Master of Science - Molecular Biosciences

Molecular Biosciences is a dynamic continuum of disciplines, which uses the approaches of chemistry, physics, and biology to understand the fundamental mechanisms of living organisms. Washington State University's (WSU) School of Molecular Biosciences offers many exciting opportunities for graduate students to explore the vast range of life science research, including the Master of Science in Molecular Biosciences. Representative disciplines include biochemistry, biophysics, cell biology, genetics, immunology, microbiology, molecular biology, structural biology and virology.

Student Opportunities:

Students entering into the School of Molecular Biosciences in the College of Veterinary Medicine will pursue an interdisciplinary M.S. degree in Molecular Biosciences. Entering students do rotations through three research laboratories to choose a dissertation/thesis advisor. Over 50 research laboratories (see the faculty interest page) are associated with the School of Molecular Biosciences, investigating problems in diverse systems, including bacteria, yeast, plants, and animals. Graduates acquire a breadth and depth of knowledge that allows them to adapt quickly to new information and approaches developed in the rapidly changing field of molecular biosciences.

Career Opportunities:

Alumni have gone on to opportunities and successful careers in academic and industrial science, especially in the biotechnology industry. Career opportunities include positions in food, agricultural, pharmaceutical, and biotechnology industries, private or government laboratories and departments, and nonprofit institutions such as clinical and hospital laboratories and research institutes. With the advent of the “biological revolution,” which will continue well into the 21st century, new opportunities with links to the worlds of public, health, business, law, and government are ever expanding.

Career Placements:

Master’s degree alumni have received many placements including the following: pursuing higher education degrees at Gonzaga University, School of Law; Washington State University, College of Veterinary Medicine; doctoral programs at Pennsylvania State University, Taiwan University, University of Denver; California State University, Davis; and many others. Alums have also gone into industry to renowned laboratories at Amgen, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Battelle, Pacific Northwest Research Labs; Infectious Disease Research Institute, Seattle; and many academic research labs.