Biological Sciences (PhD/MBA)

Program Educational Goals:

The central mission of the graduate program in Biological Sciences is to train students in an inclusive environment to think creatively and work collaboratively to address significant challenges in the life sciences.

Our program will achieve this mission through the following educational goals:

Core Concepts: Acquire a breadth of knowledge in Molecular Biology and Genetics, Cell Biology and Organ Systems, or Chemistry-Biochemistry Interface, as well as in-depth expertise in the student’s specific area of study and how their research fits into the broader framework of biology. Additionally, students will become well-versed in core business and management concepts. For details: PhD/MBA dual degree requirements.
Critical Thinking Skills: Develop the ability to critically evaluate primary scientific literature and identify key scientific questions as well as approaches to address them demonstrated through written and oral communication. Develop business-focused analytical skills.
Research Skills: Develop skills that demonstrate independent scientific thinking, interpretation, and application. These include the ability to formulate testable hypotheses based on theory and empirical research, design a scientific research plan that tests these hypotheses, and acquire the technical skills necessary to implement a research plan to discover new knowledge in life science. Build analytical skills that enable rigorous qualitative and quantitative scientific data evaluation. Extend analytical and problem-solving skills to business-focused questions.
Scientific Communication Skills: Develop solid scientific writing skills necessary for publication of primary research, literature review, and preparation of fundable research proposals. Develop a strong foundation in oral presentation that enables students to share scientific information and ideas to both specialized and general audiences. Develop the ability to communicate complex scientific concepts to the business community and to effectively communicate business strategy to scientists.
Professional Development Skills: Develop skills in advancing their career by participating in opportunities for networking, collaborations, mentoring, working in diverse groups, and taking on leadership roles. Gain skills in personnel management, financial analysis, and management strategies.

Ph.D./MBA Dual Degree Curriculum

Required Courses

Ph.D. Core & Required Courses

BISC 827 - Graduate Research Seminar Credit(s): 0-1 (1 credit/semester minimum of 4 semesters required)
First semester concentration requirement (see concentration policy ) 3-4 Credits
Second semester concentration requirement (see concentration policy ) 3-4 Credits
BISC 864 - Research Tutorial Credit(s): 1-8 (3, 2 credit tutorials required)
Second year concentration requirement (see concentration policy ) 3 Credits
Second year concentration requirement (see concentration policy ) 3 Credits
BISC 969 - Doctoral Dissertation Credit(s): 1-12 (nine credits)

MBA Core & Required Courses

ACCT 620 - Theory of External Reporting and Applications Credit(s): 3
BUAD 620 - Fundamentals of Analytics Credit(s): 3
BUAD 631 - Operations Management and Management Science Credit(s): 3
BUAD 640 - Ethical Issues in Domestic and Global Business Environments Credit(s): 3
BUAD 670 - Managing People, Teams, and Organizations Credit(s): 3
BUAD 680 - Marketing Management Credit(s): 3
BUAD 690 - Corporate Strategy Credit(s): 3
BUEC 601 - Building Emotional Intelligence and Critical Thinking Credit(s): 1
BUEC 603 - Communicating, Branding and Career Networking Credit(s): 1
ECON 603 - Economic Analysis for Business Policy Credit(s): 3
FINC 650 - Financial Management Credit(s): 3
International business elective 3 Credits

Total Required Credits: 63

Transfers of coursework earned elsewhere, and waivers of courses are allowable under the same provisions as the Ph.D. and MBA programs separately. Dual degree students must complete a minimum of 63 credits of coursework at the graduate level. Since financial aid for students in the joint Ph.D./MBA program is provided from the same sources as students in the Ph.D. program in Biological Sciences (see below), continued enrollment in MBA courses is dependent on the student making satisfactory progress towards the Ph.D. This is certified by the student’s Ph.D. advisory committee at the student’s regular committee meeting that is held at 6-month intervals. Students in this program are under the same expectations of research excellence as those in the traditional Ph.D. program in Biological Sciences. The MBA committee of the Lerner College of Business is responsible for monitoring progress in the business curriculum.

Students must maintain continuous enrollment in every regular semester (fall and spring) throughout their program unless by approved leave of absence. This can be accomplished by registering for research or dissertation credit during the time the dissertation project is underway, or by registering for sustaining status. See the catalog for the university policy on sustaining status, and regarding leave of absence .