Master of Science in Biotechnology

Description

The Masters of Science in Biotechnology at Albany College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences offers didactic and applied training in state-of-the-art biomedical technology. The program has been designed to meet the needs of the laboratory diagnostician (e.g., clinical laboratory scientist, cytotechnologist, histotechnologist), or the basic research scientist, by blending laboratory innovation with the basic sciences.

The M.S. in Biotechnology offers a flexible curriculum that reflects the latest innovations in medical biotechnology and can be tailored to the student’s individual goals and experiences. This flexibility extends to the selection of a master’s thesis project, which is a collaborative effort between student and advisor and may include, but is not limited to, molecular clinical case studies, technique comparison and validation, basic research and discovery, or translational research.

Is this program for you?

With its combination of basic science, clinical and translational research, the master’s in Biotechnology is well suited to those currently working as laboratory technologists or basic research scientists, and who are looking to advance their careers with a graduate degree.

Graduates of the master’s program in Biotechnology will be prepared to accelerate advancement in their current careers or pursue new careers in areas such as:

• Molecular Diagnostics
• Biomarker Discovery and Validation
• Forensic Sciences
• Molecular Pharmacology and Drug Safety
• Oncology Research
• Medical and Environmental Toxicology

What are the job prospects for graduates with a master’s degree in biotechnology?

According to the U.S. Department of Labor projections, approximately 13,800 medical laboratory professionals will be needed every year through 2012 to fill vacant positions. Yet, fewer than 5,000 laboratory professionals are graduating each year from accredited programs. These figures are part of the reason why the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) forecasts “rapid job growth and excellent job opportunities” for laboratory professionals in the coming decade. It is also why, as of May 2008, the median salary for clinical laboratory technologists is $53,500. Professionals who rise to the level of a Clinical Laboratory Manager or a comparable position may earn salaries in the range of $75,000 - $80,000.

Who do I contact for more information?

For additional information about the master’s program in biotechnology at Albany College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, please send an e-mail to graduate@acphs.edu or call (518) 694-7236.

Sample Curriculum

Semester 1

• BHS 510 - Cellular Pathophysiology and Histology I
• BHS 530 - Advanced Good Laboratory Practices and Laboratory Management
• BHS 540 - Medical Ethics and Research
• BHS 550 - Genetics and Molecular Basis of Disease

Semester 2

• BHS 520 - Cellular Pathophysiology and Histology II
• BHS 580 - Research Methods and Statistics
• BHS 560 - Molecular Diagnostics
• BHS 610 - Master’s Thesis I

Semester 3

• BHS 570 - Digital Imaging and Morphometrics
• BHS 590 - Advanced Topics in Biotechnology*
• BHS 620 - Master’s Thesis II
• BHS 710 - Defense

*BHS 590 Advanced Topics in Biotechnology may be satisfied by other courses.