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.

Admission Requirements:
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 will be held on Monday, February 25, 2013 from 12:00 Noon until 1:00 p.m. in University Center Room 312.

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. Accordingly, the Department of Biological Sciences, aware of the financial burden placed on these APMB students, does its utmost to provide financial support in the form of partial tuition remission as well as to help students identify potential sources of financial aid. 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 addition to the free-standing M.S. program, UMBC undergraduates have the opportunity to participate in a five-year, combined B.S.-M.S. program in which up to 9 credits can be applied to both degrees. This combined program provides significant financial benefits to students in that they pay for fewer graduate credits and they become eligible to serve as part-time teaching assistants.

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

The requirement for BIOL 430 may be waived for students who have already taken a comparable course in biochemistry and received a grade of B or better. Since all M.S. degrees awarded by the Graduate School require a minimum of 30 credits, three replacement credits may be earned by conducting additional research (APMB 695) during the January winter session or by substituting an elective course approved by the Graduate Program Director.

Apply now!