Master of Science in Biotechnology

Applicants for this program must provide the following:

• Proof of a bachelor’s degree in biology, biotechnology, chemistry, or a similar science major, from a regionally accredited institution, or from a recognized foreign institution of higher education, with a minimum 2.75 overall GPA, and 3.00 in all coursework within their major and in the ancillary courses.
• Completed graduate application, including fee and essay
• Official transcripts (Official Course-by-Course transcript evaluation required for all college level courses taken outside of the United States.)
• Two current letters of recommendation (Less than 6 months old)
• Results of an English proficiency assessment, if applicable
• Proof of successful completion of Chemistry I and II, Organic Chemistry I, Physics I and II, Microbiology, Cell and/or Molecular Biology (all with a laboratory component), Organic Chemistry II lecture course (no lab requirement), and math coursework up to the level of pre-calculus
• Graduate Record Exam (GRE) scores

The program of study includes 35 graduate credits in required and elective courses, research in biology/biotechnology culminating in an acceptable written thesis and thesis defense.

Of the 35 credits required for the degree, at least 22 credits must be earned as a matriculated graduate student at Worcester State University. Credits for which students have earned a B- or higher within a 2-year period immediately prior to the date of their acceptance into the program are transferable from an accredited institution, including credits earned at Worcester State University. A maximum of 12 such transfer credits may be accepted. Matriculated students who do not maintain a GPA 3.0 or higher or have 2 grades below a B- will be terminated from the program. All work for the degree must be completed within a period of 6 years from the date of admission to the program.

To fulfill requirements for the program the candidate must complete 9 credits of thesis research and writing coursework (BI-996, BI-997, and BI-998). Laboratory investigations are supervised by faculty in the laboratories at Worcester State University or by arrangement at another institution. The candidate must adhere to the form specified for the thesis by the Biology Department graduate faculty. The thesis will be defended in an oral examination conducted by the faculty.

During the semester in which the candidate anticipates receiving the degree, the following timetable for the thesis completion and defense shall apply:

A minimum of 4 weeks prior to the defense, the completed written thesis must be presented to the candidate’s graduate research advisor. The comprehensive exam/thesis defense will be scheduled with the candidate’s thesis committee, comprising the thesis advisor, the program coordinator, and another member of the program graduate faculty.

A minimum of 2 weeks prior to the defense, the final copy of the thesis, with approval by the candidate’s graduate research advisor, will be submitted to the members of the candidate’s thesis committee.

Comprehensive Examination/Thesis defense

The Master of Science in Biotechnology candidate is required to pass a comprehensive examination/thesis defense in the candidate’s area of specialization. At least 24 approved graduate credits must be earned before the candidate can submit a request for the scheduling of a comprehensive exam/thesis defense. If the candidate fails the examination, he/she will be granted one additional opportunity to fulfill this requirement. All work for the degree must be completed within a period of 6 years from the date of admission to the program.