The M.S. degree in Applied Molecular Biology is designed to be completed in two semesters for holders of a baccalaureate degree. In addition, UMBC undergraduates majoring in Biological Sciences or in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology may participate in the Accelerated Program that requires a minimum of one semester in the Graduate School after the bachelor’s degree has been obtained; 9-12 credits may count toward both degrees.

Biotechnology remains a major growth industry. Professionals trained in recombinant DNA techniques and other approaches of modern molecular biology are in great demand. Much of this demand is for master's-level graduates who have the theoretical knowledge and laboratory experience to carry out cutting-edge research in the biotechnology industry. To meet the need for this new kind of science professional, a Masters program in Applied Molecular Biology (APMB) was established at UMBC in 1981. In just two semesters, the program provides each student with a goal-oriented research project that utilizes state-of-the-art methods of molecular biology along with a set of courses that enhances the student's ability to read and critically analyze the current scientific literature. This dual approach facilitates independent thinking and experimental design.

The APMB program complements existing master's and doctoral programs at UMBC and takes advantage of its vigorous, ongoing research programs in molecular biology and related areas at UMBC. Moreover, the program also provides excellent training for students intending to enter a doctoral program.  With the APMB courses fulfilling most of the course requirements of UMBC's Ph.D. program in Molecular and Cell Biology, each year several APMB graduates join it or other departmental doctoral programs.

The M.S. program in Applied Molecular Biology (APMB) is an intensive, two semester graduate program that combines state-of-the-art training in the laboratory methods of molecular biology with a set of four lecture courses that provide the theoretical background for the field. Founded in 1981, the program was the first of its kind in the U.S.  

To be admitted to graduate study in the Department of Biological Sciences, students must meet the following pre-requisites:

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited four-year college or university
• Calculus (one semester)
• Organic Chemistry (two semesters with laboratory)
• Physics (two semesters)
• Genetics (one semester)
• Cell Biology (one semester)
• Research Experience (preferred but not required)

An AMB Open House for all students interested in this 9-month Master’s Degree program is held during February during which current APMB students present the results of their research project. Information about enrolling in the program are also provided.

The program has been designed specifically for full-time students who have an interest in careers in the biotechnology industry and have completed their bachelor’s degrees. Because of the intensive nature of the program, students planning on completing the degree in two semesters are generally unable to hold outside employment. Some students choose to complete the APMB in four semesters, taking the lecture courses in the first year and the laboratory courses in the second year. This enables them to hold outside employment.

In the APMB program, students will:

• Learn the methods of molecular and computational biology required for employment in the biotechnology industry
• Achieve mastery of the various laboratory techniques by conducting research on a real-world problem
• Become knowledgeable in the theoretical basis of molecular biology through the study of original scientific literature
• Develop skills in oral and poster presentations of scientific research as well as accurate recording of laboratory data
• Work and learn in a supportive environment

Degree requirements

• BIOL 430 Biological Chemistry
• BIOL 612 Microbial Systems and Synthetic Biology
• BIOL 626 Approaches to Molecular Biology
• BIOL 635L Advanced Molecular Biology Laboratory I
• BIOL 614 Eukaryotic Genetics & Molecular Biology
• BIOL 636L Advanced Molecular Biology Laboratory II
• APMB 798 Research in Applied Molecular Biology

Requirements for Admission

The Department of Biological Sciences offers all the benefits of an active research and training department. With a low graduate student-faculty ratio, we provide individualized attention to every student. Faculty advisors, assisted by our graduate coordinator, carefully guide and support our students through each phase of their graduate education.

Applicants are holistically evaluated according to their undergraduate coursework, their grade point average score (GPA), their graduate record examination score (GRE), their letters of recommendation, written statement of goals and interests, and background and experience. Applicants may have undergraduate degrees from biological, computational, or other disciplines. However, applicants are expected to have scholarly competence in biology, computer science, or/and mathematics.

Application deadline: January 1st. The graduate programs in the Department of Biological Sciences do not admit for the Spring semester. Applications to the Applied Molecular Biology (AMB) Master’s Program are considered on a rolling basis until all positions are filled. For best consideration to the AMB program, apply by March 1st.

Requirements for admission

To be admitted to graduate study in the Department of Biological Sciences, students should have the following recommended preparation:

Candidates with a biological or related degree

• Calculus (one semester)
• Organic Chemistry (two semesters with laboratory)
• Physics (two semesters)
• Genetics (one semester)
• Cell Biology (one semester)
• Research Experience (preferred, but not required)

Candidates with a computational or related degree

Candidate students with an undergraduate degree in Computer Science, Bioinformatics, Information Systems, or related fields only require the programming skills and biological background included within their degree. Candidate students with an undergraduate degree in Biological Sciences, Chemistry, Biochemistry or related fields applying to the Computational, Bioinformatics, and Systems Biology Area of Specialization are expected to have basic programming skills (equivalent at least to a one semester course).

Application documents

• Completed Graduate School application
• A bachelor’s degree at an accredited four-year college or university
• Statement of academic goals and research interests
• Three letters of recommendation
• Resume
• Official transcripts from all college-level institutions attended
• Official report of the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) general test*
• Official report of the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) from applicants whose native language is not English. A minimum score of 80 on the iBT is required for admission.

*GRE scores are waived for all students applying for Fall 2022 admission. Students are welcome to submit GRE scores if they wish, but are not required to.

Applying for admissions

To begin the formal application process, please visit the Graduate School website where you may apply online. The online application requires paying the $50 application fee by credit card.

Our programs admit students for Fall matriculation only. Please note, prior arrangements with a research mentor is not required at time of application. It is recommended that applicants include faculty or research areas they wish to work with in their goal statement.

Financial Assistance

Applicants should contact the financial aid office at UMBC if they wish to explore sources of financial aid. Students may be eligible for student loan programs.

Tuition fee-2 years$50,000

Total fee-2 years$80,000