The Molecular Biosciences Ph.D. interdisciplinary program focuses on the study of
biological problems at the molecular level using chemical, computational, mathematical,
physical, and statistical approaches as well as conventional biological approaches.
Faculty come from the departments of Biology, Chemistry, Mathematical Sciences, and
Physics and Astronomy, offering students a truly diverse education. The program helps
each graduate develop in-depth research ability in a specific area within the sub-disciplines.
Doctoral candidates initially engage in bench research with faculty mentors. Students
later design and conduct research as independent scientists who contribute original
knowledge to the discipline and complete a dissertation. Faculty are engaged in research
areas such as biochemistry, biotechnology, cell biology, ecology, environmental toxicology,
evolutionary biology, immunology, microbiology, molecular modeling, and structural
biology. Students are required to make research presentations, author or co-author
journal articles, and make a significant contribution to an external grant proposal.
Research and teaching assistantships are available on a competitive basis.
Grad on track to research regenerative therapies
Eric Vick (2014, Ph.D., Molecular Biosciences) is pursuing his M.D. at the University
of Tennessee medical school in Memphis. He will specialize in clinical pathogenesis
to help develop new treatments for infectious diseases without adequate treatment
regimens. Vick wants to research regenerative therapies, such as the 3D printing of
organs derived from a person's own stem cells. He and Molecular Biosciences Ph.D.
candidate Matthew Wright also launched a biotech company, Salomon’s House, to isolate
new drugs from endangered and unusual plants around the world. The Ph.D. program helped
his communication skills, especially while participating in a National Science Foundation
GK-12 Fellowship two years, Vick says. "I think going through the MOBI program has
given me a great start as a scientist and will help to make me a better physician,"
he adds. Vick received the New Investigator Award at the American Society for Reproductive
Immunology Annual Meeting and a Travel Award for the International Teacher-Scientist
Partnership Meeting in 2013.
Ph.D. students enjoy numerous lab opportunities
Procter & Gamble awarded Amy (Shaffer) Beasley a doctoral internship during two summers
to assess potential environmental risks associated with chemicals in P&G products.
Jacob Crigler was voted best overall presentation at the American Society for Microbiology
KY-TN Branch Meeting, a first for MTSU. He is researching bacterial strain design
for biofuel production with dissertation advisor Dr. Elliot Altman. “In the two years
I have been in the program, I have learned a host of molecular biology and bacterial
genetics lab techniques,” Crigler says. Shaffer, who finished her college degree after
raising four children and running a small business, first studied with dissertation
advisor Dr. Ryan Otter on an Undergraduate Research Experience grant. She planned
to teach high school, but realized she was a researcher at heart. “I was able to tailor
curriculum and project goals to specifically prepare for a career in industry when
I graduate,” she says.
Related Media
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MTSU College of Graduate Studies
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MTSU | The University of Opportunities
The Molecular Biosciences doctorate program aims to produce graduates who are fully
prepared to pursue research careers in academia, industry, and at national labs. Most
graduates either go on to do academic postdoctoral fellows, or are hired by industrial
or medical biotechnology companies or the pharmaceutical industry.
Employers of MTSU alumni
Because this degree program is quite new, employer information is still being compiled.
Graduates have accepted post-doctoral fellowships at
- Jude Children’s Research Hospital
- Virginia Tech Center for Drug Discovery
The College of Basic and Applied Sciences awards the Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.)
in Molecular Biosciences through a rigorous, research-oriented course of study. The interdisciplinary Master of Science (M.S.) in Professional Science is offered
with concentrations in Actuarial Sciences, Biostatistics, Biotechnology, Chemistry Analytics, Engineering Management, Fermentation Science, and Health Care Informatics.
Interdisciplinary programs that lead to the Bachelor of Science (B.S.) include Data Science and Forensic Science.
Admission is based on a comprehensive assessment of a candidate’s qualifications.
Applicants must have an earned bachelor’s, master’s, or doctoral degree from an accredited
university or college in biochemistry, biology, chemistry, or a closely related subject.
In addition, the following are specifically recommended:
- six semesters of a combination of general biology, microbiology, cell biology, genetics,
and biochemistry courses, including some laboratory coursework;
- two semesters of general/inorganic chemistry and at least one semester of organic
chemistry, which should include a laboratory component;
- two semesters of physics;
- one semester of calculus.
NOTE: Students who lack any component of these minimum course requirements will be
asked to remedy their deficiency or demonstrate competency in these areas.
Students entering with a master’s degree in a science discipline may have up to 16
graduate hours of previous coursework applied after determination that the content
of the courses is directly equivalent to existing courses in the Molecular Biosciences
curriculum.
A student entering with a prior doctoral degree will be treated the same as a student
entering with a prior master's degree (i.e., only relevant courses from the prior
doctoral degree may be considered for credit toward the Molecular Biosciences Ph.D.
degree).
For complete curriculum details, click on the REQUIREMENTS tab above.
Other programs
Two other interdisciplinary Ph.D. programs are available in the College of Basic and
Applied Sciences: Computational and Data Science and Mathematics and Science Education (concentrations in Biological Education, Chemical Education, Interdisciplinary Science
Education, and Mathematics Education).
The interdisciplinary Master of Science (M.S.) in Professional Science is offered
with concentrations in Actuarial Sciences, Biostatistics, Biotechnology, Engineering Management, and Health Care Informatics.
The undergraduate Forensic Science interdisciplinary program leads to the Bachelor of Science (B.S.).
Molecular Biosciences, Ph.D.
Jason R. Jessen, Program Director
(615) 898-2060
Jason.Jessen@mtsu.edu
The Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Molecular Biosciences is an interdisciplinary program in the College of Basic and Applied Sciences that includes faculty from the departments of Biology, Chemistry, Mathematical Sciences, and School of Agriculture. It is a rigorous, research-oriented course of study that aims to help students develop an understanding of cellular function and biological mechanisms at a molecular scale.
All students in the program will be expected to complete a minimum of two consecutive semesters of full-time study in residence at MTSU. Only full-time students will be admitted.
Please see undergraduate catalog for information regarding undergraduate programs.
Admissions Requirements
Admission to the Ph.D. in Molecular Biosciences program is based on a comprehensive assessment of a candidate's qualifications, including
- an earned bachelor's, master's, or doctoral degree from an accredited university or college in biochemistry, biology, chemistry, or a closely related subject. In addition, the following undergraduate courses are specifically recommended:
- six semesters of a combination of general biology, microbiology, cell biology, genetics, and biochemistry courses, including some laboratory coursework;
- two semesters of general/inorganic chemistry and at least one semester of organic chemistry, which should include a laboratory component;
- two semesters of physics;
- one semester of calculus.
NOTE: Students who lack any component of these minimum course requirements will be asked to remedy their deficiency or demonstrate competency in these areas.
- an acceptable grade point average in all college work taken. Successful applicants typically have a minimum 3.50 GPA in their graduate work or a minimum 3.00 GPA when entering with a bachelor's degree.
- acceptable scores on the Graduate Record Examination (GRE).
- letters of recommendation that address the applicant's potential to successfully complete a Ph.D. in Molecular Biosciences.
NOTE: International students must also meet the College of Graduate Studies requirement for proof of English language proficiency. This may be accomplished by submission of TOEFL, UMELI, or IELTS scores that meet the college's requirements or by successful completion of level 112 of ELS coursework.
Applicants will be interviewed via Zoom (or equivalent) by the Molecular Biosciences (MOBI) admissions committee (six faculty members) and the MOBI director.
Application Procedures
All application materials are to be submitted to the College of Graduate Studies.
Application deadlines: The application deadline is January 31 for those wishing to be considered for graduate assistantships for the following Fall. Applications may also be considered for Spring admission. This deadline is September 30. Late applications may also be considered, but assistantship availability may be limited.
Applicant must
- submit application with the appropriate application fee (online at www.mtsu.edu/graduate/apply.php). Once this initial application has been accepted, the applicant will receive directions on how to enter the graduate portal to be able to submit other materials.
- submit official transcripts of all previous college work.
- submit official scores for the verbal, quantitative, and analytical writing measures of the GRE that indicate potential for success in the Molecular Biosciences program. The GRE is an important measure and is given significant consideration in the admissions review process. Successful applicants typically have scores on the Verbal and Quantitative measure above the 50th percentile for persons intending graduate study in science with a combined score that exceeds 297.
- provide letters of recommendation from at least three professors or professionals that address the applicant's potential to successfully complete a Ph.D. in the Molecular Biosciences program.
- submit a one- to two-page statement explaining why they are seeking a Ph.D. degree, listing areas of research interest, and indicating three professors in the program whose research he/she finds intriguing. Faculty research interests can be found at www.mtsu.edu/programs/molecular-biosciences-phd/. Applicants are strongly encouraged to contact potential faculty mentors to find out more about their research, possible dissertation projects, and their availability to host lab rotations.
Degree Requirements
The Ph.D. in Molecular Biosciences requires completion of a minimum of 65-95 semester hours.
Candidate must
- complete a minimum of 65 post-baccalaureate semester hours (see Curriculum section below for specifics);
- make at least two research presentations at regional, national, or international meetings as the lead author or coauthor;
- be the/a first or primary author (dependent upon field of study) on at least one (1) research article published or in press in a peer-reviewed journal. Review articles or book chapters do not fulfill this requirement. Articles on subject matter unrelated to the student's field of dissertation research also do not fulfill this requirement;
- in collaboration with an MTSU faculty member serving as principal investigator, make a significant contribution to the development of at least one external grant proposal;
- complete a dissertation and successfully defend it in the final oral examination.
Curriculum: Molecular Biosciences
The following illustrates the minimum coursework requirements. In addition, a maximum of 62 hours of directed research and dissertation research may be required to fulfill degree requirements.
Core Courses (24 hours)
MOBI 7010 - Lab Rotation in Molecular Biosciences
1credit hours
Prerequisite: Admission to the MOBI doctoral program. Explores three molecular bioscience research environments for five weeks each.
MOBI 7100 - Experimental Design in Molecular Biosciences
3credit hours
Prerequisite: Admission to the MOBI doctoral program. Explores ethics, experimental design, and statistical considerations relevant to molecular biosciences.
MOBI 7105 - Experimental Techniques in Molecular Biosciences
3credit hours
Prerequisite: Admission to the MOBI doctoral program. Explores current and emerging methods in molecular bioscience.
MOBI 7205 - Dissertation Proposal Preparation in Molecular Biosciences
1credit hours
Prerequisite: Admission to the MOBI doctoral program. Preparation of dissertation proposal with the research mentor.
MOBI 7300 - Current Topics in Scientific Literature and Communication in Molecular Biosciences I
2credit hours
Prerequisite: Admission to the MOBI doctoral program. Explores current primary literature and practices scientific communication skills at the introductory level.
MOBI 7400 - Current Topics in Scientific Literature and Communication in Molecular Biosciences II
2credit hours
Prerequisite: Admission to the MOBI doctoral program. Explores current topic-specific primary literature and practices scientific communication skills at the professional level.
(Repeat for 12 hours total)
Electives (9 hours)
Each student, in consultation with his/her advisor and committee, will select at least 9 hours of elective coursework from at least two of the rubrics represented below with a minimum of 3 hours being 7000 level. Other courses not listed below may be substituted with approval of the student's advisor and committee.
BIOL 6220 - Herpetology
3credit hours
Prerequisite: BIOL 3400/3401. Corequisite: BIOL 6221. Morphology, natural history, and identification of amphibians and reptiles. Local representatives emphasized. Two lectures and one three-hour laboratory.
BIOL 6270 - Cell Metabolism and Human Disease
3credit hours
(Same as BIOL 7270). Prerequisites: BIOL 4110/4111; CHEM 3010/3011 and CHEM 3530/3531. Metabolic pathways of mammalian cells and the diseases that result from genetic defects that disrupt their normal function.
BIOL 6290 - Advanced Scanning Electron Microscopy
4credit hours
Prerequisite: Permission of instructor. Application of scanning electron microscopy to study materials with emphasis on theory of scanning electron microscopy and preparation of biological specimens for microscopy. Seven hours lecture/laboratory.
BIOL 6360 - Energy Dispersive X-Ray Theory and Analysis
1credit hours
Prerequisite: BIOL 4290 or BIOL 6290. Theory of X-ray analysis and elemental analysis of materials using an energy dispersive X-ray system with scanning electron microscopy. One three-hour laboratory.
BIOL 6390 - Advanced Cell and Molecular Biology
3credit hours
Prerequisites: BIOL 2230/2231, BIOL 3250/3251; CHEM 2030/2031 or CHEM 3010/3011. Molecular biology of the cell with emphasis on current experimental techniques. Three lectures.
BIOL 6410 - Advanced Transmitting Electron Microscopy
4credit hours
Prerequisite: Permission of instructor. Ultrastructure of the cell using basic and specialized techniques. Seven hours lecture/laboratory.
BIOL 6430 - Clinical and Pathogenic Microbiology
4credit hours
Prerequisite: BIOL 2230/2231. Comprehensive coverage of the most recent discoveries and techniques used for the identification of pathogenic organisms and their relationships to disease processes. Six hours lecture/laboratory.
BIOL 6440 - Advanced Virology
4credit hours
Prerequisites: BIOL 2230/2231; CHEM 1110/1111 and 1120/1121. Emphasizes the main virus families and their biochemical composition. Experimental approaches and techniques will be developed in order to identify and manipulate viruses. Six hours lecture/laboratory.
BIOL 6450 - Advancements in Molecular Genetics
4credit hours
Prerequisites: BIOL 2230/2231 and 3250/3251; CHEM 1110/1111 and 1120/1121. Recent advancements in microbial genetics and gene manipulation with emphasis on applications of molecular genetics, including gene regulation and recombinant DNA technology. Six hours lecture/laboratory.
BIOL 6590 - Environmental Toxicology
4credit hours
Prerequisites: BIOL 1110/1111, 1120/1121; CHEM 1110/1111, 1120/1121, and 3010/3011. Ecological effects of chemicals in the environment and techniques currently utilized to assess these effects. Current environmental assessment techniques, including biomonitoring, will be covered in the laboratory. Six hours lecture/laboratory.
BIOL 6720 - Advanced Animal Development
4credit hours
Prerequisites: BIOL 3250/3251; BIOL 4210/4211 or BIOL 6390/BIOL 6391 recommended. Corequisite: BIOL 6721. Processes and underlying molecular mechanisms by which a single fertilized egg develops into an adult organism. Focuses on vertebrate development, including insights gained from other model organisms. Three hours lecture and two hours lab.
BIOL 6730 - Advanced Microbial Physiology and Biochemistry
4credit hours
Prerequisites: BIOL 2230/2231; CHEM 1110/1111, 1120/1121, and 2030/2031 or 3010/3011 or consent of instructor. Survey of the physiology and biochemistry of prokaryotic and eukaryotic microorganisms. Six hours lecture/laboratory.
BIOL 6750 - Advanced Plant Biotechnology
4credit hours
Prerequisites: BIOL 1110/1111, 1120/1121, 3250/3251. Processes and reasoning behind the human manipulation of plant species for agricultural and technological purposes. Topics include traditional breeding techniques, tissue culture, plant cell transformation, and general plant molecular biology techniques as well as current debate over genetically modified organisms. Six hours lecture/laboratory.
BIOL 6770 - Issues in Biotechnology
2credit hours
Prerequisite: BIOL 4550/4551, BIOL 5550/5551, or 4750/BIOL 6750. Explores current and emerging issues in biotechnology. Students will be asked to solve problems drawn from biotechnology industry. Seminars, field trips, and case study work.
BIOL 6780 - Principles of Systematics
4credit hours
Prerequisites: BIOL 3250/3251 and 3500. Theory and practice of biological systematics. Concepts of characters and taxa, methods of phylogenetic inference, and applications of systematic data addressed. Five hours lecture, discussion, and laboratory exercises.
CHEM 6100 - Intermediate Organic Chemistry
3credit hours
Prerequisite: CHEM 3020/3021 or 2030/2031 or equivalent. Concepts and modern theories of organic chemistry: stereochemistry of reactions, mechanistic interpretation of organic reactions, and multistep synthesis. Offered every fall.
NOTE: Graduate standing is the prerequisite for graduate courses in chemistry. The 5000-level courses also have the same prerequisites as listed for the corresponding 4000-level courses in the undergraduate catalog.
CHEM 6110 - Topics in Organic Chemistry
3 to 6credit hours
Prerequisite: CHEM 6100. A selection of modern topics. Offered every other spring.
NOTE: Graduate standing is the prerequisite for graduate courses in chemistry. The 5000-level courses also have the same prerequisites as listed for the corresponding 4000-level courses in the undergraduate catalog.
CHEM 6230 - Intermediate Analytical Chemistry
4credit hours
Prerequisite: CHEM 2230/2231 or equivalent. Selected instrumental methods of analysis including but not limited to gas and liquid chromatography methods; ultraviolet, visible, and infrared spectroscopic methods; and flame emission and atomic absorption spectrometry. Three lectures and one three-hour laboratory period. Offered every spring.
NOTE: Graduate standing is the prerequisite for graduate courses in chemistry. The 5000-level courses also have the same prerequisites as listed for the corresponding 4000-level courses in the undergraduate catalog.
CHEM 6300 - Intermediate Physical Chemistry
3credit hours
Key concepts from classical thermodynamics, quantum theory, and chemically relevant spectroscopies. Statistical thermodynamics introduced. Offered every spring.
NOTE: Graduate standing is the prerequisite for graduate courses in chemistry. The 5000-level courses also have the same prerequisites as listed for the corresponding 4000-level courses in the undergraduate catalog.
CHEM 6500 - Biochemistry I
3credit hours
Chemical properties of biological molecules such as proteins, lipids, nucleotides, and carbohydrates. Chemical basis of enzyme catalysis. Structure of biological membranes. Offered every fall.
NOTE: Graduate standing is the prerequisite for graduate courses in chemistry. The 5000-level courses also have the same prerequisites as listed for the corresponding 4000-level courses in the undergraduate catalog.
CHEM 6510 - Biochemistry II
3credit hours
Prerequisite: CHEM 6500. The structure of lipids, amino acids, nucleotides, and nucleic acids and their metabolism at a molecular level. Emphasis on understanding the chemical basis of biological phenomena. Three hours lecture per week. Offered every spring.
NOTE: Graduate standing is the prerequisite for graduate courses in chemistry. The 5000-level courses also have the same prerequisites as listed for the corresponding 4000-level courses in the undergraduate catalog.
CHEM 6520 - Topics in Biochemistry
3credit hours
Prerequisite: CHEM 6500 or CHEM 6510 or consent of instructor. Selected topics of particular interest in biochemistry. Offered every spring. Can be repeated provided that the course topic is different.
NOTE: Graduate standing is the prerequisite for graduate courses in chemistry. The 5000-level courses also have the same prerequisites as listed for the corresponding 4000-level courses in the undergraduate catalog.
CHEM 6530 - Biochemical Techniques
2credit hours
Prerequisite/corequisite: CHEM 6500 or CHEM 6510 or consent of instructor. Laboratory in biochemical techniques with emphasis on protein purification, enzyme kinetics, carbohydrate and lipid analysis, and manipulation of DNA. Offered every spring.
NOTE: Graduate standing is the prerequisite for graduate courses in chemistry. The 5000-level courses also have the same prerequisites as listed for the corresponding 4000-level courses in the undergraduate catalog.
CHEM 6610 - Environmental Chemistry
3credit hours
Fundamental chemical principles applied to the fate and behavior of contaminants in soil-water environments. Explores important toxins and explains their movement and occurrence in ecosystems based on chemical and physical parameters. Topics will include pesticides, dioxin, mercury, and bioaccumulation.
NOTE: Graduate standing is the prerequisite for graduate courses in chemistry. The 5000-level courses also have the same prerequisites as listed for the corresponding 4000-level courses in the undergraduate catalog.
CHEM 6720 - Topics in Physical Chemistry
3 to 6credit hours
Prerequisite: CHEM 6300 or permission of department. Advanced theories of, latest literature in, and unsolved problems of a particular research area in physical chemistry selected by the professor. Offered every other fall.
NOTE: Graduate standing is the prerequisite for graduate courses in chemistry. The 5000-level courses also have the same prerequisites as listed for the corresponding 4000-level courses in the undergraduate catalog.
CHEM 7110 - Advanced Topics in Organic Chemistry
3credit hours
Prerequisite: CHEM 6110. Applications and advanced concepts in physical organic chemistry, including those used in teaching organic chemistry. Topics include classical and modern approaches in physical organic chemistry including MO theory, conformational analysis, stereochemistry, reaction mechanisms, structure and solvent effects, pericyclic reactions, and theories of acidity/basicity. Offered every other spring.
NOTE: Graduate standing is the prerequisite for graduate courses in chemistry. The 5000-level courses also have the same prerequisites as listed for the corresponding 4000-level courses in the undergraduate catalog.
CHEM 7510 - Advanced Biochemistry
3credit hours
Prerequisite: CHEM 6500 or consent of instructor. Advanced subjects in biochemistry including current techniques in structure/activity relationships of biomolecules, regulation and control of metabolic pathways, bioenergetics, enzymology, control of transcription and translation, regulation of gene expression, and biochemistry of inherited disease. Offered every other fall.
NOTE: Graduate standing is the prerequisite for graduate courses in chemistry. The 5000-level courses also have the same prerequisites as listed for the corresponding 4000-level courses in the undergraduate catalog.
CHEM 7710 - Topics in Applied Chemistry
3 to 6credit hours
Some important and current practical applications. Offered every other spring.
NOTE: Graduate standing is the prerequisite for graduate courses in chemistry. The 5000-level courses also have the same prerequisites as listed for the corresponding 4000-level courses in the undergraduate catalog.
MOBI 7010 - Lab Rotation in Molecular Biosciences
1credit hours
Prerequisite: Admission to the MOBI doctoral program. Explores three molecular bioscience research environments for five weeks each.
MOBI 7200 - Biomolecular Modeling and Simulation
3credit hours
Prerequisites: Differential equations and linear algebra. Introduces the modeling of biomolecular structure and dynamics. Covers three broad topics: (a) biomolecular structure; (b) molecular force field origin, composition, and evaluation techniques; and (c) simulation techniques-computational sampling by geometric optimization, Monte Carlo methods, and molecular dynamics.
MOBI 7654 - Professional Seminar: Topic
1 to 3credit hours
(Same as COMS 7654/MSE 7654.) Focuses on a specific topic in a given semester. Topics include themes for advancing graduate students professional knowledge such as grant proposal preparation process, making successful presentations, and publishing research in the field. May be repeated with different topic.
MOBI 7700 - Advanced Concepts in Molecular Biosciences
3 or 4credit hours
Covers advanced topics and protocols specific to different subdisciplines in molecular biosciences not covered in core or elective courses offered through the program. Students work under the direct supervision of the instructor; coursework will involve lecture and/or laboratory components. Repeatable for 6 to 8 credit hours.
PHYS 7010 - Principles of Molecular Biophysics
3credit hours
Prerequisite: PHYS 2021 or 2120 or permission of department. Reviews the structure of proteins, nucleic acids, carbohydrates, lipids, and the forces and interactions maintaining their structures in solution; thermodynamics and kinetics of protein folding; polymer chain statistics and helix-coil transitions in biopolymers; biopolymer dynamics; structural methods in biology; X-ray crystallography, NMR and fluorescence spectroscopy, electron and probe microscopy, single-molecule methods.
STAT 6604 - Problems in Statistics-Experimental Design
3credit hours
Prerequisite: Mathematical maturity, preparation in the area and (normally) nine semester hours of graduate study. Problems course dealing with theory, methods, and applications.
STAT 7020 - Introduction to Biostatistics
3credit hours
Introductory probability/statistics course or permission of instructor. Contemporary and medical research methodology for biostatistics. Descriptive and inferential statistics including parametric and nonparametric hypothesis testing methods, sample size, statistical significance and power, survival curve analysis, relative risk, odds ratios, chi square modeling, and analysis of variance. Data will be analyzed using statistical software. Applied biostatistics research project required (7000) level.
Directed Research and Dissertation (32-62 hours)
At least 32 hours of directed research plus dissertation research must be completed.
NOTE: No more than 62 hours of directed research and dissertation research may be applied toward degree requirements.
MOBI 7500 - Directed Research in Molecular Biosciences
1 to 6credit hours
For Ph.D. students prior to advancement to candidacy. Selection of a research problem, review of pertinent literature, protocol design, collection and analysis of data and preparation of results for publication. S/U grading.
MOBI 7640 - Dissertation Research in Molecular Biosciences
1 to 6credit hours
For Ph.D. candidates. Ongoing investigation of a research problem, review of pertinent literature, protocol design, collection and analysis of data and preparation of results for publication and as Ph.D. dissertation. Students must complete a total of at least 12 hours to earn degree. S/U grading.
Program Notes
Students entering with a master's degree in a science discipline may have up to 16 graduate hours of previous coursework applied after determination that the content of the courses is directly equivalent to existing courses in the Molecular Biosciences curriculum.
Our adjunct faculty bring outstanding professional experience to our programs. Many are industry leaders with decorated careers and honors. Importantly, they are innovative educators who offer hands-on learning to our students to prepare them to enter and thrive in a dynamic, and oftentimes emerging, industry and professional world. They inspire, instruct, and challenge our students toward academic and professional success.
Assistantships
Research and teaching assistantships, with stipends beginning at $18,000, are available
on a competitive basis to full-time students in the MBS program. In addition to the
stipend, the university also pays all tuition and most fees for assistantship holders.
Non-Tennessee residents who are awarded a graduate assistantship are not required
to pay out-of-state fees. To learn more about the types of graduate assistantships
and to download an application, visit the Graduate Studies Assistantship page.
The College of Graduate Studies also awards a limited number of scholarships. For
additional information and applications, visit the Graduate Studies Finance page.
In addition to assistantships and scholarships, MTSU's Office of Financial Aid assists graduate students seeking other forms of financial support while in school.
Student Forms
Click on the faculty member's name for individual research summaries:
Area of specialization: environmental toxicology
Research interests: aquatic toxicology, wildlife toxicology, toxicology of metals
Area of specialization: bioorganic chemistry; combinatorial library design and synthesis; assay development;
drug development
Research interests: high-throughput screening methods; peptoid based therapeutics
Area of specialization: colloid and surface science, electron spectroscopy
Research interests: functionalization of carbon nanomaterials, materials remediation in aqueous environments
Area of specialization: bioinorganic chemistry, catalysis, polymer science, green chemistry
Research interests: small molecule activations using earth-abundant metal catalysts; homogeneous biomass
conversion; design, synthesis and characterization of polymeric biomaterials.
Area of specialization: microbial pathogenesis
Research interests: host-parasite interactions
Area of specialization: microbiology
Research interests: intracellular microorganisms, pathogenesis
Dr. Iris Gao, School of Agriculture
Area of specialization: cancer research, medicinal plants, natural products
Research interests: anti-cancer and other bioactive ingredients from medicinal plants
Area of specialization: organic chemistry
Research interests: organic synthesis, synthesis of bioactive compounds, cross-coupling chemistry
Area of specialization: evolution, ecology, population genetics
Research interests: mating system evolution, maintenance of polymorphism
Area of specialization: molecular, cell, and developmental biology
Research interests: regulation of planar cell polarity in migrating vertebrate cells
Area of specialization: biochemistry, microbiology
Research interests: lipid biochemistry of algae
Area of specialization: physical biochemistry; protease structure and function; fluorescence spectroscopy
Research interests: relationship between enzyme conformational dynamics and catalytic activity; enzyme
structure-function mechanisms
Area of specialization: molecular and cellular biology
Research interests: cell signaling dynamics, neurodegeneration and cancer
Area of specialization: environmental toxicology
Research interests: nanotoxicology, coal ash toxicology
Area of specialization: chronobiology, molecular genetics
Research interests: bioluminescence, microbial timekeeping, and biotechnology
Area of specialization: gene regulation, biochemistry
Research interests: gene expression (especially mRNA splicing) and function (especially enzyme biochemistry)
Area of specialization: plant ecology
Research interests: seed ecology, cedar glade ecology
Area of specialization: molecular ecology, microbiology, mycology
Research interests: host-microbiome-pathogen interactions, wildlife pathogens
Area of specialization: bioanalytical and Biophysical Chemistry
Research interests: drug development for Parkinson's disease, FTIR application in biophysical chemistry,
and sensor development for pollutants
Area of specialization: genetics, genomics, molecular and cellular biology
Research interest: Basic biology of pediatric cancers
Dr. Mengliang Zhang, Department of Chemistry
Area of specialization: Analytical chemistry
Research interests: Mass spectrometry and chemometrics in forensic science, food chemistry, environmental
chemistry, and metabolomics
Online or Hybrid Programs at a Glance
This program is available .
For More Information or Explore Your Options
Contact your department / program coordinator or advisor for more details about the program OR work one-on-one with your advisor to explore your options.
The Online Advantage
With over 25 years of experience in online teaching and learning, MTSU Online offers students access to innovative, high-quality programs. Designed with students in mind, our courses allow maximum flexibility for those unable to participate in person.
Resources and services for online students are available from MTSU Online or contact us at distance@mtsu.edu.
