Guidelines and Requirements for GSBS Master's Students
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M.S. Program Guidelines
Introduction
This document consolidates the academic and programmatic guidelines for three graduate programs offered by the Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center (TTUHSC) Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences: Biotechnology (M.S.), Graduate Medical Education Sciences (M.S.), and Pharmaceutical Sciences (M.S. and Ph.D.). These programs provide rigorous, specialized training to prepare students for diverse careers in biomedical research, industry, medical education, and pharmaceutical development. The Biotechnology M.S. equips students with practical skills for the biotech industry, the Graduate Medical Education Sciences M.S. blends biomedical science with educational expertise, and the Pharmaceutical Sciences M.S. and Ph.D. programs focus on advancing drug discovery and pharmacology. This consolidated reference outlines shared policies and program-specific requirements to ensure clarity and accessibility for students, faculty, and administrators in navigating graduate-level academic expectations.
Guidelines Quicklinks
Shared Policies and Guidelines
The following policies apply to the Biotechnology (M.S.), Graduate Medical Education Sciences (M.S.), and Pharmaceutical Sciences (M.S. and Ph.D.) programs, ensuring consistency in academic standards, student responsibilities, and administrative processes across the Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences.
Academic Integrity
Students must adhere to the TTUHSC Code of Professional Conduct, maintaining honesty in all academic work. Violations, such as plagiarism or cheating, may result in sanctions, including probation, suspension, or dismissal.
Enrollment Requirements
Full-time students must maintain continuous enrollment with a minimum of 9 credit hours per semester (6 in summer) unless granted an approved leave of absence by the Graduate School.
Grade Requirements
A minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 is required to remain in good academic standing. Courses with grades below C are not accepted for graduate credit.
Advisory Committee
Students must form an advisory committee consisting of at least three faculty members, including a chair, to oversee academic progress, thesis/project requirements, and degree completion. The committee must be approved by the program director.
Thesis/Non-Thesis Options
Programs offer thesis and non-thesis tracks. Thesis tracks require a written thesis and oral defense, while non-thesis tracks require a comprehensive exam or capstone project, as specified by the program.
Time to Degree
M.S. students must complete their degree within 6 years; Ph.D. students in Pharmaceutical Sciences within 8 years, unless an extension is approved by the Graduate School.
Progress Reviews
Students undergo annual evaluations by their advisory committee to assess academic and research progress. Deficiencies may require a remediation plan, developed in consultation with the committee.
Transfer Credits
Up to 30% of program credit hours may be transferred from an accredited institution, subject to approval by the program director and the Graduate School. Transferred courses must have a grade of B or higher.
Responsible Conduct of Research
All students must complete training in responsible conduct of research (RCR), including topics such as data management, authorship, and ethical research practices, within the first year.
Graduation Requirements
Students must submit a degree plan, complete all required coursework, and fulfill thesis/project requirements. An application for graduation must be filed with the Graduate School by the specified deadline.
Biotechnology (M.S.) Guidelines
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The Biotechnology M.S. program trains students in molecular biology, bioinformatics, and applied biotechnology, preparing them for careers in the biotechnology industry, research, or further academic study.
Curriculum
| Course Category | Credit Hours | Description |
| Core Courses | 15 | Molecular Biology, Bioinformatics, Biotechnology Techniques, Research Methods |
| Electives | 6-9 | Approved courses in biotechnology or related fields (e.g., Pharmaceutical Sciences) |
| Thesis or Internship Capstone | 6-9 | Thesis (6 credits) or internship-based capstone (6-9 credits) |
Additional Guidelines
Internship Requirement (Non-Thesis Track): Non-thesis students must complete a 6-month internship with an approved biotechnology industry partner, culminating in a written report and oral presentation to the advisory committee.
- Thesis Track Requirements
- Thesis students must conduct original research under faculty supervision, with a research proposal approved by the advisory committee by the end of the first year. The thesis must be defended publicly and submitted to the Graduate School.
- Elective Flexibility
- Students may select up to 6 credit hours of electives from other TTUHSC programs (e.g., Pharmaceutical Sciences), provided they align with career goals and are approved by the advisor.
- Professional Development
- Students are encouraged to attend at least one professional conference or workshop annually, presenting research (thesis track) or internship outcomes (non-thesis track).
Graduate Medical Education Sciences (M.S.) Guidelines
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The Graduate Medical Education Sciences (GMES) M.S. program combines biomedical sciences with educational methodologies, preparing students for careers in medical education, research, or healthcare administration.
Curriculum
| Course Category | Credit Hours | Description |
| Core Courses | 18 | Medical Education Theory, Biomedical Sciences Foundations, Curriculum Design, Research Methods in Education |
| Electives | 6-9 | Approved courses in medical education, biomedical sciences, or related fields |
| Thesis or Capstone Project | 6-9 | Thesis (6 credits) or capstone project (6-9 credits) |
Additional Guidelines
- Capstone Project (Non-Thesis Track)
- Non-thesis students must complete a capstone project involving the design of a medical education curriculum, teaching module, or educational research study, presented to the advisory committee.
- Teaching Practicum
- All students must complete a one-semester teaching practicum, assisting in undergraduate or medical school courses at TTUHSC, including developing teaching materials and receiving faculty feedback.
- Interdisciplinary Electives
- Students may take up to 6 credit hours from TTUHSC’s School of Medicine or School of Health Professions (e.g., public health, medical ethics), subject to approval.
- Professional Skills
- Students must complete a workshop on educational assessment techniques (e.g., designing evaluations, rubrics) offered by the Graduate School or an approved provider.
Pharmaceutical Sciences (M.S. and Ph.D.) Guidelines
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The Pharmaceutical Sciences program (M.S. and Ph.D.) trains students in drug discovery, development, and pharmacology, preparing them for careers in academia, industry, or regulatory affairs.
Curriculum (M.S.)
| Course Category | Credit Hours | Description |
| Core Courses | 18 | Pharmacology, Medicinal Chemistry, Pharmacokinetics, Research Methods |
| Electives | 9-12 | Approved courses in pharmaceutical sciences or related fields |
| Thesis or Comprehensive Exam | 6 | Thesis (6 credits) or comprehensive exam (non-thesis) |
Curriculum (Ph.D.)
| Course Category | Credit Hours | Description |
| Core Courses | 24 | Advanced Pharmacology, Drug Design, Biostatistics, Advanced Research Methods |
| Electives | 12-18 | Specialized courses (e.g., toxicology, drug delivery) |
| Dissertation Research | 30-36 | Original research for dissertation |
Additional Guidelines
- Research Rotations
- All students (M.S. and Ph.D.) must complete at least two laboratory rotations in the first year to select a thesis/dissertation advisor, each lasting 8-10 weeks.
- Qualifying Exam (Ph.D.)
- Ph.D. students must pass a comprehensive qualifying exam by the end of the second year, covering core and specialized topics, with written and oral components.
- Dissertation Proposal (Ph.D.)
- Ph.D. students must submit and defend a dissertation proposal by the end of the third year, outlining original research objectives, methodology, and expected outcomes.
- Seminar Requirement
- Students (M.S. and Ph.D.) must present at least one seminar per year in the departmental seminar series, discussing research progress or relevant topics.