Successful students in our one-year training program receive a Master of Science degree in Biotechnology.
The courses you take are designed to develop critical thinking, ethical decision making, quantitative analysis, knowledge of drug development and regulatory approval processes, understanding of biotechnology commerce ranging from financing to manufacturing to marketing, and writing and presentation skills—all while gaining a strong foundation in biomolecular science.
A total of 30 credit hours is required, including a common core program consisting of the following courses:
T500 (8 cr.), T501 (2 cr.), T502 (2 cr.), T508 (3 cr.), T540 (3 cr.), T521 (3 cr.), and T680 (at least 5 cr.)
Other courses can be substituted for the common core course requirements pending permission from the Director of Graduate Studies in Biotechnology. The remaining credit hours can be selected from an approved list of graduate level courses related to Biotechnology that may include among others courses in Biochemistry, Informatics, Biology, Business, Chemistry, Law, Public and Environmental Affairs, Statistics, or Medical Sciences. Students who have taken T440 (or equivalent) as undergraduates will not be required to take T540. Instead, they will replace the credits with elective courses from the approved list, subject to the approval of the Director of Graduate Studies in Biotechnology.
Generally, full-time study requires enrollment for at least 6 credit hours during the fall and spring semesters. Students typically enroll in around 12 credit hours in order to complete the program in one calendar year. Longer time frames can be arranged when necessary and appropriate.
See sample curriculum below.
This information is provided as a guide. Variations are possible and sometimes are advisable to make certain that the program can address the needs and expectations of individual students. Always discuss possible changes in advance with the Director of Graduate Studies in Biotechnology or the Biology Graduate Advisor.
During your last semester, be sure to submit the Master’s Application for Advanced Degree (MAAD) eDoc.
Your degree will not be official until the MAAD eDoc is approved! Contact the Biology Graduate Advisor if you have any questions about the eDoc.
Note: A thesis is not required for this degree except for those in the BS/MS program, but it is an option. For those who will be working toward a thesis, a committee will need to be formed early in the fall semester, soon after a research mentor is selected.
The following course sequence is suggested. Variation is possible, including options to extend the time toward the degree for those who may be employed and desire to take fewer courses per semester. Of the 30 credit hours required, at least 15 credit hours must come from STEM courses.
Fall semester (12 credit hours, or so depending on elective)
Spring semester (12 credit hours, or so depending on elective)
Summer session (3 credit hours)
Elective (3 credit hours): Either fall or spring semester with approval of the Director of Graduate Studies in Biotechnology
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