The Graduate College offers a two-semester, 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, Biostatistics, Research Ethics, 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 program will culminate in an independent research capstone experience, where students complete a small research project complete with research design, execution of laboratory experiments, data analyses and the defense/presentation of their work. The student will also participate in the IPE 502 university course, which will expose students to inter-professional teamwork in 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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. 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.
All students who maintain a cumulative grade point average of 3.0 while completing the required course sequence with full-time enrollment will be considered to be In Good Academic Standing within the Graduate College and are eligible for graduation with the M.S. degree.
Any student who fails to maintain a 3.0 grade point average will be considered to be In Academic Difficulty until the deficiency is corrected. Those requirements will be determined by the Biotechnology Program Director with the advice of the Program Committee. A student In Academic Difficulty is not eligible for graduation.
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.
Student will select either BTN-524 or BTN-526, and all other courses listed below. BTN-527 may replace BTN-534 under special conditions.
BTN - 527 Introduction to Clinical Bioinformatics Credit(s): 2 Special permission required to register for BTN-527, which is offered at the same as BTN-534. Contact Program Director for details.
*Additionally, students participate in IPE 502, Interprofessional Patient-Centered Teams.