Master of Science in Cancer Biology

Curriculum

Year 1, Fall

Year 1, Spring

Year 1, Summer

Year 2, Fall

Year 2, Spring

Approved Electives

Prerequisites

While there are no prerequisites, upper-level biology and chemistry courses (or mathematics for biostatistics or epidemiology areas of study) are recommended.

Frequently Approved Prerequisites

Before applying, it's essential to ensure that any prior coursework meets the admissions requirements. MUSC provides a helpful reference list of frequently approved prerequisite courses to guide you in understanding which classes may satisfy your program's requirements.

Application Process

The following process outlines how and when your materials will be reviewed.

1. Complete the MUSC Application.
2. Once the application and all supplemental materials have been received, the application will be reviewed. 
3. Selected applicants may be contacted by the admissions committee. 

No single metric is used to assess applicants, but rather a broader picture of the candidate’s equalities is considered by our admissions committee. As a guideline, candidates with a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or greater are more likely to be considered favorably.

Application Requirements

All applicants must submit an MUSC application, which includes:

• Letters of recommendation: All applicants must provide three letters of recommendation, preferably from instructors or supervisors in a scientific or health care position.
• Official transcripts from all institutions attended. Applicants are required to submit unofficial or official transcripts for each and every post-secondary institution attended even if listed as transfer credit on another transcript. In cases where we accept unofficial documents, the unofficial document must be a copy of the original. If submitting an unofficial transcript, all courses, grades, degrees awarded (if applicable), and the name of the institution must be clearly visible on the document. Some academic advising reports and degree audits do not contain all the necessary information so the document should be reviewed before submission. If offered a position, the applicant will be asked to request an official transcript from each institution listed in the Education section of their application, regardless of the number of credit hours earned. MUSC reserves the right to rescind any offer of admission if any discrepancies are found between the unofficial and official transcripts.
  
• Personal statement: All applicants must submit a personal statement, not to exceed 1,000 words, which explains their career goals and reasons for applying to the program. 
• Resume/CV: Applicants must provide an updated resume detailing relevant academic and professional experiences.

International Applicants

Academic records from foreign institutions must be provided in English, certified, and validated as authentic by a university or government official. The College of Graduate Studies requires that transcripts be evaluated by professional agencies and are submitted to MUSC electronically or in unopened envelopes showing the equivalency of work completed outside the U.S. The following websites are preferred agencies and are members of the National Association for Credit Evaluation Services (NACES). Their costs vary across agencies, and we encourage you to compare prices and select the best choice for you. NACES International Education Research Foundation – Credential Evaluation & Translation Services – Chartered NACES Member World Education Services: International Credential Evaluation for U.S. (wes.org) If your education was completed in the U.S., you do not need to complete a transcript credit evaluation. 

If offered a position, and the applicant has only submitted an unofficial transcript evaluation, the candidate will be required to provide an official transcript and evaluation before any further consideration of that applicant will be given. 

A language proficiency test is required for all applicants whose native language is not English. Scores must not be more than two years old. Exceptions can be made if a student has attended a United States institution for an extended period. An exception might also be made for students in a foreign institution that uses English as the primary language for instruction, however, these are made on a case-by-case basis. 

Final consideration cannot be granted to an international student’s application for admission until these official scores are received by the Office of Enrollment Management. Accepted tests are IELTS and TOEFL. Minimal requirements are: TOEFL: 100 IELTS: 7 

MUSC welcomes international applicants and offers tailored guidance to support you throughout the admission process. View details at International Applicants. 

Cost of Attendance

The Cost of Attendance, or COA, is an estimate of a student's total educational expenses for an enrollment period. The information below reflects the 2026-27 academic year. The COA includes tuition and fees, which are direct costs billed to you by the university, as well as indirect costs you may incur, including food, housing, transportation, books, etc.

The COA is important because it reflects the maximum amount a student may borrow in an academic year to attend the program.

With careful budgeting, students can substantially lower their indirect costs, so their actual expenses are well below the COA. MUSC's Office of Student Financial Literacy can help students develop a budget that supports their educational and personal financial goals.

Scholarships & Aid

MUSC offers scholarships for which you may be eligible. Some are awarded based on academic achievement; others are awarded based on community service, for example. However, the majority of scholarships awarded at MUSC are based on financial need. This means that these scholarships are only awarded to students who need some financial assistance to cover the cost of tuition and fees. If you would like to be considered for a financial need-based scholarship, you must have an up-to-date Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) on file. Make sure you list the Medical University of South Carolina on your FAFSA form, along with MUSC's code: 003438. We encourage you to submit your FAFSA as early as possible. It is recommended to submit your FAFSA in January if you plan to enroll in the fall.

Competencies

Upon completion of the MS in Cancer Biology program, graduates will be able to:

• Formulate original hypotheses and design experiments without reliance on prescriptive guidance
• Critically evaluate scientific literature and integrate findings into research strategy
• Plan and execute a comprehensive research project
• Analyze and interpret data to draw valid scientific conclusions
• Defend research findings in a formal setting
• Demonstrate proficiency in advanced cancer biology techniques (e.g., cell culture, molecular assays, imaging)
• Prepare clear, well-structured manuscripts and grant proposals
• Deliver effective oral presentations at seminars and conferences
• Respond to scientific questions with clarity and depth of knowledge

Vision

To advance a future where cancer discovery moves with rigor, urgency and humanity toward deeper understanding and better possibilities for patients and communities.

Values

At the core of our program, we are guided by a commitment to the following values that drive our mission:

• Compassion: We act with kindness, empathy and dignity.
• Collaboration: We achieve common goals through teamwork and partnerships.
• Innovation: We drive transformation by embracing new ideas, discoveries and practices.
• Integrity: We do the right thing and commit to accountability in words, actions and use of resources.
• Respect: We value everyone and their many perspectives to build trust and a sense of belonging.

Mission

To prepare graduate students through focused cancer biology education, mentor guided inquiry and professional formation that strengthen scientific discovery and service to society.