Biotechnology Professional Science Master’s Program
The two-year Biotechnology PSM explores the development of new technologies based on living organisms and their products. Since the program is designed for working professionals, all classes are offered in the evenings or on weekends for maximum flexibility. Learn to harness biomolecular and cellular processes to develop technologies and products meant to help improve our lives and the health of our planet. Modern biotechnology provides breakthroughs to
- combat debilitating and rare diseases;
- reduce humans’ environmental footprint;
- feed the hungry;
- conserve and use cleaner energy;
- and establish safer, more efficient industrial manufacturing processes.
From biofuels to drug discovery and emerging diseases to environmental remediation, the PSM at Temple will prepare master’s students to be leaders in business, policy and research. PSM graduates interact comfortably with researchers and clinicians as well as managers, especially in the areas of finance, legal and marketing. Their familiarity with multiple aspects of the research and development process makes these students uniquely equipped to manage research breakthroughs. The PSM offers courses taught by diverse faculty across Temple University as well as instructors from government and industry.
There is a significant experiential component of this program, through which students work directly with faculty on real-world projects and gain the skills necessary to solve emerging problems. The degree culminates with an independent research project based either at Temple or with one of the program’s government or industry partner organizations in Philadelphia.
Who might be interested?
Students are often working professionals, so most classes are offered in the evenings or on weekends for maximum flexibility. The Biotechnology PSM is designed for recent graduates and professionals who have a bachelor’s degree or the equivalent in a STEM field (science, technology, engineering or math). A professional science master’s degree places a dual emphasis on science training and professional development, and the Biotechnology PSM is geared toward students interested in technical training and careers in industry. If your interests are more aligned with research or you wish to pursue future academic study, you might want to consider the Biology MS or the Biology PhD.
Classes & Curriculum
The PSM can be completed on either a full- or part-time basis. Students are often working professionals, so most classes are offered in the evenings or on weekends for maximum flexibility. If you are an international student, you must enroll full time.
Classes are held on Main Campus in close proximity to Temple’s various labs and research support facilities. PSM courses include current topics in analytical biotechnology, bioethics and policy, bioinformatics, environmental biotechnology, and microbial biotechnology. Many courses are writing-intensive and designed to allow students to hone their oral presentation skills.
Learn more about required and elective courses in Biotechnology PSM