Biotechnology, M.S

The USF Master’s Degree Program in Biotechnology represents a multi-college partnership and a truly interdisciplinary collaboration. Participating colleges include the Morsani College of Medicine, the College of Engineering, the College of Public Health, the College of Arts and Sciences and the College of Business Administration. The major is designed to meet the increasing demand for trained people in this exploding area, which crosses the traditional fields of biological, chemical, engineering, health and computer sciences. The curriculum has been designed accordingly and provides the theoretical background, the practical training and, with the internships, the “real life” experience, which will equip students with the essential tools for a successful career in the field of biotechnology. In 2008, the USF Biotechnology major was recognized by the Council of Graduate Schools as Professional Science Master’s Program. Graduates take jobs in the Biotechnology Industry or move on to a Ph.D. Degree Program, Medical School, Dental School, Veterinary School or Pharmacy School.  The Master’s Degree Program in Biotechnology can be obtained in 3 semesters of study and is available for full-time and part-time enrollment.

Must meet University Admission and English Proficiency requirements, as well as requirements for admission to the major, listed below.

The USF Biotechnology major will be available for full -time and part-time enrollment. In order to be considered for admission to the Master’s degree program in Biotechnology, applicants must fulfill the following requirements:

Administrative Pre-Requirements:

• A GRE test score *
• Two letters of recommendation
• Statement of purpose, indicating how the major would suit the student’s interests and serve his/her professional goals

*The GRE may be waived in special circumstances where the applicant can demonstrate substantial graduate level experience. This experience can include (but is not limited to) a post-graduate degree, 2-3 years of research and/or development experience in an academic or industrial settings, or participation in research projects leading to published papers. The decision on the waiving of GRE will be at the Graduate Director’s discretion.

You need to complete credit hours to successfully obtain this degree. Please check detail of study units at https://catalog.usf.edu/preview_program.php?catoid=12&poid=3994&returnto=1384

Major Pre Requirements:
A good foundation in biochemistry, molecular biology and genetics, i.e. a bachelor’s degree in either the biological or chemical sciences or at least one year of studies in those disciplines would be the optimal preparation for admission to the major in Biotechnology. However, the faculty of the USF Biotechnology major is aware that not all applicants who are interested in pursuing this degree will have this formal background. Instead, some might have accumulated substantial knowledge in one of these disciplines during their work as laboratory technicians, engineering assistants or environmental or public health service providers. Those students would be ideally suited to start their graduate education with a Graduate Certificate in Biotechnology that is also offered by the Department of Molecular Medicine in the Morsani College of Medicine.

You can join one of the following careers:

• Biotechnologist
• Biotech Expert