Biotechnology and Public Health - MA

Coordinator for the Biotechnology and Public Health Program

Patricia Rockwell, PhD
Professor, Department of Biological Sciences
(212) 650-3234 rockwell@genectr.hunter.cuny.edu

The Hunter MA in Biotechnology and Public Health is an interdisciplinary degree program that will provide training for professional careers that combine biotechnology and public health in industry or the public or private sectors. This program will provide alternative career choices for individuals with biology backgrounds to function in settings that require expertise in laboratory-based skills for biotechnology research with knowledge of the risks and benefits for protecting public health. The program is unique in that it bridges training in laboratory-based skills employed in biomedical research with knowledge of public health-related diseases. Students learn how to apply research skills toward development of strategies for disease prevention and treatment.

Admission Requirements

The requirements for entry to the program are a BA in Biological Sciences or a BS in Medical Laboratory Sciences (or the equivalent) with a GPA of at least 3.0, GRE exam scores, 2 letters of recommendation and a personal statement.

Curriculum

The MA in Biotechnology and Public Health provides an opportunity to train individuals toward careers outside the traditional pathway of academic positions. This degree is an interdisciplinary degree that meets strict criteria including required Core courses in STEM-based discipline with Plus courses in specific topics.

Required Core Courses (17 Credits)

Additional Biology Courses (12 Credits)

At least 12 credits of biological sciences courses at the 700 level. Choose from among:

Plus Courses (9 Credits)

At least 9 credits of Plus courses at the 700 level. Choose from among:

(NOTE: The courses PH 75200 - Introduction to Epidemiology and PH 75400 - Environmental Health and Safety serve as prerequisites for several of the public health courses listed.)

Exit Evaluation

Students must submit a written report followed by an oral presentation on their internship project as an exit comprehensive exam. They should incorporate into their report and presentation how the course material prepared them for their internships. Presentations will be delivered before a 3-member committee made up of a faculty member from biology and one from public health along with an outside person, preferably the mentor from the institution/company where the student interned. The committee members will sign an evaluation form that states their decision to either pass or fail the student. Students need a unanimous vote of pass to graduate