Biotechnology M.S.

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The graduate plan in Biotechnology leads to the Master of Science (M.S.) degree. This innovative and interdisciplinary MS program offers an industry focus on a comprehensive exploration of basic science, applied science, and lab science. The biotechnology graduate program at UHCL provides a solid foundation in biochemistry, molecular biology, cell biology, genomics and proteomics.  The student's course of study qualifies them for careers in research and development, teaching, or private industry.  Students must specialize in one of the following areas:

• Molecular Biotechnology
• Bioinformatics/ Computational Biology
• Biotechnology Management

The GRE score (verbal + quantitative) should be a minimum of 290 points, with a minimum quantitative score of 150, verbal score of 140 and writing score of 3.5. As a condition of admittance to the graduate program, students who do not meet School GRE and/or GPA standards will be required to meet additional performance criteria, such as past performance in critical courses, withdrawal and drop history, letters of recommendation, personal knowledge of past performance, improvement on repeated courses, and/or work experience and individual faculty support as a mentor in the research laboratory.

Successful applicants should have completed the basic requirements for the Bachelor of Science degree in Biological Sciences or a related filed or have completed the following courses (including prerequisites or equivalents) before applying for admission:

Requirements

Core Requirements (36 hours)

The M.S. degree requires the completion of 36 hours. All core requirements and Biotechnology electives must be completed with a grade of "C" or better and a GPA of ≥ 3.0 must be maintained. All graduate students in the Biotechnology program must complete a Candidate Plan of Study (CPS) with their assigned faculty adviser before they complete 9 hours of graduate credit. Courses completed past the initial 9 hours that are not on the approved CPS may not be counted toward the degree.

Although the M.S. in Biotechnology does not require independent study, co-op (internship), field experience (practicum), or thesis, these options are available and students are highly encouraged to participate in these courses and experiences.

In addition to the following required courses there are additional required courses for each specialization:  Refer to Biotechnology Program Specialization Areas and Electives sections.

Biotechnology Extended Coursework Option

Under the extended coursework option, a minimum of 33 hours of coursework in one of the three Specialization areas, of which 18-24 hours (depending on the specialization) must be biotechnology (BIOT) courses and three hours of BIOT 6838 Research Project and Seminar taken in the last 12 hours. Non-thesis students who complete BIOT 5530 as an elective will still be required to complete BIOT 6838.

Biotechnology Thesis Option

The Thesis Option requires a minimum of 27 hours of Biotechnology (BIOT) courses in one of the three Specialization Areas, BIOT 5530 Research Methods in Biotechnology, and six hours of BIOT 6939 Master's Thesis Option. Graduate students who are pursuing the master's thesis option are advised to consult with their faculty adviser early in their studies for guidance in preparation for beginning the thesis and register for BIOT 5530 Research Methods in Biotechnology early in their studies.

If they take more than 6 hours of BIOT 6939, they are not able to count them toward their degree and they will only receive a grade for 6 hours. Once they enroll in the course, they have to stay continually enrolled until they graduate. Any hours above the 6 will show a credit only with no grade.

Biotechnology Program Specialization Areas and Electives

Specialization Prerequisites

Please be informed that there are additional prerequisites for each specialization/concentration. In all cases for specialization requirements, evidence of completion of the course with a grade of C or better is required.

Molecular Biotechnology Specialization

The M.S. in Biotechnology with a Specialization in Molecular Biotechnology requires 36 hours of coursework, of which 24 hours must be biotechnology (BIOT).

Bioinformatics/Computational Biology Specialization

The M.S. in Biotechnology with a Specialization in Bioinformatics/Computational Biology requires 36 hours of coursework, of which 18 hours must be in biotechnology (BIOT). Additional prerequisites for the Bioinformatics/Computational Biology Specialization (UHCL course or equivalent) are:

Biotechnology Management Specialization

The M.S. in Biotechnology with a Specialization in Management requires 36 hours of coursework, of which 18 hours must be in biotechnology (BIOT). Additional prerequisites for the Biotechnology Management specialization (UHCL course or equivalent) are: