The Program

The program gives students a thorough understanding of the scientific theory and advanced laboratory research techniques vital to success in pharmaceutical and biotechnology industries. Students also receive valuable internship experience in this revolutionary field.

Students complete a 33 credit, interdisciplinary program with courses offered by the Department of Biological Sciences, Chemistry, Pharmaceutical Sciences, and Pharmacy and Administrative Sciences—15 credits in a pharmaceutical biotechnology “core,” 15 credits in elective courses and a three-credit Internship in biotechnology at an approved site. Students must maintain a grade point average of at least 3.0 in the program.  All courses are given in the evening.

Application Requirements
Applicants need to submit the following items with their admission application:

  • B.S. or B.A. or equivalent with a major in life sciences or physical sciences
  • Official transcripts reflecting a minimum GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale
  • Satisfactory GRE scores
  • A minimum of two letters of reference
  • Foreign-born students who have not received a U.S. degree are required to present evidence of proficiency in English such as the TOEFL test

Program Requirements
The outlined curriculum provides a strong conceptual foundation upon which students can build the practical skills to excel in this exciting field. Students must complete a minimum of 33 credits, 18 of which are satisfied  by the completion of the required core courses, including an off-campus internship that students take preferably in their final semester or after they have completed a minimum of 21 credits with a 3.0 index.

Attendance Policy
Regular and prompt attendance is expected of all students. Absence from class does not excuse a student from work missed. Individual faculty member have discretionary power to determine whether a student who has missed an announced test is to be given a make-up exam. This policy does not apply to final examinations which are administered by the Dean’s office at an appointed time.

Fellowships
There are no fellowships or graduate assistantships offered for this degree program.

Academic Standing
Students must maintain a GPA of 3.0. A student with a GPA of less than 3.0 is placed on academic probation and has one semester to correct the deficiency. If uncorrected after one semester, the student will be dismissed from the program. Students may appeal dismissal to the Director of the Institute for Biotechnology who acts as Dean for the program.

Transfer of Credit
A student may transfer up to six (6) graduate credits from another fully accredited institution of higher learning to substitute for courses in the curriculum. The student should present a syllabus of the course for which he or she is requesting credit and an official transcript for the College or University to the Director of the Institute for Biotechnology. The syllabus will be evaluated by the chair of the department offering the corresponding course in the curriculum. If it is deemed to be the equivalent the student will receive transfer credit for the course.