Degree Requirements
Organization and Lab Research
In the first year of the program (the senior year in Emory College), students will take the core Cancer Biology I and II courses (IBS523/524) and the Advanced Graduate Seminar course in Cancer Biology (CB790R) both semesters, and they will start their research in a cancer research laboratory (Biol499R or Biol495A and Biol495B courses; these should be taken for 4 credits each semester).
The MS thesis research project will continue during the summer, fall, and spring semesters (IBS599R Advanced Research course) of the second year. During the second year, students will also acquire the skills to critically read the scientific literature and orally present research results (CB570R course). They will present their own research findings in the CB590R course. The training culminates with the student writing and defending his or her Master’s thesis.
Year 1. Senior Year
| Fall Semester | Spring Semester |
| IBS 523 Cancer Biology I (4 cr) | IBS 524 Cancer Biology II (4 cr) |
| CB 790R Advanced Graduate Seminar Course in Cancer Biology (2 cr) | CB 790R Advanced Graduate Seminar Course in Cancer Biology (2 cr) |
| *Biol 499R or 495A Independent Research (4 cr) | *Biol 499R or 495B Independent Research (4 cr) |
Students must obtain at least a B grade in all classes taken for the graduate degree to maintain their standing in the program. This includes the courses taken during the senior year. Students accepted into the program who fail to obtain a B in all courses that will be used for the degree may be removed from the program.
*The Biology 499R or 495A/B courses must be taken for 4 credit hours.
Summer between Senior Year and Graduate Year: Students - students are enrolled in CB 599R Advanced Research for 6 credit hours, and work full-time (40 hrs/wk) in lab.
Year 2. Graduate School Year
| Fall Semester | Spring Semester |
| CB 570R Introductory Graduate Seminar (2 cr) | *Graduate Elective (2-4 cr) |
| CB 790R Advanced Graduate Seminar Course in Cancer Biology (2 cr) | CB 790R Advanced Graduate Seminar Course in Cancer Biology (2 cr) |
| CB 599R Advanced Research (6 cr) | CB 599R Advanced Research (6 cr) |
*Electives should support the student's work. Click to view a list of the courses offered by the GDBBS.
Students complete their written thesis and oral defense of their work in April
Successful candidates will receive their master’s degrees in May.
Students who do not complete their thesis research/writing in time for the May graduation deadlines may need to enroll for addiitional terms (i.e. summer) at additional tuition cost.
The 4+1 program is part of the Cancer Biology training program. More can be found in the Cancer Biology Training Guide (begins on page 24).
Graduation
Our students follow the guidelines and deadlines for thesis submission and degree application that are set by the Laney Graduate School.
Links to the appropriate forms and information can be found on the CBTO 4+1 student timeline page and the Links and Resources page.
Required Activities and Deadlines
A detailed timeline of requirements and deadlines can be found on the CBTO 4+1 student timeline page.