Biotechnology studies help prepare students for careers in the management of bioscience
firms and organizations. Biotechnology is among six concentrations leading to the
Master of Science (M.S.) in Professional Sciences at MTSU. The program is a combination
of business and science to offer training to work in leadership roles in scientific
companies and agencies. Opportunities with the Biotechnology master’s degree include
research science positions in laboratories applying biotechnology to problems in medicine,
industry, and agriculture, as well as management positions in the biotechnology and
pharmaceutical industries. The program features industry experience in a 250-hour
internship that is completed prior to graduation instead of a thesis or comprehensive
exams. Coursework includes classes in the specific scientific concentration, along
with a business management core. A limited number of graduate assistantships are available.
Live outside of Tennessee? You could be eligible for in-state tuition and save thousands
of dollars.
Alumni find biotech jobs right out of program
Biotechnology M.S. graduate Tyler Hill was hired full-time after his internship at
Advanced Breath Diagnostics and later moved into management with the pharmaceutical
startup. Hill interned with scientists researching a 13-Carbon labeled algae biomass
that is used as a chemical marker in a novel diagnostic breath test. “This gave me
real-world, practical work experience as well as first-hand knowledge of what it is
like to work in such a regulated industry,” he says. Hill, a music business major
until his undergrad biology class, didn’t want to stay in academia but didn’t want
to limit his possibilities of advancement as a technician. Program alum Dr. Karen
Beasley Maynard worked as a research assistant at Vanderbilt University Medical Center
18 months before beginning MTSU’s Molecular Biosciences Ph.D. program. The Biotechnology
program provided a “realistic timeline” and a chance to be employed quickly for the
single mom of a 4-year-old. “It offered the best combination of science bench work
with the skills needed to manage a lab,” she says. Beasley Maynard earned a STEM master’s
scholarship and her graduate work resulted in a publication.
Students get variety of research opportunities
Biotechnology students get experience through lab research, teaching, and internships.
Shannon Smith has worked with Dr. Rebecca Seipelt-Thiemann on genetics research, Dr.
Karen Maynard on the evolutionary genetics of the M1 aminopeptidase family, and Dr.
Aubrey Cahoon on plant tissue cultures. Smith helped teach genetics, will continue
working with Dr. Elliot Altman during his Ph.D. research with the goal of producing
economically valuable plant tissue for industry, and developed science outreach with
MTSU’s Center for Environmental Education during his internship. Smith will pursue
the Molecular Biosciences doctorate and intends to start a plant biotech business.
Mahsa Majedi, who worked in a microbiology lab after earning her bachelor’s in Iran,
is helping Altman and his doctoral student Ashley Elliott Cole with research related
to neurodegeneration diseases. They are studying the impact of molecular chaperones
to assist new and misfolded proteins to fold into their correct conformation. Both
Majedi and Smith chose MTSU’s program for its courses covering business aspects as
well as lab techniques. The new science building and professors’ different research
interests give MTSU the “potential to be bigger and better,” Majedi says.
Related Media
-
MTSU College of Graduate Studies
-
MTSU | The University of Opportunities
With the growth of positions in the biotechnology industry in Tennessee and nationwide,
the demand for persons with training in both biological science and management is
expected to grow significantly. Jobs may be found in agricultural, chemical, environmental
and pharmaceutical research and industries. Examples of some occupations with this
degree include
- Biochemist
- Bioinformatician
- Biomedical engineer
- Biophysicist
- Biotechnology/pharmaceutical sales rep
- Biotechnology lab technician
- Clinical trials manager
- Consultant
- Corporate manager
- Crime lab technician
- Environmental scientist
- Epidemiologist
- Food scientist
- Forensic scientist
- Marketing executive
- Microbiologist
- Pharmaceutical analyst
- Process development specialist
- Quality control analyst
- Quality control engineer
- Regulatory biomanufacturing specialist
- Research and development scientist
- Research associate
- Research facility director
- Senior scientist
- Technical manager
- University/research professor
Employers of MTSU alumni include
- Aegis Sciences Corporation
- Biogen Idec
- Calhoun Community College
- Columbia State Community College
- East Tennessee State University
- Emory University
- Encapsula Nanosciences
- ESC Lab Sciences
- Genetics Associates, Inc.
- McGraw-Hill Education
- Microbial Discovery Group
- Middle Tennessee State University
- Novus International
- Tennessee Valley Authority
- Unilever
- S. Department of Agriculture, Iowa
- Vanderbilt University Medical Center
The Master of Science (M.S.) with a major in Professional Science includes a business
core with specific concentrations in Actuarial Sciences, Biostatistics, Biotechnology, Engineering Management, Chemistry Analytics, Fermentation Science and Health Care Informatics.
The M.S. in Professional Sciences is a new type of two-year degree in the sciences
and mathematics to equip people for work in public and private business enterprises
and in academia. The goal for this degree, started initially with support from the
Alfred P. Sloan Foundation, is to enhance the interface between science and business
by emphasizing expertise in both areas.
Applicants in Biotechnology must have for unconditional admission
- An undergraduate degree with a major in biology or chemistry or another major.
- Completion of a course in organic chemistry and at least three (3) undergraduate courses
related to biotechnology, including genetics.
- A Graduate Record Examination (GRE) score of 268 (current scale) or 900 (former scale).
Miller Analogies Test (MAT) is not accepted.
- Basic competency in word processing, electronic mail, library retrieval systems, presentation
graphics, spreadsheets, and databases.
For complete curriculum details, click on the REQUIREMENTS button to the right.
Professional Science, Biotechnology Concentration, M.S.
Saeed Foroudastan, Director
Master of Science in Professional Science Program
(615) 494-7618
Saeed.Foroudastan@mtsu.edu
For more information about the Biotechnology concentration, contact
Brian Robertson, Program Advisor/Coordinator
Biotechnology Concentration
(615) 898-2066
James.Robertson@mtsu.edu
Suzanne Hicks, Graduate Coordinator
Master of Science in Professional Science Program
(615) 904-8581
Suzanne.Hicks@mtsu.edu
The Biotechnology concentration in the Master of Science in Professional Science degree offers preparation for careers in the management of bioscience firms and organizations. The program is a combination of business and science to offer training to work in leadership roles in scientific companies and agencies.
Please see undergraduate catalog for information regarding undergraduate programs.
Admission Requirements
Admission to the Master in Science in Professional Science with a concentration in Biotechnology requires
- an earned bachelor's degree from an accredited university or college with a major in biology or chemistry or another major. Student must have taken organic chemistry and at least three undergraduate courses related to biotechnology, including genetics;
- basic competency in word processing, electronic mail, library retrieval systems, presentation graphics, spreadsheets, and databases;
- the appropriate undergraduate preparation for advanced study of Biotechnology.
Application Procedures
All application materials are to be submitted to the College of Graduate Studies.
Applicant must
- submit application with the appropriate application fee (online at www.mtsu.edu/graduate/apply.php). Once this initial application has been accepted, the applicant will receive directions on how to enter the graduate portal to be able to submit other materials.
- submit official transcripts from all collegiate institutions attended;
- submit three letters of reference;
- submit an official Graduate Record Examination (GRE) report. A composite GRE score of 286 is expected.
Degree Requirements
The Master of Science in Professional Science with a concentration in Biostatistics requires completion of 36 semester hours.
Curriculum: Professional Science, Biotechnology
The following illustrates the minimum coursework requirements.
Core Courses (15 hours)
ACTG 6100 - Accounting and Legal Issues for Managers
3credit hours
Surveys accounting skills and legal perspectives necessary for managers without undergraduate business degrees to enter the businessworld. Will not meet the requirements for the M.S. in Information Systems, M.Acc. in Accounting, or the M.B.A. degree programs.
BCED 6820 - Managerial Communication
3credit hours
Analysis of communication theory and communication processes with emphasis on development of executive communication skills essential for understanding organizational processes from a holistic perspective. Covers organizational theory, behavior, and interpersonal communication from both a domestic and global perspective.
BCED 6910 - Internship Program
3credit hours
A supervised program of related work experience. Provides experiential opportunities for the application of the theoretical concepts learned.
MGMT 6740 - Leadership and Motivation
3credit hours
Issues in leadership and motivation in business organizations. An examination of the theoretical framework for leadership and motivation processes serves as foundation. Emphasis on practical issues and applications of leadership development and motivation.
STAT 5140 - Probabilistic and Statistical Reasoning
3credit hours
Prerequisite: Must be enrolled in the Master of Science in Professional Sciences program; graduate level. Focuses on probability and statistics concepts. Topics include binomial and normal probabilistic modeling; important statistical concepts such as confounding, randomization, sampling variability and significance; statistical testing of significant differences and associations; and design experiments to test research hypotheses.
Concentration Courses (21 hours)
Required Courses (5 hours)
BIOL 5550 - Biotechnology
3credit hours
Prerequisites: BIOL 2230/2231 and senior/graduate level. Instruction in both theory and application of current research methodologies in biology and molecular biology. Topics include immunochemistry, polymerase chain reaction, restriction enzyme analysis, and electrophoresis. Five hours lecture/laboratory.
BIOL 6770 - Issues in Biotechnology
2credit hours
Prerequisite: BIOL 4550/4551, BIOL 5550/5551, or 4750/BIOL 6750. Explores current and emerging issues in biotechnology. Students will be asked to solve problems drawn from biotechnology industry. Seminars, field trips, and case study work.
16 hours from the following:
BIOL 5460 - Human Genetics
3credit hours
Prerequisite: BIOL 3250/3251. Corequisite: BIOL 5461. Application of the fundamental laws of inheritance to humans. Two lectures and one two-hour laboratory.
BIOL 5461 - Human Genetics Lab
0credit hours
Corequisite: BIOL 5460.
BIOL 5510 - Food and Industrial Microbiology
4credit hours
Prerequisite: BIOL 2230/2231. Corequisite: BIOL 5511. Interaction between microorganisms and food; industrial processes of human importance .Three hours lecture and two 1.5 hour laboratory meetings per week.
BIOL 6350 - Biostatistical Analysis
4credit hours
Prerequisites: BIOL 3250/3251; MATH 1910. Corequisite: BIOL 6351. Intermediate-level introduction to biostatistical procedures used in research. Three lectures and one three-hour laboratory.
BIOL 6351 - Biostatistical Analysis Lab
0credit hours
Corequisite: BIOL 6350.
BIOL 6380 - Experimental Immunology
4credit hours
Prerequisite: BIOL 2230/2231. Corequisite: BIOL 6381. Mechanisms of immunity including the more recent developments in immunology. Three lectures and one three-hour laboratory.
BIOL 6381 - Experimental Immunology Lab
0credit hours
Corequisite: BIOL 6380.
BIOL 6390 - Advanced Cell and Molecular Biology
3credit hours
Prerequisites: BIOL 2230/2231, BIOL 3250/3251; CHEM 2030/2031 or CHEM 3010/3011. Molecular biology of the cell with emphasis on current experimental techniques. Three lectures.
BIOL 6391 - Advanced Cell and Molecular Biology Lab
0credit hours
Corequisite: BIOL 6390.
BIOL 6410 - Advanced Transmitting Electron Microscopy
4credit hours
Prerequisite: Permission of instructor. Ultrastructure of the cell using basic and specialized techniques. Seven hours lecture/laboratory.
BIOL 6430 - Clinical and Pathogenic Microbiology
4credit hours
Prerequisite: BIOL 2230/2231. Comprehensive coverage of the most recent discoveries and techniques used for the identification of pathogenic organisms and their relationships to disease processes. Six hours lecture/laboratory.
BIOL 6440 - Advanced Virology
4credit hours
Prerequisites: BIOL 2230/2231; CHEM 1110/1111 and 1120/1121. Emphasizes the main virus families and their biochemical composition. Experimental approaches and techniques will be developed in order to identify and manipulate viruses. Six hours lecture/laboratory.
BIOL 6450 - Advancements in Molecular Genetics
4credit hours
Prerequisites: BIOL 2230/2231 and 3250/3251; CHEM 1110/1111 and 1120/1121. Recent advancements in microbial genetics and gene manipulation with emphasis on applications of molecular genetics, including gene regulation and recombinant DNA technology. Six hours lecture/laboratory.
BIOL 6500 - Special Problems in Biology
1 to 4credit hours
Prerequisite: Permission of department. Plan, implement, and interpret a research problem in some area of biology. Available topics limited to areas of graduate faculty interest and expertise.
BIOL 6590 - Environmental Toxicology
4credit hours
Prerequisites: BIOL 1110/1111, 1120/1121; CHEM 1110/1111, 1120/1121, and 3010/3011. Ecological effects of chemicals in the environment and techniques currently utilized to assess these effects. Current environmental assessment techniques, including biomonitoring, will be covered in the laboratory. Six hours lecture/laboratory.
BIOL 6650 - Seminar
1credit hours
Discussion and critical evaluation of the primary scientific literature. Responsible conduct of research topics including data management, publication practices, peer review, and collaborative science emphasized. One two-hour session.
BIOL 6660 - Seminar
2credit hours
Development of written and oral communication skills relevant to obtaining research funding and presenting research results. Responsible conduct of research topics including mentor/trainee relationships, human subjects, animal research, research misconduct, and conflicts of interest emphasized. Two one-hour sessions.
BIOL 6720 - Advanced Animal Development
4credit hours
Prerequisites: BIOL 3250/3251; BIOL 4210/4211 or BIOL 6390/BIOL 6391 recommended. Corequisite: BIOL 6721. Processes and underlying molecular mechanisms by which a single fertilized egg develops into an adult organism. Focuses on vertebrate development, including insights gained from other model organisms. Three hours lecture and two hours lab.
BIOL 6721 - Advanced Animal Development Lab
0credit hours
Corequisite: BIOL 6720.
BIOL 6730 - Advanced Microbial Physiology and Biochemistry
4credit hours
Prerequisites: BIOL 2230/2231; CHEM 1110/1111, 1120/1121, and 2030/2031 or 3010/3011 or consent of instructor. Survey of the physiology and biochemistry of prokaryotic and eukaryotic microorganisms. Six hours lecture/laboratory.
BIOL 6750 - Advanced Plant Biotechnology
4credit hours
Prerequisites: BIOL 1110/1111, 1120/1121, 3250/3251. Processes and reasoning behind the human manipulation of plant species for agricultural and technological purposes. Topics include traditional breeding techniques, tissue culture, plant cell transformation, and general plant molecular biology techniques as well as current debate over genetically modified organisms. Six hours lecture/laboratory.
BIOL 6760 - Bioinformatics
4credit hours
Prerequisites: BIOL 1110/1111 and 1120/1121 and CSCI 1170 or consent of instructor. Explores the emerging field of bioinformatics which involves the application of computer science to biological questions. Bioinformatics applies to the computational aspects of data gathering, processing, storage, analysis, and visualization methods used in revising and testing biological hypotheses. Student should have a strong background in either computer science or biology, be willing to learn about the other field in an accelerated fashion, and be willing to work cooperatively as part of an interdisciplinary team. Four hours of lecture/problem solving per week.
CHEM 6510 - Biochemistry II
3credit hours
Prerequisite: CHEM 6500. The structure of lipids, amino acids, nucleotides, and nucleic acids and their metabolism at a molecular level. Emphasis on understanding the chemical basis of biological phenomena. Three hours lecture per week. Offered every spring.
NOTE: Graduate standing is the prerequisite for graduate courses in chemistry. The 5000-level courses also have the same prerequisites as listed for the corresponding 4000-level courses in the undergraduate catalog.
CHEM 6530 - Biochemical Techniques
2credit hours
Prerequisite/corequisite: CHEM 6500 or CHEM 6510 or consent of instructor. Laboratory in biochemical techniques with emphasis on protein purification, enzyme kinetics, carbohydrate and lipid analysis, and manipulation of DNA. Offered every spring.
NOTE: Graduate standing is the prerequisite for graduate courses in chemistry. The 5000-level courses also have the same prerequisites as listed for the corresponding 4000-level courses in the undergraduate catalog.
Our adjunct faculty bring outstanding professional experience to our programs. Many are industry leaders with decorated careers and honors. Importantly, they are innovative educators who offer hands-on learning to our students to prepare them to enter and thrive in a dynamic, and oftentimes emerging, industry and professional world. They inspire, instruct, and challenge our students toward academic and professional success.
Suggested Curriculum - Full Time
| Fall Year 1 (9-10 credits) |
Spring Year 1 (9-11 credits) |
- Core Course: MGMT 6740 or BCEN 6820 (3 credits)
- BIOL 5550 Biotechnology (3 credits)
- Biotech Elective (3-4 credits)*
|
- Core Course: STAT 5140 or ACTG 6100 (3 credits)
- Biotech Elective (3-4 credits)*
- Biotech Elective (3-4 credits)*
|
| Fall Year 2 (12-13 credits) |
Spring Year 2 (6 credits) |
- Core Course: MGMT 6740 or BCEN 6820 (3 credits)
- BIOL 6770 Issues in Biotechnology (2 credits)
- Biotech Elective (3-4 credits)*
- Biotech Elective (4 credits)*
|
- Core Course: MGMT 6740 or STAT 5140 (3 credits)
- BCEN 6910 Internship (3 credits)
|
Suggested Curriculum - Part Time
| First Course (given all semesters including SUMMER |
- BIOL 5550 Biotechnology (3 credits)
|
| SECOND COURSE SET (ANY ORDER IS FINE) |
- Core Course: BCEN 6820 (3 credits)
- Core Course: STAT 5140 or ACTG 6100 (3 credits)
- Biotech Elective (3-4 credits) *
|
| Third course set (any order is fine) |
- Core Course: BCEN 6820 (3 credits)
- Core Course: MGMT 6740 or ACTG 6100 (3 credits)
- Biotech Elective (3-4 credits) *
- Biotech Elective (3-4 credits) *
- Biotech Elective (3-4 credits) *
- Biotech Elective (3-4 credits) *
|
| Last courses (this order only or concurrent) |
- BIOL 6770 Issues in Biotechnology (2 credits)
- Core Course: BCEN 6910 Internship (3 credits)
|
*Biotech electives are chosen by the student and his/her advisor with the student's
professional goals in mind. A listing of these can be found under the REQUIREMENTS
tab.
Online or Hybrid Programs at a Glance
This program is available .
For More Information or Explore Your Options
Contact your department / program coordinator or advisor for more details about the program OR work one-on-one with your advisor to explore your options.
The Online Advantage
With over 25 years of experience in online teaching and learning, MTSU Online offers students access to innovative, high-quality programs. Designed with students in mind, our courses allow maximum flexibility for those unable to participate in person.
Resources and services for online students are available from MTSU Online or contact us at distance@mtsu.edu.
