COURSE CURRICULUM

The Master of Science in Biology at Fairleigh Dickinson University provides a flexible graduate curriculum designed to support students pursuing research careers, healthcare professions, biotechnology, environmental science, or interdisciplinary scientific training. The program includes required seminar courses, advanced biology electives, optional research thesis pathways, and specialized concentrations in Business or Biotechnology. All students complete BIOL6900 Biology Seminar I and BIOL6901 Biology Seminar II, which are required one-credit seminar courses taken during the fall and spring semesters to strengthen scientific communication, research discussion, and professional development skills. Students then complete approximately 30 credits of elective coursework selected in consultation with graduate advisors to match individual academic and career goals. Graduate elective offerings include advanced subjects such as Immunology, Molecular Cell Biology, Human Genetics, Human Evolution, Bioethics, Enzymology, Molecular Endocrinology, Bioinformatics, Advances in Microbiology, Behavioral Ecology, Physiological Ecology, Darwinian Medicine, Molecular Biology Techniques, Physiology of Disease, Human Physiology, Environmental Risk Assessment, and Wetland and Watershed Resources. Students may complete the degree with or without a research thesis option. Those choosing the thesis pathway complete BIOL7803 Research and Thesis I and BIOL7804 Research and Thesis II, which provide supervised research experience and scientific investigation training. The Business concentration allows biology students to combine scientific education with graduate business courses in accounting, economics, entrepreneurship, management, marketing, sustainability, leadership, law, and strategic human resources, helping prepare students for careers in biotechnology management, healthcare administration, pharmaceutical business, and scientific entrepreneurship. The Biotechnology concentration focuses on advanced laboratory sciences and biomedical topics such as Developmental Genetics, Endocrinology, Virology, Pharmacology, Ecotoxicology, Bio-techniques, Advanced Microbiology, and Dermal Pharmacology/Immunology, supporting students interested in biotechnology industries, pharmaceutical research, molecular biology, and biomedical sciences. Senior undergraduate students with strong academic standing may also enroll in graduate biology courses with instructor approval. Overall, the program combines scientific depth, interdisciplinary flexibility, advanced laboratory study, research opportunities, and professional preparation for students seeking careers in healthcare, biotechnology, environmental science, education, and scientific research.