MS in Biotechnology
The MS in Biotechnology program offers a comprehensive exploration of basic science, applied science, and lab science, with a biotechnology focus. The program gives students a solid grounding in biochemistry, molecular biology, cell biology, genomics, and proteomics, and the flexibility for students to tailor elective coursework to meet their individual career goals. In addition to the general degree, the program offers six different concentrations:
- Biodefense
- Bioinformatics
- Biotechnology Enterprise
- Molecular Target and Drug Discovery Technologies
- Regulatory Affairs
- Regenerative and Stem Cell Technologies
Thus, students can choose to solely focus on strengthening their science knowledge and research skills, or to also develop the skills to lead lab teams, make development and planning decisions, create and apply research modalities to large projects, and take the reins of management and marketing decisions.
This 10-course degree program is thesis-optional, part-time or full-time, and can be completed fully on-site, online, or through a combination of on-site and online courses.
Admissions Criteria for all Advanced Academic Programs
Program Specific Requirements
In addition to the materials and credentials required for all programs, the Master of Science in Biotechnology requires:
An undergraduate degree in the natural sciences or engineering with at least a 3.0 on a 4.0 scale in undergraduate studies (relevant work experiences are also considered); applicants with degrees in other disciplines may be able to enroll if their undergraduate work included the prerequisite courses that follow:
- Two semesters of biology.
- Two semesters of college chemistry, preferably with laboratories.
- Two semesters of organic chemistry, preferably with laboratories. Students without adequate organic chemistry may be admitted provisionally to take AS.410.302 Bio-Organic Chemistry.
The Admissions Committee reserves the right to request additional information, such as a GRE score or letters of recommendation, to assess the applicant's candidacy for admission.
Program Requirements
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Core Courses - Required: | ||
| AS.410.601 | Biochemistry | 4 |
| AS.410.602 | Molecular Biology | 4 |
| AS.410.603 | Advanced Cell Biology ("Advanced Cell Biology" starting Fall 2022) | 4 |
| AS.410.604 | Cellular Signal Transduction ("Cellular Signal Transduction" starting Fall 2022) | 4 |
| Electives | ||
| Select six elective courses 1 | 24 | |
| Total Credits | 40 | |
- 1
See course listings page; at least two must be science electives.
Course requirements differ for the certificate and concentration programs.
Please note: Many of the elective courses require prior completion of core courses. The core courses introduce the foundational information required for these courses.
MS in Biotechnology with Thesis Option
Students interested in pursuing the MS in Biotechnology with the thesis are required to take 11 courses. The thesis requires a two-semester research project. Students complete AS.410.800 Independent Research in Biotechnology, and then AS.410.801 Biotechnology Thesis the following semester. Students interested in this option should consult with the program advisor.
MS in Biotechnology Concentrations (Optional)
Students wishing to focus on a specialized discipline within the MS in Biotechnology program may enroll in one of seven concentrations:
- Biodefense
- Bioinformatics
- Biotechnology Enterprise
- Molecular Targets and Drug Discovery
- Regulatory Affairs
- Regenerative and Stem Cell Technologies Concentration
Concentration in Biodefense
The biodefense concentration integrates basic and translational science to train the next generation of professionals for employment in academia, industry, and government. The curriculum provides students with a solid foundation in basic science, and investigates the various applications of medical science and biotechnology for detection, identification, and response to bio threats.
Specific disciplines of study include molecular biology, infectious diseases, bioinformatics, immunology, epidemiology, molecular diagnostics, and policy.
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Core Courses Required: | ||
| Core requirements differ for this concentration. | ||
| AS.410.601 | Biochemistry | 4 |
| AS.410.602 | Molecular Biology | 4 |
| AS.410.603 | Advanced Cell Biology | 4 |
| AS.410.633 | Introduction to Bioinformatics | 4 |
| AS.410.692 | Biological & Chemical Threat Response & Forensics | 4 |
| AS.410.693 | Science, Medicine & Policy in Biodefense | 4 |
| Core Courses - Customizable: | ||
| Select one of the following: | 4 | |
| Must be completed onsite | ||
| Cell Culture Techniques | ||
| Recombinant DNA Laboratory | ||
| Biodefense & Infectious Disease Laboratory Methods | ||
| Advanced Recombinant DNA Lab | ||
| Immunological Techniques in Biotechnology | ||
| Bioprocessing and Scale-up Laboratory | ||
| High Throughput Screening & Automation Lab | ||
| Stem Cell Culture Laboratory Methods | ||
| Electives | ||
| Select three of the following: | 12 | |
| Cellular Signal Transduction | ||
| Vaccinology | ||
| Principles of Immunology | ||
| Pathogenic Bacteriology | ||
| Microbiology | ||
| Virology | ||
| Parasitology | ||
| Agricultural Biotechnology | ||
| Infectious Diseases | ||
| Emerging Infectious Diseases | ||
| Protein Bioinformatics | ||
| Molecular Phylogenetic Techniques | ||
| Clinical & Molecular Diagnostics | ||
| Biostatistics | ||
| Cell Culture Techniques | ||
| Radiation Biology | ||
| Recombinant DNA Laboratory | ||
| Biodefense & Infectious Disease Laboratory Methods | ||
| Advanced Recombinant DNA Lab | ||
| Immunological Techniques in Biotechnology | ||
| Epidemiology: Diseases in Populations | ||
| Next Generation DNA Sequencing and Analysis | ||
| Gene Expression Data Analysis and Visualization | ||
| Bioassay Development | ||
| Bioprocessing and Scale-up Laboratory | ||
| High Throughput Screening & Automation Lab | ||
| Stem Cell Culture Laboratory Methods | ||
| Total Credits | 40 | |
Concentration in Bioinformatics
Given the vast amount of information generated from studies on humans and other organisms, and the need for scientists and researchers to access and manipulate these data, the biotechnology program offers courses that can either be sampled individually or taken together to complete a concentration in bioinformatics.
In addition to the four core courses (Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, Advanced Cell Biology I, and Advanced Cell Biology II) and the two science electives, degree candidates must complete any four of these courses to satisfy the bioinformatics concentration requirements:
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Bioinformatics Courses | ||
| Introduction to Bioinformatics | ||
| Practical Computer Concepts for Bioinformatics | ||
| Bioinformatics: Tools for Genome Analysis | ||
| Protein Bioinformatics | ||
| Molecular Phylogenetic Techniques | ||
| Biostatistics | ||
| Next Generation DNA Sequencing and Analysis | ||
| Gene Expression Data Analysis and Visualization | ||
| Bioperl | ||
| Cancer Genomics | ||
| Advanced Practical Computer Concepts for Bioinformatics | ||
| Advanced Genomics and Genetics Analyses | ||
| Genomic and Personalized Medicine | ||
| Practical Introduction to Metagenomics | ||
Concentration in Biotechnology Enterprise
For research discoveries to reach the public, an understanding of the overall enterprise of biotechnology is essential. Success in this industry requires two distinct sets of skills and perspectives: understanding the science and understanding the business. Students in this concentration must complete four core science courses, four core enterprise courses, and two science electives.
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Biotechnology Enterprise Concentration Courses | ||
| Select four of the following: | 16 | |
| Proseminar in Biotechnology | ||
| Translational Biotechnology: From Intellectual Property to Licensing 1 | ||
| Bioethics | ||
| Cancer Biology | ||
| Economic Dynamics of Change in Biotechnology | ||
| Managing and Leading Biotechnology Professionals | ||
| Marketing Aspects of Biotechnology | ||
| Biostatistics 1 | ||
| Creating a Biotechnology Enterprise | ||
| Research Ethics | ||
| Introduction to Regulatory Affairs | ||
| Legal Aspects of Biotechnology | ||
| Clinical Development of Drugs and Biologics 1 | ||
| Bioscience Communication | ||
| Finance for Biotechnology | ||
| Technology Transfer & Commercialization | ||
| Emerging Issues in Biotechnology | ||
| Ethical,Legal & Regulatory Aspects of the Biotechnology Enterprise | ||
| Project Management in Biotechnology | ||
| Leading Change in Biotechnology | ||
| Strategic Planning for the Biotechnology Enterprise | ||
| Social Entrepreneurship in BioScience | ||
| Problem Solving and Innovation ("Problem Solving and Innovation" starting Fall 2022) | ||
| Managing Innovation in the Life Sciences | ||
| Funding a New Venture | ||
| Grants and Federal Funding for Biotechnology Enterprises | ||
| Independent Studies in Biotechnology Enterprise and Entrepreneurship (Open only to students in the MBEE program) | ||
| Total Credits | 16 | |
- 1
These courses count toward science elective requirement.
Concentration in Molecular Targets and Drug Discovery
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Concentration Courses | ||
| AS.410.696 | Bioassay Development | 4 |
| AS.410.750 | Molecular Targets & Cancer | 4 |
| AS.410.751 | Drug Design and Chemical Libraries | 4 |
| AS.410.752 | High Throughput Screening & Automation Lab | 4 |
| Elective Courses | ||
| Select two of the following: 1 | 8 | |
| Principles of Immunology | ||
| Advanced Topics in Immunology | ||
| Molecular Basis of Pharmacology | ||
| Introduction to Bioinformatics | ||
| Cancer Biology | ||
| Protein Bioinformatics | ||
| Biostatistics | ||
| Cell Culture Techniques | ||
| Immunological Techniques in Biotechnology | ||
| Gene Expression Data Analysis and Visualization | ||
| Bioprocessing and Scale-up Laboratory | ||
| Total Credits | 24 | |
- 1
The following is a list of recommended electives for the MTDDT concentration.
Concentration in Regulatory Affairs
Developed in consultation with representatives from the Food and Drug Administration, the Regulatory Affairs Professional Society, and the biotechnology industry, this concentration in the Master of Science in Biotechnology provides students with the knowledge and understanding required for companies and organizations to comply with federal and state regulatory statutes for the development, approval, and commercialization of drugs, biologics, foods, and medical devices.
Students in this concentration must complete four core science courses, four core regulatory affairs courses, and two science electives.
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Regulatory Affairs Concentration Courses | ||
| Select four of the following: | 16 | |
| Translational Biotechnology: From Intellectual Property to Licensing | ||
| Clinical Trial Design and Conduct | ||
| Introduction to Regulatory Affairs | ||
| Clinical Development of Drugs and Biologics | ||
| Biological Processes in Regulatory Affairs | ||
| International Regulatory Affairs | ||
| Food And Drug Law | ||
| Validation in Biotechnology | ||
| Introduction to cGMP Compliance | ||
| Regulation of Good Food Production Practices | ||
| Ethical,Legal & Regulatory Aspects of the Biotechnology Enterprise | ||
| International Food Regulations | ||
| Intro to Food Safety Regulation | ||
| Biomedical Software Regulation | ||
| Medical Device Regulation | ||
| Regulatory Strategies in Biopharmaceuticals | ||
| Independent Studies in Regulatory Science | ||
| Regulatory Science Thesis | ||
| Total Credits | 16 | |
Students may choose any two science electives for which they have met the prerequisites.
Concentration in Regenerative and Stem Cell Technologies
Within the biotechnology industry, there is increasingly a need for highly skilled professionals in the area of regenerative technologies, who possess an in-depth understanding of stem cells, gene therapy, regenerative medicine, and the laboratory skills necessary to advance this rapidly expanding field of research and clinical development. Graduates of this concentration will fill key positions in clinical, industry, and research laboratories which are using cell therapies for treatment of diseases.
In addition to the four core courses (Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, Advanced Cell Biology I and Advanced Cell Biology II), students must complete the four concentration courses and any two electives.
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Concentration Courses | ||
| AS.410.630 | Gene Therapy | 4 |
| AS.410.653 | Regenerative Medicine: from Bench to Bedside | 4 |
| AS.410.753 | Stem Cell Biology | 4 |
| AS.410.780 | Stem Cell Culture Laboratory Methods | 4 |
| Electives | ||
| Select two electives | 8 | |
| Total Credits | 24 | |