Faculty and students working in lab

Biological and Chemical Sciences

Biological and chemical sciences encompass several areas of study concerned with how living organisms function, survive, adapt, and evolve. Biology and chemistry are the core disciplines from which additional subfields arise, including biotechnology, biochemistry, biomedical engineering, physiology, and cell and molecular biology. People in these fields include physicians and other healthcare professionals, college professors, researchers, chemists, laboratory technicians, biomedical engineers, biologists, and K–12 science teachers. They begin their education by studying general life sciences or one of its more specialized subfields.

The Department of Biological and Chemical Sciences offers a variety of degree options as well as combined educational programs to train and prepare students to enter the exciting world of life sciences and medical fields. Our faculty members actively conduct research in various fields, such as molecular and cellular biology, biochemistry, physical chemistry, genetics, microbiology, bioinformatics, and animal behavior. Faculty are specialized in areas such as genome engineering with CRISPR-Cas9, neural circuits and behavior, cell death, stereochemistry and chirality in drug design, photoionization mass spectrometry of oxidation reactions, bone development and regeneration, evolution of social behaviors among primates, phylogenetics, cancer biology and chemoprevention, brain diseases and drug design, development of new antimicrobial agents, synthesis of new homogeneous catalysts for the activation of strong bonds and polymerization processes, as well as RNA epigenetics, RNA therapeutics, and development of direct sequencing of DNA/RNA, development of novel DNA microarrays, and alternative and multistranded DNAs in normal and disease states. Their research projects provide students with broad hands-on training opportunities.

Our goal is to create a stimulating learning environment committed to providing students with a highly interactive educational environment and many research experiences. Our majors fulfill all the requirements for entrance to medical school, or to pursue graduate studies in dentistry, podiatry, veterinary medicine, and other areas, and contain a core curriculum in humanities.

International F-1 students who successfully complete this degree are eligible for an additional 24-month STEM OPT extension to work in the U.S. in an area directly related to their area of study immediately upon completing the customary 12-month post-completion Optional Practical Training (OPT).

Our Bachelor of Science in Biology is comprised of coursework in anatomy, physiology, biochemistry, microbiology, genetics, cell biology, evolutionary biology, general and organic chemistry, physics, and calculus. Upon graduation, you will be prepared to enter various biomedical fields. Our Bachelor of Science in Biology, with a concentration in Molecular Biology will allow you to focus specifically on biological processes at the molecular level to be qualified for graduate research programs or employment in the biomedical research industry.

Our Bachelor of Science in Biotechnology is comprised of courses in biology, microbiology, virology, genetics and genetic engineering, cell biology, bioprocessing, organic chemistry, environmental chemistry, pharmaceutical chemistry, biotechnology, physics, calculus, and even entrepreneurial technology and innovation management. Upon graduation, you'll be prepared to meet the growing demand for professionals with a knowledge of biotechnology.

Our Bachelor of Science in Chemistry comprises coursework in progressive levels of general chemistry, organic chemistry, quantitative and instrumental analysis, physical chemistry, biochemistry, physics, and mathematics, as well as a selection of electives for a variety of topics, including environmental chemistry, pharmaceutical chemistry, and computational chemistry. Upon graduation, you will be prepared to enter numerous chemistry-related fields, including the pharmaceutical or petrochemical industries, government or academic research, and the health professions. A Bachelor of Science in Chemistry, with a concentration in Pharmaceutical Sciences provides a career-centered education in the pharmaceutical field, and students will also be well-equipped to apply for graduate or doctorate programs in pharmaceutical and biomedical sciences, clinical and experimental therapeutics, toxicology, and related disciplines.

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Bachelor of Science Programs

The Department of Biological and Chemical Sciences offers several majors, including biology, biology with a concentration in molecular biology, biotechnology, chemistry, and chemistry with a concentration in pharmaceutical sciences.

The flexible curriculum comprises a required core of basic studies in pertinent sciences, engineering, and the humanities, as well as advanced courses in chemistry, biology, and engineering that include a selection of electives to fulfill each student's baccalaureate goals. In addition, each of our degree programs enables students to fulfill all course requirements for entrance to medical and osteopathic schools.

Curriculum Requirements

All of the Bachelor of Science programs follow our general admission requirements.

Application Materials

  • Completed application
  • $50 nonrefundable application fee
  • Copies of transcripts of all high school work, including college-level courses. Your midyear and final grades will be required. All final, official transcripts must be received prior to the start of your first semester.
  • Official SAT (critical reading and math only) or ACT test scores. You have the option of submitting results from the previous or redesigned SAT. If you have fewer than 24 credits of previous college work completed, you will need to submit official SAT or ACT scores.
    • SAT Code: 2561, ACT Code: 2832
  • Two letters of recommendation
  • 300–350 word essay on one of the following topics:
    • Tell us about your career goals and why attending New York Tech would further these goals.
    • Describe the achievement of which you are most proud and why.

International Students Special Requirements

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Combined Programs

In addition, the Department of Biological and Chemical Sciences also offers a number of combined degree programs:

  • Bachelor of Science in Life Sciences/Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine, B.S./D.O.
  • Bachelor of Science in Life Sciences/Doctor of Physical Therapy, B.S./DPT
  • Bachelor of Science in Life Sciences/Doctorate in Occupational Therapy, B.S./OTD
  • Bachelor of Science in Life Sciences/Master of Science in Occupational Therapy, B.S./M.S.
  • Bachelor of Science in Life Sciences/Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies, B.S./M.S.

View undergraduate admissions requirements

B.S./D.O. – Bachelor of Science in Life Sciences, Osteopathic Medicine Option/Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine

This accredited program is for talented, highly motivated students. After completing their baccalaureate preparation in three years, they may be admitted directly into NYIT College of Osteopathic Medicine, which requires four years to complete the Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine. The Bachelor of Science in Life Sciences is conferred upon successful completion of the student's first year of medical school.

Admission Requirements

First Year

  • Minimum combined SAT score of 1270 (critical reading and math only) or ACT score of 28
  • Minimum high school average of 90
  • High class standing

This program does not accept undergraduate transfer students. Post-admission, all required courses for joint programs must be taken at New York Institute of Technology unless unavailable.

Application Materials

  • Completed application
  • $50 nonrefundable application fee
  • Copies of transcripts of all high school work, including college-level courses. Your midyear and final grades will be required. All final, official transcripts must be received prior to the start of your first semester.
  • Official SAT (critical reading and math only) or ACT test scores
    • SAT Code: 2561, ACT Code: 2832
  • Two letters of recommendation
  • 300–350 word essay on your desire to work in the field of osteopathic medicine

Progression to the D.O. program

To enter NYIT College of Osteopathic Medicine, students must complete a personal interview and application, including these criteria:

  1. GPA
    • All B.S./D.O. students must maintain a cumulative and semester 3.5 GPA in the program.
    • If a student falls below the cumulative and/or semester 3.5 GPA, they will be placed on probationary status. Only one probation is allowed.
    • If a student fails to achieve the 3.5 cumulative and semester GPA in the semester following probation, they will automatically be dismissed from the B.S./D.O. program.
    • If a student falls below the cumulative and/or semester 3.5 GPA for a second time, they will be dismissed from the program.
  2. MCAT score within median range of the preceding NYIT College of Osteopathic Medicine class
  3. Favorable letters of recommendation from the departmental B.S./D.O. committee
  4. Application package submitted by February 1 prior to August start (must include MCAT score)
  5. Supportive interview from NYIT College of Osteopathic Medicine Admissions Committee

Curriculum Requirements

B.S./M.S. and B.S./OTD – Combined Bachelor of Science in Life Sciences, Occupational Therapy Options

The combined Bachelor of Science in Life Sciences/Occupational Therapy degree is a 3+3 year program, which includes three years of pre-professional courses, two and one half years of professional coursework, and 24 weeks (six months) of clinical/fieldwork experience. The Occupational Therapy program provides entry-level professional education in the field of study.

The program is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education of the American Occupational Therapy Association, 4720 Montgomery Lane, P.O. Box 31220, Bethesda, MD 20824-1220, 301.652.2682, aota.org. It is also approved by the New York State Education Department.

Graduates of the master's/doctorate degree program are eligible to take the national certification exam for occupational therapists administered by the National Board for Certification of Occupational Therapy. After successful completion of the exam, individuals become OTRs, occupational therapists registered. Most states also require licensure to practice; however, eligibility for state licenses are usually based on exam results and other requirements.

This program is designed for undergraduates who wish to enter the graduate program (professional phase) following three years of undergraduate work. Post-admission, all required courses for joint programs must be taken at New York Institute of Technology unless unavailable.

Admission Requirements

First Year

  • Minimum combined SAT score of 980 (critical reading and math only) and 1100, or ACT of 18 and 24, for the B.S./M.S. and B.S./OTD, respectively. Please note that a combined SAT score of 980 and 1100 is the minimum score needed for consideration for admission to the B.S./M.S. and B.S./OTD program, respectively, it does not guarantee admission.
  • Minimum high school average of 80 and 85, for the B.S./M.S. and B.S./OTD, respectively
  • 100 hours of volunteer or paid experience under the direct supervision of an occupational therapist
  • Preference is given to applicants with a three- to four-year sequence in high school math and science Regents courses
  • Competence in written and spoken English and computer skills (preparation of documents, spreadsheets, graphs, databases, research and presentations)

Transfer

  • Cumulative GPA of 3.0
  • Received no grade in a science or math course below B- and no grade below a C+ in non-science prerequisites. Only one math or science course can be retaken one time to achieve the required grade.
  • 100 hours of volunteer or paid experience under the direct supervision of an occupational therapist

Application Materials

  • Completed application
  • $50 nonrefundable application fee
  • Copies of transcripts of all high school work, including college-level courses. Your mid-year and final grades will be required. All final, official transcripts must be received prior to the start of your first semester
  • Official SAT (critical reading and math only) or ACT test scores. If you have fewer than 24 credits of previous college work completed, you will need to submit official SAT or ACT scores:
  • SAT Code: 2561, ACT Code 2832
  • Two letters of recommendation (one letter must be from the licensed occupational therapist documenting volunteer hours)
  • 300–350 word essay on your desire to work in the field of occupational therapy

Progression to the graduate program

To advance to the master's program, students must meet these admissions criteria:

  • Submit an application through the Occupational Therapy Centralized Application Service (OTCAS)
  • Maintain an overall GPA of 3.0
  • Complete all prerequisite courses
  • Receive no grade in a science or math course below B- and no grade below a C+ in non-science prerequisites
  • Only one math or science course can be retaken one time to achieve the required grade
  • Complete an interview with and receive a recommendation from the Occupational Therapy Admissions Committee
  • Document 100 volunteer hours under the supervision of a licensed occupational therapist to be completed by the undergraduate's sophomore year (at least 50 hours must be completed at time of application)
  • Complete an essay on motivation to pursue occupational therapy as a career
  • Obtain three professional recommendations on letterhead, including one from a licensed occupational therapist
  • Fulfillment of Technical Standards for the Master of Science in Occupational Therapy

The B.S. in Life Sciences will be conferred upon successful completion of the first professional year of the graduate phase in Occupational Therapy. Students in this track not accepted into the professional phase of the occupational therapy program must complete requirements for another undergraduate major to receive a baccalaureate degree.

Curriculum Requirements

B.S./DPT – Combined Bachelor of Science in Life Sciences, Physical Therapy Option/Doctor of Physical Therapy

This six-year program includes a three-year phase of pre-professional courses and a three-year professional phase. It is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy. The combined degree program is designed for high school seniors who wish to be admitted to the professional Doctor of Physical Therapy program following completion of three years of undergraduate work.

Admission Requirements

First Year

  • Minimum combined SAT score of 1170 (critical reading and math only) or ACT score of 24
  • Minimum high school average of 90
  • 50 hours of volunteer or paid experience under the direct supervision of a physical therapist. The hours must be completed at the time of application.

This program does not accept undergraduate transfer students. Post-admission, all required courses for joint programs must be taken at New York Institute of Technology unless unavailable.

Application Materials

  • Completed application
  • $50 nonrefundable application fee
  • Copies of transcripts of all high school work, including college-level courses. Your midyear and final grades will be required. All final, official transcripts must be received prior to the start of your first semester.
  • Official SAT (critical reading and math only) or ACT test scores
    • SAT Code: 2561, ACT Code: 2832
  • Two letters of recommendation
  • 300–350 word essay on your desire to work in the field of physical therapy

Progression to the DPT program

To successfully transition into the professional phase of the curriculum, pre-professional students must meet certain standards:

  • Submit an application through the Physical Therapy Centralized Application Service (PTCAS)
  • 3.2 overall cumulative GPA
  • No science or math grade lower than B-
    • Only one math or science course can be retaken one time to achieve the required grade
  • No grade of D or F in any course
  • 100 hours of volunteer or paid experience under the direct supervision of a physical therapist each year of undergraduate study. Documentation must be submitted to the Department of Physical Therapy by May 20 of each year.
  • Recommendation from the Department Physical Therapy in the NYIT School of Health Professions Admissions Committee

The B.S. in Life Sciences is conferred upon successful completion of the first professional year of the Doctor of Physical Therapy program. Each student must complete the undergraduate portion of the curriculum within 3.5 years. If a student needs to take a leave of absence from the undergraduate phase of the curriculum, extenuating circumstances will be considered and upon departmental approval, they may be admitted into the professional phase when prerequisite coursework is completed. If prerequisite coursework cannot be completed in the 3.5-year time frame, the student must change to an alternate major and apply for admission through the Physical Therapy Centralized Application Service for entry as a graduate student.

Two semesters of organic chemistry with lab work are required for admission to medical schools and most other professional and graduate programs in the health professions, behavioral, and life sciences fields. In addition, employment in the life sciences field usually requires knowledge of organic chemistry and biochemistry at a level greater than that offered by the single semester of bio-organic chemistry (CHEM 215). We recommend that students who do not complete the B.S./DPT take CHEM 210/250 and BIO 340.

Curriculum Requirements

B.S./M.S. – Combined Bachelor of Science in Life Sciences, Physician Assistant Studies Option/Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies

This six-year program includes three years of undergraduate courses in the B.S. in Life Sciences curriculum, followed by three years in the M.S. in the Physician Assistant Studies program, which provides professional education for an entry-level position in the field of study. The program is designed for exceptional high school students who wish to be admitted to the master's program.

Admission Requirements

First Year

  • Minimum combined SAT score of 1170 (critical reading and math only) or ACT score of 24
  • Minimum high school average of 90
  • AP credits with a score of 5 (five) are accepted for the following prerequisite courses for the MSPAS program:
    • Two semesters of biology with laboratory
    • Two semesters of general chemistry with laboratory
    • One semester of psychology
    • One semester of college math
  • College credit courses that earn a letter grade of B and above will be accepted towards any of the MSPAS professional phase prerequisite courses
  • 50 hours of verifiable patient contact experience

This program does not accept undergraduate transfer students. Post-admission, all required courses for joint programs must be taken at New York Institute of Technology unless unavailable.

Application Materials

  • Completed application
  • $50 nonrefundable application fee
  • Copies of transcripts of all high school work, including college-level courses. Your midyear and final grades will be required. All final, official transcripts must be received prior to the start of your first semester.
  • Official SAT (critical reading and math only) or ACT test scores
    • SAT Code: 2561, ACT Code: 2832
  • Two letters of recommendation
  • Letter from supervisor(s) verifying at least 50 hours of patient contact experience, including details of tasks performed
  • 300–350 word essay on your desire to become a physician assistant

Progression from the B.S./M.S. – Combined Bachelor of Science in Life Sciences, Physician Assistant Studies Option to the Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies

To advance to the master-level professional phase, students must meet these admissions criteria:

  • Submit an application through the Centralized Application Service for Physician Assistants (CASPA). This application includes:
    • Completion of at least 250 hours of verifiable direct patient healthcare experience
    • Three professional letters of recommendation, including at least one from a healthcare practitioner with P.A., M.D., or D.O. credentials
  • Complete an admissions interview
  • Minimum overall GPA of 3.0
  • Minimum overall science GPA of 3.2
  • Complete prerequisite undergraduate courses
  • No prerequisite grade lower than B
    • Only one math or science course can be retaken one time to achieve the required grade
  • In-person progression evaluation and recommendation from the PA program director
  • Fulfillment of Technical Standards of the Physician Assistant Studies program

Progression to the master-level professional phase will be no sooner than the completion of three (3) years of New York Institute of Technology undergraduate course work. Students must meet the criteria stated in the graduate catalog at the time of their progression into the graduate phase of the program.

The Bachelor of Science in Life Sciences is conferred upon successful completion of the first year of the Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies program. Students not accepted into the program's professional phase must complete the requirements for another life sciences option to receive a baccalaureate degree.

Graduates of the master's degree program are eligible to take the Physician Assistant National Certification Examination administered by the National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants. All states require applicants for physician assistant licensure to pass the certification examination. New York Institute of Technology's program is accredited by the Accreditation Review Commission on Education for the Physician Assistant.

Curriculum Requirements