An MS in Biology & Biotechnology degree program is offered on campus
Learn more
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
Academic Year 2020
FALL TERM
- BB 570 ST. Genetic Engineering and Synthetic 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. Methods of Protein Purification and Downstream Processing*
- Skills-based or 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
- Skills-based or Science Course (see list below)
- OIE 598. Engineering Economics
- OIE 542. Risk Management and Decision Making
SUMMER TERM
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
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
Thesis option: Currently, WPI’s online graduate programs do not offer a thesis option, as theses cannot be completed online. If you wish to pursue a thesis on campus, it is the student’s responsibility to find an advisor. Please note that depending on the project’s subject and timeframe, there might not be a faculty member willing or able to advise.
Visit the digital content library for whitepapers, ebooks, webinars, and our blog.
Access the Digital Content Library
Got 7 minutes? Take this short survey and help improve the grad-school-research experience for you and your peers.