The Master of Biotechnology (MBT) program, offered by the Department of Biological Sciences , integrates advanced, hands-on training in laboratory-based molecular biology courses with MBA-level business courses from the College of Business. The core courses provide an introduction to aspects of the biotechnology industry including drug development, marketing, finance, and intellectual property. The required internship experience allows the students to apply what they have learned in real-world settings.

Through elective choices, students supplement the core program with additional hands-on science or MBA courses in support of their career goals. MBT program graduates are highly trained individuals who have had direct exposure to the biotechnology corporate world and are ready to make immediate contributions to biotechnology companies. Graduates work in a variety of positions in research, product development, marketing, regulatory affairs, clinical affairs, project management, quality, and others.

For more information visit: www.sjsu.edu/biotechnology.

Admissions Requirements

University Admissions

Applicants must submit a complete graduate application by applying through the CSU Cal State Apply system at calstate.edu/apply and meet all the university admission requirements. Applicants must submit additional supporting documents including a resume separately to the department to obtain admission into the Master in Biotechnology degree program. See the GAPE Graduate Admissions website and this Catalog for general information about graduate admissions  at SJSU.

Applicants from countries in which the native language is not English must achieve a minimum English-language proficiency test score as indicated on the Graduate Program Test Requirements webpage at GAPE.

Admission to the Program

Applicants must submit an official transcript (for international WES evaluated transcript), English-language proficiency test (if applicable), statement of purpose, resume, GRE or waiver, and 2 letters of recommendation to the university. Potential candidates will be interviewed during the spring semester. Admission is based on the acceptance to the university and the outcome of the interview.

Requirements for Advancement to Candidacy

All students will submit their Advancement to Candidacy petitions during the fall of their second year, after having fulfilled all University requirements for advancement to candidacy , as detailed in the Graduate Policies and Procedures  section. Candidacy includes successful completion of the Graduation Writing Assessment Requirement (GWAR) , which is satisfied in this degree by the completion of BIOL 202TA  and BIOL 202TB  with grades of “B” or higher.

Requirements for Graduation

University Graduation Requirements

Students must complete all residency, curriculum, unit, GPA, and culminating experience requirements as outlined in the Graduation Requirements  section of the Graduate Policies and Procedures .

Graduation Requirements

The Master of Biotechnology program consists of 36 semester units of approved work. It includes a 2-unit internship in the biotechnology industry.

Special Session Program Information

Academic Programs offered through Special Session are operated by the College of Professional and Global Education (CPGE). Registration and enrollment in a Special Session course or program must use the special session application form and will follow the special session fees and course schedules. Note that regular session students seeking to enroll simultaneously in a special session course or the program will trigger a separate and additional set of fees. This may require an additional enrollment appointment from the Registrar and it may have implications for financial aid status or requirements. Please visit the CPGE website for more information.

Graduation Writing Assessment Requirement

At SJSU, students must pass the Graduation Writing Assessment Requirement (GWAR) .

This requirement is satisfied by passing BIOL 202TA  and BIOL 202TB .

Culminating Experience

Plan B (Project)

The culminating experience is the Biotechnology Colloquium (BIOL 285T ), which includes the preparation of a business plan for a biotechnology startup company.