Offered in: Chicago | Schaumburg

The Master of Science degree in Biotechnology and Chemical Science (BTCS) prepares students for work in various applied science industries, including food science, biopharmaceuticals and clinical diagnostics, or academic research and graduate study. It is an interdisciplinary program where a student may concentrate in biotechnology, biotechnology management or chemical science. The program is appropriate for students holding a bachelor's degree in biology, biochemistry, chemistry and related fields, or those with other bachelor's degrees who have completed the prerequisite coursework. Applicants preparing for careers in medicine, dentistry or other health professions are encouraged to apply for the Master of Arts in Biomedical Science or the Master of Science in Biology at Roosevelt University.

Students in the program receive:

• Theoretical and practical training through a rigorous, comprehensive graduate curriculum including chemistry, biology, biochemistry, and business coursework.
• Direct experience with laboratory techniques and methods used in commercial and academic research settings.
• Research, internship, and career exploration opportunities enhance students' skills and prepare them to advance in their chosen field.
• Individual advising and mentoring by experienced faculty from across the university.

Coursework for this program is regularly offered during afternoon and evening hours and on weekends, allowing working students to extend their professional training. Multiple research and independent study opportunities are available; a research thesis is optional for students in the Biotechnology and Chemical Science concentrations. 

Admission

Applicants should consult the graduate admission resources on the Roosevelt University website for information on the application process. The graduate program director and department faculty members will evaluate each applicant's individual record of academic achievement, professional experience, and self-assessment. Weakness in one or more areas of preparation will not preclude a positive admission decision. Admissions decisions are at the discretion of the graduate program director or department chair.

APPLICATION MATERIALS

REQUIRED DOCUMENTS

• Graduate application: Application to the College of Science, Health and Pharmacy at Roosevelt University.
• Transcript(s): Unofficial transcripts from all undergraduate and graduate institutions attended. International applicants must submit official transcripts, and all applicants must have official transcripts on file before starting graduate studies.
• Proof of English language proficiency (for international students): See the University English Language Proficiency requirement for details. Applicants can receive an admissions decision if this requirement is not met, but may need to complete ELP coursework before they begin graduate studies. 

OPTIONAL DOCUMENTS

• Resume/Curriculum vita: A detailed account of academic and extracurricular experiences. Include employment, teaching, leadership, and research experiences as appropriate.
• Letter of intent: A brief (one-page) personal statement which outlines personal and professional goals.
• Letter of recommendation: Referees may include professors, academic advisors, employment supervisors, or others familiar with the applicant's preparation for graduate study.
• Official GRE, MCAT, PCAT or DAT score: Official score in one of the graduate admissions tests that are no more than three years old.

Prerequisites

Applicants to the MS BTCS program must hold a bachelor's degree with a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.75 (4.0 scale) and have completed the academic requirements described below.

• Biotechnology concentration: General Chemistry (2 courses), Organic Chemistry (1 course), Physics (1 course), Cellular/Molecular Biology (1 course) 
• Biotechnology Management concentration: Same as Biotechnology, plus - Statistics (business statistics or biostatistics), Calculus (1 or 2 courses).
• Chemical Science concentration: Same as Biotechnology, plus - Calculus (1 or 2 courses), Organic Chemistry (2 courses), Analytical/Quantitative Chemistry (1 course), Physics (2 courses)

Students lacking prerequisite coursework may be admitted provisionally until outstanding courses have been completed satisfactorily (grade of B- or better). None of the prerequisite courses may be used toward fulfillment of the requirements for the master's degree.

Credit Policies

Graduate transfer credit (up to 9 credit hours) may be applied to the MS Biotechnology and Chemical Science degree within one semester of admission. Credits from a previously earned degree are not transferable. Exceptions to specific course requirements may be granted to students who have previously completed graduate coursework in a related area and maintain good academic standing after one semester of study at Roosevelt. All transfer credits and exceptions must be approved by the graduate program director or department chair.

Advising

New students must consult with a graduate faculty advisor upon admission to the program. Each graduate student must meet with a faculty advisor at least once each semester to select appropriate courses for the following semester. Continuing students who have completed at least one semester of graduate study (or 6 credit hours) with a grade average of 3.0 or higher should consult with their advisors to discuss research, internship, independent study and other experiential learning opportunities.

Requirements

The Master of Science degree in Biotechnology and Chemical Science requires a minimum of 36 credit hours, at least 27 of which must be completed at Roosevelt University. Each student will develop an academic plan in consultation with a faculty advisor. Students may choose concentrations in Biotechnology, Chemical Science or Biotechnology Management (in conjunction with Roosevelt's Heller College of Business). See the list below for required and recommended courses in each concentration.

INTERDISCIPLINARY AND REQUIRED COURSEWORK

• Biotechnology concentration: At least 18 credit hours in biology (BIOL) and at least eight credit hours in chemistry (CHEM) or biochemistry (BCHM), subject to approval of the graduate program director. BIOL 480 APPLICATIONS OF BIOTECHNOLOGY, BIOL 482 BIOTECHNOLOGY INDUSTRY PRACTICE and research experience are required for this concentration.
• Chemical Science concentration: At least 18 credit hours in chemistry (CHEM) or biochemistry (BCHM) and eight credit hours in biology (BIOL), subject to approval of the graduate program director. BCHM 493 BIOCHEMISTRY SEMINAR, at least one chemistry laboratory course and research experience are required for this concentration.
• Biotechnology Management concentration: Specific requirements in natural science, industry practice and management are described in the concentration course listing below. Contact the graduate program director for up-to-date course availability for this concentration.

RESEARCH AND INDEPENDENT STUDY OPPORTUNITIES

All students in the Biotechnology and Chemical Science concentrations must complete at least three credit hours of research training by enrolling in either research independent study under the sponsorship of a faculty member (BIOL 492 RESEARCH IN BIOLOGY/BCHM 492 RESEARCH IN BIOCHEMISTRY/CHEM 492 RESEARCH IN CHEMISTRY) or in the scheduled Research Methods course (BIOL 468 RESEARCH METHODS). It is recommended that independent research study be undertaken for 3 credit hours in a single term, but it may be taken in increments to total 3 credit hours.

A research thesis is optional for students in the Biotechnology and Chemical Science concentrations. In addition to the independent research courses listed above, thesis candidates will register for up to 6 additional credit hours of research credit (BIOL 485 THESIS/BCHM 485 THESIS). Details on the thesis preparation process are available from the graduate program director or department chair. 

Independent study in literature research (BIOL 495 INDEPENDENT STUDY/BCHM 495 INDEPENDENT STUDY/CHEM 495 INDEPENDENT STUDY) and internship options (BIOL 491 BIOLOGY INTERNSHIP) are also available to students. These options are included in the total graduate credit hours but do not substitute for research requirements. No more than 10 total credit hours from independent study and research may be applied to the degree, unless approved by the graduate program director.

RECOMMENDED COURSES

The coursework for the degree will be chosen from the list below, from other scheduled courses in BIOL, CHEM or BCHM at the 400-level or through individualized registration as described above. 

Biotechnology Concentration

Biotechnology Management Concentration

Chemical Sciences Concentration

 The degree map is a general guide to each term on the academic pathway to the MS Biotechnology & Chemical Science degree. It is based on the most current scheduling information and assumes full-time study (although part-time study is allowed in this program). This degree map is reviewed annually and updated as schedules change. Students retain the same course requirements as when they first enroll, as long as they are continuously enrolled in the program. No more than two grades of C (not C-) may be applied toward the 36 hours used for the degree. A graduate course can only be repeated once; no more than two courses can be repeated. 

Please note: always work closely with your academic advisor to understand curriculum requirements and scheduling, as each student’s academic plan will look different. 

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BIOL 453 MOLECULAR BIOLOGY recommended

The degree map is a general guide to each term on the academic pathway to the MS Biotechnology & Chemical Science degree. It is based on the most current scheduling information and assumes full-time study (although part-time study is allowed in this program). This degree map is reviewed annually and updated as schedules change. Students retain the same course requirements as when they first enroll, as long as they are continuously enrolled in the program. No more than two grades of C (not C-) may be applied toward the 36 hours used for the degree. A graduate course can only be repeated once; no more than two courses can be repeated. 

Please note: always work closely with your academic advisor to understand curriculum requirements and scheduling, as each student’s academic plan will look different. 

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CHEM 436 ANALYTICAL CHEMISTRY recommended

The degree map is a general guide to each term on the academic pathway to the MS Biotechnology & Chemical Science degree. It is based on the most current scheduling information and assumes full-time study (although part-time study is allowed in this program). This degree map is reviewed annually and updated as schedules change. Students retain the same course requirements as when they first enroll, as long as they are continuously enrolled in the program. No more than two grades of C (not C-) may be applied toward the 36 hours used for the degree. A graduate course can only be repeated once; no more than two courses can be repeated. 

Please note: always work closely with your academic advisor to understand curriculum requirements and scheduling, as each student’s academic plan will look different.