Master of Science in Applied Biotechnology
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Blaze a trail in the advancing field of biotechnology.
Earn your master’s degree in Applied Biotechnology from the University of Wisconsin—100% online.
Every day, biotechnology is working to solve some of the world’s most pressing problems and moving forward with revolutionary solutions. Whether your experience is based in healthcare, agriculture, or industry—the online Master of Science in Applied Biotechnology is an ideal choice for busy adults who are seeking advanced education and need the flexibility an online program offers.
You’ll graduate from the program with an understanding of the principles and techniques of biotechnology, including ethical, safety, and privacy concerns; funding; intellectual property and patents; professional and technical communication; experimental design and analysis; and organizational leadership—all within the scope of the global biotechnology industry.
To complete the degree, you will choose one or more specialization tracks:
- Quality Assurance and Compliance
- Business Management
- Research and Development
Courses are entirely online—asynchronous, with zero on-campus, virtual, or in-person meeting requirements—an ideal format for busy professionals. Watch lectures, participate in online forums with your classmates, and—although assignments have deadlines—do homework whenever it’s convenient for you. Learn more about online learning with UW.
UW Applied Biotechnology offers an online Applied Bioinformatics Graduate Certificate. The certificate is an ideal way to acquire the data science skills required to process and analyze large-scale biological data sets in a flexible, online format.
Be Part of the Exciting Growth in Biotechnology
According to the 2020 BIO (Biotechnology Innovation Organization) report, bioscience industry employment has grown by around 7 percent since 2016. Wage growth consistently exceeds other occupations—the average annual salary for the bioscience worker is nearly double the average salary in the U.S.
The expansion is expected to continue. While biotechnology is a relatively young industry, it consistently delivers new and necessary products in a diverse marketplace. Major product offerings range from human health, animal health, environmental, industrial, and agricultural technologies, with nearly half of industry revenue resulting from healthcare products. Key drivers of growth include an aging population relying on medical treatments, and Research & Development (R&D) activity generating new products and markets.
Job opportunities can be found in a variety of settings, and in urban and rural areas, including biopharma, biomedical engineering, molecular biology, and more. With a Master of Science in Applied Biotechnology, you’ll have the skills and knowledge to bring the best of biotech innovation to market, where it can do the most good.
RELATED: Biotechnology Careers and Salaries
Who Should Apply?
The Master of Science in Applied Biotechnology is designed for those currently working in biotechnology and related settings who are seeking career advancement, or those with a science background seeking entry to the field.
Students and alumni of our applied biotechnology programs work in healthcare, biotechnology, pharma, medical technology, and other industries across the country as research scientists, informaticists, lab technologists, project managers, clinical research managers, biochemists, quality assurance managers, and more.
I work full time for a biotechnology company and this program has furthered my understanding of the many things my company does as well as what other areas of biotechnology involve. Because I’m a working adult, the online format has been crucial in maintaining a balance between work, home, and school. —Ashley, Master of Science in Applied Biotechnology student
A bachelor’s degree and two semesters of college-level biology and/or chemistry coursework with lab are required for admission, however, aptitude tests, such as the GMAT or GRE, are not required. Learn more about admission requirements and applying to the program.
Universities of Wisconsin Collaboration
The Master of Science in Applied Biotechnology is a partnership of UW-Green Bay, UW-Madison*, UW-Oshkosh, UW-Parkside, UW-Platteville, UW-Stevens Point, and UW-Whitewater. Learn more about our campus partners and choosing a home campus.
UW Applied Biotechnology faculty are either faculty at one of the UW partner campuses or biotechnology industry experts serving as adjunct faculty. Specialty areas include: bioinformatics, bioorganic chemistry, biotechnology, intellectual property, international management, microbiome, product development, professional communication, project management, quality control, regulatory affairs, regenerative medicine, and supply chain management.
Accreditation
Whether online or on campus, University of Wisconsin programs have a reputation for delivering world-class education and student support. Accreditation is your assurance that you will graduate with skills that are relevant to your field and valued by employers. The Master of Science in Applied Biotechnology is approved by the University of Wisconsin Board of Regents and is fully accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Program Membership
The Applied Biotechnology program is a member of:
To be eligible for the Master of Science in Applied Biotechnology, students must meet the following requirements:
- Bachelor’s degree, in any discipline, from an accredited university (min. 3.0 GPA),
- Prerequisite coursework:
- Two semesters of college-level lab coursework in biology and/or chemistry. To satisfy the prerequisite, you must have completed either two semesters of biology, two semesters of chemistry, or one semester each of biology and chemistry, and all coursework must have a lab component.
Students with a GPA of less than 3.0 may be considered for provisional admission and should contact an enrollment adviser for more information. Program academic directors have the option to waive one or more of the above prerequisites based on relevant work experience.
Aptitude tests, such as the GMAT or GRE, are not required for admission.
You will also need to submit the following application materials:
- Official college transcripts,
- Your resume,
- Two letters of recommendation (professional or academic),
- A personal statement of up to 1,000 words describing the reasons behind your decision to pursue this degree.
If you are not sure whether you meet these requirements, or which courses you need to take to satisfy prerequisites, contact an enrollment adviser by phone, 608-262-2011, or email learn@uwex.wisconsin.edu.
International Guidelines
This program welcomes online students from around the world. Online students do not qualify for an F-1 Student Visa to travel to the U.S., but instead can participate in our online courses remotely. If your native language is not English and/or you attended school outside of the U.S., you will likely need to provide proof of English language proficiency and an official translation or evaluation of academic transcripts. Requirements will vary based on a student’s academic history and home campus policies. For guidance about these requirements and how they apply to your specific situation, contact your preferred home campus admissions office.
If you would like to apply as an International Student for an on-campus program in the UW System please refer to these resources through UW-HELP.
Application Deadline
If you are applying to UW-Green Bay, UW-Oshkosh, UW-Parkside, UW-Platteville, UW-Stevens Point, or UW-Whitewater, your online application and all required materials must be submitted to your preferred home campus generally 2-4 weeks prior to the date classes start (this varies by campus) to be considered for admission.
If you are applying to UW-Madison, application materials need to be submitted before April 15 for the summer semester, July 15 for the fall semester, and December 15 for the spring semester to be considered for admission.
Are there specific enrollment/start times?
You may start the Master of Science in Applied Biotechnology at the beginning of any semester. Fall semester begins in early September, spring semester in late January, and summer semester in early June.
How to Apply
While you are free to apply on your own, many prospective students find it helpful to speak with an enrollment adviser first.
Step 1. Select a home campus from our list of program partners: UW-Green Bay, UW-Madison*, UW-Oshkosh, UW-Parkside, UW-Platteville, UW-Stevens Point, and UW-Whitewater. Learn more about our campus partners and choosing a home campus.
Step 2. Apply to your preferred home campus following the instructions below. A nonrefundable $56 application fee is required for most graduate degree-seeking students applying to a UW institution.
- If you are applying to UW-Green Bay, UW-Oshkosh, UW-Parkside, UW-Platteville, or UW-Stevens Point you will use the University of Wisconsin System Online Admission Application. Choose the “Applied Biotechnology-Collaborative” program on the application.
- If you are applying to UW-Madison, you will use the UW-Madison Graduate Admission Application and will pay a nonrefundable $75 application fee.
- If you are applying to UW-Whitewater, you will use the UW-Whitewater Graduate Admission Application. Choose the “Applied Biotechnology (MS)(OL)” program on the application.
*For a limited time, we are offering an application fee waiver for the Spring, Summer, and Fall 2025 semesters. To redeem, use coupon code APPLY25 on the UW Online Application payment page. Please note: Coupon code as shown does not apply to UW-Madison, but there are a limited number of application fee waivers available for UW-Madison applicants. Please contact Michele Smith (msmith27@wisc.edu ) for details and availability.
Step 3. Send your resume, personal statement, and letters of recommendation; and arrange to have your official college transcripts (from each institution you attended) sent to the graduate student admissions office of the home campus to which you applied. Please request electronic transcripts, if this service is offered by your previous school(s), to be sent directly to the admissions email of your chosen home campus. Electronic transcripts are usually delivered more quickly than physical copies sent by mail.
11 Courses. 31 Credits. 100% Online.
Courses in the Master of Science in Applied Biotechnology focus on developing a foundation in biotechnology principles and techniques through the core curriculum, then, you will choose one or more specialization tracks. There are no electives.
Students are required to complete, at minimum, eleven courses (31 credits) to earn their degree.
- 6 required core courses (3 credits each)
- Specialization track consisting of three courses (3 credits each)
- Capstone prep (1 credit)
- Capstone project course (3 credits)
In the capstone course, students gain valuable, practical experience through a fieldwork project. Students may be able to complete the project with their current employer, or arrange for project work with an external organization.
You’ll design your project to align with your interests and career goals. View examples of past capstone projects.
RELATED: Faculty Shares Tips On How to Make the Most of Your Capstone Project
Specialization Tracks
Each track has three required courses; students may complete more than one track.
- Quality Assurance and Compliance
- Business Management
- Research and Development
How long will it take to earn my degree?
Students in the program enroll in 1-2 courses per semester and complete the degree in 2-3 years, on average. Completion time depends on how many courses you take during a semester and whether you attend all three semesters (courses are offered all three semesters, however, course availability varies each semester). The program offers flexibility to formulate a completion plan with your academic advisor that accounts for time constraints such as work and personal obligations.
Core Courses
| Course | Credits |
|---|---|
Introduction to basic principles and techniques pertaining to biotechnology and its applications to our society. Survey of classical and emerging techniques. | 3 Credits |
Ethical and safety concerns in development, production, funding, and application of biotechnology. Analysis of socioeconomic impacts. Understanding the importance of data integrity. Overview of risk assessment and management in a regulatory environment designed to ensure safety of workers, study subjects, and patients, and protect intellectual property, data, and the environment. 2020 ADEIL Distinguished Course Award | 3 Credits |
Application and analysis of professional scientific communication, both written and oral. Focuses on designing documents that convey complex, data-rich technical and scientific content to audiences with diverse information needs using a variety of professional genres, including reports, proposals, presentation, and documentation. | 3 Credits |
Application of biological and chemical methods to modern biotechnological product development. Overview of analysis techniques used to characterize products and evaluate quality and safety. Exploration of technological pipeline from conception to market, including proof-of-concept assessment, pre-clinical trials, clinical trials, and post-production testing. Prerequisites: ABT 700 | 3 Credits |
Principles of descriptive and inferential statistics with applications in biotechnology including experimental design, quantitative data analysis, and bioinformatic evaluation of complex molecular and biological data sets. | 3 Credits |
Focuses on strategies and tools that managers use to maximize employee contribution and create organizational excellence. Basic business and leadership principles. Best practices to overcome biases that inhibit organizations and teams from communicating effectively. Examples will come from diverse biotechnology fields, including pharmaceutics, agriculture, and biotechnology services. | 3 Credits |
Quality Assurance and Compliance Track
Ensure quality standards are met, from discovery to production. Focus on quality control and validation in product design, development, and manufacturing. You’ll examine key regulatory agencies and practices within the highly-regulated and diverse biotechnology industry; learn how to read an SOP, deal with automation in QC, and navigate FDA and ICH regulations.
| Course | Credits |
|---|---|
Focuses on the importance of quality control and validation in biotechnology product design, development, and manufacturing. Explores quality systems and documentation, global quality standards, and methods for assessing validation including installation, operational, and performance qualifications. Overviews bio-manufacturing processes, automation, and cGLP/cGMP practices necessary to meet quality standards. Prerequisites: ABT 700, ABT 705, ABT 710 | 3 Credits |
Identifies and examines the key regulatory agencies and practices that govern the highly regulated and diverse biotechnology industry, both domestically and internationally. Highlights current and emerging FDA and ICH regulations and guidance documents to successfully navigate meeting with agencies and to submit required documentation for successful product development. Prerequisites: ABT 700, ABT 705, ABT 710 | 3 Credits |
Examines the global regulatory environments in risk-based assessment of biotechnological developments across diverse sectors, ensuring consumer and environmental protection. Addresses how validation is essential to the incorporation of emerging technologies into viable, accessible, and successful products. Highlights the stakeholders role in regulatory oversight and policy through relevant industry case studies. Prerequisites: ABT 700, ABT 705, ABT 710 | 3 Credits |
Business Management Track
Learn marketing and commercialization strategies while exploring supply and distribution, sustainability, and project management in biotechnology from a global perspective. Areas of focus include pharmaceutical marketing, B2B marketing, and Six Sigma methodologies.
| Course | Credits |
|---|---|
Examines marketing case studies in diverse areas of biotechnology. Addresses marketing fundamentals and strategies, communicating value proposition strategy, ethical and regulatory concerns, startup strategies, pharmaceutical marketing, b2b marketing, salesforce development, branding, and promotion. Culminates with the creation of a marketing plan/analysis. | 3 Credits |
Focuses on the strategic importance of the supply chain to overall performance relevant to a variety of business processes specific to biotechnology. Topics include life cycle analysis, corporate social responsibility, production, transportation, distribution systems, sourcing, and purchasing. | 3 Credits |
Quality and project management issues and roles during different phases from R&D to market. Introduction to installation, operations, and process qualification (IQ/OQ/PQ). Project management phases: conceptualizing, planning, executing and closing. Project schedule and time management tools and techniques. Project requirements including quality assurance. Prerequisites: ABT 720, ABT 725 | 3 Credits |
Research and Development Track
R&D—where innovation begins. Evaluate scientific discovery and market value, navigate patent, intellectual property, and licensing requirements, and balance business growth with innovation. You’ll explore strategies in evaluating and implementing new products within diverse areas of biotechnology including agriculture, industrial, medical, and environmental.
| Course | Credits |
|---|---|
A survey of biotechnology assessments in areas such as regenerative medicine, agricultural biotechnology, and bioremediation. Course links disciplines with the critical evaluative role played by scientific discovery, market valuation, intellectual property, freedom-to-operate (FTO), and licensing strategy by assessing the role each played in the commercialization of a specific technology. Prerequisites: ABT 700 | 3 Credits |
Explores strategies in evaluating and implementing new technologies or products in the context of different bioindustries. Identifies considerations in product valuation, feasibility of production, scalability, and supply chain management. Models the process of business growth and innovation through integration of emerging technologies. Prerequisites: ABT 700, ABT 715 | 3 Credits |
Using a variety of existing and emerging bioinformatics tools and computational methods, emphasizes hands-on experiences analyzing and interpreting large data sets (e.g. genomic, proteomic, microbiomics, target discovery). Students will also evaluate and adapt existing computational approaches for specific use in solving a problem in biotechnology. Prerequisites: ABT 705, ABT 715 It is also recommended students complete ABT 720 prior to enrolling in this course. | 3 Credits |
Capstone Courses
A capstone project is required to earn the master's degree, and typically completed in the final semester.
| Course | Credits |
|---|---|
Prepares the student for applied self-directed capstone experience. Addressing problem identification, research, and project formulation. Culminates in an oral and written proposal with project schedule. Prerequisites: Completion of all core courses and at least one track course. The second and third track courses can be taken along with 789 if necessary. | 1 Credits |
Student will complete a project (report, business plan, program, etc) in an area of quality assurance and compliance, business and management, and/or research and development. Culminating in a substantive body of work, executive summary, and reflection. Networking and communication in a professional capacity is expected. Learn more about the capstone. View examples of past capstone projects. Prerequisites: ABT 789 | 3 Credits |
Course availability for the Master of Science in Applied Biotechnology varies each semester, and is subject to change due to fluctuating enrollment. If you are a current student, please consult with your campus adviser prior to registration.
Track courses are identified by codes that appear after each course title in the course schedule, as follows:
- Quality Assurance and Compliance (QA)
- Business Management (BM)
- Research and Development (R&D)
Fall 2024
Course Preview Week: August 27 - September 02, 2024
Semester Dates: September 03 - December 13, 2024
| Course | Credits |
|---|---|
Introduction to basic principles and techniques pertaining to biotechnology and its applications to our society. Survey of classical and emerging techniques. | 3 Credits |
Ethical and safety concerns in development, production, funding, and application of biotechnology. Analysis of socioeconomic impacts. Understanding the importance of data integrity. Overview of risk assessment and management in a regulatory environment designed to ensure safety of workers, study subjects, and patients, and protect intellectual property, data, and the environment. 2020 ADEIL Distinguished Course Award | 3 Credits |
Application and analysis of professional scientific communication, both written and oral. Focuses on designing documents that convey complex, data-rich technical and scientific content to audiences with diverse information needs using a variety of professional genres, including reports, proposals, presentation, and documentation. | 3 Credits |
Application of biological and chemical methods to modern biotechnological product development. Overview of analysis techniques used to characterize products and evaluate quality and safety. Exploration of technological pipeline from conception to market, including proof-of-concept assessment, pre-clinical trials, clinical trials, and post-production testing. Prerequisites: ABT 700 | 3 Credits |
Principles of descriptive and inferential statistics with applications in biotechnology including experimental design, quantitative data analysis, and bioinformatic evaluation of complex molecular and biological data sets. | 3 Credits |
Focuses on strategies and tools that managers use to maximize employee contribution and create organizational excellence. Basic business and leadership principles. Best practices to overcome biases that inhibit organizations and teams from communicating effectively. Examples will come from diverse biotechnology fields, including pharmaceutics, agriculture, and biotechnology services. | 3 Credits |
Focuses on the importance of quality control and validation in biotechnology product design, development, and manufacturing. Explores quality systems and documentation, global quality standards, and methods for assessing validation including installation, operational, and performance qualifications. Overviews bio-manufacturing processes, automation, and cGLP/cGMP practices necessary to meet quality standards. Prerequisites: ABT 700, ABT 705, ABT 710 | 3 Credits |
Identifies and examines the key regulatory agencies and practices that govern the highly regulated and diverse biotechnology industry, both domestically and internationally. Highlights current and emerging FDA and ICH regulations and guidance documents to successfully navigate meeting with agencies and to submit required documentation for successful product development. Prerequisites: ABT 700, ABT 705, ABT 710 | 3 Credits |
Examines marketing case studies in diverse areas of biotechnology. Addresses marketing fundamentals and strategies, communicating value proposition strategy, ethical and regulatory concerns, startup strategies, pharmaceutical marketing, b2b marketing, salesforce development, branding, and promotion. Culminates with the creation of a marketing plan/analysis. | 3 Credits |
A survey of biotechnology assessments in areas such as regenerative medicine, agricultural biotechnology, and bioremediation. Course links disciplines with the critical evaluative role played by scientific discovery, market valuation, intellectual property, freedom-to-operate (FTO), and licensing strategy by assessing the role each played in the commercialization of a specific technology. Prerequisites: ABT 700 | 3 Credits |
Explores strategies in evaluating and implementing new technologies or products in the context of different bioindustries. Identifies considerations in product valuation, feasibility of production, scalability, and supply chain management. Models the process of business growth and innovation through integration of emerging technologies. Prerequisites: ABT 700, ABT 715 | 3 Credits |
Prepares the student for applied self-directed capstone experience. Addressing problem identification, research, and project formulation. Culminates in an oral and written proposal with project schedule. Prerequisites: Completion of all core courses and at least one track course. The second and third track courses can be taken along with 789 if necessary. | 1 Credits |
Student will complete a project (report, business plan, program, etc) in an area of quality assurance and compliance, business and management, and/or research and development. Culminating in a substantive body of work, executive summary, and reflection. Networking and communication in a professional capacity is expected. Learn more about the capstone. View examples of past capstone projects. Prerequisites: ABT 789 | 3 Credits |
Spring 2025
Request Permission NumberCourse Preview Week: January 21 - January 27, 2025
Semester Dates: January 28 - May 09, 2025
| Course | Credits |
|---|---|
Introduction to basic principles and techniques pertaining to biotechnology and its applications to our society. Survey of classical and emerging techniques. | 3 Credits |
Ethical and safety concerns in development, production, funding, and application of biotechnology. Analysis of socioeconomic impacts. Understanding the importance of data integrity. Overview of risk assessment and management in a regulatory environment designed to ensure safety of workers, study subjects, and patients, and protect intellectual property, data, and the environment. 2020 ADEIL Distinguished Course Award | 3 Credits |
Application and analysis of professional scientific communication, both written and oral. Focuses on designing documents that convey complex, data-rich technical and scientific content to audiences with diverse information needs using a variety of professional genres, including reports, proposals, presentation, and documentation. | 3 Credits |
Application of biological and chemical methods to modern biotechnological product development. Overview of analysis techniques used to characterize products and evaluate quality and safety. Exploration of technological pipeline from conception to market, including proof-of-concept assessment, pre-clinical trials, clinical trials, and post-production testing. Prerequisites: ABT 700 | 3 Credits |
Principles of descriptive and inferential statistics with applications in biotechnology including experimental design, quantitative data analysis, and bioinformatic evaluation of complex molecular and biological data sets. | 3 Credits |
Focuses on strategies and tools that managers use to maximize employee contribution and create organizational excellence. Basic business and leadership principles. Best practices to overcome biases that inhibit organizations and teams from communicating effectively. Examples will come from diverse biotechnology fields, including pharmaceutics, agriculture, and biotechnology services. | 3 Credits |
Examines the global regulatory environments in risk-based assessment of biotechnological developments across diverse sectors, ensuring consumer and environmental protection. Addresses how validation is essential to the incorporation of emerging technologies into viable, accessible, and successful products. Highlights the stakeholders role in regulatory oversight and policy through relevant industry case studies. Prerequisites: ABT 700, ABT 705, ABT 710 | 3 Credits |
Focuses on the strategic importance of the supply chain to overall performance relevant to a variety of business processes specific to biotechnology. Topics include life cycle analysis, corporate social responsibility, production, transportation, distribution systems, sourcing, and purchasing. | 3 Credits |
Quality and project management issues and roles during different phases from R&D to market. Introduction to installation, operations, and process qualification (IQ/OQ/PQ). Project management phases: conceptualizing, planning, executing and closing. Project schedule and time management tools and techniques. Project requirements including quality assurance. Prerequisites: ABT 720, ABT 725 | 3 Credits |
Using a variety of existing and emerging bioinformatics tools and computational methods, emphasizes hands-on experiences analyzing and interpreting large data sets (e.g. genomic, proteomic, microbiomics, target discovery). Students will also evaluate and adapt existing computational approaches for specific use in solving a problem in biotechnology. Prerequisites: ABT 705, ABT 715 It is also recommended students complete ABT 720 prior to enrolling in this course. | 3 Credits |
Prepares the student for applied self-directed capstone experience. Addressing problem identification, research, and project formulation. Culminates in an oral and written proposal with project schedule. Prerequisites: Completion of all core courses and at least one track course. The second and third track courses can be taken along with 789 if necessary. | 1 Credits |
Student will complete a project (report, business plan, program, etc) in an area of quality assurance and compliance, business and management, and/or research and development. Culminating in a substantive body of work, executive summary, and reflection. Networking and communication in a professional capacity is expected. Learn more about the capstone. View examples of past capstone projects. Prerequisites: ABT 789 | 3 Credits |
Summer 2025
Registration Opens: March 10, 2025
Course Preview Week: May 20 - May 26, 2025
Semester Dates: May 27 - August 08, 2025
| Course | Credits |
|---|---|
Ethical and safety concerns in development, production, funding, and application of biotechnology. Analysis of socioeconomic impacts. Understanding the importance of data integrity. Overview of risk assessment and management in a regulatory environment designed to ensure safety of workers, study subjects, and patients, and protect intellectual property, data, and the environment. 2020 ADEIL Distinguished Course Award | 3 Credits |
Application of biological and chemical methods to modern biotechnological product development. Overview of analysis techniques used to characterize products and evaluate quality and safety. Exploration of technological pipeline from conception to market, including proof-of-concept assessment, pre-clinical trials, clinical trials, and post-production testing. Prerequisites: ABT 700 | 3 Credits |
Principles of descriptive and inferential statistics with applications in biotechnology including experimental design, quantitative data analysis, and bioinformatic evaluation of complex molecular and biological data sets. | 3 Credits |
Focuses on strategies and tools that managers use to maximize employee contribution and create organizational excellence. Basic business and leadership principles. Best practices to overcome biases that inhibit organizations and teams from communicating effectively. Examples will come from diverse biotechnology fields, including pharmaceutics, agriculture, and biotechnology services. | 3 Credits |
Prepares the student for applied self-directed capstone experience. Addressing problem identification, research, and project formulation. Culminates in an oral and written proposal with project schedule. Prerequisites: Completion of all core courses and at least one track course. The second and third track courses can be taken along with 789 if necessary. | 1 Credits |
Student will complete a project (report, business plan, program, etc) in an area of quality assurance and compliance, business and management, and/or research and development. Culminating in a substantive body of work, executive summary, and reflection. Networking and communication in a professional capacity is expected. Learn more about the capstone. View examples of past capstone projects. Prerequisites: ABT 789 | 3 Credits |
Fall 2025
Registration Opens: April 14, 2025
Course Preview Week: August 26 - September 01, 2025
Semester Dates: September 02 - December 12, 2025
| Course | Credits |
|---|---|
Introduction to basic principles and techniques pertaining to biotechnology and its applications to our society. Survey of classical and emerging techniques. | 3 Credits |
Ethical and safety concerns in development, production, funding, and application of biotechnology. Analysis of socioeconomic impacts. Understanding the importance of data integrity. Overview of risk assessment and management in a regulatory environment designed to ensure safety of workers, study subjects, and patients, and protect intellectual property, data, and the environment. 2020 ADEIL Distinguished Course Award | 3 Credits |
Application and analysis of professional scientific communication, both written and oral. Focuses on designing documents that convey complex, data-rich technical and scientific content to audiences with diverse information needs using a variety of professional genres, including reports, proposals, presentation, and documentation. | 3 Credits |
Application of biological and chemical methods to modern biotechnological product development. Overview of analysis techniques used to characterize products and evaluate quality and safety. Exploration of technological pipeline from conception to market, including proof-of-concept assessment, pre-clinical trials, clinical trials, and post-production testing. Prerequisites: ABT 700 | 3 Credits |
Principles of descriptive and inferential statistics with applications in biotechnology including experimental design, quantitative data analysis, and bioinformatic evaluation of complex molecular and biological data sets. | 3 Credits |
Focuses on strategies and tools that managers use to maximize employee contribution and create organizational excellence. Basic business and leadership principles. Best practices to overcome biases that inhibit organizations and teams from communicating effectively. Examples will come from diverse biotechnology fields, including pharmaceutics, agriculture, and biotechnology services. | 3 Credits |
Focuses on the importance of quality control and validation in biotechnology product design, development, and manufacturing. Explores quality systems and documentation, global quality standards, and methods for assessing validation including installation, operational, and performance qualifications. Overviews bio-manufacturing processes, automation, and cGLP/cGMP practices necessary to meet quality standards. Prerequisites: ABT 700, ABT 705, ABT 710 | 3 Credits |
Identifies and examines the key regulatory agencies and practices that govern the highly regulated and diverse biotechnology industry, both domestically and internationally. Highlights current and emerging FDA and ICH regulations and guidance documents to successfully navigate meeting with agencies and to submit required documentation for successful product development. Prerequisites: ABT 700, ABT 705, ABT 710 | 3 Credits |
Examines marketing case studies in diverse areas of biotechnology. Addresses marketing fundamentals and strategies, communicating value proposition strategy, ethical and regulatory concerns, startup strategies, pharmaceutical marketing, b2b marketing, salesforce development, branding, and promotion. Culminates with the creation of a marketing plan/analysis. | 3 Credits |
A survey of biotechnology assessments in areas such as regenerative medicine, agricultural biotechnology, and bioremediation. Course links disciplines with the critical evaluative role played by scientific discovery, market valuation, intellectual property, freedom-to-operate (FTO), and licensing strategy by assessing the role each played in the commercialization of a specific technology. Prerequisites: ABT 700 | 3 Credits |
Explores strategies in evaluating and implementing new technologies or products in the context of different bioindustries. Identifies considerations in product valuation, feasibility of production, scalability, and supply chain management. Models the process of business growth and innovation through integration of emerging technologies. Prerequisites: ABT 700, ABT 715 | 3 Credits |
Prepares the student for applied self-directed capstone experience. Addressing problem identification, research, and project formulation. Culminates in an oral and written proposal with project schedule. Prerequisites: Completion of all core courses and at least one track course. The second and third track courses can be taken along with 789 if necessary. | 1 Credits |
Student will complete a project (report, business plan, program, etc) in an area of quality assurance and compliance, business and management, and/or research and development. Culminating in a substantive body of work, executive summary, and reflection. Networking and communication in a professional capacity is expected. Learn more about the capstone. View examples of past capstone projects. Prerequisites: ABT 789 | 3 Credits |
The Master of Science in Applied Biotechnology was developed with advice from industry experts across various biotechnology disciplines to equip graduates with practical skills that allow them to pursue jobs in a variety of settings, such as industrial, food, agriculture, environmental, and healthcare. You’ll graduate with confidence that your skills and knowledge will match employer needs and expectations.
Program outcomes are based on current industry standards and best practices. Upon completion of your master’s degree, you will be able to:
Demonstrate professional and scientific communication appropriate.
- Select the most appropriate modalities, methodologies, tools, and practices to communicate complex ideas effectively across diverse audiences.
- Demonstrate effective listening, written, verbal, and nonverbal communication skills.
- Construct and deliver effective professional presentations.
Demonstrate comprehensive understanding of organizational processes and product development pipelines.
- Evaluate and describe systems of product research, development, and production.
- Analyze the potential for commercialization for innovations within the biotechnology industry.
- Critique and integrate changes to an existing product development pipeline.
- Compare organizational processes employed by biotech firms.
Distinguish among diverse methods and technologies and their applications in biotechnology.
- Compare and contrast emerging with existing technologies.
- Exhibit strong technical knowledge to evaluate and choose appropriate technologies.
- Demonstrate the ability to read, interpret, and apply scientific literature.
- Demonstrate competency in data analysis and statistics.
Demonstrate strategic leadership and decision-making skills necessary in biotechnology.
- Compare best practices in leadership required for executive action.
- Demonstrate the skills and processes that maximize team performance to successfully meet goals both as an effective team member and leader.
- Identify and provide evidence-based solutions to problems in compliance, development, personnel, and finance.
Appraise the current regulatory, quality control, and legal frameworks that impact biotechnology.
- Demonstrate understanding of relevant domestic and global regulatory agencies, laws, policies, and guidance.
- Assess intellectual property considerations in biotechnology.
- Justify the importance of quality and risk management in biotechnology and explain current good practices.
Demonstrate professional and ethical behavior that fosters positive and productive interactions in diverse biotechnology settings.
- Recognize, foster and apply principles of ethical and professional conduct.
- Identify professional opportunities and personal success by acquiring knowledge, networking, and other career development strategies.
- Understand cultural differences that exist in the global marketplace.
Tuition is a flat fee of $875 per credit. There are no additional course or program fees, with the exception of textbooks which are purchased separately.
- You’ll pay the same tuition whether you live in Wisconsin or out of state.
- You will not pay technology fees. If software or special technology is required in a course, it will be provided to you and is included in tuition.
- You will not pay segregated fees (fees for student services, activities, programs, and facilities).
- Textbooks are purchased separately and are not included in tuition.
*Please note UW-Madison charges an “official document fee”, in addition to application, tuition, and graduation fees.
Financial Aid
Financial aid may be available for degree-seeking students who qualify and is awarded by your home campus. Learn more about our campus partners and choosing a home campus.
Contact your home campus financial aid office for details:
- UW-Green Bay Financial Aid
- UW-Madison Financial Aid
- UW-Oshkosh Financial Aid
- UW-Parkside Financial Aid
- UW-Platteville Financial Aid
- UW-Stevens Point Financial Aid
- UW-Whitewater Financial Aid
Please check with your home campus regarding minimum credits required to qualify for financial aid as a full- or part-time student.
Ways to Pay for Your Degree
As a returning adult student, you may consider the following sources of financial assistance to help with the cost of your education:
- Grants—award is usually based on financial need. Grants, unlike loans, generally do not have to be repaid.
- Scholarships—usually based on academic merit, financial need, or other criteria, awarded by a wide range of organizations. Scholarships do not need to be repaid.
- Loans—a loan is money you borrow and must pay back with interest. Student loans are available from the federal government, private sources such as a bank or financial institution, or other sources. Federal student loans usually have lower interest rates than private loans, and offer flexible repayment plans.
- Military benefits—aid available to eligible veterans and current members of the military.
- Tuition reimbursement—a benefit offered by companies to their employees to help pay for education. Ask your human resources department if your company offers this benefit.
- Education tax benefits—research possible tax benefits with the Internal Revenue Service (IRS).
Your first step when applying for federal and state financial aid is completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Federal financial aid is distributed on a first-come, first-served basis. Students who apply early have a better chance of receiving aid, including grant aid that does not have to be repaid.
UW Online Collaborative Programs Grants and Scholarships
You may be eligible for a grant or scholarship as a student in a semester-based collaborative program. More information can be found here.
Experience UW Applied Biotechnology
Learn about applied biotechnology, meet the faculty, read student stories, and more. Read the blog.
