Master of Science in Molecular and Integrative Physiology

KU School of Medicine

Master’s in Molecular and Integrative Physiology Learning Outcomes

Graduates of the MS in Molecular and Integrative Physiology program will:

• Demonstrate advanced understanding of molecular, cellular, and integrative physiological principles.
• Develop and execute independent research projects in physiology.
• Analyze and interpret experimental data using modern scientific methodologies.
• Communicate scientific findings effectively through written and oral presentations.
• Apply physiological knowledge to real-world healthcare and biomedical challenges.
• Contribute to a team’s educational, scientific, or professional development goals, both as a member and as a leader.
• Demonstrate awareness of individual and group differences and understand how these may influence approaches to teaching, research, and professional activities.

What Careers Are Possible With a Master’s in Molecular and Integrative Physiology?

Graduates of KU’s MS in Molecular and Integrative Physiology program are well-prepared for careers in:

• Biomedical and pharmaceutical research
• Healthcare and clinical laboratories
• Academic institutions and teaching roles
• Biotechnology and life sciences industries
• Regulatory agencies and government research organizations

Many graduates also pursue further education in Ph.D. programs, medical school, or other professional healthcare degrees. Additionally, according to Lightcast, demand for graduates with a molecular physiology degree has grown 42% since 2021, with current median compensation of $96,000/year nationally.

Tuition and Financial Aid

KU offers competitive tuition rates and financial aid opportunities for graduate students. Research assistantships and fellowships may be available for qualifying students.

For more details on tuition, financial aid, and assistantships, please visit KU Financial Aid.

Admission Requirements

Applicants to the MS in Molecular and Integrative Physiology program must meet the following criteria:

• A bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution, including official transcripts. Students with degrees earned outside the U.S. may be subject to transcript evaluation.
• A minimum undergraduate GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale.
• Applicants who are not native speakers of English, whether domestic or international, must demonstrate they meet the Minimum English Proficiency Requirement.
• A background check is required during the admission process and may affect eligibility to enter the program.
• Three letters of recommendation.
• Prerequisite coursework:
  • One year of general chemistry
  • One year of organic chemistry, or one semester of organic chemistry and one semester of biochemistry
  • One year of biological sciences
  • One semester of calculus
  • One semester of physics
• Research experience (beyond labs associated with lecture courses) is strongly suggested.

For more details on the admission process, visit the Department of Cell Biology and Physiology.

Student Life and Learning Experiences

Students in the MS in Molecular and Integrative Physiology program engage in research projects that explore physiological processes at the molecular and integrative levels. Opportunities include:

• Conducting laboratory-based research alongside faculty mentors.
• Participating in interdisciplinary collaborations with biomedical and clinical researchers.
• Presenting research findings at academic conferences and symposiums.

KU Medical Center provides a dynamic environment for graduate students, with access to:

• Professional development workshops and networking events.
• Student organizations related to biomedical and physiological sciences.
• Collaborative research opportunities across disciplines.

Master’s in Molecular and Integrative Physiology Sample Courses

Students in the MS in Molecular and Integrative Physiology program take a combination of core and elective courses designed to build expertise in physiological sciences. Example courses include:

• Proteins and Metabolism
• Molecular Genetics
• Cellular Structure
• Human Physiology
• Cell Communication
• Introduction to Biomedical Research

For a full course listing, visit the KU Academic Catalog.

Accreditation & Notes