Graduate Program Offers Students Choice of Three Specialization Tracks in Biotechnology
MADISON, Wis.—Sep. 3, 2019—UW Extended Campus, in partnership with seven University of Wisconsin System campuses, will offer an online Master of Science in Applied Biotechnology degree, starting in January 2020. Applications are now being accepted for the new degree, which will be available through UW-Green Bay, UW-Madison, UW-Oshkosh, UW-Parkside, UW-Platteville, UW-Stevens Point, and UW-Whitewater. UW Extended Campus makes advanced education possible for non-traditional students and working adults through flexible, online programs aligned with industry needs and high-growth occupations.
“Biotechnology is booming,” said Aaron Brower, Executive Director of UW Extended Campus. “Wisconsin has seen its share of that growth and is internationally recognized for its leadership in biotech research.”
Job growth in Wisconsin-based bioscience firms follows the national trend, outpacing the national average since 2014, according to the Biotechnology Innovation Organization, a leading biotech trade organization. Wisconsin is home to 75 bio-manufacturing companies, with concentrations in medical device and equipment, agricultural feedstock, and industrial biosciences.
The 11-course, 31-credit program was approved by the University of Wisconsin System Board of Regents and is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, one of six regional institutional accreditors in the United States. Taught by expert faculty from all seven campuses, the new master’s degree program will fill a growing need for skilled biotechnology professionals. Graduates of the program will know the science, understand the industry and diversity of the market, and have the business acumen to help their organization achieve success.
Designed with input from industry leaders, the UW Master of Science in Applied Biotechnology offers a rigorous, multidisciplinary curriculum. Students will choose one or more specialization tracks: Quality Assurance and Compliance, Business Management, or Research and Development. Topics covered in the program include the principles and techniques of biotechnology; scientific discovery; grant-based funding; intellectual property and patents; biotech-specific ethical, safety, and privacy concerns; quality control and validation; organizational leadership; and technical communication.
“Everything taught in the program is relevant and useful to working students. They’ll be able to apply what they’ve learned immediately, on the job,” said Ray Cross, UW System President. “The curriculum was designed to ensure students learn the skills necessary to succeed in the complex biotechnology field.”
The Master of Science in Applied Biotechnology program is intended for students with a bachelor’s degree in areas including (but not limited to) biological sciences, chemistry, biochemistry, molecular biology, wildlife ecology, agricultural science, biomedical engineering, environmental science, physics, or geosciences; and who have professional experience in biotechnology or related settings, but limited training in the management field. Aptitude tests such as the GMAT or GRE are not required for admission to the program.
“The Master’s in Applied Biotechnology degree was developed in cooperation with industry leaders in the biotechnology field and faculty at University of Wisconsin campuses,” said Melinda Verdone, UW Applied Biotechnology Program Manager. “With specialty tracks in Quality Assurance and Compliance, Research and Development, and Business Management, our aim is to provide a personalized, high-quality educational experience so that students can advance their biotechnology career and leadership goals.”
The UW Master of Science in Applied Biotechnology joins a growing array of flexible, online degree and certificate programs designed for adult learners and offered in collaboration with UW Extended Campus and UW System campus partners. Like other collaborative online University of Wisconsin programs, students will pay the same tuition whether they live in Wisconsin or out of state.
Prospective students seeking more information about the University of Wisconsin Applied Biotechnology program are encouraged to download a degree guide, call 608-800-6762, or email learn@uwex.wisconsin.edu.
About UW Extended Campus
The University of Wisconsin is one of the largest and most widely respected public higher education systems in the country. UW Extended Campus partners with all UW System campuses to offer online degrees and certificates, as well as continuing education and lifelong learning opportunities. Through UW Extended Campus, people of Wisconsin and beyond can access university resources and engage in online learning, wherever they live and work—fulfilling the promise of the “Wisconsin Idea”.
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