Applied Biotechnology Master’s Degree Expands Career Pathways With Stackable Credentials and Bioinformatics Specialization Track

Universities of Wisconsin Online Collaboratives is excited to announce a series of revisions to the Master of Science in Applied Biotechnology program beginning in Fall 2026.

The updated curriculum is designed to support learners at different stages of their careers, providing more choices and opportunities to earn career-focused credentials. Biotech professionals looking to advance into higher-level positions, workers in industry-agnostic roles within biotech (HR, legal, project management, sales, administration, etc.), and those with a science background who are interested in entering the field all have more options to build necessary skills.

What’s New in the Applied Biotechnology Program? 

Three courses from the Applied Bioinformatics Graduate Certificate are being added to the master’s degree as a new specialization track option based on student feedback and interest in earning a master’s degree with a focus on bioinformatics.

The certificate remains available for non-degree students who prefer to complete it on its own. The other three specialization tracks—Business Management, Quality Assurance and Compliance, and Research and Development—are only available as tracks to students enrolled in the master’s degree. With up to four specialization tracks to choose from, you can tailor your studies to align with your professional interests and career goals.

Master’s degree students will earn a graduate certificate credential after completing the courses in their chosen specialization track. These credentials provide meaningful milestones throughout the degree program and can strengthen your resume before graduation.

The program has also introduced two core stackable certificates that allow you to develop your skills over time or focus on a specific area of interest: fundamentals or leadership. These certificates allow you to build knowledge in biotech while earning credentials. Core courses required in the master’s degree have been reorganized into core stackable certificates—you can earn a certificate on its own or complete both over time. 

Fundamentals of Biotechnology – Graduate Certificate

Courses include: 

• ABT 700: Principles of Biotechnology
• ABT 715: Techniques in Biotechnology
• ABT 720: Experimental Design and Analysis in Biotechnology

Leadership, Ethics, and Communication – Graduate Certificate

Courses include: 

• ABT 705: Ethics, Safety, and Regulatory Environments in Biotechnology
• ABT 710: Professional and Technical Communication in Biotechnology
• ABT 725: Leadership in Organizations

Stackable certificates give you more flexibility to pursue your education on a timeline that works for you. Whether your goal is to enhance your professional skills by earning a certificate on its own, or gradually work toward your master’s degree, the certificates offer multiple pathways to success.

Master’s degree students will complete both core stackable certificates, one or more specialization tracks, and a capstone project. You may also enroll in the core stackable certificates as a non-degree student. Because admission requirements are the same and credits transfer directly into the degree program, the certificates can provide a seamless pathway to the master’s degree.

RELATED: Stackable Certificates: How to Upskill or Get Ready for a Master’s Degree

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The revisions reflect the Applied Biotechnology program’s continued commitment to providing flexible, career-relevant education aligned with the evolving biotech industry. The revisions were made in collaboration with the program’s Advisory Board, which includes biotech experts from companies such as Abbott, Catalent, Cellular Logistics, Corteva Agriscience, Empirico, Plumb Pharmaceuticals, WARF, and WiCell with experience across practice areas like genetic testing, cell and gene therapy, R&D of cancer detection, laboratory instrumentation, intellectual property rights, pharmaceutical development, and agriscience.

By reorganizing the core courses into core stackable certificates and adding the Applied Bioinformatics track, the program now offers more ways to gain expertise, earn recognized credentials, and advance your career in biotechnology.

Start your journey today and find out more about the program by contacting an enrollment adviser at 608-800-6762 or learn@uwex.wisconsin.edu.