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Biotechnology Program

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Program Overview/Mission

The Master of Science in Biotechnology has graduated biotechnology professionals since 2007. Our alumni go on to pursue successful research careers in academia and private industry, pursue Ph.D. degrees, or move on to alternative science careers such as scientific writers, lab managers, research coordinators, bioinformatics software developers, and project leaders and engineers. The positive feedback that we obtain from employers is highlighted by the fact that many continue to seek and hire graduates from our program.

We are the only program in Texas offering three Biotechnology Specializations

Please be informed that there are additional prerequisites for each specialization/concentration. In all cases for specialization requirements, evidence of completion of the course with a grade of "C" or better is required.

Biotechnology Program Specialization Areas and Electives

Molecular Biotechnology: Work as a Scientist in a Research Lab
The M.S. in Biotechnology with a Specialization in Molecular Biotechnology requires 36 hours of coursework, of which 24 hours must be biotechnology (BIOT). Although laboratory courses in Molecular Biology and Biochemistry will greatly assist students, these skills will be reviewed and enhanced in BIOT 5021, Methods of Biotechnology therefore none are required.
Management: Manage a Research Lab or Division
The M.S. in Biotechnology with a Specialization in Management and Marketing Biology requires 36 hours of coursework, of which 18 hours must be in biotechnology (BIOT) or biology (BIOL). Students enrolled in the Management and Marketing specialization cannot take more than 15 hours of Management and/or Marketing courses.
Bioinformatics: Develop or Utilize Bioinformatics Data Managements Tools
The M.S. in Biotechnology with a Specialization in Bioinformatics/Computational Biology requires 36 hours of coursework, of which 18 hours must be in biotechnology (BIOT).

Why UHCL?

UHCL's Biotechnology program is the ideal environment to pursue a Master of Science in biotechnology

You will work directly with our Ph.D. faculty in small classes- they will teach your courses and you will do research in their labs
Our campus is close to the Texas Medical Center in Houston, the largest innovation incubator in the USA and one of the best sources of employment for our alumni
Our next-door neighbor, NASA's Johnson Space Center, has close ties with many of our faculty
Our program offers flexible course scheduling including many evenings courses, catering to traditional and non-traditional students

You will find a home in our richly diverse community of students and scholars. Even though UHCL is a small regional institution, our partners and collaborators make it possible for our students to obtain a world-class education with access to cutting edge technology.

Program Degrees

Biotechnology MS

Admission Requirements

Biotechnology M.S.
Admission Deadline

Standard Graduate Admission Deadline
Application

Apply online through the UHCL Graduate Application Portal.
Requirements
- 3.0 GPA
- GRE is not required and can be waived. If submitted, GRE total scores should be at least 290 (140 Verbal + 150 Quantitative). If GRE is not submitted, applicant must submit 3 letters of recommendation, resume, and personal statement of research and future plans.
- Those not meeting GRE and/or GPA standards will be required to meet additional performance criteria.
- Foundation Courses (C or better): Molecular Genetics, Biochemistry I, Physiology (plant or human or animal), Computational Statistics, Cellular Physiology, and Molecular Biology.
- Additional Requirements – Undergraduate degree in Biology, but other degrees may apply if preparation includes significant number of core courses in Biological Sciences as well as appropriate chemistry, physics and mathematics courses.

Additional Admission Information

Biotechnology Basic Requirements

Applicants should have completed the appropriate foundation course work prior to admission.

BIOL 3341 Molecular Genetics
BIOL 4341 Biochemistry I
BIOL 4344/4345/4343 Comparative Animal Physiology or Human Physiology or Plant Physiology
BIOL 4347 Cellular Physiology
BIOL 4351 Molecular Biology
STAT 3308 Computational Statistics

Applicants missing certain required courses may be admitted on condition that they complete the specified undergraduate foundation courses for full admission to the program. Students may enroll in these courses after admittance. Evidence of completion of the course with a grade of "C" or better is required. A maximum of 6 credit hours of the 4000-level courses listed above may be applied toward the 36 hours required for the M.S. degree.

Specialization Prerequisites

Upon acceptance to the M.S. in Biotechnology, students must declare the specialization to be pursued:

Molecular Biotechnology
Bioinformatics/ Computational Biology
Biotechnology Management

Biotechnology Extended Coursework or Capstone (non-thesis) Option

33 hours of coursework in one of the 3 Specialization areas
Of these 33 hours, 18-24 hours (depending on the specialization) must be courses on the BIOT rubric
3 hours of BIOT 6838 Research Project and Seminar (capstone) taken in the last 12 hours

Biotechnology Thesis Option

A minimum of 27 hours of Biotechnology courses in one of the three specialization areas
BIOT 5530 Research Methods in Biotechnology
- taken in 1st or 2nd semester
- consult early with faculty advisor
6 hours of BIOT 6939 Master's Thesis Option

Graduate students who are pursuing the MS thesis option should refer to CSE’s Master Thesis Requirements.

If a student takes more than 6 hours of BIOT 6939, they will not able to count them towards their degree and will only receive a grade for 6 hours. Once they enroll in the course, they have to stay continually enrolled until they graduate. Any hours above the 6 will show a credit only with no grade. A grade the 6 hours will only be assigned after completion and successful defense of thesis work. In the meantime, it will show “IP” or in progress.