MS in Complex Biological Systems
The M.S. in Complex Biological Systems (CBS) program is a master's-level research program for students pursuing a M.S. in a biological discipline, broadly defined. It is intended for students who have completed undergraduate education. The Complex Biological Systems (CBS) Program will emphasize use-oriented, problem-focused education that comprehensively addresses the scales of societal problems and the connections between these scales.
Why choose Rowan's complex biological systems program?
The Department of Biological & Biomedical Sciences at Rowan University proudly offers an M.S. in Complex Biological Systems (CBS), an interdisciplinary program designed to educate the next generation of biological scientists.
This unique Master’s program integrates a strong foundational curriculum across molecular, cellular, organismal, and systemic levels, coupled with advanced computational data analysis techniques. The program culminates with an integrative, capstone course focused on comprehensive analysis of a research problem across all organizational levels.
Non-thesis track students may gain focused knowledge or build breadth to their learning through a broad range of elective coursework, making this degree customizable for the student’s intended career path. Thesis-track students enjoy hands-on experience via use-inspired, problem-focused research with a dedicated research mentor. With an M.S. in the CBS program, students will enter their chosen field at the cutting edge equipped with the broad knowledge and experience needed to be competitive in today’s highly collaborative, multidisciplinary workforce. The program paves the way for careers in research, teaching, project management, consulting, or scientific/technical writing in academia or industry.
The following is a list of items required to begin the application process for the program. Applications will be reviewed by the admissions committee, according to the chosen application track. Promising applicants for the Thesis Track will be invited for an interview with the admissions committee prior to final acceptance decision. Thesis Track applicants may be offered acceptance to the Non-Thesis Track if their applications or interviews are determined to be uncompetitive for the Thesis Track. Admissions decisions for the Non-Thesis Track will not require an interview. Priority will be given for Thesis Track M.S. applications completed on or before February 15. Non-Thesis Track M.S. applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis. Upon receipt of the materials below, a representative from the Rowan Global Admissions Processing Office will contact you with confirmation or will indicate any missing items.
Key considerations
Quick Facts
Credits
Application Deadlines
Fall Entry Term
Studying complex biological systems at Rowan
What You'll Learn
The following courses make up the M.S. in Complex Biological Systems program.
Thesis Track
- 30 Semester Hours
- Foundation Courses: No
- Graduation / Exit / Thesis Requirements: Yes
Required Courses: 18 S.H.
| Course Number | Title | S.H. (Credits) |
| CBS 01510 | Molecular Foundations of Biological Systems | 3 |
| CBS 01520 | Cellular Foundations of Biological Systems | 3 |
| CBS 01530 | Organismal Foundations of Biological Systems | 3 |
| CBS 01540 | Biological Networks and Systems | 3 |
| CBS 01570 | Computational Methods and Data Analysis in Biological Systems | 3 |
| CBS 01580 | Integrative Analysis of Biological Problems | 3 |
Research Credits: 9-12 S.H.
| Course Number | Title | S.H. (Credits) |
| CBS 01550 | Thesis Research | 9-12 |
Restricted Elective Courses: 0-3 S.H.
| Course Number | Title | S.H. (Credits) |
| CBS 01560 | Fundamentals of Teaching for Biological Sciences | 3 |
| Multiple graduate-level courses available for specialized biology training |
Non-Thesis Track
- 30 Semester Hours
- Required Courses: 18 Semester Hours
- Restricted Elective Courses: 12 Semester Hours
Required Courses: 18 S.H.
| Course Number | Title | S.H. (Credits) |
| CBS 01510 | Molecular Foundations of Biological Systems | 3 |
| CBS 01520 | Cellular Foundations of Biological Systems | 3 |
| CBS 01530 | Organismal Foundations of Biological Systems | 3 |
| CBS 01540 | Biological Networks and Systems | 3 |
| CBS 01570 | Computational Methods and Data Analysis in Biological Systems | 3 |
| CBS 01580 | Integrative Analysis of Biological Problems | 3 |
Restricted Elective Courses: 12 S.H.
| Course Number | Title | S.H. (Credits) |
| CBS 01560 | Fundamentals of Teaching for Biological Sciences | 3 |
| Multiple graduate-level courses available for specialized biology training | 9 |
Note: The courses listed above are not official and are subject to change. For an official list of available courses please visit the Rowan University Academic Catalog.
Admission Requirements
The following is a list of items required to begin the application process for the program. Applications will be reviewed by the admissions committee, according to the chosen application track. Promising applicants for the Thesis Track will be invited for an interview with the admissions committee prior to final acceptance decision. Thesis Track applicants may be offered acceptance to the Non-Thesis Track if their applications or interviews are determined to be uncompetitive for the Thesis Track. Admissions decisions for the Non-Thesis Track will not require an interview. Priority will be given for Thesis Track M.S. applications completed on or before March 1. Priority for Non-Thesis Track M.S. applications will be given to those completed on or before May 1. Upon receipt of the materials below, a representative from the Rowan Global Admissions Processing Office will contact you with confirmation or will indicate any missing items.
- Completed Application Form
- No application fee required
- Bachelor’s degree (or its equivalent) from an accredited institution of higher learning, evidence of success in life sciences-relevant coursework preferred
- Official transcripts from all colleges attended (regardless of number of credits earned)
- Recommended minimum undergraduate cumulative GPA of 3.0 (on a 4.0 scale)
- Current professional resume
- Typewritten statement of professional objectives, including an indication of faculty whose research is of interest to the applicant for Thesis Track applications
- Two letters of recommendation
- Thesis Track only: Interview (Applicants will be contacted directly by the Faculty Admission Committee regarding the interview. The interview can be in person or via telephone.)
- TOEFL language test (International)
- WES evaluation (International)
Tuition and Aid
At Rowan University, we pride ourselves on being vigilant and frugal about tuition. We work hard to provide quality education while seeking to reduce the barrier that college costs can present students.
We know paying for tuition can be a challenge. That is why Rowan provides students with the financial resources needed to put their education first by offering grants, loans, work-study, and scholarships.
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