UMBC’s Biotechnology curriculum is intended to address changes in the needs of the biotechnology industry through experiential learning. The curriculum provides advanced instruction in the life sciences, along with coursework in regulatory affairs, leadership, management, and financial management in a life science-oriented business.

UMBC’s Biotechnology curriculum is intended to address changes in the needs of the biotechnology industry through experiential learning. The program offers advanced instruction in the life sciences, plus coursework in regulatory affairs, leadership, management, and financial management.

The M.P.S. Biotechnology represents a new kind of degree designed to prepare science professionals to fill management and leadership roles in biotechnology-related companies or agencies organizations. This unique degree offers an alternative to a MBA or Ph.D. degree.

The course consists of five courses (15 credits) that precedes a capstone course (3 credits). Additionally, students are required to complete 4 elective courses (12 credits). Upon completion of their program, students will have completed 10 courses (30 credits) preparing them with key practical skills needed to succeed in biotechnology industries.

Required Core Courses:
BTEC 675: Business Principles of the Biotechnology Industry
BTEC 655: Emerging Topics in Biotechnology
BTEC 656: Experimental Design
BTEC 665: Management, Leadership and Communication
BTEC 670: Legal & Ethical Issues in the Science Professions
BTEC 654: Capstone

Admissions Requirements:

A bachelor’s degree in science, engineering, or any subject with sufficient coursework in relevant life science topics such as foundations of biology and organic chemistry OR a bachelor’s degree in any subject combined with work experience in the life sciences. GRE scores are not required for admission

• Undergraduate GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale. Applicants with a GPA below a 3.0 will be considered and possibly admitted based on strong professional experience and recommendations.
• International applicants should refer to the International Admission Page for special admission information

Application Process:

• Apply online
  • Select proposed program Biotechnology  >> Degree Code – Master’s
  • Submit your statement of goals as an attachment in the “Personal Statement” section
  • Recommendations are optional. Please put N/A in these fields if you choose not to enter names of references.
  • Complete residency information to be reviewed for in-state tuition rates
• Request official transcripts from all post-secondary institutions to be sent to UMBC Graduate School, 1000 Hilltop Circle, Baltimore, MD 21250 or emailed to gradschool@umbc.edu.

Your application should include the following documents: (Incomplete applications will not be reviewed.)

• Completed application including residency form (Residency form determines in-state tuition eligibility)
• Goal Statement outlining the student’s goals and expectations in the program. This also is an opportunity for applicants to further explain their background and qualifications for the program and provide any additional information about themselves or their career experience that will benefit the evaluation of their application.
• Current Resume (When applying online, upload your resume to the online application.)
• (Un)Official transcript(s) from each college & university attended
• Professional letters of recommendation (optional)
• GRE Scores are not required
• Non-refundable application fee ($50 online)

Mailing Instructions

All application documents should be mailed to: 
UMBC Graduate School, MPS: Biotechnology 
1000 Hilltop Circle
Baltimore, MD 21250

Financial Assistance

Because this program is designed primarily for working professionals, graduate assistantships are not available. International students must provide their own support for full-time enrollment in this program. For details on international student financial requirements, see the International Student and Scholar Services Web site at https://isss.umbc.edu/.

Tuition fee-2 years$50,000

Total fee-2 years$80,000