Program Overview

Program Overview

The Rowan Experience

The Department of Biological & Biomedical Sciences at Rowan University proudly offers an M.S. in Complex Biological Systems (CBS), an interdisciplinary program designed to educate the next generation of biological scientists. This unique Master’s program integrates a strong foundational curriculum across molecular, cellular, organismal, and systemic levels, coupled with advanced computational data analysis techniques. The program culminates with an integrative, capstone course focused on comprehensive analysis of a research problem across all organizational levels.

Non-thesis track students may gain focused knowledge or build breadth to their learning through a broad range of elective coursework, making this degree customizable for the student’s intended career path. Thesis-track students enjoy hands-on experience via use-inspired, problem-focused research with a dedicated research mentor. With an M.S. in the CBS program, students will enter their chosen field at the cutting edge equipped with the broad knowledge and experience needed to be competitive in today’s highly collaborative, multidisciplinary workforce. The program paves the way for careers in research, teaching, project management, consulting, or scientific/technical writing in academia or industry.

Curriculum

Thesis Track

• 30 Semester Hours
• Foundation Courses: No
• Graduation / Exit / Thesis Requirements: Yes

Course Number | Title | S.H. (Credits)
---|---|---
Required Courses: 18 S.H.
CBS 01510 | Molecular Foundations of Biological Systems | 3
CBS 01520 | Cellular Foundations of Biological Systems | 3
CBS 01530 | Organismal Foundations of Biological Systems | 3
CBS 01540 | Biological Networks and Systems | 3
CBS 01570 | Computational Methods and Data Analysis in Biological Systems | 3
CBS 01580 | Integrative Analysis of Biological Problems | 3
Research Credits: 9-12 S.H.
CBS 01550 | Thesis Research | 9-12
Restricted Elective Courses: 0-3 S.H.
CBS 01560 | Fundamentals of Teaching for Biological Sciences | 3
| Multiple graduate-level courses available for specialized biology training |

Non-Thesis Track

• 30 Semester Hours
• Required Courses: 18 Semester Hours
• Restricted Elective Courses: 12 Semester Hours

Course Number | Title | S.H. (Credits)
---|---|---
Required Courses: 18 S.H.
CBS 01510 | Molecular Foundations of Biological Systems | 3
CBS 01520 | Cellular Foundations of Biological Systems | 3
CBS 01530 | Organismal Foundations of Biological Systems | 3
CBS 01540 | Biological Networks and Systems | 3
CBS 01570 | Computational Methods and Data Analysis in Biological Systems | 3
CBS 01580 | Integrative Analysis of Biological Problems | 3
Restricted Elective Courses: 12 S.H.
CBS 01560 | Fundamentals of Teaching for Biological Sciences | 3
| Multiple graduate-level courses available for specialized biology training | 9

Admission Requirements

• Completed Application Form
• $65 (U.S.) non-refundable application fee
• Bachelor’s degree (or its equivalent) from an accredited institution of higher learning, evidence of success in life sciences-relevant coursework preferred
• Official transcripts from all colleges attended (regardless of number of credits earned)
• Recommended minimum undergraduate cumulative GPA of 3.0 (on a 4.0 scale)
• Current professional resume
• Typewritten statement of professional objectives, including an indication of faculty whose research is of interest to the applicant for Thesis Track applications
• Two letters of recommendation
• Thesis Track only: Interview (Applicants will be contacted directly by the Faculty Admission Committee regarding the interview. The interview can be in person or via telephone.)
• TOEFL language test (International)
• WES evaluation (International)

Deadlines, Tuition and Financial Aid

• Entry Terms & Deadlines:
  • Fall: July 1
• Tuition:
  • Rates: We know paying for tuition can be a challenge. That is why Rowan provides students with the financial resources needed to put their education first by offering grants, loans, work-study, and scholarships.
• Financial Aid:
  • More Info: We know paying for tuition can be a challenge. That is why Rowan provides students with the financial resources needed to put their education first by offering grants, loans, work-study, and scholarships.