Master of Science in Biology
| The Master of Science in Biology is designed to prepare both men and women for advanced careers in biotechnology, academic/medical research, ecological or environmental research and biology teaching. The program allows interaction with other professionals in the field and provides an opportunity to further and update knowledge leading to promotion in the workplace. There are three options for completion of the M.S. degree in biology: (1) laboratory research with thesis, (2) review paper research and (3) course intensive study. Most students study part-time. |
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The program utilizes small classes with convenient and flexible course schedules primarily in the late afternoon and early evening to allow part time study for working adults. The program also accommodates full time students on a matriculating or non- matriculating basis. There is convenient parking and eating facilities adjacent to classroom and laboratory facilities.
Classes are held during fall, spring, and summer sessions. The university offers a fully computerized, modern library with excellent literature search and interlibrary loan capability along with proximity to potential research sites and facilities. The university has new science laboratories and individual space for on-site graduate student research. Students may also pursue research at their workplaces with supervision of both local and university personnel.
One-on-one interaction between student and chosen mentor during research thesis, review paper preparation and course intensive capstone experience provide individualized attention to each student. Our alums, current students, and recent grads have come from various local research and educational institutions. Our recent graduates have produced thesis research, review and capstone papers contributing to the field.
Along with over twenty other colleges and universities in New Jersey, Georgian Court University is a member of the New Jersey Marine Sciences Consortium (NJMSC), which is a nonprofit group dedicated to the understanding and wise utilization of New Jersey’s marine resources. Each summer, the NJMSC offers courses in the marine sciences, mostly at Sandy Hook, New Jersey. Students may register for these courses for credit through Georgian Court University. Georgian Court considers specific NJMSC courses equivalent to transfer courses. Students should check with their adviser to learn which courses are considered biology courses prior to registering for a course.
Admission Requirements
- Baccalaureate degree from an regionally accredited college or university
- Minimum grade point average of 3.0 overall (on a 4.0 scale)*
- Minimum of 24 credits in biology**
- 16 credits of chemistry (organic is strongly recommended), 6 credits of mathematics (calculus is strongly recommended), and 8 credits of general physics (may be waived)**
*In exceptional cases, students may be admitted without meeting this requirement.
**Applicants with deficiencies may be required to fulfill prerequisites at the undergraduate level as a condition of their acceptance.
Program Requirements
Course sequence
Students choose one of the three options for degree completion. For the first two options a total of thirty credits is earned including required courses. For the third option a total of thirty six credits of course work is required including an exit capstone course and presentation.
Students use on-line registration to select courses following one of two main general curricular tracks: Cell and Molecular Biology or Ecological and Environmental Studies. Students may however choose a combination of courses from either track to fit personal degree objectives. One half of the courses encompass a laboratory or field component.
Required Courses
| BI607 |
Biological Literacy and Communication for Graduate Students AND |
3 |
| * BI608-1;2;3 |
Review Paper Research OR |
3 |
| ** BI609-1;2;3 |
Master’s Thesis Research I AND
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3 |
| ** BI610-1;2;3 |
Master’s Thesis Research II OR |
3 |
| *** BI614 |
Capstone Experience for the Course Intensive Masters |
1 |
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* Review Paper Research Option (1)
** Thesis Research Option (2)
*** Course Intensive Option (3)
Candidates for options (1) and (2) of the degree must pass on oral qualifying examination following preliminary work on the review paper topic or thesis project.
Note: Students choosing the review paper research option must enroll in BI608. Students choosing the thesis option must enroll in BI609 and BI610. Students choosing the course intensive option must enroll in BI614.
Electives
| BI500 |
Virology |
4 |
| BI501 |
Advanced Cell Biology |
4 |
| BI503 |
Molecular Neurobiology |
4 |
| BI504 |
Advanced Immunology |
3 |
| BI505 |
Conservation Ecology |
4 |
| BI506 |
Evolution and Systematics |
3 |
| BI507 |
Mycology |
4 |
| BI508 |
Advanced Topics |
1-3 |
| BI509 |
Biostatistics |
3 |
| BI510 |
Ecology and Environment of New Jersey |
3 |
| BI511 |
Developmental Biology |
4 |
| BI601 |
Advanced Molecular Genetics |
4 |
| BI602 |
Estuarine Ecology |
4 |
| BI604 |
Pharmacology |
3 |
| BI605 |
Basic Pathology |
3 |
| BI606 |
Toxicology |
3 |
| BI611 |
Tissue Culture |
4 |
| BI612 |
Advanced Biogeography |
3
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| BI613 |
Cancer Cell Biology |
3 |
New courses are often added into the curriculum. The most recent courses added have been titled Proteomics (3 Credits). Ecological Genetics (3 credits), Molecular Basis of Behavior (3 credits) and Reproductive Biology (3 Credits).