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Master of Science in Biotechnology

Master of Science in Biotechnology


IN THIS SECTION
  • Biology
    • Biology Major
  • Biotechnology
    • Biotechnology Major
    • Master of Science in Biotechnology
  • Psychobiology
    • Psychobiology Minor

Prepare for an exciting career in this cutting-edge scientific field.

The Master of Science in Biotechnology program at Worcester State University will help you broaden your understanding of the biological sciences and prepare you for a career or doctoral program in the growing field of biotechnology.

With classes available in the late afternoons and evenings, this flexible, part-time program is designed with working students like you in mind. The program offers the possibility of transferring up to 12 eligible credits of graduate work—also making it a great value. Worcester State also offers a 4-Plus option for our current undergraduate biotechnology major that enables the undergraduate and graduate degree requirements to be completed in 5 years.

Worcester State’s biotechnology curriculum covers a wide range of topics in biology and chemistry, and some courses include a hands-on laboratory component, through which you will put classroom theory into practice. Moreover, you will have exciting opportunities to conduct research with our accomplished faculty or with other experienced scientists in the field. You will demonstrate your mastery of program coursework by completing a research project and writing a thesis—and passing a written and/or oral examination when you defend your thesis.

While many of our students have continued their studies beyond the master’s level, others have found success in an array of laboratory settings in education, industry, research, and manufacturing. In fact, some of our recent graduates are employed by Worcester-area colleges and universities, and most are at various biotechnology companies. As a program graduate, you will gain all the advantages that come with being part of our network of biotechnology professionals.

View the Catalog

Explore sample courses in this program.
BI-915 Topics in Advanced Botany
Explores and reviews specialized topics in the life of plants. Includes 3-hour laboratory.
4 credits
BI-920 Population Biology
Analyzes population density, growth, regulation, and energy relationships. Population interactions, organization, and evolution are stressed.
3 credits
BI-921 Biotechnology and DNA
Applications of recombinant DNA technology, together with business and industry information and government regulations. Includes a 3-hour laboratory.
4 credits
BI-923 Fermentation Technology
The growth of microorganisms in bioreactors under sterile conditions and the production of useful products.
3 credits
BI-925 Cell Physiology
Examines the cellular mechanisms involved in maintaining homeostasis in response to changes in the cellular environment. Includes 3-hour laboratory.
3 credits
BI-927 Tissue Culture Techniques
Presents the most important techniques used for mammalian tissue culture by lecture and laboratory demonstration and practice. The course also includes topics in plant tissue culture. (Prerequisite: BS in biological science)
3 credits
BI-930 Biological Chemistry
Concerns the physical, chemical, and biological properties and metabolism of carbohydrates, proteins, lipids, DNA, and RNA.
3 credits
BI-935 Biochemical Techniques
Topics include the isolation and characterization of biochemical compounds with emphasis on nucleic acids and proteins. 1 hour of lecture and a 3-hour laboratory per week.
3 credits
BI-936 Immunology
Recent advances in understanding the immune system will be covered. BS in a biological science is required.
3 credits
BI-937 Molecular Virology
A study of virus families with an emphasis on replication and regulation of gene expression. BS in biology science required.
3 credits
BI-938 Toxicology
A theoretical course presenting the principles and mechanisms of toxic damage to cells, organs, and organisms.
3 credits
BI-942 Biostatistical Analysis
Provides a foundation in biological data analysis and interpretation. Topics include probability, distribution, estimation, hypothesis testing, analysis of variance, simple and multiple regression, basic multivariate techniques, and vital statistics.
3 credits
BI-943 Experimental Design
The underlying principles of how scientific investigations are conducted in order to maximize the validity of the results are discussed. This course covers the philosophy of science as it pertains to experiments, methods of experimental design, statistical inference, analysis and presentation of data, and clear communication of scientific results.
3 credits
BI-950 Physiological Ecology
Considers the physiological adjustments that animals make in response to environmental factors; emphasizes the physiological basis of animal evolution and distribution.
3 credits
BI-960 Biology of Symbiosis
Nutritional, metabolic, and evolutionary mechanisms of partnerships in nature with emphasis on the universality of symbiosis. Includes 3-hour laboratory.
4 credits
BT-901 Directed Study: Biotechnology
This directed study offers graduate students who, because of unusual circumstances, may be unable to register for a course when offered the opportunity to complete an existing course with an established syllabus under the direction and with agreement from a faculty member. Variable credits.
1 to 12 credits
  • To be admitted to the program, a candidate must meet the Worcester State University general admission requirements for the degree of master of science.

    The program is open to graduates of accredited institutions of higher education who have been awarded a baccalaureate degree in biology, biotechnology, chemistry, or a similar science major. Graduate study in biotechnology at Worcester State University assumes sound undergraduate training and evidence of academic capability. Applicants are expected to have completed the courses 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. The applicant should have achieved a minimum grade point average of 2.75 in all undergraduate work and an average of 3.00 in all coursework within his/her major and in the ancillary courses.

  • This is an example of the WYSIWYG content type Heading

    The program of study includes 34 graduate credits in required and elective courses, research in biology/biotechnology culminating in an acceptable written thesis and thesis defense.

    Of the 34 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.

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