Professional Science Masters in Biotechnology


The field of Biotechnology seeks to develop new applications and products and/or improve the quality of existing products that are of benefit to our society. The new Professional Science Masters (PSM) program in Biotechnology at the University of Northern Iowa emphasizes strengthening and enhancing molecular biology skills along with providing an understanding of the business and marketing aspects of biotechnology. The program is also focused on developing written and oral communication skills of students so that they can succeed in the various biotechnology sectors in the US and abroad.

 

Overview of program

  • 30 credit hour, 12 month intensive program (Fall, Spring, Summer)
  • Emphasizes applications of recombinant and advanced analytical techniques
  • Promotes effective report writing, team problem solving and communication skills
  • Provides training in the basics of management, finance and accounting for science professionals
  • Allows for 10-12 hours of electives to customize individual programs
  • Culminates in a 4-6 credit hour supervised internship for potential employer


Admission Requirements

Admission is restricted to students with a GPA of 3.00 or higher and a B.A. or B.S. in Biotechnology, Biology, Biochemistry or a related discipline. Students must have taken an Introductory General Biology sequence, Genetics and one or more courses in Molecular Biology or equivalents to be considered.

The following must be submitted in their entirety for full consideration for admission into the program. New applications are accepted only for Fall semester, no Spring admission. Deadline for admission is April 1.

Procedure for Application to the Department of Biology Professional Science Masters in Biotechnology Graduate Program for U.S. Residents.

  1. All applicants must have a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university.
  2. Obtain and complete an Application for Admission to Graduate Study. This form is found on the right side “Graduate College” box on the Biology Graduate Programs Admissions page. It can be completed online or if a paper copy is submitted, it should be mailed to the Office of the Registrar, Gilchrist 243, Cedar Falls, IA 50614-0006. Accompanying this form should be a non-refundable application fee of $30.00 unless you received or anticipate receiving a degree from the University of Northern Iowa. The application review process will be delayed until the application fee is received.
  3. Transcripts must be sent to the Office of the Registrar, Gilchrist 243, Cedar Falls, IA 50614-0006.
  4. Obtain and complete a Biology Department Graduate Program Application. Click on the departmental application form on the right side “Biology Dept” box on the Biology Graduate Programs Admissions page to download a copy. The completed forms need to be sent to the Department of Biology, McCollum Science Hall, Cedar Falls, IA 50614-0421.
  5. Three letters of recommendation need to be sent to the Department of Biology, McCollum Science Hall, Cedar Falls, IA 50614-0421. Click on the departmental application form on the right side “Biology Dept” box on the Biology Graduate Programs Admissions page to download a copy of this form.
  6. A Personal statement describing your background and why you would like to pursue a PSM degree in Biotechnology at the University of Northern Iowa.
  7. Fill out applications for Stipend Support and Tuition Scholarship Awards. The procedure is listed on the Biology Graduate Programs Admissions page in a box on the right side.

Procedure for Application to the Department of Biology Professional Science Masters in Biotechnology Graduate Program for International Students.

  1. International graduate students must have matriculated from a four-year (or equivalent) undergraduate academic program with results equivalent to a 3.0 GPA or above on a 4.0 scale.
  2. Obtain and complete an Application for Admission to Graduate Study. The application may be filled out online at http://access.uni.edu/cgi-bin/admissions/internatapp.cgi or you may down load the application at http://access.uni.edu/forms/adm/inapp.pdf A non-refundable fee of $50 must accompany your application. The application review process will be delayed until the application fee is received. Send the completed application and $50 fee to International Admissions, 002 Gilchrist Hall, University of Northern Iowa, Cedar Falls, IA 50614-0164, USA.
  3. Obtain and complete a Biology Department Graduate Program Application. Click on the departmental application form on the right side “Biology Dept” box on the Biology Graduate Programs Admissions page to download a copy. Send the completed application to International Admissions, 002 Gilchrist Hall, University of Northern Iowa, Cedar Falls, IA 50614-0164, USA.
  4. All official school transcripts, each bearing the seal and signature of a school registrar must be mailed directly from the institution to UNI’s International Services Office (113 Maucker Union, University of Northern Iowa, Cedar Falls, IA 50614-0164). Academic records must be submitted in the language of instruction and accompanied by an English translation.
  5. A TOEFL score of 575 (paper-based) or 232 (computer-based) or 90 (iBT) or higher for applicants whose first language is not English. An official report of TOEFL scores must be sent to the International Admissions, 002 Gilchrist Hall, University of Northern Iowa, Cedar Falls, IA 50614-0164.
  6. Three letters of recommendation must be sent to International Admissions, 002 Gilchrist Hall, University of Northern Iowa, Cedar Falls, Iowa 50614-0164, USA. These forms are found at http://www.biology.uni.edu/docs/grad_recommendation.pdf
  7. A Personal statement describing your background and why you would like to pursue a PSM degree in Biotechnology at the University of Northern Iowa.
  8. Fill out applications for Stipend Support and Tuition Scholarship Awards. The procedure is listed on the Biology Graduate Programs Admissions page in a box on the right side.
  9. Additional requirements for specific programs can be found at http://www.uni.edu/intladm/gradmajors.shtml

All international application materials and evaluation letters for international students should be sent to the International Admissions Office, 002 Gilchrist Hall, University of Northern Iowa, Cedar Falls, IA 50614-0018.

International students should contact the International Admissions Office International.Admissions@uni.edu for additional information.


Degree Requirements

This major is available on the non-thesis option only. A minimum of 30 semester hours is required. A minimum of 18 semester hours of 200-level course work is required.

  • Required: 18-20 hours
    840:240Advanced Cellular and Molecular Biology (Spring)3 hours
    840:280Advanced Analytical Techniques (Fall)3 hours
    820:209 Business Management for Science Professionals (Spring) 3 hours
    820:215 Corporate/Industrial Problem Solving (Spring) 3 hours
    820:289 Seminar (Fall and Spring) 2 hours
    820:295Internship4-6 hours
    Electives:10-12 hours
    Group A
    840:121 Plant Biotechnology 4 hours
    840:127 Bioinformatics Applications 3 hours
    840:129 Genomics and Proteomics 3 hours
    840:153Recombinant DNA Techniques 4 hours
    860:154 Biochemistry I 4 hours
    Group B*
    840:122 Plant Physiology 4 hours
    840:128 Cell Biology 4 hours
    840:146 Developmental Biology of Animals 4 hours
    840:150 Immunology 4 hours
    860:157 Biostatistics 3 hours
    860:155 Biochemistry II 2 hours
    860:156 Biochemistry Laboratory 2 hours
    860:210 Corporate Chemistry 3 hours
    Total:30 hours

    *Students having completed two courses in Group A or their equivalent, may select electives from Group B.

    • Internships and Employment

    • Industry
    Recent placements include Pioneer Hi-Bred, Cambrex Corporation, Monsanto, Wyeth-Pfizer, Cargill

    • Government Agencies (Federal, State, County and City)
    National Cancer Institute

    • Non-Profit Organizations

    For further information please contact the program coordinator:

    Dr. Kavita R. Dhanwada
    Dept. of Biology
    phone: 319-273-5976
    fax: 319-273-7125
    email: kavita.dhanwada@uni.edu