Admission Requirements

• Master of Science

Degree Requirements

• Master of Science

Mailing Address:
1601 Parkview Avenue
Rockford, IL 61107

Campus Location: U of I College of Medicine at Rockford
Program Code: 20FS5020MS7
Telephone: (815) 395-5728
E-mail: jlss@uic.edu (Janet Stull-Snow)
Web Site: http://rockford.medicine.uic.edu
Director of Graduate Studies: Dr. Thomas M. Sutliff
Associate Director of Graduate Studies: Dr. Khalifah Sidik

The University of Illinois College of Medicine at Rockford offers work leading to the Master of Science in Medical Biotechnology. The program is administered by the Department of Biomedical Sciences.

The Master of Science in Medical Biotechnology will train students in the major techniques and disciplines commonly used in biotechnology. Course subjects may include recombinant DNA and genomics, protein production and proteomics, biological systems and physiology. In addition, students will receive direct experience with many of the analytical and testing techniques used in the biotechnology and healthcare industries along with an introduction to pertinent regulatory issues and practices and basic training in program management systems and product development processes.

A unique aspect of this program is the focus on biotechnology in medicine. Students are trained in the sciences and business practices important to biotechnology using medical applications. Scientists with industrial biotechnology experience, legal and regulatory professionals that serve the industry, and practicing physicians will participate as instructors in the experience-directed course work and research activities.

Classes will also be offered in the evenings or weekends, thereby allowing students to earn their MS degree while still working full or part-time.

Admissions Requirements

In addition to the Graduate College minimum requirements, applicants must meet the following admissions requirements:

Master of Science

• Baccalaureate Field A baccalaureate degree or its equivalent in a science- or engineering-related field from an accredited college or university will be required, except in special cases. Prior academic work should include college mathematics, general biology and biochemistry, general and organic chemistry, or the equivalent engineering courses.
• Generally, qualified candidates may be required by the department to remove specific course work deficiencies by completing selected undergraduate courses prior to matriculation or graduation.
• Grade Point Average At least 3.00/4.00 for the final 60 semester hours (90 quarter hours) of undergraduate study. The student’s grade point average for any postbaccalaureate course work must be 3.00/4.00 or greater.
• Transcripts Required from all institutions where the applicant earned the last 60 semester hours (90 quarter hours) of credit toward the baccalaureate degree and from all institutions where postbaccalaureate work has been done.
• Tests Required GRE General or Subject Test in Biology or Chemistry is recommended. The GRE requirement may be waived for applicants with sufficient work experience in the biotechnology or science-related field on a case-by-case basis
• Minimum English Competency Test Score
  • TOEFL The TOEFL score cannot be more than two years old. UIC’s Institutional Code is 1851. 550 (paper-based); 213 (computer-based); 80, with subscores of Reading 19, Listening 17, Speaking 20, and Writing 21 (iBT Internet-based). Note: Exemptions to the TOEFL requirement are as stated in the UIC Graduate College Application Instructions, page 4., OR,
  • IELTS 6.5, with subscores of 6.0 for all four subscores.
• Letters of Recommendation Three required. If applicant is employed one of the letters of reference must come from the employer confirming employer commitment to student participation. The other letters should be from former professors, teachers or persons who can refer the candidate based on personal experience with the candidate’s professional competence.
• Personal Statement Required statement of career goals.

Degree Requirements

In addition to the Graduate College minimum requirements, students must meet the following program requirements:

Master of Science

• Minimum Semester Hours Required: 34 for project option, 38 for thesis option.
• The research project option is directed toward students who wish to conduct their research in an industrial lab with the associated legal requirements.
• The thesis option is a more traditional master’s research option which is conducted in university laboratories or a laboratory affiliated directly with the university and follows the university requirements for intellectual property.
• Course Work Required Courses: MBT 500, MBT 501, MBT 502, MBT 503, MBT 510, MBT 513, MBT 595, and BSTT 400.
• Electives: At least 5 hours.
• Comprehensive Examination Not required
• Thesis, Project, or Course-Work-Only Options Thesis research or project research are the only options. No other options are available.
• Thesis: In addition to required courses and electives, research thesis students must earn at least 12 hours in MBT 598. A maximum of 14 hours in MBT 598 may be used to meet degree requirements.
• Project: In addition to required courses and electives, research project students must earn at least 8 hours in MBT 597.
• Formal defense of either the research thesis or research project is required.