An MS in Biology & Biotechnology degree program is offered on campus
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WPI's online MS degree in Biotechnology is a skills-focused, non-thesis degree program that offers a broad base in the technical knowledge and lab training needed for professional careers in the biotech industry. This blended program combines online coursework with onsite lab sessions at WPI's Worcester, MA, campus. Lab requirements vary by course and are scheduled to accommodate working professionals earning their degree part-time.
Learning Outcomes
By the end of this program, students will be able to:
- Integrate broad knowledge of fundamental and applied science of molecular biology and biochemistry in their role as a professional scientist or engineer
- Demonstrate expertise in modern laboratory, bio-production techniques, and best practices applicable to the biotechnology industry
- Leverage the collaborative and interdisciplinary nature of the biotech industry
- Effectively engage in cross-functional decisions with management, development, operations, and regulatory affairs
Lab Sessions likely to take place at our cutting edge facilities
Course Schedule
Please note that courses with an asterisk*, have an on-campus lab requirement. Labs will be planned with the working professional in mind.
Academic Year 2019
FALL 2018
- CH 555 ST. Membrane Protein-Targeted Drug Design (science course)
- OIE 542. Risk Management and Decision Making (elective)
- BUS 546. Managing Technological Innovation (elective)
EARLY SPRING 2019
- MIS 576. Project Management (elective)
- BB 570 ST. Animal Cell Culture* (skills-based course)
- BME 595. Medical Device Design Controls (science course or elective)
- OBC 505. Teaming and Organizing for Innovation (elective)
LATE SPRING 2019
- BB 570 ST. Molecular Biology of the Cell (science course)
- OIE 598. Engineering Economics (elective)
- Science Course or Elective TBD
Starting Academic Year 2020 and Forward
FALL TERM
- BB 505. Fermentation Biology*
- BB 570 ST. Molecular Biology of the Cell
- BUS 546. Managing Technological Innovation
- OIE 542. Risk Management and Decision Making
- FIN 500. Financial Information and Management
EARLY SPRING TERM
- BB 560. Protein Purification and Downstream Processing*
- Skills-based/Science Course (see list below)
- MIS 576. Project Management
- OBC 505. Teaming and Organizing for Innovation
LATE SPRING TERM
- BB 509. Scale-Up of Bioprocessing* or
- CHE 521. Biochemical Engineering
- Skills-based/Science Course (see list below)
- OIE 598. Engineering Economics
- OIE 542. Risk Management and Decision Making
SUMMER TERM
- MA 511. Applied Statistics for Engineers and Scientists
- MIS 576. Project Management
- Skills-based/Science Course (see list below, as needed)
ADDITIONAL SKILLS-BASED COURSES
These skills-based courses will be offered every other year (as needed):
- BB 570 ST. Animal Cell Culture*
- BB 570 ST. Medical and Applied Immunology*
- BB 565. Virology*
- BB 581. Bioinformatics*
- BB 553. Experimental Design and Statistics in the Life Sciences*
- BB 570 ST. Genetic Engineering and Gene Expression*
ADDITIONAL ELECTIVES
Students can choose their six (6) credits of electives from any department approved by their faculty advisor.
Additional management and math electives can be found here.
ADDITIONAL SCIENCE COURSES
- BB 570 ST. Advanced Topics in Biotechnology
- CH 555 ST. Drug Regulations
- CH 555 ST. Drug Safety and Regulatory Affairs
- CH 555 ST. Membrane Protein-Targeted Drug Design
- CH 538. Medicinal Chemistry
- Science coursework can also be chosen from programs such as Biomedical Engineering. Please note, some courses may be 14 weeks.
Course offerings are subject to change. If you are interested in enrolling, please contact us for the most up-to-date information.
Program Requirements
Students must successfully complete a minimum of 30 credit hours, of which 15 credit hours must be in Biology & Biotechnology. Additionally, the following requirements must be met:
- 9 credits in skills-based courses, chosen from an approved list
- 15 credits in Biology & Biotechnology or other approved department courses for depth
- 6 credits in elective courses, chosen from an approved list
Admission Requirements
A BS in the life sciences or an engineering field with a foundation in the life sciences, or in another field that demonstrates a knowledge of basic biochemistry principles.
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