M.A. in Counseling in Educational Setting
The M.A. in Counseling in Educational Settings at Rowan University is a comprehensive p...
M.S. in Complex Biological Systems
Glassboro
INTAKE: August
Program Overview
The STEM-designated M.S. in Complex Biological Systems at Rowan University is a research-intensive graduate program designed for students seeking advanced understanding in broad biological disciplines. The program emphasizes a "use-oriented, problem-focused" approach, integrating knowledge across molecular, cellular, organismal, and systemic levels, and leveraging advanced computational data analysis techniques. It aims to build expertise and foster a comprehensive understanding of problem complexity, while also developing collaborative skills crucial for tackling modern societal challenges in biological sciences. Students can pursue either a thesis track, involving in-depth original research, or a non-thesis track focused on advanced coursework, preparing them for doctoral studies, research positions in academia and industry, and roles in teaching, project management, and consulting.
STEM Designated: The M.S. in Complex Biological Systems program is STEM-designated, reflecting its strong foundation in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. This designation underscores a curriculum that is rooted in quantitative analysis, computational methods, and the application of scientific principles to complex biological problems, making graduates highly competitive in research and technology-driven sectors. This also offers potential benefits for international students seeking post-graduation work opportunities in the U.S.
Curriculum: The M.S. in Complex Biological Systems program requires 30 semester hours. The curriculum includes 18 required core semester hours, with courses such as Molecular Foundations of Biological Systems, Cellular Foundations of Biological Systems, Organismal Foundations of Biological Systems, Biological Networks and Systems, Computational Methods and Data Analysis in Biological Systems, and Integrative Analysis of Biological Problems. For the thesis track, students enroll in a minimum of 9 semester hours of thesis research and 3 semester hours of restricted electives. Non-thesis track students complete 12 semester hours of restricted electives.
Research Focus: The program has a strong research focus, particularly for students in the thesis track. It aims to develop a multi-level understanding of complex biological problems, from molecular and atomic levels to populations and ecosystems. Students engage in original research under the guidance of interdisciplinary faculty mentors with overlapping goals and complementary skill sets. Research areas often involve a combination of experimental and computational approaches, including bioinformatics, artificial intelligence (AI), and machine learning, applied to diverse biological subfields such as omics, neuroscience, infectious agents, and cell/developmental biology. Rowan's research centers and labs, such as those in Biomedical Science, provide advanced facilities for these investigations.
Industry Engagement: The M.S. in Complex Biological Systems program prepares graduates for research positions in industry, including pharmaceutical, biotechnology, and biomedical research fields. While specific industry partnerships for the CBS program are not explicitly detailed, Rowan University generally emphasizes innovation and the practical application of knowledge. The curriculum's focus on computational methods and data analysis in biological systems, coupled with hands-on research, aligns with the skill sets highly valued by these industries. Faculty often have strong ties to industry, contributing to a curriculum that addresses current and emerging industry needs.
Global Perspective: The M.S. in Complex Biological Systems program inherently incorporates a global perspective by addressing societal problems in biological sciences that transcend geographical boundaries. Modern biological challenges, such as understanding complex diseases or ecosystem dynamics, are global in nature. The program's emphasis on interdisciplinary approaches and diverse research interests among faculty and students fosters a broad understanding of these global issues. The skills gained in analyzing complex biological data and systems are universally applicable, preparing graduates to contribute to scientific advancements and solutions on an international scale.
Location
Glassboro
Score
IELTS 6.5
Tuition Fee
USD 19150
Postgraduate Entry Requirements
Application Fee: $65
Academic Qualifications: Applicants for postgraduate programs typically require a minimum academic achievement of 65% or above in their bachelor's degree.
English Language Proficiency:
- IELTS: Overall band score of 6.5 or 7.0 with a minimum of 6.0 in each component.
- TOEFL: Overall score of 70 or higher.
- PTE: Overall score of 50 or higher.
- DET (Duolingo English Test): Minimum score of 110.
Rowan University offers a variety of scholarships and financial aid opportunities specifically aimed at supporting international students in their academic pursuits. Understanding that studying abroad can be a significant financial investment, Rowan provides merit-based scholarships, awards, and grants to help ease the financial burden and reward academic excellence and leadership potential.
Merit-Based Scholarships: International students at Rowan University may be eligible for merit scholarships based on their academic achievements, standardized test scores, and other criteria. These scholarships can range from partial to substantial tuition awards and are typically renewable for multiple years, provided students maintain satisfactory academic progress.
Global Academic Excellence Scholarship: One of the key awards available to incoming international undergraduate students is the Global Academic Excellence Scholarship, which recognizes outstanding academic records and exceptional leadership qualities. This scholarship helps reduce tuition costs and encourages high-performing students to join Rowan’s diverse community.
Departmental Scholarships and Awards: Many of Rowan’s individual colleges and departments offer specialized scholarships for international students pursuing degrees in specific fields such as business, engineering, communication, or health sciences. These awards are often competitive and based on academic merit, portfolio submissions, or departmental recommendations.
Graduate Assistantships and Fellowships: For international graduate students, Rowan provides assistantships and fellowships that offer tuition remission along with a stipend in exchange for teaching or research support. These positions not only help finance graduate education but also provide valuable professional experience and academic networking opportunities.
Graduates of the M.S. in Complex Biological Systems program at Rowan University possess a unique blend of biological knowledge and advanced computational skills, making them highly sought after in research and development roles across various sectors.
Bioinformatics Scientist/Analyst: Analyzing and interpreting large biological datasets (genomic, proteomic, metabolomic) to identify patterns, understand disease mechanisms, or aid in drug discovery. This role involves developing software and databases for biological data analysis.
Computational Biologist: Developing mathematical models and simulations to study complex biological processes, bridging the gap between biology and technology to derive meaningful information from data.
Research Scientist (Biotechnology/Pharmaceutical): Conducting experimental and computational research in industrial settings to develop new drugs, therapies, or biotechnological products.
Data Scientist (Life Sciences/Healthcare): Applying analytical tools and machine learning techniques to large biological or healthcare datasets to uncover trends, predict outcomes, and optimize processes in pharmaceutical, biotech, or healthcare sectors.
Systems Biologist: Focusing on the interactions within biological systems, designing research to understand complex networks and predicting their behavior, often involving computational modeling.
Biostatistician: Applying statistical methods to biological and health-related data, crucial for designing experiments, analyzing clinical trials, and interpreting research results in academic, pharmaceutical, or public health settings.
Biotech Software Engineer: Designing and developing software tools specifically for analyzing biological data, managing laboratory workflows, or simulating biological systems to enhance research and development.
Molecular Biologist (Research & Development): Investigating molecular and biochemical processes in organisms, often utilizing bioinformatics skills to analyze large genomic or proteomic datasets in research labs.
Genomics Analyst/Researcher: Specializing in the interpretation of genomic data to provide insights into personalized medicine, drug development, or understanding genetic diseases.
Scientific Writer/Editor: Communicating complex scientific findings clearly and concisely for publications, grants, or regulatory documents in biological and biomedical fields.
