Graduate Catalog: Science Program

Chairperson: Michael C. Kiel, Ph.D.
Program Director: Lisa Antoniacci, Ph.D.

Mission, Philosophy and Goals

The Science Department mission is to produce open-minded professionals with specific knowledge and technical skills that relate to the natural world, and to provide an in-depth understanding of scientific advances that affect society. We now live in the post-genome era, where genome sequencing and use of genetic information to cure diseases and improve health is commonplace. Expertise in this broad area is critically important for society, as advances in discovery research routinely cross over into healthcare, pharmaceutical, and chemistry professions. Genomic medicine, DNA sequencing, and bioinformatics continue to be at the crest of cutting edge research and affect society on many levels; therefore, Marywood University provides a specialized education to those interested in these important fields. Our science graduates are encouraged to utilize their scientific education and talents in a globally responsible manner.

M.S. in Biotechnology

The M.S. Biotechnology program prepares students for careers in a number of fields such as biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, healthcare, chemistry, and environmental science. The curricula blend modern science education with management skills in business and technology. The job market for scientists with this type of training remains strong due to the fact that companies are looking to hire highly qualified scientific researchers who can serve in managerial positions. Our M.S. Biotechnology degree is ideal for entry-level technical/laboratory researchers or mid-level professionals looking to advance their careers. In addition, many students with an M.S. Biotechnology degree go on to medical, professional or doctoral schools.

Program Design/Points of Entry

The M.S. Biotechnology program is composed of two basic curriculum tracks, depending upon point of entry. Marywood University undergraduates in their junior or senior years can apply for admission into the program and enter our five year B.S./M.S. curriculum. Applicants who already possess a B.S. or a B.A. in the life sciences can enter the two year, stand alone M.S. track. The graduate component is essentially identical for both tracks, and neither track requires a written thesis.

Admissions Requirements

Marywood University undergraduate students. General screening by an admissions committee from the Department of Science for this track typically takes place after year three if the student is a Biotechnology major. Students in the five year program and in good academic standing (GPA of 3.00 minimum) are candidates for the graduate component in the fifth year.

Post-baccalaureate entry. A B.S. or B.A. in an undergraduate major related to the life sciences is required. An undergraduate GPA of 3.00 or higher is expected. Prerequisite courses for the M.S. Biotechnology include:

• One year of: General Biology with lab, General Chemistry with lab, Organic Chemistry with lab
• One semester of Microbiology with lab
• A 200+ level mathematics course (e.g. Calculus)
• One semester of upper level biology or chemistry with lab (e.g. Immunology, Genetics, Biochemistry)

A completed application must include:

• Official, unopened transcripts from all undergraduate institutions attended.
• A GRE score.
• Two letters of recommendation from professional references (former professors, work supervisors etc.).
• A TOEFL score (if applicable).
• Essay (1-2 pages) describing the candidate’s career objectives and how the M.S. Biotechnology degree will assist with such goals.
• A professional resume.

To be considered for the program, applicants are required to submit an application for admission on or before January 9 of the year prior to a summer or fall semester start date, along with application fee. Each application is reviewed by the Department of Science Graduate Admissions Committee and notification of the committee's decision is communicated by the Marywood University Admissions office.

Program Course Requirements (Total credits: 37-39)

I. INTERDISCIPLINARY

COMM 503	Public Presentation	3
PSY 501	Research Methods	3
PUB 511	Ethics in Management	3
* BUS 500+	Graduate Business (MBA)	3
* BUS 500+	Graduate Business (MBA)	3
* BUS 500+	Graduate Business (MBA)	3
	Interdisciplinary Total Credits	18

*Graduate Business (MBA) courses required; choose a total of three (3):

BUS 542	Financial Planning & Management	3
BUS 556	Business Venture & Entrepreneur	3

At the UG level, BUS 321 is recommended before taking BUS 542 and BUS 556.

BUS 541	Organizational Behavior and Development	3
BUS 568	Legal Aspects of the Administrative Process	3
BUS 570	Marketing & Strategic Planning	3

At the UG level, BUS 341 is recommended before taking BUS 541, BUS 568, and BUS 570.

BUS 546	Managing the Organization in the Marketspace	3
BUS 569	Management of Technology	3
At the UG level, BUS 301 is recommended before taking BUS 546 and BUS 569.

II. SCIENCE

BIOL 501 + L	Cell Culture	3
BIOL 502	Bioinformatics	3
BIOL 520	Literature Review	3
BIOL 540 + L	Molecular & Cellular Biology	4
BIOL 583	Emerging Medicines and Technologies	3
Science Total Credits: 15

III. SCIENCE ELECTIVES (Choose 2 electives)

ENVS 520 + L	Ecology	3 (4)
BIOL 521 + L	Biochemistry	3 (4)
BIOL 530	Laboratory Instruction	2**
BIOL 532 + L	Immunology	3 (4)
BIOL 546 + L	Genetics	3 (4)
BIOL 595	Research	1 or 2
Science Elective Total Credits: 4-6

Total Number of Credits: 37-39

** BIOL 530: Student enrollment approved by Program Director and Department Chairperson.

Science Program Courses