Master of Biology Frequently asked Questions

---

1. What is a Professional Science Master's degree? The Professional Science Master's degree combines a scientific and technical curriculum with courses in management, leadership, and communications. The professional master's is a non-thesis, course-based degree.
2. What is IIT's accreditation? Illinois Institute of Technology is a Ph.D. granting research institution, which has its programs fully accredited by the North Central Association of Colleges and Secondary Schools.
3. When can I start? If the prerequisites have been met, you may begin your graduate studies in fall, spring, or summer semesters.
4. How long will it take? Part-time students earning the professional science master's degree can generally finish the program in 2 1/2 years.
5. How does the Internet format permit students to interact with the course instructor? The primary contact with the instructor is generally through email but also by telephone and discussion board.
6. How is the examination process and homework handled? Each student, with the help of IIT Online Services, will select a testing site and proctor who will administer the exam and return it to IIT. Homework is generally assigned within the lectures or on a course website. Homework is submitted by email, fax, or by uploading to Blackboard.
7. Who would be a good choice for a proctor? If your company or firm has a human resources department, a human resources officer would be an appropriate choice. If you live near a community college or a college that has an extension program, it is likely that it will have a testing facility at which you can take exams. The IIT Online office can make further suggestions on how you can seek out a proctor.
8. What are the costs associated with the program? Tuition rates are $778/credit hour. Other costs associated with the program include a non-refundable application fee of $40, a degree filing fee, textbook costs, and an occasional testing center fee for proctored exams.
9. What are the different options for tuition payment? There are several plans depending on your status of enrollment:
   • Semester Payment Plan due the first day of classes.
   • IIT Nine Month Plan for full- time students only.
   • Budget Plan for part-time students who choose to split their payment into two installments.
   • Tuition Deferment Plan for part-time students without financial aid whose employers offer reimbursement plans.
   
   Further payment information is available at www.enrollment.iit.edu.
10. How many courses should I take in a semester? The part-time program is designed for students to take a maximum of two courses per semester. Full-time students may take three courses per semester when available.
11. I am not sure whether this program is right for me. Is there a way to enroll in courses without committing to the entire program? Yes, you may enroll as a non-degree seeking student for up to nine credit hours, or about three courses, before applying for full admission. This option allows you to build an academic track record at IIT before submitting a full admissions application effectively permitting you to prove yourself and guarantee admission with strong academic performance.
12. What will my diploma state as the degree earned? Your diploma will state that you have an earned a Master of Biology.

---

---

Molecular Biochemistry and Biophysics Division, 3101 South Dearborn St., Chicago, IL 60616
Phone: 312.567.3480     FAX: 312.567.3494
Molecular Biochemistry and Biophysics Webmaster (segre@iit.edu)