M.S. in Biology/Library Science

The M.S. in Biology / M.S.L.I.S. joint master's program at CUA is a 60-credit-hour degree program. It allows students to acquire competence in two distinct yet complementary disciplines more efficiently than pursuing each degree independently. The program aims to equip graduates with both deep biological knowledge and the essential skills for navigating and managing complex scientific information. This dual expertise is particularly valuable in an era of big data and rapid scientific advancements, where the ability to organize and retrieve scientific information is paramount.

STEM Designated: The M.S. in Biology component of this joint degree is generally considered a STEM-designated program. While the M.S.L.I.S. alone may not always be STEM-designated, the combination with a Biology M.S. likely qualifies the overall joint degree as STEM. This means international students completing this program may be eligible for the STEM OPT (Optional Practical Training) extension, allowing for an additional 24 months of work authorization in the U.S. beyond the initial 12-month OPT period, for a total of 36 months of post-graduation work experience. It is always advisable for international students to confirm the STEM designation for the joint program directly with CUA's Office of International Services.

Curriculum: The curriculum for this joint program is comprehensive, requiring a significant number of credit hours to cover both disciplines. Of the total 60 credit hours, between 24 and 30 credits must be in Biology (with an emphasis on cellular and microbial biology), and between 30 and 36 credits must be in Library and Information Science. The Biology coursework provides a foundation in biochemistry, cell biology, genetics, microbiology, molecular biology, and virology, often with options for thesis or non-thesis tracks. The Library and Information Science curriculum includes core courses such as Organization of Information, Information Sources and Services, Information Systems in Libraries and Information Centers, and The Information Professions in Society, along with specialized areas like Data Science or Digital Libraries.

Research Focus: As an "R2: Doctoral Universities – High research activity" institution, CUA encourages state-of-the-art research in biology and information science. In the Biology component, students engage in research in areas such as transcriptional regulation, membrane dynamics, genetic engineering, molecular motors, cancer biology, and virology. The M.S.L.I.S. component focuses on research in information organization, retrieval, and human information behavior. Students in this joint program are uniquely positioned to engage in interdisciplinary research, exploring areas like bioinformatics, health informatics, or the systematic organization of biological data. Collaborations with external institutions like the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and Walter Reed Army Institute of Research provide excellent opportunities for broadening research horizons.

Industry Engagement: The program's location in Washington, D.C., offers unparalleled opportunities for industry and institutional engagement. Graduates are prepared for roles in a wide array of settings that require both scientific acumen and information management skills. The Department of Information Sciences has strong partnerships with local institutions, including the Library of Congress, the Smithsonian Institution, federal agencies like the Department of Justice and the National Institutes of Health. Students can pursue internships and fieldwork in scientific libraries, research institutions, pharmaceutical companies, biotechnology firms, or government agencies, gaining practical experience in scientific data management, research support, and information dissemination.

Global Perspective: The M.S. in Biology/Library Science inherently maintains a global perspective due to the universal nature of scientific research and information exchange. Biological and medical research are global endeavors, and the principles of information organization and access are critical for international collaboration. The program's diverse student body, including international students, fosters a rich exchange of ideas and perspectives. Graduates are prepared to work in international research consortia, global health organizations, or institutions that manage vast repositories of international scientific data, contributing to scientific advancement and information accessibility on a worldwide scale.

Postgraduate Entry Requirements

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 80 or higher.
• PTE: Overall score of 58 or higher.
• DET (Duolingo English Test): Minimum score of 105.

The Catholic University of America (CUA) offers a variety of scholarship opportunities to support international students in their pursuit of higher education. These scholarships are designed to recognize academic excellence, leadership potential, and financial need, making CUA an attractive destination for talented students from around the world.

Merit-Based Scholarships: CUA provides merit scholarships to international students based on their academic achievements and overall profile. These scholarships can significantly reduce tuition costs and are often renewable each year, provided students maintain satisfactory academic performance. Scholarships are awarded automatically during the admission process or through a separate application depending on the program.

Need-Based Financial Aid: While need-based financial aid for international students is limited due to federal regulations, CUA offers institutional grants and assistance based on demonstrated financial need. International students are encouraged to provide comprehensive financial documentation to be considered for these awards.

Program-Specific Scholarships: Certain departments and colleges within CUA offer specialized scholarships for international students pursuing specific fields such as theology, law, engineering, or music. These awards often recognize outstanding talent or the discipline and may include research stipends or assistantships.

Graduate Assistantships and Fellowships: Graduate international students have access to assistantships and fellowships that provide tuition waivers and stipends in exchange for teaching, research, or administrative support. These opportunities not only help finance education but also provide valuable professional experience.

External Scholarships and Resources: CUA encourages international students to seek scholarships from external organizations, foundations, and government programs in their home countries. The university’s financial aid office provides guidance on identifying and applying for such opportunities.

The joint M.S. in Biology / M.S. in Library and Information Science from The Catholic University of America provides graduates with a distinctive skill set that is highly sought after in the intersection of science and information management. This interdisciplinary training enables them to bridge the gap between complex biological data and its effective organization, retrieval, and dissemination. Graduates are well-prepared for specialized roles in research, academia, healthcare, and the burgeoning fields of bioinformatics and data science. The STEM designation further enhances their career prospects.

Bioinformatics Scientist/Analyst: Uses computational tools and databases to analyze and interpret large biological datasets (e.g., genomic, proteomic, clinical trial data) for drug discovery, disease research, or personalized medicine in pharmaceutical, biotechnology, or academic research settings.

Scientific Information Specialist/Librarian: Manages and curates specialized collections of scientific literature, databases, and research data for academic, medical, pharmaceutical, or government libraries, providing expert research support to scientists and researchers.

Data Curator/Steward (Life Sciences): Ensures the quality, accuracy, and accessibility of scientific datasets within research institutions, biotech companies, or government agencies, focusing on metadata standards, data repositories, and digital preservation.

Medical/Scientific Writer: Translates complex scientific and medical information into clear, concise, and accessible content for scientific publications, regulatory documents, patient education materials, or grant proposals in pharmaceutical companies, medical communications agencies, or research institutions.

Health Informatics Specialist: Applies information science principles to healthcare data, managing electronic health records, developing health information systems, or analyzing health outcomes for hospitals, clinics, or public health organizations.

Research Data Manager: Designs and implements systems for managing research data throughout its lifecycle, from collection and organization to preservation and sharing, particularly in biological or biomedical research labs and institutions.

Knowledge Management Specialist (Biotech/Pharma): Develops and maintains systems for organizing and sharing internal scientific knowledge and intellectual property within biotechnology or pharmaceutical companies to facilitate research and development.

Digital Archivist (Scientific Collections): Specializes in the long-term preservation and accessibility of digital scientific data, research records, and experimental results for scientific organizations, universities, or federal agencies.

Patent Information Analyst (Life Sciences): Conducts extensive searches and analyses of biological and chemical patent literature to support intellectual property strategies for pharmaceutical companies, law firms, or patent offices.

Biomedical Research Coordinator/Associate: Supports and manages clinical trials or laboratory research projects, handling data collection, regulatory compliance, and information flow, particularly in roles that benefit from strong organizational and scientific literacy.