Biotechnology Master's Program

The Master of Biotechnology program provides students with the science and engineering training needed for success in the critical and dynamic industries of biotechnology and pharmaceuticals. This innovative and interdisciplinary program draws courses from the sciences, engineering, medicine, and business/entrepreneurship.

Program Highlights: With a wealth of biotechnology and pharmaceutical companies in the Philadelphia area, nearly 20 percent of our students are engaged in an internship or independent study each semester.

Applying advances in molecular biology in human and animal health, agriculture, environment, and specialty biochemical manufacturing, Biotechnology is an interdisciplinary field that works at the frontiers between biology, engineering, medicine and plant science. Biotechnology impacts scientific and technological areas such as: Recombinant DNA; Clinical Diagnostics; Medical Therapy; Bioinformatics; and Biomaterials Production.

Biotechnology Curriculum

Students take a total of eleven courses to complete the degree requirements. Six are chosen from the program's Core Categories:

• Biochemistry
• Cell and Molecular Biology
• Engineering Biotechnology
• Laboratory Skills
• Statistics
• Core Elective

The remaining five courses comprise the Track Electives, and are based on the four program Tracks, which provide students flexibility to tailor their degree to their background, interests and career goals:

• Molecular Biotechnology (molecular biology and genetic engineering)
• Biopharmaceutical/Engineering Biotechnology (drug discovery, drug delivery and biopharmaceutical manufacturing)
• Biomedical Technologies (clinical issues such as biomaterial, tissue engineering, device design, and imaging)
• MB/MBA Dual Degree with The Wharton School* (core training in the science of biotechnology along with an MBA)

Students may complete the program on either a full-or part-time basis. Full-time students can comfortably complete the program's required eleven courses in three academic terms.

*Note: Acceptance into the MB/MBA is dependent on first being accepted into the MBA which requires a separate application through the Wharton School. The MB/MBA dual degree program is a 2-year full-time program.

Our Students

Biotechnology students have diverse backgrounds and goals. Some enter straight from their bachelor's degree, others after several years of industry experience. They come from numerous disciplines, from biology to business to pharmacy. Graduates represent a broad range of knowledge and expertise. Students come from near and far, including numerous internationals from all corners of the world. The richness of this diversity provides an incredible educational experience for all, and enables a robust network of future colleagues who actively share their knowledge and opportunities with each other.

Opportunities

Penn is home to numerous world-class interdisciplinary institutes, centers and laboratories. Coupled with a wealth of biotechnology and pharmaceutical companies in the surrounding area, students have a myriad of opportunities for practical experience. Each semester, nearly 20 percent of our students are engaged in an internship or independent study on or off campus. Many students seek post-graduation employment right here in the region. They work in positions that include research, management, and consulting. Other graduates advance into Ph.D. study in biotechnology or a related discipline, medical school, or law school

For more detailed information, visit the Biotechnology Program website.