The Master of Science in Biology is designed to provide students with advanced knowledge of both plant and animal biology and microbiology. The program requires a minimum of 30 credits. These must include at least one 3-credit course in four of the following six areas of study:

• Cell Biology/Biochemistry
• Molecular Biology
• Physiology
• Ecology
• Plant Biology
• Computational/Mathematical Biology

Students choosing the thesis option need take only one course from three out of the six areas of study.

In order to complete the degree requirements, students must either complete a thesis on an experimental laboratory or field project; or a comprehensive examination or a bibliographic research paper.

Admissions Requirements

Applicants are expected to have an accredited undergraduate degree in biology from an accredited institution. Candidates with other appropriate backgrounds will be considered. The following cognate undergraduate courses are required: general chemistry, organic chemistry, physics, and calculus. An undergraduate cumulative grade point average of at least 3.0 is expected.

In addition to the application form, three letters of recommendation, undergraduate and graduate transcripts, and Graduate Record Examination (GRE) General test scores are required for admission. Scores in the 50th percentile or better on each section of the general examination are required. The subject test in Biology is recommended. All applicants who received an undergraduate degree from a school outside of the United states are required to submit scores from the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL).

Bridge Program: To ensure academic success in their graduate studies, students may be required to take additional undergraduate or graduate courses before beginning program curricula. Bridge courses will be individually designed in consultation with their graduate advisor. Bridge courses must be completed before 9 credits of graduate degree courses are earned. Bridge courses are not counted as degree credits but do count in graduate GPA calculations if the course is numbered 500 or higher.

Degree Requirements

Thesis: A minimum of 24 credits of course work, 6 credits of research, completion of a thesis and an oral defense of the submitted thesis. The thesis must be a scholarly paper demonstrating the ability to write clearly and scientifically; and based on experimental laboratory and/or field project research. Upon completion of the written thesis, it must be defended publicly.

A thesis committee, approved by the Graduate Program Director of the Federated Department of Biological Sciences, must be formed. The thesis committee must be comprised of the primary advisor and at least one other faculty reader. The chair of the committee must be a member of the department. All members of the committee must be members of the graduate faculty.

Comprehensive Exam: Completion of 30 credits of course work and the passing of a written comprehensive examination.  A list of six completed courses must be submitted to the Graduate Program Director, who will obtain questions for the exam. The six questions are presented on a specific date. Two weeks (including three weekends) are provided to answer the six questions. Each question must be typewritten, double spaced, and 4-7 pages long, with a separate page for citations. The answers should satisfy high standards of scientific writing and should use primary scientific literature. The questions are graded on a PASS/FAIL basis by the faculty member who submitted the question. Five of the six questions must be answered correctly. The identity of the student will be anonymous to the faculty grader. Only one of the five questions can be retaken. In this instance, a new question is provided.

The comprehensive exam is given twice a year, following the completion of the fall and spring semesters.

Research Paper (Pending Approval): Completion of 30 credits of course work and a bibliographic investigation. This investigation is done with an advisor from the Biology graduate faculty.

A student who submits a paper to a member of the Biology graduate faculty as part of a course may resubmit the same paper at a later date for re-evaluation by that faculty member.  The faculty member will re-grade the paper indicating that it is acceptable to be used as an MS research paper. The paper must demonstrate the ability to use and cite primary scientific literature and be written in a clear and scientific manner.

Program Requirements: Students who are unable to pass the thesis defense, or the written comprehensive examination, or who do not receive a grade of B or better on the research paper by the second try will be dismissed from the program.

Students are expected to maintain a grade point average of 3.0.

Transfer Credits

Credits Already Taken: Up to nine (9) credits may be transferred for credit provided that they were taken at an accredited college or university in the United States or Canada, were not used in fulfillment of a previous degree awarded, earned a final grade of 3.0 or above on a scale whose maximum is 4.0, were earned in graduate level course(s) for which full academic credit was awarded, were in units of at least three (3) credits and were not earned more than seven years ago. Credits earned in quarter systems will be converted to equivalent semester credits.

Credits Not Yet Taken: Up to nine (9) credits may be transferred for credit provided that they are taken at an accredited college or university in the United States or Canada, earn a final grade of 3.0 or above on a scale whose maximum is 4.0, are in graduate level course(s) for which full academic credit is awarded, and are in units of at least three (3) credits. Credits earned in quarter systems will be converted to equivalent semester credits.

NJIT Graduate Academic Policies and Procedures

A complete listing of graduate academic policies and procedures is available at: http://catalog.njit.edu/graduate/frontmatter/academicpolicy.php
Thesis and other academic information is available at the Office of Graduate Studies.

Contact Information

Website: http://biology.njit.edu
Email: biology@njit.edu

How can I learn more?

• Attend a graduate Open House
• Request info from our Graduate Admissions Office