GRADUATE PROGRAMS IN BIOLOGY AND BIOTECHNOLOGY

The Department of Biology offers two graduate degree programs: M.S. in Biology and M.S. in Biotechnology. Thesis and nonthesis options are available. Graduate courses are normally scheduled for the late afternoons, evenings, and Saturdays. Classes are small and students have a close working relationship with the faculty. Full-time students can expect to complete the course of study in about two years, while part-time students may take longer. The degree must be completed within six years of matriculation. Dr. Robert Chesney (ChesneyR@wpunj.edu) is the Biology/Biotechnology Graduate Program Director.

1. Application Procedure

2. Graduate Courses

3. M.S. Biology

4. M.S. Biotechnology
    

1. APPLICATION PROCEDURE

The minimum requirement for admission is a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university, preferably with a major in biology or a related field. Undergraduate courses should include 16 credits (semester) of biology (including genetics) and one year each of general chemistry, organic chemistry, physics, and calculus (or 1 semester calculus and 1 semester statistics). In addition, biochemistry is required for admission to the biotechnology program. A cumulative G.P.A. of at least 2.75 (4.0 scale) is expected.

Application forms and graduate catalogs are available from the William Paterson University Graduate Office. To complete your application file, submit the following: completed application form, two letters of recommendation, official college transcripts, and scores from the General Test of the Graduate Record Examination. Application fee is $50.

If you are accepted to one of our graduate programs and wish to be considered for a Teaching Assistantship or Fellowship, contact our graduate program director for more information.

2. GRADUATE COURSES

We offer approximately 25 graduate courses within the M.S. programs. Descriptions of graduate courses including prerequisites and number of credits can be found by clicking Academics (bottom of page). If you are currently enrolled as a student at WPUNJ, you can find Graduate Biology courses which are scheduled for the current academic year by clicking on Student Services (bottom of page).

3. M.S. BIOLOGY

The M.S. in Biology degree program offers students several areas of concentration, each a coherent course of study and research: physiology with an emphasis on neurobiology; ecology; molecular biology with an emphasis on biotechnology; and general biology. The thesis option requires completion of 30 graduate credits in biology and related fields, including 6 credits of thesis research. There are two non-thesis options, each requiring 30 graduate credits, including 3 credits of graduate independent study or independent reading. All students are required to pass a written comprehensive examination.

4. M.S. BIOTECHNOLOGY

The M.S. in Biotechnology degree program prepares students for a variety of opportunities in the area of biotechnology and related fields such as molecular biology, immunology, genetic engineering, and protein biochemistry. Graduates of the program are well-grounded in molecular biology, including nucleic acid structure and function, gene sequencing and synthesis; plant and animal cell culture; hybridoma technology; immunological techniques; Southern, Northern, Western, and dot blots; use of radioisotopes; DNA, RNA, and protein isolation, separation, and purification; genetic engineering of plant and animal cells; and other advanced techniques. The 36 credit program includes two required molecular biology courses and four laboratory courses in biotechnology. Independent study or a thesis may be elected, giving students the opportunity to develop and complete a research project in biotechnology. All students are required to pass an exit examination.