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Loyola University Chicago The Graduate School
Stritch School of Medicine
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Cell and Molecular Physiology

MS in Cell and Molecular Physiology (CaMP)

Strengthen your understanding of physiology and conduct leading research

Loyola University Chicago's Master of Science (MS) in Cell and Molecular Physiology (MS CaMP) is a two-year, research-intensive program that provides a broad, foundational knowledge of cellular, molecular, and systems-level physiology as well as the opportunity to pursue research with faculty mentors. The MS CaMP program fosters a stimulating and exciting research environment. Many of our graduates pursue PhD or MD programs at universities such as the University of Chicago, Brown, Northwestern, and at Loyola's Stritch School of Medicine.

Our Commitment To You

Graduates of Loyola's MS in Cell and Molecular Physiology program will gain the following knowledge, skills, and professional values to pursue a medical or advanced scientific degree or begin their career in academic or industry research.

KNOWLEDGE:

  • Possess a broad understanding of cellular, molecular, and systems-level physiology
  • Develop a concentrated, in-depth understanding of a select research area
  • Pursue intensive studies in cell biology, molecular biochemistry, ethics in biomedical sciences, organ system physiology, techniques in physiological research, and an introduction to research
  • Mastery of the scientific method (as the foundation of research training)

SKILLS:

  • Participate in hands-on training with a laboratory research course and through thesis supervision
  • Develop problem-solving and critical-thinking skills
  • Learn to logically approach and solve difficult scientific questions

PROFESSIONAL VALUES:

  • Practice a critical, scholarly, and ethical approach to the advancement of scientific knowledge
  • Ability to cultivate an interest in sharing knowledge and experience(s) with future generations of scientists

Curriculum

The MS in Cell and Molecular Physiology requires 30 semester credit hours and thesis research supervision. Students complete the curriculum outlined below:

FIRST SEMESTER 

  • BMSC 410 Molecular Biochemistry (4 credits)
  • BMSC 412 Cell Biology (4 credits)
  • PIOL 410 Introduction to Research (2 credits)
  • BMSC 405 Ethics in Biomedical Sciences (1 credit)

Didactic credits: 11
Total credits: 11

SECOND SEMESTER 

  • BMSC 401 Physiology (4 credits)
  • PIOL 412 Research (4 credits)

Didactic credits: 3
Total credits: 7

THIRD SEMESTER 

  • PIOL 420 Methods/Techniques in Physiological Research (2 credits)
  • PIOL 412 Research (5 credits)
  • PIOL 595 Thesis Supervision

Didactic credits: 2
Total credits: 7

FOURTH SEMESTER 

  • PIOL 412 Research (5 credits)
  • PIOL 595 Thesis Supervision

Total credits: 5

Program Learning Outcomes

MS CaMP students will be able to demonstrate ability in:

1. Gaining a general knowledge base in the biomedical sciences

2. Acquisition of deeper knowledge of past and current scientific literature in a more specific field within physiology (i.e., in the chosen track of study)

3. Ability to form hypotheses and to design and perform appropriate experiments to test these hypothesis

4. Acquisition of oral and written communication skills for scientific peers and general audiences

Admission

Ready to apply? This is a good place to start.

DEADLINES

We accept applications for the MS in Cell and Molecular Physiology (CaMP) on a rolling basis. Early application is encouraged; we begin evaluating applications in early December. The application deadline is June 15th.

APPLICATION PROCESS

1. COMPLETED APPLICATION

  • We strongly encourage applicants to apply online. There is no fee to submit the application online. If you are unable to email your application, you can mail your application (although please expect 7-10 days for Loyola to receive your application).

    Graduate and Professional Enrollment Management
    Loyola University Chicago
    820 N. Michigan Avenue, Suite 1200
    Chicago, IL 60611

2. TEST SCORES

  • Applicants should submit official GRE or MCAT scores. You may apply without these scores; email us prior to starting your application.

3. OFFICIAL TRANSCRIPTS

  • Applicants must have a Bachelor's degree with a minimum GPA of 3.2. Transcripts for all undergraduate and graduate work are required.

4. LETTERS OF RECOMMENDATION

  • Applicants must submit two letters of recommendation from individuals with direct knowledge of the applicant's academic performance and/or research experience in a lab.

5. STATEMENT OF PURPOSE

  • Your statement of purpose should be a brief, one page document that explains your interest in this program.

6. RESUME

7. INTERVIEW

  • A personal interview is required for admission. International applicants can interview by phone or video conference.

INTERNATIONAL APPLICANTS

International applicants must have a degree equivalent to a U.S. Bachelor's degree and are required to submit the above documents and:

Questions? Contact Program Recruiter Maureen O'Brien-Cruz.

Request more information about our graduate programs

Applicants are encouraged to have a Bachelor's degree in the STEM field completed by the time they matriculate. Successful applicants take at least one but usually two semesters (or the equivalent) of these courses and labs: Biology, Chemistry, Mathematics, Organic Chemistry, and Physics.

FAQs

WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN THIS PROGRAM AND AN MS IN MEDICAL PHYSIOLOGY (MSMP)?

The MS CaMP is a research-intensive track (with a thesis requirement) that prepares you for a variety of careers. The MSMP is focused solely on preparing students to gain entrance into medical school.

I THINK I WANT TO GET A PhD, BUT I'M NOT SURE. WILL THIS PROGRAM HELP ME?

Yes. Our MS CaMP program will teach you the basic tools and emerging, state-of-the-art techniques and concepts in physiology. You will conduct your research project under the mentorship of a faculty member and learn if a doctoral degree is the right path for you.

Tuition and Financial Aid

Loyola University Chicago's Biomedical Sciences Program and its Financial Aid Office are committed to helping students secure the financial resources to make their education at Loyola affordable.

Loyola University Chicago's Master of Science (MS) in Cell and Molecular Physiology (MS CaMP) is a two-year, research-intensive program that provides a broad, foundational knowledge of cellular, molecular, and systems-level physiology as well as the opportunity to pursue research with faculty mentors. The MS CaMP program fosters a stimulating and exciting research environment. Many of our graduates pursue PhD or MD programs at universities such as the University of Chicago, Brown, Northwestern, and at Loyola's Stritch School of Medicine.