2021-2022 Course Catalog
Master of Science in Biology (MS)
As of January 1, 2022, the MSBIO program is no longer accepting applications. All currently enrolled students will progress through the program to completion. Students interested in this program should explore our Master of Arts in Biomedical Studies program.
In many professions, the master’s degree is now the minimum requirement for either employment or advancement. To meet this need, Chatham has developed two options for the MS biology program. The non-thesis option can be completed in one calendar year, and different tracks are available focusing on different areas of biology. The thesis option includes a research component and typically takes one and a half to two years.
Non-Thesis Option:
The MS Biology non-thesis track is flexible program that allows student to pursue interests in varied biological disciplines. Scientific inquiry is an essential component of this program, but not at the level of research required for a thesis. Students will complete a total of thirteen courses (34-36 credits) in their degree plan.
Thesis Option:
The MS Biology thesis track is flexible program that allows student to pursue interests in varied biological disciplines. Scientific research is an essential component of this program, which students can expect will require two years to complete. Students complete thirteen courses (34-36 credits) in their degree plan.
The focal point of the program is human biology. This program is designed primarily for students who wish to improve their credentials and/or complete requirements for advanced programs in medicine, dentistry, pharmacy, optometry, etc.
Important Program Information:
In the MS Biology graduate program, you must be registered for a minimum of 9 credits per long semester (i.e. fall & spring) to achieve full-time status. 6 credits is generally sufficient to qualify for financial aid during the summer semester; please check with the financial aid office to confirm the requirements of your funder. Thesis track students cannot register for an independent study intended for research, in addition to thesis credits.
You may count one internship or independent study course (2-3 credits) as an elective in this program. Internships require 40 hours of on-site activity per credit, as well as additional academic responsibilities. It is the student’s responsibility to identify the site and the internship supervisor. Chatham’s Career Services department and your academic advisor will provide assistance and complete details on academic internship rules and responsibilities.
All BIO classes at the 500- and 600-levels not designated as core courses in the program may serve as approved program electives. Graduate level courses in other academic programs may also be accepted as program electives. A list of pre-approved courses is provided below. Other courses may be approved on an individual basis if they are consistent with the structure of the biology program, and well suited to the specific aims of the student. Full-time students may cross-register for ONE course per semester at nearby institutions including Pitt, CMU, and Duquesne. Cross-registration is not permitted in the summer. These courses are not automatically accepted, so please consult with your program director when pursuing this option.
Admission Requirements
Recommended application deadline for FALL entry: July 1
Recommended application deadline for SPRING entry: Nov 1
Recommended application deadline for SUMMER entry: April 1
Note: applications will continue to be accepted and considered for admission as long as seats remain in the class.
- Completed application for admission, including:
- Online application
- In approximately 500 words, please explain why you are interested in pursuing this degree. How will the degree impact your future personal and career goals?
- Curriculum vita or resume
- Two letters of recommendation (three if GPA is < 3.0). At least one recommendation must be from an academic source, preferably from a math or science professor.
- Official transcripts from all colleges and universities attended.
- Overall undergraduate grade point average (GPA) of 3.0 or above on a 4.0 scale and overall science grade point average (GPA) of 3.0 or above on a 4.0 scale. (Probationary admission may be granted for applicants with a GPA of less than a 3.0 who show extreme promise through their other achievements.)
- Possession of a baccalaureate degree in biology or a related field from an accredited college or university. At a minimum, students should have successfully completed the following:
- 1 year introductory biology (with lab)
- 1 year introductory chemistry (with lab)
- 1 semester organic chemistry with lab (2 semesters preferred)
- 1 course in statistics
- 1 additional college-level mathematics course
- 3–4 upper level courses in biology, biochemistry, or psychobiology.
Students who do not have an undergraduate degree in biology, or have not had strong academic performance in their undergraduate biology degree, may be provisionally admitted to the MSBIO program, on the condition that they successfully complete the HMX Fundamentals online courses in immunology, physiology, genetics, and biochemistry offered through Harvard Medical School’s Office of Online Learning.
For more information about the program, contact Tyson Schrader at T.Schrader@chatham.edu.
Alternatively, we also accept applications completed via PostBacCAS
Prospective students are welcome to email an unofficial copy of their transcript for evaluation of prerequisites in advance of applying.
Admissions Materials may be submitted to:
Chatham University
Office of Graduate Admission
Woodland Road
Pittsburgh, PA 15232
Fax: (412) 365-1609
Email: graduate@chatham.edu
Integrated Degree Program
Chatham University undergraduates applying through the Integrated Degree Program (IDP) must complete all requirements outlined on their respective admission or track tab on the IDP Portal Site. All IDP applicants should work closely with their academic advisor to ensure they are meeting all requirements according to their IDP course of study.
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Learning Outcomes
- Goal 1 Enhances students' intellectual growth and development of practical and transferable skills.
- PSLO 1 Students demonstrate knowledge and skills in human biology.
- Goal 2 Create a venue for students to gain transferable scientific skills to assist them in their future career endeavors.
- PSLO 2 Students demonstrate knowledge and skill in research principles, research ethics, and scientific writing.
- PSLO 3 Students demonstrate knowledge and skill in analysis of biological data.
- Goal 3 Enhance the transferable skills of students along specific intra-discipline lines, including research and biomedical training.
- PSLO 4 Thesis track students demonstrate mastery of the scientific method
- PSLO 5 Thesis track students demonstrate skill in oral communication of scientific research
- PSLO 6 Medical track students demonstrate interdisciplinary skill in the Medical College Admissions Test