Molecular Basis of Cancer Certificate Program

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 application fee
No GRE required
Flexible curriculum that caters to your career goals

Archived Webinar

Online Open House: Certificate in Molecular Basis of Cancer

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

State restrictions may apply to some programs.

Curriculum

Required Courses
CMCA 500S	Foundations in Bioscience I	3.0
CMCA 501S	Foundations in Bioscience II	3.0
CMCA 510S	Introduction to Cancer Biology	2.0
CMCA 520S	Molecular Basis of Cancer	3.0
Electives		4.0
CMCA 551S	Control of the Cell Cycle and Cell Death
CMCA 552S	Experimental Approaches in Cancer Research
PHRM 512S	Graduate Pharmacology
PHRM 525S	Drug Discovery and Development I
PHRM 526S	Drug Discovery and Development II
Total Credits		15.0

View Course Descriptions

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 2023-2024 is $1305 per credit.

For the academic year 2023-2024, 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 with Drexel University Online, you may not combine them with other tuition benefits that may be available from Drexel University.

Academic Calendar

2023-2024 Academic Year

Term

Classes Begin

Classes End

Fall 2023

August 21, 2023

December 15, 2023

Spring 2024

January 8, 2024

May 3, 2024

Summer 2024

May 13, 2024

August 2, 2024

Apply for admission to Drexel University

Use the Apply Now form to get started.

Previously enrolled at Drexel? Learn more about readmission.

Any problems? Find help or contact us.

Introduction to Cancer Biology: Certificate in Molecular Basis of Cancer