Master of Science in Biotechnology

INNOVATION STARTS with a MASTER'S in BIOTECH

Biotech_Onaivi Student

What Makes a PSM Unique

As a recognized Professional Science Masters program, William Paterson's M.S. in Biotechnology offers a unique balance of advanced science training and business/leadership development that will advance your career in biopharma, biotechnology, pharmaceutical, healthcare, forensic, cosmetic, food, agriculture, environmental and other science-intensive industries.

Recognized by the National Professional Science Masters Association, a degree in MS Biotechnology at WPU will:

  • Distinguish you from graduates of non-PSM programs in an increasingly competitive job market.
  • Ensure you are ready to contribute immediately after graduation with the technical, problem solving, leadership, and communication skills needed to integrate quickly and succeed in the workplace.

What to Expect from our Biotech Program

Flexibility around your schedule. The M.S. in Biotechnology is a 30-credit professional science graduate program. Flexibility comes with day, evening and online course options. For those looking to finish the degree quickly, completion in 1.5, or the traditional 2 years is possible. For those with busy work/life schedules, the program can be completed part-time taking one course per semester and /or an online course in summer sessions. 

Coursework includes uniquely hands-on technical courses in Genomics & Bioinformatics, Gene Expression, Cell & Tissue Culture, Recombinant DNA Technology, and Protein Biochemistry, and theoretical and traditional laboratory courses in areas such as Structural Biology, Immunology, Neuroscience, Pharmacology, and Bioethics.  Required courses in Project Management and Research Methods, and elective options in Business and Professional Communication, provide a breadth of professional development.

Knowledge and skills acquired include technical, scientific, problem-solving and critical thinking, business practices, teamwork, project/team management, quantitative analysis, leadership and strategic thinking, ethics and responsible conduct.  Graduates are prepared for success in biopharma, biotechnology, pharmaceutical, healthcare, forensic, cosmetic, food, agriculture, environmental and other science-intensive industries.

M.S. Biotechnology alumni are employed at:

Gilead Novartis Merck
Pfizer Roche Roche Molecular Systems
Reckitt Benckiser Atlantic Health System Huntsman Cancer Institute
HotSpot Therapeutics Spark Therapeutics Nelson Labs
Max Planck Florida Institute for Neuroscience New Jersey Laboratories NYPD Forensics
PsychoGenics Impulse Dynamics Vitaquest International

While others are attending various PhD, medical, and dental programs.

Industry positions directly after graduation have included:

Molecular Microbiologist Senior Scientist R&D Associate
Associate Biologist Launch Program Manager Research Associate
Research Technician Forensic Scientist Senior Research Scientist
Clinical Research Associate Quality Control Microbiologist Hematopathology Specimen Processor

Admission Requirements

In addition to the University’s admission requirements:

  • Baccalaureate degree, preferably in biology or related major.
  • Applicant should have had at least one course each in general biology and genetics.
  • It is recommended that applicants have taken one year of chemistry and math.
  • Cumulative grade point average of no less than 3.00 on 4.00 scale (GRE not required).
  • Students applying from countries where English is not the language of instruction should have a satisfactory score on the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or other assessment accepted by the University and provide a recognized translation of their degrees and transcripts

Application Deadlines

August 1st: Fall semester

December 1st: Spring semester

*International students are advised to apply by:
April 1st: Fall (September intake)
November 1st: Spring (January intake)

Contact

Professor David Slaymaker 
Program Director
Science Hall East, Room 4055
slaymakerd@wpunj.edu
973-720-2439