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G Biotechnology  

The Program

Apply Now for the Program Starting in Spring or Fall!

The University of San Francisco offers a Professional Science Master's degree in Biotechnology in which a combination of biotechnology-related and MBA-level business courses are the focus. Students can start the graduate program each year in the fall (late August) or spring (late January). The program is intended for students who do not wish to pursue a Ph.D but still seek a career in the industry. 

"Graduates of professional science master's programs are in high demand.  Many report receiving multiple job offers, with excellent remuneration, even in these difficult times."
— Chronicle of Higher Education, 2011
The curriculum integrates the fundamentals of molecular biology, technology and business to build a comprehensive program that fully prepares graduates for jobs in the industry. The program also includes an internship requirement that helps students gain a hands-on perspective of the technical experience and business skills necessary for success in the biotechnology field.

Students come from many parts of the world as well as from the United States, making the program truly international.

Program of Study

Prerequisites:

The graduate program in Biotechnology is intended for students who do not wish to pursue a Ph.D but still seek a career in the industry. 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
  • 1 semester organic chemistry
  • 1 semester genetics

The program of study is planned by the student in collaboration with his or her faculty advisor during the first semester of studies.

Curriculum:

The Professional Science Master's in Biotechnology is a two-year, four-semester Master's program comprised of 37 units. Thirty three units are required core graduate courses (ten courses and the internship) and one course is an elective.

CORE COURSES (Required)

ELECTIVES
(4 units)

Advanced Research Methods Lab (BIOL 610), 2 units
Biochemistry
Bioinformatics (CS 686), 4 units Cancer Biology
Global Biotech (MSIS 664), 2 units Cell Ultrastructure
Immersion International Biotech Program
(can be substituted for Global Biotech)
Developmental Biology 
Information of Biotech (MSIS 662), 2 units
Endocrinology
Internship in Biotechnology (BIOL 697), 4 units Immunology
Legal, Social & Ethical Implications of Biotech (MSIS 663), 2 units Medical Microbiology
Local, National Biotech (MSIS 661), 2 units Microbiology
Molecular Genetics and Biotechnology & Lab (BIOL 685/BIOL 686), 4 units
Molecular Medicine
Molecular Biology (BIOL 620), 4 units Pharmacogenetics
Leadership & Organization (MBA 6103), 2 units Research for Advanced     
Students
Seminar - Molecular Biology (BIOL 600), 2 units Virology

 

Sample Two Year Program

 

First Year
Second Year
Fall
Spring
Fall
Spring
Molecular Biology (MW)
Molecular Genetics
Biology Elective
Biotech Internship
Information of Biotech
(T) - 1st half
Local & National
Biotech (T) - 1st half
Advanced Research
Methods Lab (MW)
Bioinformatics (TR)
Global Biotech (T) -
2nd half
Legal, Social & Ethical
Implications of Biotech
(T) - 2nd half
Leadership &
Organization
 
Molecular Biology (W)