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5 year combined B.S. and M.S. degree in Molecular Biology/Biotechnology

The New Jersey Center for Science, Technology and Mathematics (NJCSTM) offers a five year combined bachelor’s/master’s scholarship program with two separate degree tracks:  Teacher Education and Science or Math Researcher. It is the only program in New Jersey that offers a core curriculum in the first two years that integrates science and mathematics courses linked to problem-solving with hands-on laboratory courses to reinforce the classroom content. At the end of the fourth year students are awarded a Bachelor of Science degree in Science and Technology.  Students in the research track earn a Master of Science degree in Science and Technology with a concentration in  Biotechnology or Computational Science & Engineering at the end of their fifth year.

High school seniors who wish to be considered for this program apply to Kean University for admission as incoming freshmen into the NJCSTM academic major.  Students attending other universities and/or majors may apply as transfer applicants.

Minimum requirements for admission into the Bachelor/Master’s program:

  • Combined minimum SAT Math and Critical Reading score of 1100 or rSAT score of 1170 (SAT scores achieved during or after March 2016)
  • High school grade point average (G.P.A.) of 3.0 (unweighted)
  • Demonstrated interest in science and mathematics

When applying for an NJCSTM program in the Research Track, use the following codes on the undergraduate application (Application deadline – March 1st):

  • Biotechnology/Molecular Biology - STEM 5yr. – (B.S./M.S.)  (Major Code-30105) – Click here for course description and degree requirements
  • Computational Science & Engineering - STEM 5yr. – (B.S./M.S.) (Major Code-30112) – Click here for course description and degree requirements

Curriculum:

In each semester of their freshman and sophomore years, students take science and math courses that are integrated.  Applying mathematics to solve scientific problems is emphasized and students extend their learning experiences in laboratory sessions through the use of computer software to study complex systems and their behavior.  The core curriculum covers the content areas of biology, chemistry, physics, calculus and statistics.

For their Junior/Senior years, students select either the Teacher Track or Professional Track and one of five degree specializations (Math Education, Chemistry Education, Biology Education, Molecular Biology/Biotechnology, or Computational Science).

The Master’s year for Science and Technology majors focuses on gaining practical experience. Participating students apply their training to advanced coursework and hands-on applications.

Students in the fifth year of the Professional Track (Molecular Biology/Biotechnology or Computational Science) pursue advanced coursework and are challenged to apply science and mathematics content to current laboratory technique and research projects.