Studies using the online admission process before admission can be considered. Admission applications are available at https://grad.udel.edu/apply/

1. A nonrefundable application fee must be submitted with the application. Credit card payment is accepted with the online application. Checks must be payable to the University of Delaware. Applications received without the application fee will not be processed. International students paying by check must use a check drawn on a US bank or an International Postal Money Order.
2. Applicants must submit responses to specific questions asked on the application; a résumé; and a statement of professional goals and objectives.
3. Applicants must submit at least two letters of recommendation. All letters of recommendation should be mailed directly to the Office of Graduate Studies.
4. One official transcript of all US colleges and universities attended must be sent directly from the institution to the Office of Graduate Studies or be provided in a sealed envelope with the application packet. Students who have attended the University of Delaware need not supply a transcript from Delaware.
5. One official transcript of all non-US based college and university records is required. The transcript must list all classes taken and grades earned. If the transcript does not state that the degree has been awarded, send a degree certificate that states that the degree has been awarded. If the degree has not been awarded or the degree certificate has not been issued, evidence of the awarded degree must be provided prior to the first day of classes in the term of admission. For institutions that issue documents only in English, send the English original. For institutions that issue documents both in English and a foreign language, send both the English language original and the foreign language original. For institutions that issue documents only in a foreign language, send the foreign language original and a certified translation in English. The translation must be certified by an official of the issuing institution, a state- or court-appointed translator, or the Embassy of the issuing country in the United States.
   • If it is necessary to send non-original documents: a. The documents must be original “attested copies”, officially attested to by the issuing institution or the Embassy of the using country in the United States, and b. Certified translations must be originals, no copies will be accepted.
6. International student applicants must demonstrate a satisfactory level of proficiency in the English language if English is not the first language. The Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) is offered by the ETS in test centers throughout the world. The University requires an official paper-based TOEFL score of at least 550 or at least 79 on the Internet-based TOEFL for an applicant to be considered for admission. TOEFL scores more than two years old cannot be validated or considered official.
7. International students must be offered admission to the University and provide evidence of adequate financial resources before a student visa will be issued. The University has been authorized under federal law to enroll nonimmigrant alien students. International students are required to purchase the University-sponsored insurance plan or its equivalent.
8. All first-time international students are required to attend the Orientation Day for new international students, which takes place before classes begin.
9. It is a Delaware State Board of Health regulation and a University of Delaware mandate that all graduate students with a birth date after January 1, 1957, be immunized for measles, mumps and rubella (MMR). Also, students may be required to provide evidence of PPD (Mantoux) Tuberculosis Screening Test within 6 months prior to beginning classes. Students who are admitted beginning January 2002 are required to show proof of vaccination against meningococcal disease unless granted a waiver. Students should refer to and complete the Student Health Service Immunization Documentation form upon admission.

Admission Application Processing - Applications will be processed as they are submitted. The admission process is completed as follows: First, completed applications consisting of the application form, academic transcripts, letters of recommendations, résumé, and written statement of goals and objectives are reviewed by the Medical and Molecular Sciences’ Master’s Program Committee.

The Program Committee arrives at an admission decision after reviewing the completed application. Students are notified in writing of the admissions decision within two weeks of the decision. It should be noted, admission to the MS in Medical Laboratory Science does not confer admission to the Ph.D. in Medical Sciences, which is a distinct graduate program offered through the College of Health Sciences.

Application Deadlines

Applications will be taken on a rolling basis to allow for admittance in the Fall semester (only). Note: International applicant deadlines precede Domestic, US citizen applicants, due to additional timing requirements for obtaining an appropriate student VISA.

MS in Applied Molecular Biology and Biotechnology

June 1 (International applicants)

August 1 (Domestic applicants, US citizens)

MS in Medical Laboratory Science

November 15 (International Applicants)

January 15 (Domestic Applicants)

Programs

• Applied Molecular Biology and Biotechnology - Non-Thesis (MS)
• Medical Laboratory Sciences - Non-Thesis (MS)
• Medical Sciences (MS)
• Microbiology (MS)

• Medical Sciences (PhD)
• Microbiology (PhD)

• Applied Molecular Biology and Biotechnology/Medical Sciences 4+1 (BS/MS)
• Medical Diagnostics/Medical Sciences 4+1 (BS/MS)
• Medical Laboratory Science/Medical Sciences 4+1 (BS/MS)