The Master of Professional Studies (M.P.S.): Biotechnology is a 30-credit graduate program that will provide an advanced-level of education to professionals working or interested in the region's biotechnology industry. Designed to prepare science professionals to fill management and leadership roles in biotechnology-related companies or agencies, this unique degree offers an alternative degree option for individuals not interested in pursuing a M.D. or Ph.D. degree.

The program curriculum provides advanced instruction in the life sciences, along with coursework in regulatory affairs, leadership, management, and financial management in a life science-oriented business. By the end of this program, students will be able to:

• Explain and discuss the fundamentals of the sciences that underlie biotechnology and their applications to product development
• Interpret and analyze new scientific discoveries and technologies relevant to biotechnology
• Assess and apply established and emerging biotechnology techniques used for commercial development
• Describe the process of biotechnology product development, including clinical trial design, inspections, and regulatory filings
• Plan for and manage innovative technologies and/or products
• Apply the elements of effective management and leadership within an organization
• Effectively function in and lead multidisciplinary teams
• Communicate ideas effectively and persuasively in writing and oral presentations
• Analyze and use company financial information to make effective budgetary and resource allocation decisions
• Describe and apply sound legal and ethical standards, reasoning, and tools in a biotechnology context

Click here for more program-specific information.

Program Requirements

The MPS Biotechnology is designed as an applied, terminal master’s degree that incorporates science, regulatory and management courses. The MPS curriculum includes 10 courses (30 credits) in three areas: Life Sciences, Bioregulatory Affairs and Management.

Core Requirements

Life Sciences: 5 Courses [15 credits]

• BTEC 650: Applied Biochemistry [3]
• BTEC 651: Molecular and Cell Biology [3]
• BTEC 652: Molecular Biotechnology [3]
• BTEC 653: Applied Bioprocess Engineering [3]
• BTEC 654: Emerging Topics in Biotechnology [3]

These courses are offered in sequence starting in the fall semester of each academic year:

Core Management Courses: 4 Courses [12 credits]

• BTEC 660: Regulatory Issues in Biotechnology [3]
• BTEC 665: Management, Leadership and Communication [3]
• BTEC 670: Legal & Ethical Issues in the Science Professions [3]
• BTEC 680: Financial Management [3]

Program Electives: Choose 1 course below [3 credits]

• BTEC 662: Good Manufacturing Practices for Bioprocesses [3]
• BTEC 685: Project Management Fundamentals [3]
• BTEC 690: Innovation and Technology Entrepreneurship [3]

Admissions

In general, minimum requirements for the Biotechnology program are set at a 3.0 GPA from an accredited undergraduate degree in biology, chemistry, or chemical/biochemical engineering or other bachelor's degree that includes sufficient credits from relevant courses in the life sciences. The Graduate Record Exam (GRE) is not required for admission to the program. Students will need to adhere to the application procedures set by UMBC's Graduate School. For full degree seeking students, this means: an application, official transcripts, letters of recommendation, a personal statement, and the graduate application fee. Students are encouraged to apply online.

For more information on how to apply online, click here.

Program Contact

wolf@umbc.edu