M.S. in Molecular Biotechnology requirements

Program objectives

1. To gain academic excellence in basic courses underlying molecular biotechnology (includes, but is not limited to cell biology, molecular biology, genetics, and bioinformatics).
2. To acquire practical skills in laboratory techniques (includes basic laboratory safety, biohazard and radiation safety courses, the use and handling of animals, and several basic molecular biology techniques using eukaryotic and prokaryotic systems).
3. To develop written and oral communication skills (includes maintaining records, writing reports, reading scientific papers, technical writing, and seminar presentations).

View full program and admissions requirements

Timeline

Two years starting in the fall of year one and graduating at the end of summer of year two.

Application submission

The deadline for submission of international applications for fall term admission is March 1 of the same year. Domestic applications are accepted through April 1. Applications must be received by the Department of Biological Sciences on or before the deadline date. Students are encouraged to send applications directly to the department.

About the program

The M.S. molecular biotechnology degree program is under the administrative control of the Graduate Committee of the Department of Biological Sciences. The Graduate Committee, in consultation with the director of the program, governs all admissions, administration, and curriculum issues.

The director of the biotech program is appointed by the chair of the Department of Biological Sciences. The director is a full-fledged member of the Graduate Committee as well as an acting advisor to all students applying to, and enrolled in, the biotechnology program. Within the Graduate Committee, the director represents the biotechnology program during all committee deliberations, including applicant admissions. This arrangement ensures that the interests of the biotechnology program are represented at the committee level and allows oversight of the biotechnology program by the committee to ensure it continues to serve departmental needs.