Biotechnology, MS

Biotechnology: Program Overview

The Graduate College offers a nine-month, non-thesis academic, research and laboratory master’s level training program designed to prepare the student for a research career in the pharmaceutical and biotechnology industries or the university laboratory. This program is also an excellent preparation for further training in graduate school or professional doctoral programs.

The student will take The Graduate College’s Core Curriculum series of didactic courses covering principles of molecular biology and genetics, cellular biochemistry, cell biology, tissue biology and system physiology and pharmacology. Additional courses designed specifically to prepare students for a career in the laboratory and research, including Experimental Design and Models in Disease, Tools for Research, Biostatistics, Research Ethics, Scientific Writing, Communication and Management, are also required. Finally, students will participate in hands-on laboratory courses designed to cover the common and most important techniques and methods employed in research today. The student will also participate in the IPE 502 university course, which will expose students to interprofessional teamwork on healthcare settings. The course will appear on the student’s transcript. The laboratory and research experiences will ensure proficiency in a wide variety of techniques, making the student highly competitive for employment in this ever-expanding and understaffed job market. This program also gives an excellent expansion in basic sciences and its applications in translational research, thus serve well those students who wish to further their studies in professional schools (medical, dental, pharmacy, and other health sciences) or join a PhD program.

Biotechnology: Admission Requirements

Admissions to the biotechnology program are offered for the fall semester only. The Graduate College feels that a qualified and dedicated student can complete the requirements of the full-time curriculum within the two-semester academic plan. It must be emphasized that this is a rigorous program that will require full attention and commitment by the student.

The faculty of The Graduate College encourages diversity among the student population and therefore, seeks to admit persons from various backgrounds. The Graduate College uses the following guidelines to evaluate candidates for admission:

1. Deadline for applications: All F-1 visa holders are encouraged to apply by March 15. For U.S. students, applications are received until the class is filled; however, applications must be completed with all supporting documents received by June 30.
2. Application requirements:
   • All students must complete an application to the Graduate College online.
   • A minimum of three letters of recommendation are required and a minimum of two should come from academic sources.
   • An interview may be required.
   • Students must have scores submitted for the GRE, or an equivalent test (e.g., MCAT, DAT, PCAT or other equivalent exam in the sciences). Although no specific score on these exams is required, students scoring above the 50th percentile are strongly encouraged to apply. GRE is waived for applicants with a PhD degree in Basic Science or a professional degree in Health Sciences (e.g., MD, DO, DDS, PharmD).
   • Students with a GPA of 3.0 or better on a 4.0-point scale are strongly encouraged to apply.
   • Please submit an official transcript from each college or University attended. All transcripts must be received in an original sealed envelope or through secured E-mail from the institution. Scanned items can be used for review and preliminary admission decisions; however, official documents will be required for final admission decision. Formal course by course grade/ diploma certification by ECE is required of all students who have completed their last degree outside of the U.S.
   • Applicants whose native language is other than English and who do not hold an equivalent of a U.S. Bachelor’s degree from an institution in a country where English is the official language, must submit scores from TOEFL
3. Acceptance letters: Official acceptances for students will come only from the Dean’s office. No students will be accepted after August 1 unless they had been officially placed on a wait list.

Specific admission requirements may be waived by The Graduate College Council. These will be addressed on a case-by-case basis.

Applicants who may have special or unique qualities that make them strong candidates for graduate education are also encouraged to apply. Research and related job experience are valued highly in the admissions process and will be taken into account. Interviews with applicants are extremely helpful and can play a significant part in the admission decision.  Beyond these measures, the faculty attempts to determine the applicant’s motivation and potential for advanced study and a research career in the sciences. Once The Office of College Admissions Services has received all required documents, including the application fee, the applicant’s admission materials are reviewed by the Program Director and approved by the Dean. In special circumstances, the application file is sent to The Graduate College Council, where a review of the application takes place. The Office of College Admissions Services then notifies the applicant of the decision. Additional information and the admission application are available at http://www.rushu.rush.edu/gradcol.

Biotechnology: Academic Policies

Biotechnology: Graduation Requirements

The successful completion of the biotechnology curriculum with a minimum 3.0 (4.0 scale) cumulative GPA will qualify the student for graduation. No thesis or other activity is required. The Master of Science degree is conferred to biotechnology students.

Biotechnology: Curriculum