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Introduction to Cancer Biology: Certificate in Molecular Basis of Cancer
Classes Begin: January 5, 202618 months
Fully Online
15
No GRE required
Drexel University’s online molecular basis of cancer certificate program will provide you with an introduction to cancer biology and advance your career in basic, translational, and clinical research. Upon completion of the molecular basis of cancer certificate program, you'll be prepared for a successful career in cancer biology research. Those already in the cancer research field will benefit from a curriculum designed to advance your career and expand your knowledge base to provide detailed understanding of the molecular basis of cancer pathology.
During the molecular basis of cancer certificate program online, you'll learn:
- Fundamental molecular and biochemical processes at the cellular level and how these processes are altered in cancer
- How molecular and biochemical processes are used to target cancer during therapy
- To demonstrate the ability to define the significance of scientific discovery as related to cancer biology
- How to clearly communicate scientific knowledge in written and online formats
- To be proficient in identifying, evaluating, and utilizing scientific literature and other resources
What is the Molecular Basis of Cancer?
Cancer is one of the leading causes of death in the United States. As a result, millions of dollars are invested each year in cancer research. One aspect of cancer research that has showed tremendous growth and progress is the study of the molecular basis of cancer. Cancer happens when cells undergo genetic and epigenetic alterations in key cellular functions that result in uncontrolled growth and invasion. While every type of cancer is different, they share common hallmarks at the molecular and cellular levels. Drexel’s molecular basis of cancer certificate delves deeper into these molecular and biochemical processes at the cellular level, how these processes are altered in cancer, and ultimately how they're used to target cancer during therapeutic intervention.
Features of Post-Bacc Cert in Molecular Basis of Cancer Program
- 15 semester credits
- 100% online program
- Program can be completed in as little as one year
- Courses led by distinguished researchers and scientists with extensive experience in cancer research
- No GRE required
- Flexible curriculum that caters to your career goals
Archived Webinar
FAQs: Certificate in Molecular Basis of Cancer
Do I need to come to campus for the molecular basis of cancer certificate program?
While you're welcome to visit Drexel’s campus, you're not required to come to campus at any point during the molecular basis of cancer certificate program online.
Can I transfer the credits I earn from the molecular basis of cancer certificate program into a Drexel’s master’s degree?
Yes, the credits earned during the molecular basis of cancer certificate program can be transferred into some of Drexel’s master’s programs. It's best to discuss this option with your academic advisor to ensure the plan of study best fits this option.
Related Programs
- Certificate of Study in Clinical Research
- Certificate in Drug Discovery and Development
- Post-Baccalaureate Pre-Medical Certificate (Hybrid Program)
- Quantitative Principles for Clinical Research Certificate
- MS in Biomedicine and Business
- MS in Biomedicine and Law
- MS in Cancer Biology (On-Campus)
- MS in Clinical Research Organization and Management
- MS in Clinical Research for Health Professionals
- MS in Drug Discovery and Development
- MS in Immunology
- MS in Infectious Disease
- MS in Molecular Basis of Cancer
- MS in Molecular Medicine
State restrictions may apply to some programs.
Curriculum
| Required Courses | ||
| CMCA 500S | Foundations in Bioscience 1 | 3.0 |
| CMCA 501S | Foundations in Bioscience 2 | 3.0 |
| CMCA 510S | Introduction to Cancer Biology | 2.0 |
| CMCA 520S | Molecular Basis of Cancer | 3.0 |
| Electives | ||
| Select from the elective options below: | 4.0 | |
|
CMCA 551S
|
Control of the Cell Cycle and Cell Death | |
|
CMCA 552S
|
Experimental Approaches in Cancer Research | |
|
CR 525S
|
Scientific Writing and Medical Literature | |
|
CR 535S
|
Current Federal Regulatory Issues in Biomedical Research | |
|
MIIM 571S
|
Cell and Gene Therapy 1 | |
|
MIIM 572S
|
Cell and Gene Therapy 2 | |
|
PHRM 512S
|
Graduate Pharmacology | |
|
PHRM 525S
|
Drug Discovery and Development I | |
|
PHRM 526S
|
Drug Discovery and Development II | |
| Total Credits | 15.0 | |
Admissions Criteria
- A four-year, biology or chemistry-based BA/BS degree program from a regionally accredited institution in the United States or an equivalent international institution
- Cumulative GPA of 2.75
- Those with a lower GPA are encouraged to apply, but should ensure that relevant professional experience is included on their resume
Required Documents
With multiple ways to submit documents, Drexel makes it easy to complete your application. Learn more by visiting our Completing Your Application Guide.
- A completed application
- Official transcripts from all universities or colleges and other post-secondary educational institutions (including trade schools) attended
- Two letters of recommendation (professional or academic)
- Essay (approx 500 words) explaining:
- Your reasons for pursuing a degree from Drexel
- Your short-term and long-term career plans
- How your background, experience, interest, and/or values, when combined with a Drexel degree, will enable you to pursue these goals successfully
- Resume
- Additional requirements for International Students
Tuition
The tuition rate for the academic year 2025-2026 is $1384 per credit.
For the academic year 2025-2026, students enrolled in an online graduate academic program will be charged a graduate online program fee of $125 per year.
- This program is not eligible for Financial Aid.
- Special tuition rates are available for Drexel University Alumni, Military members, and members of our Partner Organizations.
- These rates apply only to new online students and students being readmitted.
- These rates apply only to fully online courses. Hybrid or on-campus courses may have different rates.
- Tuition rates are subject to increase with the start of each academic year in the fall term.
- All students must contact applyDUonline@drexel.edu within the first two weeks of the term to request tuition savings for which they qualify.
- Special rates cannot be combined. If you qualify for more than one special rate, you'll be given the one with the largest savings.
- When receiving special tuition plans , you may not be able to combine them with other tuition benefits that may be available from Drexel University.
Academic Calendar
2025-2026 Academic Year
Term
Classes Begin
Classes End
Fall 2025
August 18, 2025
December 12, 2025
Spring 2026
January 5, 2026
May 1, 2026
Summer 2026
May 11, 2026
August 7, 2026
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