Master in Biotechnology
University of San Francisco - College of Arts & Sciences
Key Information
Campus location
San Francisco, USA
Languages
English
Study format
On-Campus
Duration
2 years
Pace
Full time
Tuition fees
USD 25,670 / per year **
Application deadline
Request info *
Earliest start date
Request info
* please contact the school
** tuition costs per year are estimates only; costs may vary based on actual enrollment in classes
Introduction
Our two-year professional sciences master's (PSM) program is uniquely situated among the greatest concentration of biotechnology activity in the world, with over 200 private and public biotech companies thriving around the San Francisco Bay Area. Opportunity is right outside our door.
All required classes are held in the late afternoon to evening, allowing students to continue in their full-time jobs or find part-time or full-time jobs in the industry while enrolled in our program.
Admissions
Curriculum
Program Overview
Our 36 unit professional sciences master's (PSM) program is a two-year, four-semester interdisciplinary program that provides students with a multi-disciplinary background that integrates scientific, business, and ethical aspects of biotechnology. The program is intended for students who do not wish to pursue a PhD but still seek a career in the industry. The curriculum focuses on a combination of biotechnology-related and MBA-level business courses. Students can start the graduate program each year in the fall or spring.
Program of Study
The program of study is planned by the student in collaboration with his or her faculty adviser during the first semester of studies.
The Curriculum
Our curriculum integrates the fundamentals of molecular biology, technology, and business to build a comprehensive program that fully prepares graduates for jobs in the industry.
Prerequisites
Prospective students should have a bachelor's degree in biology or chemistry. Other applicants from other science majors may also be accepted provided they have completed the following undergraduate courses:
- 2 semesters general biology
- 2 semesters general chemistry
Biotechnology (4+1), BS/PSM
Begin taking Biotechnology PSM courses during the fourth year of your USF biology major. Core classes include biotech science and bio-entrepreneurship to provide you with both research and workplace experience. You then take 22-28 units during your +1 year, compared to 36 units for two-year students. 4+1 program is available to USF Biology majors only.
Sample Two Year Program
1st Year - Fall
- Molecular Biology (MW)
- Global & U.S. Regulatory Affairs (T) - 1st half
- Legal, Social & Ethical Implications of Biotech (T) - 2nd half
- Career Preparation Seminar (T)
1st Year - Spring
- Molecular Genetics & Biotechnology Lab (MW)
- Bioinnovation Management (T) - 1st half
- Local, National, and Global Biotech (T) - 2nd half
2nd Year - Fall
- Bioinformatics (MW)
- Advanced Research
- Methods Lab (MW)
2nd Year - Spring
- Internship in Biotechnology (capstone)
- Elective
- Seminar: Molecular Biology (T)
Intersession or Summer
- Bioentrepreneurship AGI
Program Outcome
Our Professional Science Master’s (PSM) of Biotechnology graduate program at USF is geared for those seeking a career in the biotechnology industry. Students in the PSM in Biotechnology program take core classes in both biotech science-related curricula and bio entrepreneurship curricula. This program combines molecular biology rigor with soft skills to provide the essential background for interfacing research with successful workplace interactions in the biotech industry. Our mission is to provide motivated students with the knowledge and skills needed to successfully enter or advance their careers in the biotechnology industry.
Learning Outcome
- Review and evaluate concepts from multiple disciplines (biology, bioinformatics, business) within the biotechnology
- Interpret and execute best practices in biotech-related lab techniques as well as exhibit an ability to assess the novelty of the research and prioritize protocols
- Comprehend the need for ethics in science and technology-based business/research/industry
- Critically review scientific papers and demonstrate science communication skills necessary to attain professional-level employment in science and technology-based research/industry
- Demonstrate effective teamwork, team leadership, business communication skills, and networking skills, including exposure to industry members in molecular biology and biotechnology-based business/ research/industry
Scholarships and Funding
PSM in Biotechnology Specific Financial Aid
Scholarships
The biotechnology program offers a limited number of scholarships to new students. These program scholarships are merit-based, vary in amount, and cover part of tuition costs. All applicants, both U.S. and international students, are considered for these scholarships during the admission decision process; a separate application is not required. If a scholarship is awarded, it will be indicated in the admission letter.
The Schmidt Family Foundation Fellowship
The Schmidt Family Foundation aims to diversify the environmental sector and to enable students to pursue studies that will eventually lead to a related career in the industry. The Schmidt Family Foundation Fellowship is awarded to a student who is focusing their research on topics related to the environment, sustainability, and agriculture, and food security. This fellowship is awarded once per year.
Internships
The biotechnology program has an internship requirement. Whether the internships are paid or unpaid is determined by the external companies or organizations that offer them.
Career Opportunities
Our Alumni
Our graduates take advantage of being in the Bay Area — the largest biotech cluster in the country — and now work with many established biotech companies, as well as start-ups, that are using cutting-edge technology to shape the future.
Employers
A partial list:
- Ab Initio Biotherapeutics
- Annexon Biosciences
- Atreca
- Audentes Therapeutics
- CERo Therapeutics
- Counsyl
- CytomX Therapeutics
- Distributed Bio
- Epibiome
- Encoded Genomics
- Quest Diagnostics
- NKarta Therapeutics
- Tizona Therapeutics
English Language Requirements
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