Biotechnology, M.S.

Biotechnology is a rapidly evolving industry with a major impact on healthcare, environmental remediation, agriculture and energy resources. In order to compete effectively for a position in this growing area, students must be capable of integrating information from the classroom and the laboratory in multiple disciplines including biology, chemistry, engineering, computer science and business. The biotechnology program provides the opportunity for students to choose areas of biotechnology most appropriate for the research or business career they desire. Students are provided not only with a curriculum that includes core courses fundamental to all areas of biotechnology, but also a program sufficiently flexible to prepare the student for work in industry or academia or transition to other advanced educational programs. A strong emphasis is placed on the development of communication skills highly valued in the biotechnology industry.

To provide additional experience with state-of-the-art laboratory technology, students have the option to include research internships in an academic or industrial laboratory as part of the degree. Florida Tech is uniquely positioned in a rapidly expanding biotechnology corridor in Florida (Scripps and Max Planck Institutes, Port St. Lucie; Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville; and the Lake Nona Medical Research Campus and Sanford/Burnham Medical Research Institute, Orlando), and qualified students may participate in ongoing research at these laboratories. Students may also apply credit for work in faculty laboratories at Florida Tech or at summer internships out of state.

Admission Requirements

The applicant must have a bachelor’s degree in biology, chemistry, biochemistry or the equivalent. Applicants deficient in organic chemistry, genetics, biochemistry, molecular biology or microbiology are required to take undergraduate courses before starting the master’s program. For this program, two letters of recommendation, a résumé and a statement of objectives are required. Admission decisions are made on a rolling basis for the fall and spring semesters only. Students are not admitted to start the program in the summer.

Degree Requirements

The Master of Science in Biotechnology is a nonthesis option and requires the satisfactory completion of 30 credit hours that may also include six credits of internship (on or off campus) and/or 3 credits of research. Students are required to take BIO 5501 Cell and Molecular Biology  and BIO 5016 Laboratory Methods for Biotechnology  in addition to at least one of the following: