MSB Required Courses (24 Credits)

Refer to course descriptions for prerequisites.

• MSB 510 - Protein Biochemistry Credits: (3)
• MSB 520 - Molecular Genetics Credits: (3)
• MSB 530 - Bioinformatics Credits: (3)
• MSB 615 - Experimental Design & Statistical Analysis in Biotechnology Credits: (3)
• MSB 620 - Biotechnology and FDA Regulations Credits: (3)
• MSB 630 - Ethics in Biotechnology Research Credits: (3)
• MSB 645 - Drug Discovery - Molecular Targets & Product Development Credits: (3)
• MSB 690 - Capstone Research Credits: (2)
• MSB 691 - Capstone Presentation Credits: (1)

MSB Electives (12 Credits)

• MDATA 500 - Introduction to Data Science and the Data Science Lifecycle Credits: (3)
• MDATA 510 - Data Engineering and Data Munging Credits: (3)

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  Choose 2 of the following:

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• MBA 503 - Financial Reporting and Control Credits: (3)
• MBA 505 - Strategic Marketing Credits: (3)
• MBA 516 - Organization Theory and Management Practice Credits: (3)
• MBA 518 - Management and Information Technology Credits: (3)
• MBA 550 - Introduction to Project Management Credits: (3)
• MBA 551 - Project Risk Management Credits: (3)
• MBA 560 - Individual Assessment and Development Credits: (3)
• MBA 561 - Understanding Systems, Culture, and Change Credits: (3)
• MSQ 501 - Biostatistics Credits: (3)
• MSQ 500 - Quality Systems and Regulation Credits: (3)
• MSQ 510 - International Regulation Credits: (3)

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  NOTE: MDATA 500 and MDATA 510 in the Data Science Post-Baccalaureate Certificate (below) fulfill 6 credits of the MSB elective requirement.

Data Science Requirements

15 Credits:

• MDATA 500 - Introduction to Data Science and the Data Science Lifecycle Credits: (3)
• MDATA 510 - Data Engineering and Data Munging Credits: (3)
• MDATA 520 - Predictive Modeling Algorithms and Data Products Credits: (3)
• MDATA 530 - Data Science Applications Credits: (3)
• MDATA 600 - Data Science Capstone Credits: (3)

Program Information

Undergraduate to Graduate Dual degree programs available:

Dual Degree: Biology, B.S./Biotechnology & Management, M.S.

Dual Degree: Biochemistry, B.S./Biotechnology & Management, M.S.

Dual Degree: Biology, B.S. + Biochemistry, B.S./Biotechnology & Management, M.S.

MSB 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 and/or online. 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:

• 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.

• 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).

• Communicate effectively in oral and written form in formats appropriate to biotechnology and business with technologies appropriate to these fields.

• Demonstrate an understanding of the integration of functions within an enterprise and the ability to assess risk.

• 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 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 and are viewed on a rolling basis. 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:

• Complete application; available online at www.msmary.edu/biotech.
• Official transcripts from all schools attended after high school.
• Resume

Biotechnology & Management Program

Mount St. Mary’s University
Frederick Campus
5350 Spectrum Drive
Frederick, MD 21703

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 of 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 bachelor’s degree conferred.

UNDERGRADUATE PREREQUISITES

Prerequisite competencies in business courses are described in the MBA section  of this catalog. Please see MSB course descriptions for additional prerequisites.

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.  

MSB Tuition - See Tuition and Fees  

Transfer of Graduate Credits

See Graduate Academic Policies   

HOW TO REQUEST TRANSFER CREDIT

1. Contact your advisor for a transfer of credits application.
2. Request official transcripts from the institution(s) from which you earned the credits.
3. 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 Capstone Project working with a Biotechnology company or Government Research Agency

Course Waivers

If a student has a strong undergraduate background or significant professional experiences in a field, he or she 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. over 8 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 require readings or assignments to be completed before the first class meeting.