The B.S./M.S. in Biotechnology program allows students to earn two degrees in just five years by combining two programs into one. Students in the B.S./M.S. in Biotechnology program receive advanced scientific training and education, customized to their career plans, as well as targeted professional development and networking experience. This unique, interdisciplinary five-year program prepares students for jobs in areas such as the biotechnology industry, health professions, pharmaceutical and agricultural industry, environmental conservation and research in academia.

Admissions

To be eligible for admission to the program, students must be admitted to the major B.S. in Biotechnology according to the normal procedure for that major. Students are strongly encouraged to speak to a major advisor in the B.S. in Biotechnology program as soon as possible upon admission to Syracuse University. Completing the program in five years requires careful planning.

B.S. in Biotechnology students, and students enrolled in other B.S. programs including biology, biochemistry, chemistry or others are eligible to apply to the five-year B.S./M.S. in Biotechnology program at any time up until their fourth undergraduate year (have two semesters remaining). Interested students must submit an internal application packet, as described below. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis up until January 15th of the student’s fourth year as an undergraduate.

Acceptance into the program is based on academic performance, completion of a sufficient proportion of the required B.S. in Biotechnology core courses, and completion of at least one upper-level biology laboratory course. Notification will be sent to students within one month of receiving the application.

Students who are accepted into the five-year B.S./M.S. in Biotechnology program will receive further application instructions at the time of acceptance.

Students who are not accepted into the five-year B.S./M.S. in Biotechnology program may still be offered early admission into the regular M.S. in Biotechnology program, at the discretion of the department.

Internal Application Packet

The application packet must consist of the following:

• Two (2) faculty recommendation letters, submitted directly from faculty to the B.S./M.S. in Biotechnology Admissions Committee at biotech@syr.edu;
• The applicant’s personal statement (1 page, in 12-point Times New Roman) outlining their interest in the five-year B.S./M.S. in Biotechnology program;
  • The personal statement is waived for B.S. in Biotechnology majors.
• The applicant’s CV or resume;
• B.S. in Biotechnology Checklist form; and,
• Unofficial transcript.

Program Requirements

Over a period of five years, students in this program will complete all the requirements for a B.S. in Biotechnology (see the Course Catalog or an advisor), as well as all of the requirements for the M.S. in Biotechnology (M.S. requirements). Students accepted into the five-year B.S./M.S. program will be able share up to 15 credits of 500- or 600-level coursework toward the completion of both degrees.

Students will receive both degrees, receiving the Bachelor's after four years and the Master's after the fifth year. See each program for curriculum details.