MBt Biotechnology

Program Details

• ADMISSION

  How to Apply

  Admission Requirements

  • Two letters of recommendation
  • One-page personal statement describing your reasons for pursuing this program
  • Résumé or curriculum vitae
  • One official transcript from each academic institution attended
  • An undergraduate GPA in all completed science and math courses of at least 2.75 or a GPA of at least 3.0 in the last 35 semester units of science and math
  • GPA of 2.5 on last degree completed or last 60 semester units

  • No GRE required to apply

  Prerequisites

  Admission to the program requires an undergraduate degree with a major in a bioscience, chemistry or related area. Alternatively, if you have a BA/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 opportunity for successful completion.

  Generally, you should have courses or experience in:

  • Molecular cell biology or molecular/cellular biotechnology (i.e. BIOL 351 or BIOT 355/356)
  • Microbiology or biology of microorganisms (i.e. BIOL 160 or BIOL 367)
  • Statistics (i.e. BIOL 215 or MATH 242)
  • Chemistry and biochemistry (i.e. CHEM 150 and CHEM 341/351)

  If you have not completed an upper-division biochemistry course you may be required to take CHEM 341 or 351.

  View Catalog Page

• COSTS

  Semester	Units*	Subtotal**
  Fall Semester 1	8	$7,425
  Spring Semester 1	9	$7,425
  Summer Semester 1	7	$5,775
  Fall Semester 2	8	$7,425
  Spring Semester 2	7	$4,125
  Total	39	$32,175

  *Unit rate for this program is $825

  **University semester fees not included. View complete breakdown of Extended Learning fees. Semester tuition subtotals based on sample program sequence. All quoted tuition rates are based on previous academic years and are subject to change without notice.

  Funding and Financial Aid

  • This program is eligible for financial aid
  • Visit the Extended Learning funding page or call 760-750-4850 to learn more about your funding options
  • Federal VA educational benefits can be used for this program (not eligible for Cal Vet fee waiver)
  • Active duty military, veterans and dependents should visit the military services page or call 760-750-8705
• COURSE SEQUENCE

  View course descriptions and specific program requirements on the Biotechnology Catalog Page.

  Please note: This program has a set schedule of courses that you are expected to follow as part of your cohort.

  Semester	Course (units)
  Fall Semester 1	CHEM 440 (3) - Protein Structure and Function for the Life Sciences CHEM 440L (1) - Protein Structure and Function for the Life Sciences Lab BIOT 660 (2) - Scientific Communication in Technology Industry BA 504 (3) - Accounting for Managers
  Spring Semester 1	BIOT 600 + Lab (5) Genomics:  DNA/RNA Technology BIOT 650 (3) - Regulatory Affairs and Quality Management BIOT 500 (1) - Preparation for the PSM and Bioscience Engagement
  Summer Semester 1	BIOT 620 (3) - Bioprocessing and Bioengineering BA 506 (2) - Management of Complex Organizations BIOT 680 A or B (1-2) - Semester-In-Residence Writing Workshop
  Fall Semester 2	BIOT 630 (3) - Experimental Design and Statistics in Biotech BIOT 655 (2) - Business Law & Intellectual Property In High-Tech Enterprises BA 670 (2) - The BioEntrepreneur:  Science to Market BIOT 675 (2) - Bioscience Beyond the Borders
  Spring Semester 2	BIOT 681 A or B (4-5) - Semester-In-Residence/Internship BA 627 (3) - Business Analytics and Project Management

  Classes are typically held Monday - Thursday from 5:30 - 9:30 p.m.Schedule is subject to change. Some students may be required to take additional units where there are deficiencies and/or when project demands warrant additional units.

• FAQ

  Who is eligible for the CSUSM Biotechnology Scholarship?

  This new scholarship will support CSUSM graduating seniors and alumni who are accepted into the Master of Biotechnology: PSM program starting with the Fall 2022 semester.

  The great news is that no application is needed for this scholarship! Individuals who are CSUSM graduating seniors or alumni at the time they apply to the MBt program, and who are subsequently accepted, will automatically receive the scholarship as part of their matriculation.

  In addition, we encourage all applicants to fill out the CSUSM general scholarship application (between Oct. 1 and Feb. 1) as there are many other scholarships available and the process will help identify potential opportunities. Early application submission ensures students can collect all of the needed materials in time and access the support available to CSUSM scholarship applicants.

  Who is the program director?

  Dr. Betsy Read was honored recently with CSUSM’s 2020-21 Harry E. Brakebill Distinguished Professor Award, which recognizes excellence in teaching, research, creative scholarship and service to the campus and community. She is a founder of the Master of Biotechnology: PSM and a professor of biological sciences at CSUSM.

  “Dr. Read exemplifies the true spirit of the Brakebill Award; she is an extraordinary faculty member who has made outstanding contributions to her students, to her academic discipline and to our campus community,” said CSUSM President Ellen Neufeldt in announcing the award. “In every aspect of her 27-year career at CSUSM, she has shown tremendous dedication in academic excellence, and has been an inspiration to her students and colleagues alike.” Learn more here.

  What is a cohort?

  A cohort is a group of students who work through a curriculum together to achieve the same academic degree. Because they are accepted into the same program, take their classes together and graduate together, students in cohorts tend to form a strong support system and professional network that benefit them during their degree program and beyond.

  What is Semester-in-Residence?

  The Semester-In-Residence (SIR) program is a project-based capstone helps you put your coursework in action by working at a biotechnology or related life sciences business to address a real-world issue, project or problem. The SIR functions as a capstone experience in lieu of a master’s thesis and runs for approximately 15 weeks requiring 300 hours of work. It is similar to a structured internship with a very specific, comprehensive schedule of deliverables that you establish in consultation with the CSUSM Biotechnology Advisory Committee and your community partner. View previous SIR projects completed by CSUSM biotechnology students.

  What services do you offer to active military, veterans and dependents?

  Please visit our military and veteran services page to learn how we can help.

  What is a Professional Science Master's degree?

  • Professional Science Master's (PSMs) are designed for students who are seeking a graduate degree in science, and also understand the need for developing business, transferable and workplace skills valued by top employers
  • Students can be assured that this program meets and maintains the standards set by National Professional Science Master's Association (NPSMA) to infuse highly-valued business skills into a science master’s curriculum
  • The blend of graduate level, practical science knowledge with sought after soft-skills produces highly in-demand professionals ready to meet workforce needs and launch careers in science, business, government, or nonprofit organizations