This degree is also 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.
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
Planned Courses for the Online MS in Biotechnology
Please note that courses with an asterisk*, have an on-campus lab requirement. Labs will be planned with the working professional in mind.
BIOLOGY & BIOTECHNOLOGY SKILLS BASED COURSES
- BB 505. Fermentation Biology*
- BB 509. Scale-Up of Bioprocessing*
- BB 560. Protein Purification & Downstream Processing*
- BB 570 ST. Animal Cell Culture*
- BB 570 ST. Genetic Engineering and Expression Systems*
- BB 581. Bioinformatics
- BB 553. Experimental Design
- BB xxx Capstone Project (6 credits)
BIOLOGY & BIOTECHNOLOGY SKILLS BASED COURSES
- BB 570 ST. Molecular Biology of the Cell
- BB 565. Virology
CHEMISTRY ELECTIVES
- CH 555 ST. Drug Regulations
- CH 555 ST. Membrane Protein-Targeted Drug Design
BUSINESS ELECTIVES
- BUS 546. Managing Technical Innovation
- ETR 500. Entrepreneurship & Innovation
- FIN 500. Financial information in Management
- MIS 576. Project Management
- OBC 500. Group & Interpersonal Dynamics in Complex Organizations
Electives may be chosen from other programs such as Biomedical Engineering.
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.