Master of Science in Biology with Specialization in Applied Life Sciences
It is an exciting time to be in the life sciences, with opportunity for students to be on the front lines of new drug discovery and technological innovation. The global life sciences industry is expanding to meet the needs of a growing and self-advocating, aging population. The discovery for and application of treatments and cures for serious illnesses such as heart disease, Alzheimer's, and diabetes is intensifying at a rapid rate. Simultaneously, there is a drive to improve our quality of life and life span.
The Master of Science in Biology with Specialization in Applied Life Sciences program is highly flexible but at its core provides education and preparation for professional biological careers and/or further education. The degree can be obtained without a thesis, entirely online, and full- or part-time.
Admission Requirements
Preferred candidates will have a minimum cumulative undergraduate GPA of 3.0/4.0, though exceptions may be made with validated work experience. Graduate Record Examination (GRE) scores must be submitted with the following minimum scores: 305 (quantitative + verbal), and 2.5 (analytical writing). The GRE requirement is waived for applicants who hold a bachelor's degree with a cumulative undergraduate GPA of 3.0/4.0 or higher from a U.S. accredited institution of higher learning.
Any applicant whose undergraduate degree was earned at an institution where the primary language of instruction is not English must submit Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL), Pearson Test of English (PTE), or International English Language Testing System (IELTS) scores, which must satisfy Illinois Institute of Technology's English language proficiency test requirements (see the Graduate Admission section for more information).
Curriculum
| Code | Title | Credit Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Required Courses | (20) | |
| BIOL 504 | Biochemistry | 3 |
| BIOL 515 | Molecular Biology | 3 |
| BIOL 524 | Science and Law: An Introduction to Intellectual Property Law and Patents | 2 |
| BIOL 544 | Molecular Biology of Cells | 3 |
| BIOL 581 | Capstone 1 | 3 |
| CHEM 519 | Good Manufacturing Practices | 3 |
| MATH 525 | Statistical Models and Methods | 3 |
| Elective Courses | (12) | |
| Select a minimum of 12 credit hours from the following: | 12 | |
| Virology | 3 | |
| Advanced Biochemistry | 3 | |
| Toxicology | 3 | |
| Developmental Biology | 3 | |
| Immunology and Immunochemistry | 3 | |
| Advanced Microbiology | 3 | |
| Bioinformatics | 3 | |
| Macromolecular Structure | 3 | |
| Current Topics in Functional Genomics | 3 | |
| Understanding the International Conference on Harmonization Guidelines | 3 | |
| Project Management | 3 | |
| Public Engagement for Scientists | 3 | |
| Total Credit Hours | 32 | |
- 1
BIOL 581 Capstone may be replaced with a suitable IPRO course at the program director's discretion.
Note: Up to nine credit hours of 400-level coursework, including six credit hours of IPRO courses, may fulfill degree requirements, per adviser approval.
Other requirements are identical to those described previously for all M.S. students in biology.
