Biotechnology (M.A.)
Excel in a globalized biotechnology job market- Earn your MA in Biotechnology at ²ÝÁñÉçÇø in as little as 1.5 years. Gain hands-on experience through internships and interdisciplinary training in biotechnology, regulatory affairs, and leadership.
Format
On-campus
Credits Required
30
Time Commitment
1.5 Years Full time
2 Years Part-time
Cost
Spring 2025
$1,136/credit
Fees
Spring 2025
$475/semester (full-time students)
$160/semester (part-time students)
Apply By
Fall: March 1 (Priority), April 1 (Regular), August 15 (Final)
Spring: November 1 (priority), December 15 (Regular), January 6 (Final)
Upcoming Events
Overview
The Biotechnology Masters’ degree from Roger Williams (²ÝÁñÉçÇø) combines the strengths of the liberal arts—critical thinking, information synthesis, and effective communication—with customized interdisciplinary training in biotechnology, regulatory affairs, leadership, and management. This multifaceted training primes graduates to excel in a globalized biotechnology job market.
An internship is the capstone requirement for a Biotechnology Master's degree. Six credits correspond to 240 hours. Students work at companies in the biotechnology industry, at government agencies, or at other state or federal government offices. This targeted internship has the potential to turn into a built-in path to permanent employment.
- Customized Interdisciplinary Training: Gain expertise in biotechnology, regulatory affairs, leadership, and management.
- Internship Engaged Learning Capstone: Gain hands-on experience through a 6-credit biotechnology internship at leading companies, government agencies, or research institutions. Projects offer a range of experience such as basic research, business operations, industrial and biomedical sciences, regulatory affairs, and leadership.
- Career Advancement: Prepare for a variety of roles in biotechnology, including research, management, regulatory affairs, and business development.
About the Biotechnology Field
Biotechnology is a rapidly growing field that applies biological processes to develop innovative solutions in areas such as medicine, agriculture, industry, and environmental protection. By analyzing DNA, genetically enhancing organisms, and manipulating naturally occurring biological processes, biotechnology has revolutionized various industries and improved the quality of life.
Key Areas of Biotechnology
- Medicine: Developing new drugs and therapies, gene therapy, personalized medicine, and medical diagnostics.
- Agriculture: Creating genetically modified crops with increased yield, resistance to pests and diseases, and improved nutritional value.
- Industry: Producing biofuels, biodegradable materials, and enzymes for industrial processes.
- Environmental Protection: Developing bioremediation techniques to clean up pollution and producing sustainable products.
Impact of Biotechnology
Biotechnology has had a profound impact on society by:
- Improving human health: Developing treatments for previously incurable diseases, reducing mortality rates, and enhancing overall well-being.
- Increasing food production: Addressing global food security challenges by increasing crop yields and developing drought-resistant and pest-resistant varieties.
- Protecting the environment: Developing sustainable technologies and practices to reduce pollution and conserve natural resources.
- Driving economic growth: Creating new industries, jobs, and opportunities for innovation.
Career Opportunities
The biotechnology field offers a wide range of career opportunities, including:
- Research Scientists: Conducting research to develop new products and technologies.
- Biomedical Engineers: Designing and developing medical devices and equipment.
- Biotechnologists: Working in various sectors, such as pharmaceuticals, agriculture, and environmental science.
- Regulatory Affairs Specialists: Ensuring compliance with regulatory standards and guidelines.
- Business Development Managers: Identifying and developing new business opportunities.
- Quality Assurance Specialists: Ensuring the safety and efficacy of biotechnology products.
Program Requirements- 30 Credits (8 Courses PLUS Internship)
Biology/Biochemistry Biotechnology (6 credits/ 2 Courses)
Complete two 3-credit courses from:
- BIOTEC 523 Developmental Biology
- BIOTEC 525 Molecular and Cell Biology
- BIOTEC 535 Advanced Biochemistry
Physics / Mathematics Biotechnology (3 Credits/ 1 Course)
Complete one 3-credit course from:
- BIOTEC 520 Quantum Mechanics for Biotechnology
- BIOTEC 555 Machine Learning
Regulatory Affairs (3 Credits/ 1 Course)
Complete one 3-credit course from:
- BIOTEC 560 Introduction to Regulatory Affairs
- BIOTEC 565 Introduction to cGMP and QSR Compliance
Open Elective (3 Credits/ 1 Course)
Choose 1 Additional Course from either Biology/Biochemistry Biotechnology; Physics/Mathematics Biotechnology; and Regulatory Affairs.
- BIOTEC 520 Quantum Mechanics for Biotechnology
- BIOTEC 523 Developmental Biology
- BIOTEC 525 Molecular and Cell Biology
- BIOTEC 535 Advanced Biochemistry
- BIOTEC 555 Machine Learning
- BIOTEC 560 Introduction to Regulatory Affairs
- BIOTEC 565 Introduction to cGMP and QSR Compliance
Leadership and Management (9 Credits/ 3 Courses)
Complete three 3-credit courses from the following:
- LEAD 501 Leaders and the Leadership Process
- LEAD 502 Communication Skills for Leadership Roles
- LEAD 503 Data Management & Analysis for Organization Leaders
- LEAD 504 Inclusive Excellence and the Leadership Role
- LEAD 507 Strategic Leadership in a Globalized World
- LEAD 508 Developing Creative High Performance Organizations
- LEAD 509 Negotiation Strategies
- LEAD 510 Stakeholders Relations in Complex Organizations
- LEAD 511 Organizational Dynamics
- LEAD 579 Special Topics in Leadership Variable
- PA 516 Grant Writing and Management
- PA 554 Health Informatics
Internship (6 credits)
BIOTEC 575 Internship Biotechnology (6 Credits)
In this capstone experience, students work at relevant biotechnology industries, academic laboratories, government agencies, or other state or federal government offices that fit the interdisciplinary aim of the Biotechnology Master’s program. Internship projects can be in basic research, business operations, industrial and biomedical sciences, regulatory affairs, or leadership and management.
The internship can be completed during summer months or the academic year, requiring a minimum of 240 hours. Students can take one, 6 credit (total 240 hours) course(s) to complete the requirement.
Internship proposals must be reviewed and approved by the Lead Faculty Advisor of the Biotechnology Master's program prior to enrollment.
- Completed online application form accompanied by the $50 application fee
- Official transcripts of all undergraduate and graduate coursework
- Letter of Intent (two double-spaced pages maximum) describing your interest in Biotechnology, relevant past experiences and career goals
- Two letters of recommendation attesting to your potential to succeed in graduate school
- If your first language is not English, an official report of TOEFL or IELTS results