The MS in Biotechnology program, offered by the Department of Biological Sciences , integrates advanced, hands-on training in biotechnology and medical product development management courses with MBA-level business courses from the College of Business. The core courses provide an introduction to aspects of the biotechnology and medical product industry including drug and medical device 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. MS in Biotechnology program graduates are highly trained individuals who have had direct exposure to the biotechnology and medical device real world and are ready to make immediate contributions to the biotechnology/ medical device, nonprofit, or government organizations. Graduates work in a variety of positions in research, product development, marketing, regulatory affairs, clinical affairs, project management, quality, and others.
Program Delivery
Hybrid Program (Special Session)
Special Session Program Information
Academic Programs offered through Special Session are operated by Professional and Continuing Education (PaCE). Registration and enrollment in a Special Session course or program are subject to 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 Biotechnology website for more information.
University Admission Requirements
Applicants must submit a complete graduate application by applying through the CSU Cal State Apply system and meet all the university admission requirements . See the graduate admissions requirements 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.
Department Requirements
Applicants must submit additional supporting documents including a resume separately to the department to obtain admission into the Master in Biotechnology degree program. In addition, 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.
Advancement to Candidacy
The university requirements for advancement to candidacy for the master’s degree are outlined in theGraduate Policies and Procedures section. Students should seek advancement to candidacy as soon as possible for their given program and on the advice of their graduate program coordinator. Graduate students may submit a Petition for Advancement to Graduate Candidacy form to the Graduate Admissions & Program Evaluations (GAPE) office after satisfying the following: achieved classified status; completed a minimum of nine letter-graded units with all grades “C” or higher; fulfilled the Campus Graduate Graduation Writing Assessment Requirement (CGGWAR) requirement; achieved a minimum cumulative and program 3.0 GPA, and, graduate within the seven-year time limit for degree completion. Graduate students must submit their petition no later than one semester prior to graduating. Courses that satisfy the CGGWAR are listed in the course requirements for the program.
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.
Program of Study 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 . Students must comply with all other graduate requirements contained in this catalog.
Course Requirements
The Master of Science in Biotechnology program consists of 36 semester units of approved work. It includes a 2-unit internship in the biotechnology industry.
At SJSU, students must pass the Campus Graduate Graduation Writing Assessment Requirement (CGGWAR).
This requirement is satisfied by passing SMPD 281A .
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.
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