Overview
Our Master of Science in Biotechnology and Management (MSB) program prepares graduates to successfully navigate the terrains of both science and business. The traditional research-focused M.S. or Ph.D. degree may not adequately prepare the scientist for a career in product development, marketing, operations, and personnel management. Likewise, individuals with experience from the business world may not have the knowledge-base to participate in discussions of rational product design and the experimental processes that are required prior to taking a product to market. The MSB program at Mount St. Mary’s University is a cross-disciplinary degree program designed for current workers and aspiring leaders in biotechnology who are poised for greater managerial responsibilities and are interested in advancing their careers. Graduates of this program will serve as vital links between biotechnology research and development (R&D), operations, and the process of moving products to market.
This is a 36-credit program in which students take 8-week courses that meet one night a week from 6-9:30 p.m. at the Mount’s Frederick campus, through web conferencing and/or online. Note- Summer sessions are 7-week courses. The Mount’s dedication to teaching is evident in the MSB program where close student-faculty relationships are formed in and out of the classroom. This course of study offers training focused on developing advanced scientific and professional skills including: biochemistry and genetics, project management, accounting and finance, organizational management, product development, knowledge of regulatory affairs, and an understanding of the ethical framework in which the business of biotechnology is situated.
The Master of Science in Biotechnology and Management degree requires the successful completion of 36 credit hours, including a capstone project.
Program Objectives
Students who complete the MSB program will:
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Demonstrate advanced knowledge in the fields of biotechnology and business, including the scientific processes; mechanisms of biotechnology research and development and operations; and regulatory aspects of biotechnology management, accounting, and finance.
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Establish a working knowledge of a variety of applied scientific knowledge and techniques, analyze complex problems in biotechnology, and apply appropriate problem solving methodologies (including design of experiments, data collection, and results analysis).
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Communicate effectively in oral and written form in formats appropriate to biotechnology and business with technologies appropriate to these fields.
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Demonstrate an understanding of the integration of functions within an enterprise and the ability to assess risk.
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Recognize and respond to the essential ethical questions in the biotechnology industry
MSB ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS
Candidates for admission into the MSB program must have a completed bachelor’s degree in biology, biological sciences or a related field. If applicant does not hold a biology or related degree, prerequisites may be required; contact program director for more details.
Candidates for admission must also satisfy at least one of the following criteria:
2.75 minimum cumulative undergraduate grade point average (GPA)
OR
Two full years of relevant work experience (resume required)
In exceptional circumstances, the Provost may waive one or more of these requirements.
Application Process
Applications for admission are accepted year-round, with a deadline of two weeks prior to the session start date. For priority consideration, please apply by the following suggested deadlines:
- July 15th to begin classes in the Fall semester
- December 1st to begin classes in the Spring semester
- April 1st to begin classes in the Summer semester
Applications received after these deadlines will be reviewed and accepted on a space-available basis.
Applicants must submit:
Biotechnology & Management Program
Mount St. Mary’s University
Frederick Campus
5350 Spectrum Drive
Frederick, MD 21703
Or Email: Frederickadmissions@msmary.edu
ADMISSION STATUS
Full Admit: Applicants who satisfy the above-stated criteria are granted full admission to graduate study.
Provisional Admit: A student who does not fulfill all the admission requirements (e.g., GPA) but shows promise as a graduate student may be granted a provisional admission. This status allows the student to complete up to nine graduate credits, and full admission is awarded upon the successful completion of those nine graduate credits with a grade of “B” or better in each course.
For applicants who have not yet completed their undergraduate degree at point of application, any offer of admission is contingent on the successful conferral of a degree and submission of final official transcripts.
Offers of acceptance will be valid for two years. Should you choose not to enroll in classes during this time frame you will need to reapply for future program consideration.
GRADUATE NON-DEGREE SEEKING STUDENTS
Mount St. Mary’s University graduate programs offer graduate courses for individuals interested in non-degree studies for continuing education, professional development, or personal enrichment. Up to six credits taken as a non-degree seeking student may apply towards degree requirements for a masters or certificate program. Students must take pre-requisites specified. Students must complete the non-degree seeking graduate application prior to registering for courses, as well as submit an official undergraduate transcript showing a conferred bachelor’s degree.
UNDERGRADUATE PREREQUISITES
Prerequisite competencies in undergraduate genetics or molecular biology are required. Please see MSB course descriptions for additional prerequisites.
Prerequisite competencies in business courses are described in the MBA section of this catalog.
5-Year Dual Degree B.S. in Biology and/or Biochemistry & M.S. in Biotechnology and Management
Admission and program information for the 5-Year Dual Degree B.S. in Biology and/or Biochemistry/M.S. in Biotechnology and Management can be found in the Undergraduate Catalog.
To apply to the 5-Year Dual Degree B.S. in Biology and/or Biochemistry/M.S. in Biotechnology and Mangement please fill out the dual degree application.
Transfer of Graduate Credits
See - Graduate Academic Policies
HOW TO REQUEST TRANSFER CREDIT
- Contact your advisor for a transfer of credits application.
- Request official transcripts from the institution(s) from which you earned the credits.
- Submit an official catalog course description and/or syllabus for course(s) you wish to be considered.
Degree Requirements
- Students are responsible for ensuring that all of the following graduation requirements have been satisfied:
- Completion of all undergraduate prerequisites and the 36 graduate hours required in the MSB curriculum.
- A cumulative GPA of at least 3.0 in the graduate program.
- Completion of a biotechnology focused Capstone Project.
Course Waivers
If a student has a strong undergraduate background or significant professional experience in a field, they may request to have a core course waived by the director. A waiver is not an award of credit, but it permits the student to substitute an approved higher-level course in place of the core requirement. Waivers are awarded to strengthen a student’s academic program. Students interested in pursuing a course waiver may request an application for waiver from the program director.
Students may request waivers for a maximum of nine semester hours for a degree program. The combination of transferred and waived credits may not exceed nine semester hours for degree programs.
Enrollment in Multiple Programs
See - Graduate Academic Policies
Academic Sessions
Each academic semester comprises two parts, Session I and Session II. MSB Sessions occur on a year-round basis, with six academic sessions per year. Courses are offered on an accelerated basis, meeting in the evenings from 6:00 p.m. - 9:30 p.m. or online over 8 weeks. Summer sessions are 7 weeks.
Fall Semester: Fall I Session and Fall II Session
Spring Semester: Spring I Session and Spring II Session
Summer Semester: Summer I and Summer II Session
Due to the accelerated nature of the courses, classes may require readings or assignments to be completed before the first class meeting.
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