Master of Science in Biology

Requirements

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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:

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

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. Such courses are not counted toward degree requirements. The graduate courses will count in the calculation of the graduate grade point average (GPA).

Degree Requirements

Thesis Option: A minimum of 24 credits of course work, 6 credits of research, completion of a written 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. Students who are unable to pass the thesis defense or who do not receive a passing grade of B or better on the writing requirement by the second try will be dismissed from the program.

A thesis committee, approved by the Director of the Division of Biological Sciences, must be formed. The thesis committee must be comprised of the primary advisor and at least one other faculty reader. All members of the committee must be members of the graduate faculty.   

Coursework Option: Completion of 30 credits of Biology course work

Contact Information:

Email: biology@njit.edu