Biology (Stem Cell) Graduate Programs

Stem Cell Biology Graduate Programs and Curriculum

Students who enter stem cell biology graduate programs typically do so with either a bachelor degree in biology or physical science or a strong background in biology or the physical sciences. Many graduate programs in stem cell biology deepen students’ knowledge of basic and clinical science and broaden their approach to include an emphasis on stem cell biology and regenerative medicine. The curriculum commonly includes courses in the following subjects:

• Molecular biophysics
• Eukaryotic molecular biology
• The human proteome
• Systems biology
• Cellular biology
• Quantitative biology
• Biophysical and macromolecular biology
• Regenerative medicine

Many graduate programs offer the option to specialize in a research “cluster”, focusing on areas such as cancer biology, chemical biology and drugs, immunology, and reproductive biology. Earning a master’s degree in stem cell biology generally requires one to two years of intensive study. Most programs may require submission and defense of a thesis as well as the completion of didactic coursework and faculty-supervised lab and research projects.

Stem Cell Biology Career Paths

Most stem cell biologists enter the fields of medicine, academia, or industry. Some graduate students earn their M.S. then continue to M.D. programs. Those students generally become doctors, physicians, or medical researchers. Many stem cell biologists with an M.D. place heavier emphasis on research than practicing medicine. Other students may decide to pursue a Ph.D., and enter careers as professors or academic researchers. Still other students end their formal education with an M.S. in stem cell biology and work as college instructors, academic researchers, or supervisors in industries connected to stem cell biology.

Stem Cell Biology Future Job Outlook

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics medical researchers, or medical scientists, earn a median income of $76,700/year. Doctors earn a median income of $166,400/year, post-secondary educators, or professors, earn a median income of $62,600/year, and managers earn a median income of $84,270/year.

The U.S. Department of Labor predicts each profession discussed above will grow at an average or above average rate over the next ten years. Employment of medical researchers or scientists is expected to grow by 36%; the employment of medical and health services managers is expected to grow by 22%; the employment of post-secondary teachers and researchers is expected to grow by 17%; and the employment of medical doctors and surgeons is expected to grow by 24%.

The chart below illustrates some of the salaries earned by doctors, medical researchers, post-secondary educators, and managers:

Data according to

http://www.bls.gov/ooh/life-physical-and-social-science/medical-scientists.htm

http://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/physicians-and-surgeons.htm

http://www.bls.gov/ooh/Education-Training-and-Library/Postsecondary-teachers.htm

http://www.bls.gov/ooh/Management/Medical-and-health-services-managers.htm