Master of Science in Biotechnology
| View the Fall 2011 Online Information Session. |
The Master of Science in Biotechnology is grounded in biochemistry, molecular biology, cell biology, genomics, and proteomics. The program offers students the ability to explore basic science, applied science, lab science, and offers a wide variety of concentrations.
The MS in Biotechnology is a 10-course, part-time degree program that can be completed fully online. The program's curriculum prepares students to engage in research, 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.
Flexible Study Opportunities
Designed for working adults, the program offers courses conveniently online and onsite. Student can elect to complete the degree entirely online*. Onsite courses are taught during evenings or weekends at either the university's Homewood Campus in Baltimore, MD or the Montgomery County Campus in Rockville, MD. Onsite students can choose laboratory courses offered in our state-of-the-art lab (virtual lab tour). Students have up to five years to complete their degree. Typically, students working full-time complete the degree in two to three years.
Optional Concentrations
Students can pursue a general MS in Biotechnology degree or choose a more structured curriculum from one of five optional concentrations: biodefense, bioinformatics, biotechnology enterprise, regulatory affairs, or drug discovery. Students can choose to participate in an independent research project or complete a thesis, however neither is required.
General Degree
Students like the flexibility of the general degree, as it allows them to tailor the degree to meet their individual career goals. Many students prefer the ability to customize their program by selecting a few courses from our concentrations tracks and selecting other electives. Students may also choose to take laboratory courses in our state-of-the-art wet lab. Download the MS in Biotechnology program planning form.
Concentration in Biodefense*
Biodefense studies provide a solid foundation in basic science and biotechnology for detection, identification and response to biothreats. Disciplines include molecular biology, infectious diseases, bioinformatics, immunology, laboratory methods and policy. This concentration requires some on-site instruction. Students must take six core courses and four biodefense electives. Download the concentration in Biodefense program planning form.
Concentration in Bioinformatics
The Bioinformatics concentration prepares students to access and manipulate specialized data in this fast-paced, high-intensity field. Students take four core courses, four concentration courses and two electives. Download the concentration in bioinformatics program planning form.
Concentration in Biotechnology Enterprise
Success in this industry requires understanding the science and business of moving products from lab to marketplace. Students choose four core courses. Download the concentration in Biotechnology Enterprise program planning form.
Concentration in Regulatory Affairs
Students engage in the legislative and regulatory environments that companies must traverse along the path to commercialization. Students choose four core courses. Download the concentration in Regulatory Affairs program planning form.
Concentration in Molecular Targets and Drug Discovery Technologies*
This concentration provides students with in-depth knowledge and practical laboratory skills in modern drug discovery technologies. Specific disciplines include bioassay design, chemical libraries, molecular targets, bioinformatics, high throughput screening lab and cancer biology. Download the concentration in Molecular Targets and Drug Discovery Technologies program planning form.
*Requires some on-site instruction.