
MANAGEMENT
Applications to the Master of Biotechnology program are reviewed on a rolling basis; apply at any time! However, priority is given to applications that are received by these deadlines:
To be eligible for admission to the Master of Biotechnology program you must complete the general requirements and prerequisites listed below.
Admission to the program requires an undergraduate degree with a major in a bioscience, chemistry or related area. Alternatively, if you have a BA or BS degree in a related field or equivalent work/certification experiences, you may be considered for conditional admission.
While a minimum of a bachelor’s degree is required, admissions will consider pertinent background, prerequisite courses and the likelihood for successful completion of the program.
Generally, you should have courses or experience in:
If you have not completed an upper-division biochemistry course you may be required to take CHEM 341 or 351.
Set up an appointment with your enrollment specialist to learn how you can take advantage of the Master of Biotechnology program.
Sujeith Ordonez, M.A
Senior Outreach & Recruitment Specialist
´ó·¢ Extended Learning
(760) 750-8453
Complete the Master of Biotechnology in five semesters, thanks to guaranteed class availability that ensures no delays in your educational journey. The program consists of 40 units, priced at $875 per unit, with tuition discounts available for active-duty military personnel.
Invest In Your Future: A Breakdown of Your Educational Journey's Cost
Semester | Units | Subtotal* |
---|---|---|
Fall Semester 1 | 9 | $7,875 |
Spring Semester 1 | 9 | $7,875 |
Summer Semester | 6 | $5,250 |
Fall Semester 2 | 9 | $7,875 |
Spring Semester 2 | 7 | $6,125 |
Total | 40 | $35,000 |
*Not all university semester fees are included in this table—see the comprehensive breakdown of Extended Learning fees. Semester tuition subtotals are based on a sample program sequence. All quoted tuition rates are based on previous academic years and are subject to change without notice.
This program has a set schedule of courses that you are expected to follow as part of your cohort. You can view all course descriptions on the .
Fall Semester 1
Introduces the fundamentals of protein structure, protein folding, methods of protein expression and purification, methods of protein structure determination, protein bioinformatics, protein-ligand interactions, and protein function.
Prerequisite(s): CHEM 341 or CHEM 351.
Units: 3
Provides hands-on experience with methods in molecular biology, protein expression and purification, and protein function.
Prerequisite(s): CHEM 341 or CHEM 351.
Corequisite(s): CHEM 440.
Units: 1
Provides insight and practice in the forms of scientific communication including scientific papers, technical reports, presentations, proposals, organizational reporting/reports, and other communication demands found in industry. Students will differentiate between objectives of the various communication purposes and understand key steps and ingredients for effective communication. Emphasizes basic skills for both written and oral communication and provides practice of these principles.
Units: 2
Introduces basic accounting concepts, vocabulary, and structure. Focuses on financial accounting, which seeks to communicate the financial condition and results of operations to external users, primarily through the financial statements contained in the annual report. Focuses on a user perspective and will also focus on the accounting choices available to companies and the impact of these choices on financial statements.
Units: 3
Spring Semester 1
Provides a foundation in basic principles of genomics and relevant current research
in recombinant DNA technology. Includes the relationship between structure, function,
and content of genes and genomes, the use of bioinformatics and tools used to discover
and identify sequence elements. Appreciation for the role of genomics and DNA/RNA
technology in modern society will be obtained by dissecting seminal papers. Laboratory
reinforces key concepts and introduces fundamental techniques and technologies being
applied today.
Units: 5
Units: 3
Overview of the laws and regulations enforced by the Food and Drug Administration
and other regulatory agencies related to the biotechnology, pharmaceutical, and medical
device industries. Included is the U.S. legal regulatory system, Food, Drug, and Cosmetic
Act and related laws, Freedom of Information Act, regulation affecting foods, drugs,
biologics, veterinary products, diagnostics, and devices, FDA enforcement, product
liability, and import/export requirements. Reviews the impact of quality systems and
the functions, roles, and responsibilities on Quality Assurance and Quality Control.
Units: 3
Preparation for PSM Program and Bioscience Industry Engagement. Career preparation
for successful entry and development in biotechnology. Community and interactive discussion
topics including the business of science, career opportunities, industry and workforce
trends, and overview of the biotechnology industry. Intended to help students identify career values and goals and get them on track for being successful in finding a meaningful
project for their capstone experience. Students will research potential semester-in-residence
sites and develop a plan for securing a project. In addition to writing a resume and
cover letter, students will develop interviewing and networking skills, set goals
and learning objectives, and learn skills that will ensure their success in their
semester-in-residence experience and beyond.
Units: 1
Summer Semester
Introduction to the theory and application of biotechnology processes for the development
of biopharmaceutical and bio-based products. Covers the spectrum of bioprocess engineering,
starting from genetic concepts for producing pharmaceutical and other products. The
organisms considered range from simple bacteria to highly specialized animal cell
cultures. A basic understanding of fundamental bioprocess concepts such as fluid mechanics,
mass transfer, unit operations, biochemical reaction kinetics, cell growth and metabolism,
heterogeneous reactions, and bioreactor analysis and design.
Units: 3
Units: 2
The study of individual and group behavior in organizational settings. All organizations
must function within the context of their internal and external environments. Managing
organizational behavior in this context challenges individuals to understand and embrace
workforce diversity, elements of change, effective communication and performance systems. Concepts include motivation, communication, group dynamics,
power, conflict, decision making and leadership.
Units: 2
Provides the student with tools and a focused pathway to develop and complete their Semester in Residence Project proposal. This process is imperative to the student’s ability to produce a comprehensive final project, defense, and future industry presentations. Units vary according to depth of content and instructional needs.
Units: 2
Prerequisite(s): BIOT 680A.
Fall Semester 2
Introduces advanced statistical concepts and analytical methods for the experimental
needs and data encountered in biotechnology and biomedical sciences. Experimental design/conduct, quantitative analysis of data, and statistical inferences
and interpretations are studied for scientific hypothesis testing, as well as clinical
trials. Explores methodological approaches to bioassay development/testing and provides a
foundation for critically evaluating information to support research findings, product
claims, and technology opportunities.
Units: 3
Understanding individual and organizational responsibility in commercial biotechnology and the role of intellectual property in a high-technology industry. Business in a legal, social, political, and regulated environment will be explored. Topics include legal principles, contract law, and intellectual property and its protection.
Units: 2
Students will learn from successful bioentrepreneurs the unique aspects of starting,
nurturing, growing, and sustaining or exiting a biotech enterprise. Subjects will
include how to assess a technology product idea, license and protect IP, secure capital, navigate product approval and reimbursement strategies,
create biotechnology partnerships, institute biomanufacturing, while maintaining high ethical standards.
Units: 2
Exposes students to the needs of participating in today’s global life science enterprise, including the interconnection between
local and global processes. Addresses the need for understanding cultures and practices
of other countries that impact essential relations, behavior, strategies, values, and attitudes to negotiate and
conduct international relations.
Units: (2)
Spring Semester 2
Provides industry experience in commercial Research and Development under the guidance of faculty and direct supervision by a company manager. The student will establish/accomplish goals, communicate work/project progress, acquire broad organization insight, and demonstrate core competencies required for the degree. The experience will culminate in a written project document and an oral presentation to fellow students, faculty, and company representatives on assigned work and project.
Units: 4-5
Introduces a variety of business analytics tools and methods to solve complex managerial situations. Fosters skills to work successfully in a project environment and accomplish project objectives.
Units: 3