Faculty

Yasir Ahmed-Braimah, Abrar Aljiboury, David M. Althoff, Melanie J. Decker, Jason Boock, Carlos A. Castañeda, Arindam Chakraborty, Heather D. Coleman, Jennifer Cook, Steve Dorus, Robert P. Doyle, Scott E. Erdman, Christopher W. Fernandez, Austin M. Garner, Sarah E. Hall, Julie M. Hasenwinkel, Heidi Hehnly, James H. Henderson, James A. Hewett,  James Hougland, L. Jamie Lamit, Li-En Jao, Eun-Deok Kim, Katharine Lewis, Chih Hung Lo, Sarah Lucas, Yan-Yeung Luk, Jessica MacDonald, Lauren Mavica, Mathew M. Maye, Vera McIlvain, Alexander McKelvie, Liviu Movileanu, Davoud Mozhdehi, Allison Oakes, Angela Oliverio, Susan Parks, Melissa E. Pepling, Scott Pitnick, Ramesh Raina, Surabhi Raina,  Michael B. Sponsler, Nancy I. Totah, Roy D. Welch, Michele Wheatly, Jason R. Wiles, and Weiwei Zheng

Program Description

This 5-year BS/MS program combines two existing programs: the BS in Biotechnology and the MS in Biotechnology. Biotechnology is an interdisciplinary program that offers students an opportunity to take courses in biology, environmental sciences, chemistry, engineering, management, public policy, and law.  The knowledge gained in these courses will be important for addressing biotechnology-related issues.  The combined BS/MS Biotechnology program provides students with advanced scientific training and education, customized to their career plans, as well as targeted professional development and networking experience.  It will prepare students for jobs in areas such as agricultural and foods industries, health professions, environmental conservation, or research in academia.

Admissions

To be eligible for admission to the program, undergraduate students must declare the BS Biotechnology major during the admission process to Syracuse University or anytime thereafter.  Students are strongly encouraged to speak to their assigned Biotechnology major advisor regarding the 5-year BS/MS program so that their degree requirements can be met within the designated timeframe.

BS Biotechnology students, and students enrolled in other BS programs including Biology, Biochemistry, Chemistry, or others, are eligible to apply to the combined BS/MS Biotechnology program.  Applications are accepted on a rolling basis up until July 31st, prior to the beginning of a student’s fourth year as an undergraduate.  Interested students must apply to the MS Biotechnology program through CollegeNet. The materials needed are described below.

Acceptance into the program is based on academic performance, completion of a sufficient proportion of the required BS Biotechnology core courses, and completion of at least one upper-level Biology laboratory course.  Decision notifications will be sent to students promptly upon receiving their application.

Students who are not accepted into the combined BS/MS Biotechnology program may still be offered early admission into the regular Biotechnology MS program, at the discretion of the Biotechnology Admissions Committee.

The CollegeNet application consists of the following:

• a personal statement outlining the applicant’s interest in the combined BS/MS Biotechnology program (1 page, single-spaced, 12-point Times New Roman font)

• a CV or resume

• an unofficial transcript 

• two (2) faculty recommendation letters

• an application

Program Requirements

Over a period of 5 years, students in this program will complete all of the requirements for a Bachelor of Science Degree in Biotechnology, as well as all the requirements for a Master of Science Degree in Biotechnology.  Students accepted into the combined BS/MS program will be able to share (“double-count”) up to 15 credits of 500-level or 600-level coursework toward the completion of both degrees.

After completion of the program requirements, students will receive the Bachelor’s degree after the fourth year and the Master’s degree after the fifth year.

For curriculum details, see each program.