M.S. in Biotechnology

The biotechnology industry's encompasses a broad range of areas including drugs and therapeutics, medical diagnostics and devices, vaccines, bio-agriculture and renewal energy, biomanufacturing, and bioremediation, and the disciplines that support the development and commercialization of these technologies such as research and development, regulatory and legal affairs, quality control and assurance, manufacturing, and sales and marketing. 

This unique, graduate-level program combines advanced interdisciplinary training in biotechnology, biology, biochemistry and pharmaceutical sciences with training in high-value business skills that power career success. 

A Unique Curriculum

Our curriculum incorporates essential business fundamentals to improve management and communication skills, combined with leadership training. The research internship course and independent study course will provide you with the opportunity to conduct extensive research and demonstrate your written presentation skills.

Access to Faculty

Small class sizes facilitate student mentoring and coaching by C-level executives from the biotechnology industry.

State-of-the-Art-Research-Facilities

Work in modern laboratories directly by nationally recognized researchers.

Preparation and Skills for Success

The program will prepare you to be leaders in business, technology, policy and research. Our graduates are familiar with the research development process and are uniquely equipped to lead research breakthroughs. 

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Program Information

A flexible Master's degree program with a unique curriculum designed with the working student in mind.

Degree

Master's

Duration

Hybrid program: 8 credits per semester

Required Credit Hours

30 credit hour

Faculty and Staff

Donald Very, Ph.D.

Donald Very, Ph.D.

Director, Biotechnology

Neil Campbell, D.B.A.

Neil Campbell, D.B.A.

Adjunct Instructor, Biotechnology

Lauren Ernst, Ph.D.

Lauren Ernst, Ph.D.

Adjunct Instructor, Biotechnology

Frank Falcione, E.M.B.A.

Frank Falcione, E.M.B.A.

Adjunct Instructor, Biotechnology

Alan Seadler, Ph.D.

Alan Seadler, Ph.D.

Adjunct Instructor, Biotechnology

Gary Wheaton, J.D.

Gary Wheaton, J.D.

Adjunct Instructor, Biotechnology

A Message from our Alumni

alumni testimonial image

Biotechnology is vast and includes a wide spectrum of subjects like genetics and molecular biology and one can advance his or her career in these fields. The world currently needs biotechnologists to contribute in curbing the Covid-19 pandemic. I strongly recommend this Program to those with a passion for science who have the desire to contribute to technological advances.

Kufreabasi Mary Etiebet M.S. in Biotechnology, '21

 

Connect to a Bright Future

Rewarding Careers

As measured by the success of our alumni, our 30-credit hour program will prepare you for a rewarding career in a rapidly growing industry. Our graduates work in the medical device, diagnostics, pharmaceutical or bio-agricuture industry sectors, or continue their education in professional (medical, dental, law) or graduate school.

Alumni Industry Outcomes

  • Moderna
  • Jackson Labs
  • Medimmune
  • Merck
  • Mylan
  • Smith & Nephew
  • ThermoFisher
  • VWR International

Pittsburgh's Science & Tech Hub

Pittsburgh is rapidly becoming an emerging hub for both biotechnology and the life sciences due to its top university research institutions, talented employee pool, concentrated resources, and economical cost of living. Prospective employees have the option of joining emerging startups or national and international business enterprises.

Curriculum

The M.S. Degree Program in Biotechnology is a 30-credit hour course of study consisting of 21 credit hours of required courses and 9 credit hours of elective courses.

  • BTGY 504 Regulatory Aspects of the Development of Medical Products (3 credits) 
  • BTGY 508 Biotechnology (3 credits) 
  • BTGY 509 Biotechnology Product Development (3 credits) 
  • BTGY 510 Independent Study in Biotechnology (2 credits) 
  • BTGY 512 Bioanalytical Chemistry (3 credits) 
  • BTGY 516 Cell and Molecular Biology l (3 credits) 
  • BTGY 574 Ethics in Biotechnology (1 credit) 
  • BTGY 600 Bioinformatics in Biotechnology and Medicine (3 credits) 

Recommended Program electives include courses in: advanced science, leadership, management, business law, communication, conflict resolution, topics in biotechnology and research/internship experiences.

The Application Process

Application to the Biotechnology Program is easy using our online portal. To be considered for admission to the Program, all applicants must submit:

  • Completed online application form
  • Statement of Purpose
  • Official transcripts from all previously attended colleges and universities
  • A minimum of two Letters of Recommendation
  • An official report of GRE scores from the Education Testing Service
  • Non-native English speaking students must submit official TOEFL, IELTS, or DuoLingo scores
  • All students admitted to the program are automatically considered for financial aid.  No application is necessary!
  • Students in good academic standing (GPA of at least 3.0) and taking at least 6 credits hours per semester are eligible Special Financial Award of 25% off graduate tuition.
  • Limited number of Graduate Assistantships with a stipend are available each semester.
  • The prestigious Bayer Fellowship Award, consisting of a scholarship and/or a stipend is awarded each year to the top students in the Program.

Questions? Contact Us!

Donald Very, Ph.D.

Director and Teaching Assistant Professor, Biotechnology Program

don very headshot