Insights into Our Biotechnology Program
Program & Admissions Requirements
The program requires a minimum of 13 courses: 10 core courses, two elective courses, and one 400-hour industry-based capstone internship course. Students are admitted to the program in the fall semester and are expected to complete the part-time program in 2.5 years (7 semesters – including summer). Students who begin the program but cannot complete the degree requirements with their incoming cohort may, with the guidance and approval of the Program Director, develop an alternative plan for completion. All degree requirements must be completed within six years of entering the program.
Students who enter the program with appropriate graduate credits may, at the discretion of the Program Director, receive transfer credit for up to two (2) courses in the program. However, students cannot receive transfer credit for the capstone internship course.
Undergraduate Prerequisite Courses:
Admitted students who do not have coursework or training in statistics, or cell biology, genetics, and/or molecular biology must have been successfully completed within the last five years and may be required to complete undergraduate coursework prior to being permitted to enroll in courses for this graduate program.
- BIOT 903 Drug Development: Process and Regulations
- BIOT 908 Quality Assurance and Quality Control for Biotechnology and Biopharmaceuticals
- BIOT 930 Biotechnology Laboratory Techniques
- BIOT 941 Molecular Biotechnology
- BIOT 952 Scientific and Technical Communication in Biotechnology
- BIOT 966 Ethical Implications of Biotechnology
- BUIS 956 Project Management for Biotechnology
- MATH 924 Advanced Biostatistics
- MGMT 921 Business Operations Management for Biotechnology
- MGMT 945 Management and Leadership for Biotechnology
Elective courses will not be offered each semester. Students should meet with their program advisor regularly to discuss when electives may be offered.
- Complete the online graduate admission application
- Have earned a baccalaureate or master’s degree from a regionally accredited college or university in a related life sciences discipline and must submit an official transcript from each college or university attended as an undergraduate or graduate student.
- Have an overall undergraduate grade point average (GPA) of at least 2.50 on a 4.00 scale including acceptable grades in science courses.
- Have coursework or training in statistics, or cell biology, genetics, and/or molecular biology must have been successfully completed within the last five years. Applicants may be required to complete additional coursework prior to being permitted to enroll in courses for this graduate program.
- Provide two (2) current letters of recommendation from faculty, supervisors, and/or colleagues.
- Submit a 300-word statement of purpose explaining their motivation for seeking this Professional Science Master's degree program.
- Provide a current resume or curriculum vitae.
Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of the Professional Science Masters Degree in Biotechnology with a concentration in Quality Assurance, students are able to:
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Demonstrate an understanding of the scientific principles behind the development of biological products, small molecules, and medical devices produced by the life science industries.
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Apply an understanding of common laboratory techniques used in the production and assay of biological products to roles in quality assurance (QA) and/or project management.
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Evaluate and coordinate the quality of life science products.
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Evaluate and coordinate compliance with regulations.
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Apply knowledge in new and unfamiliar circumstances through a conceptual understanding of relevant disciplines.
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Adapt and innovate to solve problems and to cope with unforeseen events.
Alumni Spotlight
2019 Graduates
"Congratulations on your graduation from the PSM program, Isabelle Meira-Silva, Alfredo Rojas, Ironie Nagasena"
Student Spotlight
Anuradha Ponugoti
PSM Student
"Anuradha Ponugoti has recently applied to the non-profit organization (ISPE) and was awarded a prestige scholarship to support her study at the FSU Professional Science Master program."
Award Spotlight
Congratulations to PSM Program Director, Sunny Tam PhD, and Student President, Supriya Sharma, on this prestigious award.