Official Certificate Program: Post-Baccalaureate Certificate in Cell and Molecular Biology

Program Overview

This non-degree certificate program is designed for college graduates wishing to expand or update their knowledge of modern cell and molecular biology, but who are not ready to commit to graduate programs leading to the master's degree.  This post-baccalaureate certificate program provides these students a formal option for acquiring both advanced instruction and academic advisement.

Admission

Students must have completed a bachelor's degree to participate in the program.  Potential students should contact Office of Graduate Admissions to request an application packet.  The application requires official transcripts from all colleges and universities attended and an essay describing why the student is interested in the program.  Completed applications will be filed with the Graduate Admissions Office.  The Biomolecular Sciences chair will schedule an interview with the applicant, during which an advisory committee will work with the candidate to develop an individualized plan of study in keeping with their academic backgrounds and professional goals.  The advisory committee will make admission recommendations to the department which will make final admission decisions on a rolling basis.  Successful applications will have a 2.70 undergraduate cumulative grade point average and course prerequisites must be met, including BMS 102 and BMS 103 (or BIO 121), BMS 190, BMS 201, BMS 290; and CHEM 161, CHEM 162, CHEM 163, and CHEM 164; or equivalent.  Post-baccalaureate students will be classified as graduate students; they may be either part-time or full-time and may qualify for financial aid.  Only students matriculated as full-time may take nine or more credits a semester.  Part-time and non-matriculated students are limited to less than nine credits/semester.

Program Requirements

The Official Certificate Program in Cell and Molecular Biology will require 18-20 credits in approved cell and molecular biology courses (see below), including BMS 572, BMS 591 and at least two cell and molecular biology courses that include laboratory instruction.  Any individual program must be selected and approved in consultation with the Biomolecular Sciences advisor.  A minimum of 15 credits in the planned program must be taken at CCSU.

Note:  To enroll in BMS 572 or 591, students need to have a planned program approved by the the biomolecular sciences advisor. 

The student must maintain a 3.00 (B) cumulative grade point average in order to be in good academic standing and to receive the post-baccalaureate certificate.  Upon completion of the planned certificate program, a certificate will be issued from the dean, School of Graduate Studies.  (While completion of this program does not lead to a graduate degree, courses at the 400-level or above that are taken as part of the post-baccalaureate certificate program may be counted towards a master's degree, provided that the graduate-syllabus option is elected at the time of course registration in all 400-level courses; all master's program admissions and degree requirements are met; and the courses are part of a planned program of study approved by the master's degree advisor. Students must apply to the MA through Graduate Admission.)