Master of Science in Biotechnology Management

This joint graduate degree will prepare students for leadership roles in biotechnology, science, and engineering-based companies through a curriculum comprised of courses from the Department of Molecular Biology and Biochemistry (MB&B) in the School of Biological Sciences, the Department of Biomedical Engineering in The Henry Samueli School of Engineering, and The Paul Merage School of Business. Career visioning, ProSeminar training, advising and other resources are available through the Merage School Career Center.

Distinctive Features

• Advanced training in biotechnology through an 8 unit teaching laboratory.
• Research with a faculty member in the School of Biological Sciences or Department of Biomedical Engineering.
• Intensive on-campus 5-day residential, Responding to Dynamic Times: Thinking Strategically in Business, that involves case analysis, group problem solving, and group presentations as a means of developing the skills and strategies associated with effective managerial action.
• Merage Consulting Projects course: An experiential learning component where student teams, under the guidance of professors, conduct a consulting project with a biotechnology or biological sciences-based company. Teams present innovative solutions to a real strategic challenge faced by the company, and learn business insights from and present their findings to senior management at the organization.
• Students learn how to develop a formal business plan during either the Entrepreneurship or New Venture Management elective courses.
• A capstone course addresses a number of management issues in the biotech industry including finance, product development, pharmaceuticals, project management, regulatory affairs and ethics. Biotech industry guest lecturers are invited to speak.
• ProSeminar course in the first year provides students with information and practical skills for success in the MSBTM program and career planning.
• The Graduate Record Examination (GRE) General Test has been waived this year and is no longer required, but can be submitted if desired.
• The MSBTM program is STEM-designated and allows up to 36 months of Optional Practical Training (OPT) upon graduation. This longer duration is attractive to companies interested in providing immigration sponsorship to international students.

Personalized Career Coaching

Step 1: Explore Your Potential
Complete exercises and assessments to realize interests, values, strengths/weaknesses, fit and entrepreneurial attributes.

Step 2: Map Your Career
Create a career action plan. This serves as a foundation from which you can target specific positions.

Step 3: Collaborate with Your Coach
Work one-on-one with your dedicated career advisor, who is focused on helping you find the best fit for you.

Step 4: Enhance Your Job Search
Participate in activities and programs specifically designed to support your career development and job search.

Step 5: Meet Your Target Companies
Connect with companies that have hired our graduates including Ambry Genetics, Applied Medical, Bio-Rad Laboratories, Deloitte Consulting, Illumina, Johnson & Johnson, Masimo Corporation and others.

More information can be found on our 2023 Employment Report.