Master of Science in Interdisciplinary Bioscience and Biotechnology
Innovate the Way We Live for the Better
With advances in research and technology, scientists all over the world are using cells and their components to solve some of the globe's most urgent problems. Breakthroughs in bioscience and biotechnology have led to cures for infectious diseases, better agricultural practices, bio-based energy sources and more.
With an MS in Interdisciplinary Bioscience and Biotechnology (IBB) from Clarkson University, you can help lead these exciting and important developments. Our program gives you the rigorous and technical specialized knowledge to be part of interdisciplinary research teams. It also helps you gain a competitive edge in the job market and strengthen your application to PhD, veterinary or medical programs. Whatever your goals, this is the place to achieve them.
Why Earn an MS in Interdisciplinary Bioscience and Biotechnology From Clarkson?
Master's students benefit from Clarkson University's emphasis on research experience and mentorship. Work closely with our world-renowned faculty in our state-of-the-art facilities during your studies, and receive individualized advisement throughout the program. Class sizes are small to encourage collaboration between peers.
The curriculum allows you to tailor your coursework to your interests and professional goals. In addition to core courses and electives, conduct your own original research to develop a thesis.
What You'll Learn
The MS in Interdisciplinary Bioscience and Biotechnology consists of a minimum of 30 credit hours that include two core courses, one seminar, one laboratory course, four electives and thesis research.
The required courses are as follows:
Advanced Cell Biology
Bioethics, Policy or Law Elective
Bioscience Technology Electives
Graduate Seminar
Molecular Biology Laboratory or Biochemistry & Biotechnology Laboratory
Molecular Genetics
Quantitative Skills Elective
Thesis Research
Choose to focus your coursework on one of four concentrations:
Biomedical Science and Neuroscience
Computational Biology and Bioinformatics
Ecology, Evolution and the Environment
Molecular Bioscience and Biotechnology
The Clarkson MS in Interdisciplinary Bioscience and Biotechnology curriculum ensures degree recipients will have an advanced understanding of basic and applied bioscience and biotechnology, be familiar with and be able to use the instrumentation and techniques that are the core of contemporary bioscience and biotechnology research, be able to use quantitative techniques to analyze data, and be cognizant of the ethical and policy implications of biotechnology.
The IBB-MS can be tailored to your interests, with a minimum of 30 credits comprised of 2 core courses, 1 seminar, 1 laboratory, 4 electives, and your thesis research. Required courses and elective areas are as follows:
Other appropriate elective courses may be substituted in each category, with approval of the graduate student’s advisor and IBB-MS program chair). An example of the curriculum is below.
Solving real-world problems based on cutting-edge research is at the core of what we do. With access to nationally recognized faculty and 18 research centers and laboratories, we have the resources you need to advance in your field. Our more than 380 partners in industry, government agencies, chambers of commerce and research organizations also extend graduate students a wealth of opportunities to continue doing their important work.
Recognized as leaders in their fields, our faculty helm cutting-edge projects, collaborating closely with each other to develop innovative solutions to complex problems. Our faculty members also value the talents of IBB students and serve as active and engaged mentors.
The IBB program is located on our main campus in Potsdam, New York. Many of our full-time, research-based master's and PhD programs are housed here, as well. On the Potsdam campus, graduate students have access to many of our research labs and centers, our libraries and other resources.
In your statement, please mention two or three faculty members who you believe would be good advisors/supervisors based on their research areas.
Three letters of recommendation.
Official transcripts.
GRE test scores.
Optional: Applications will be read without GRE test scores, but applicants should submit scores if they believe they will enhance their application.
For international applicants, an English proficiency test is required.
Minimum test score requirements: TOEFL (80) and TOEFL Essentials (8.5), IELTS (6.5), PTE (56) or Duolingo English Test (115).
The English language-testing requirement is not waived based on language of instruction, nor do we accept university certificates. English testing is waived if an applicant has a degree from a country where English is the Native Language. Click here to see the list of these countries.
Prerequisites: Applicants should possess either: BS or BA in a bioscience, chemistry or other math-, science- or engineering-affiliated discipline that included coursework in cell and molecular biology, genetics and organic chemistry.
MS Admission Requirements for 4+1 Option
Strong undergraduate students at Clarkson and Associated Colleges institutions can pursue a 4+1 option, in which they take two graduate courses during their senior year and complete the MS degree in a fifth year. This provides a head start and rapid track to an MS in Bioscience and Biotechnology degree.
Students should apply during the junior year (fifth or sixth semester) of their undergraduate career. Associated Colleges include SUNY Canton, SUNY Potsdam and St. Lawrence University. Students at these colleges can take the required Clarkson graduate courses via Associated Colleges cross-registration.
Admission requirements include:
Either a biology or biomolecular science major or another major that has taken the Clarkson University introductory biology core (BY 140, 142, 160, 162) and genetics (BY 214) or the equivalent courses, if a student is matriculating from one of the Associated Colleges.
GPA minimum of 3.25 overall and for biology courses.
Likelihood of completing undergraduate degree requirements plus two additional graduate courses during senior year (seventh and eighth semesters).
Short essay explaining why the student is motivated to pursue an MS degree.
Specification of which MS program the student plans to pursue.
Supplemental information may be submitted if desired; this could include any other information that may help us evaluate your application.
Prospective students can apply and upload required materials through Clarkson's online application portal.
Career Possibilities
Our graduates go on to work in a variety of professions and fields, including:
Agriculture
Biotechnology
Energy
Government
Healthcare
Industry research
Medical research
Pharmaceuticals
Many also choose to pursue graduate studies through PhD programs or attend veterinary or medical school.
Recent Employers
Our students find positions with many organizations, including:
