Overview

This certificate offers a carefully designed curriculum that provides advanced training in cell and molecular biology. The certificate is designed to provide flexibility in professional concentration and mode of delivery creating opportunities for professional development in the biotechnology and pharmaceutical industries as well as in a clinical setting.

Two required online courses [BTC/CMB/MLS 501 Clinical Laboratory Management (3 cr) and BTC/CMB/MLS 595 Molecular Diagnostics (3 cr)] provide unifying content that encompasses fundamental knowledge of molecular diagnostic methods and contemporary approaches to laboratory management. Core competencies are then developed through the completion of a few specialization courses (6-9 cr total; Options: Cell and Molecular Biology, Biotechnology or Medical Laboratory Science) based on the individual’s specific interests and professional needs.  

Those choosing the Cell and Molecular Biology option can select 6 cr from the following list of in-person courses: 

CMB 581 – General Biochemistry I (3 cr), CMB 582 – General Biochemistry II (3 cr), CMB/BPS 522 – Bioinformatics (3 cr), CMB 560 – Experimental Approaches in Molecular and Cell Biology (3 cr), CMB 537 – Fundamentals of Molecular Biology (3 cr), CMB 552 – Microbial Genetics. 

Those choosing the Biotechnology option can select 6 cr from the following list of courses: 

BTC/MLS 522 – Biotechnology Manufacturing for the Life Sciences (online; 3 cr), MLS 571 – Biotechnology Product Evaluation and Development (online; 3 cr), BTC/MLS 575 – The Business of Biotechnology (online; 3 cr), CMB 537 – Fundamentals of Molecular Biology (in-person; 3 cr). 

Those choosing the Medical Laboratory Science option must complete 9 cr of the following courses: 

MLS 501 – Advanced Clinical Microbiology I (online; 3 cr), MLS 541 – Advanced Clinical Microbiology II (online; 3 cr), MLS 542 – Advanced Clinical Microbiology Practicum (in person at affiliated hospital; 3 cr). 

The CMB and Biotechnology options require 12 cr for completion while the MLS option requires an additional 3 cr (15 cr total) of laboratory training in an affiliated hospital for completion. Those completing the MLS option will be well prepared to meet eligibility requirements for the national certification exam in the area of clinical microbiology.

The graduate certificate in CMB provides advanced educational opportunities in an important and expansive scientific arena (biomedical and medical laboratory science). The advanced, specialized education received by completion of the certificate offers opportunities for professional development and career advancement to recipients in the important biotechnology and healthcare industries and fosters learning and success in matters of critical importance in the world. 

Requirements

The certificate requires completion of the following two online courses:

• BTC/CMB/MLS 510 Clinical Laboratory Management (3 cr; spring)
• BTC/CMB/MLS 595 Molecular Diagnostics (3 cr; fall)

In addition, specializations within the certificate require the following:

Cell and Molecular Biology Option – select an additional 6 cr from the following list of in-person courses: 

• CMB/BPS 522 – Bioinformatics (3 cr; spring)
• CMB 537 – Fundamentals of Molecular Biology (3 cr; spring)
• CMB 552 – Microbial Genetics (3 cr; spring)
• CMB 560 – Experimental Approaches in Molecular and Cell Biology (3 cr; spring)
• CMB 581 – General Biochemistry I (3 cr; fall)
• CMB 582 – General Biochemistry II (3 cr; spring)

Biotechnology Option – select an additional 6 cr from the following list of courses: 

• BTC/MLS 522 – Biotechnology Manufacturing for the Life Sciences (online; 3 cr; summer)
• BTC/MLS 575 – The Business of Biotechnology (online; 3 cr; spring)
• CMB 537 – Fundamentals of Molecular Biology (in-person; 3 cr; spring)
• MLS 571 – Biotechnology Product Evaluation and Development (online; 3 cr; fall)

Medical Laboratory Sciences Option – must complete 9 cr of the following courses: 

• MLS 501 – Advanced Clinical Microbiology I (online; 3 cr; fall)
• MLS 541 – Advanced Clinical Microbiology II (online; 3 cr; spring)
• MLS 542 – Advanced Clinical Microbiology Practicum (in person at affiliated hospital; 3 cr; summer) 

The CMB and Biotechnology options require 12 cr total for completion while the MLS option requires the completion of 15 cr total. Those completing the MLS option will be well prepared to meet eligibility requirements for the national certification exam in the area of clinical microbiology.

Admission Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in a STEM discipline from an accredited institution. 
• An undergraduate grade point average of 3.0 or better.* 

*Applicants with a GPA lower than 3.0 may be considered for provisional admission. 

Please visit the international admission site for information about language requirements for international students.

Application Instructions

Submit an online application through the URI Graduate School.

Provide the following information:

• College Transcripts from all institutions attended. 
• Two letters of recommendation 
• Resume/CV 
• Statement of purpose including: 
  1. Relevant work experience 
  2. Reasons for applying to the online program at URI 
  3. Professional goals, as well as plans for achieving these goals 

NOTE: GREs (general or subject) are not required.

Cost

Standard URI tuition and fee rates for graduate programs apply

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