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Pathways Curriculum

Students begin the program in the summer preceding their first fall term. 

Students must complete:

  • 24 Rackham credits in MCDB and related areas, including a minimum of 12 credits of coursework and 8 credits of research (MCDB 700). 
  • Responsible Conduct of Research Course (e.g., PIBS 503 or UC 415) during their first year in the program. 
  • Only graduate-level courses (400 level and above) may count towards the M.S. degree. 
  • Courses offered by departments other than MCDB  must be approved by the student's thesis advisor and the director of the Pathways Master's program before they are taken. 

All courses will be selected in consultation with the student's research advisor and the program director.

Students are required to be a Graduate Student Instructor (teaching assistant) for a minimum of one term during their program.

Students will be matched into research labs during the first summer, while they also participate in the Rackham Summer Institute. They will work in that research lab for 2 years, completing a research project that is of sufficient quality for a Master's thesis. 

Students will defend their thesis in an open seminar, followed by an oral exam by their thesis committee.

Staff Support

MCDB Graduate Program Coordinator: Mary Carr.