Co-Terminal Bachelor of Science in Biology/Master of Biology Degree Program
IIT offers a five-year, co-terminal Bachelor of Science in Biology/Master of Biology (B.S./MAS) degree program for students who wish to combine a bachelor's degree in biology with a non-thesis master of biology leading to a career as a professional biologist. This program is designed for students seeking careers in the corporate world, in government, industry, the military, the non-profit sector, or higher education. Students may concentrate in one of four fields: microbiology, biochemistry, cell and molecular biology, or biotechnology.
The need for more bioscientists is emphasized in the White House publication National Bioeconomy Blueprint, released in April 2012. The report explores how economic activity is driven by technological innovation addressing societal needs in the areas of health, energy, agriculture, the environment, and manufacturing. In especially high demand, according to the National Academies report "Science Professionals: Master's Education for a Competitive World," are biologists with "both scientific knowledge and workplace skills for the practical application of that knowledge—that is, a new kind of scientist with multidisciplinary skills and experiences."
The advantage of the co-terminal program at IIT is that it provides students disciplined in biology with an opportunity to develop these workplace skills necessary for a successful career. Whether working in a lab, becoming a science writer, continuing on into a legal career, joining a marketing firm, or advancing in an international biotech company, good communication skills and a firm grasp of today's business principles are essential. This is what the five-year B.S./MAS program is all about.
For more information on IIT, its outstanding faculty, world-renowned campus, and proximity to the cultural and financial center of the Midwest, visit IIT's Office of Undergraduate Admission.
Program Details
Undergraduate biology students should declare their intent to pursue the degree as early as possible to facilitate advising but are formally admitted after their third year of study, at which time they must have a GPA of 3.3 or better to be considered for admission. In their fourth and fifth years, students take a combined undergraduate/graduate curriculum that satisfies both undergraduate and master's degree requirements.
In order to complete both the bachelor's and master's degrees in five years, students will follow IIT's standard B.S. biology curriculum for the first three years and begin taking graduate biology courses in their fourth year of study, when they will be dual-enrolled in the B.S. and MAS programs. Both degrees will be awarded simultaneously upon completion of all of the requirements. Many of the biology courses are offered online adding to the flexibility of the program. A profex (comprehensive exam) is a requirement to earn the master's degree and a summer internship is strongly recommended.
Suggested Co-Terminal Bachelor of Science in Biology/Master of Biology Curriculum
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