Professional Science Master’s in Biotechnology
Earn Your PSM in Biotechnology at TWU
In as little as 12 months and less than $15,000, you can earn your professional science master’s in biotechnology degree and be ready for the next step in your career. We offer a flexible combination of online and evening face-to-face classes.
Develop or advance your career in the biotechnology industry with our new PSM in Biotechnology. Our program focuses on applied learning in real-world environments, combining the study of biology and business with an industry internship. This degree can be completed in 1 to 2 years with a flexible combination of online and face-to-face evening courses for full-time, part-time or working students.
Why is biotechnology important?
Imagine if we had an effective medication for COVID-19, an available vaccine against SARS-CoV-2, or a reliable antibody detection kit. Would you like to be one of the people developing these drugs, vaccines or assay kits? Or maybe you are interested in marketing, selling or providing technical expertise on these products. Our professional science master’s program will prepare you for a world-changing career in the biotechnology, pharmaceutical or even clinical lab industry.
Visit the COVID-19 Vaccine and Therapeutics Tracker for the latest updates on vaccines and drugs that are currently being tested and developed by biotechnologists around the world.
In the news: TWU Biology provides Denton County with coronavirus testing supplies
What are the benefits of earning my PSM in biotechnology?
- Advance your career and increase earning potential
- In 2016, the full-time median salary for a postgraduate (i.e., master's) employee was 25% higher than an undergraduate (US Bureau of Labor Statistics)
- Refine your technical skills
- Gain in-depth knowledge in the biological sciences
- Expand your professional network
- Strengthen your presentation and communication skills
- Gain business and marketing skills that will lead to more diverse job opportunities
What can I do with my biotechnology degree?
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects job growth in the biotechnology sector to increase at a faster pace than all other careers over the next ten years. TWU is partnering with local biotech companies to create internship and networking opportunities in a variety of areas, including:
- Research and development
- Product development and product management
- Product marketing
- Technology transfer and intellectual property
- Design and implementation of regulatory strategies
- Technical sales
- Government and public relations
- Market analysis and feasibility studies
- Technical service
Why study professional science masters in biotechnology at TWU?
- Degree completion in as little as 12 months, or 30 credit hours*
- One of only two biotechnology degrees in the state
- Flexible online and evening courses for working professionals
- Hands-on, in-person technical training on our state-of-the-art, industry-standard equipment
- Advanced training in science and mathematics as well as professional management, marketing and communication skills
- Prime location near the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex's thriving biotechnology sector
- Strong industry partnerships, ideal for internship, networking and career opportunities
- An emphasis on women's leadership in a traditionally male-dominated field
- Established network of female alumni and professional mentors in the biological sciences
- We are an affiliated member of the National Professional Science Master's Association
*Individual requirements may vary.
Hear from one of our alumni
"The most valuable skills I learned at TWU was to think critically, solve problems, develop protocols and troubleshoot issues. Because of this direct knowledge, I was hired by HealthTrackRx to head up the lab when it was just a start-up. I've since tapped into my TWU network and brought in a number of our students and alumni." -Jennie W. Wojtaszek (MS '13)
Our company and my fellow leaders are excited to be a part of the TWU extended family and we look forward to participating and assisting students to become outstanding leaders and scientists.
Our lab is serving our community and the nation during the COVID-19 pandemic by increasing our capacity to to receive, test and report over 50,000 samples, following EUA-approved protocols to accurately diagnose the COVID-19 pathogen.
Degree details
- Degree plan (program of study for the PSM in biotechnology)
- Biology and Business course rotations
Admission requirements
Admission to the P.S.M. in Biotechnology
Program Contact
Stephanie Pierce, Ph.D.
P.S.M. in Biotechnology
Program Director
940-898-2797
spierce9@twu.edu
Application Deadlines
Fall – July 1
Spring – December 1
Admission Requirements
- A bachelor’s degree in Biology or its equivalent.
How to Apply
- Apply for admission to the TWU Graduate School and submit official transcripts to the Office of Admission Processing at OAP@twu.edu. An official transcript is needed from each institution previously attended. Transcripts may be printed or electronic but must be sent to the Office of Admissions Processing directly from the institution to be considered an official transcript.
- Submit a current resume to spierce9@twu.edu.
- International students should visit the International Admissions website for additional requirements.
Applicants who satisfy the Graduate School’s admission standards are forwarded for review to the departmental admissions committee. This committee is responsible for recommending acceptance into Biology graduate programs.
International students wishing to apply for teaching assistantships must demonstrate English speaking proficiency by one of the following unless the student is an American citizen or is an international student from a country that is exempt from TOELF requirements:
- a score of 26 or higher on the TOEFL iBT speaking section
- a score of 50 or higher on the Test of Spoken English
- a Pearson Test of English (PTE) Academic score of 53 or above
- a score of 7.5 or higher on the IELTS Speaking test
- a score of 4 or higher on the MELAB Speaking test
Next steps
Learn more about our industry partnerships.
Explore scholarship and financial aid opportunities.
Meet the faculty
• Michael Bergel, Ph.D., Associate Professor of Biology
• Christopher Brower, Ph.D., Assistant Professor of Biology
• Heather Conrad-Webb, Ph.D., Associate Professor of Biology
• Juliet Spencer, Ph.D., Professor and Chair of Biology
• Nathaniel Mills, Ph.D., Professor of Biology
• Catalina Pislariu, Ph.D., Assistant Professor of Biology
Contact us
For questions about the PSM in biotechnology program, please contact Stephanie Pierce, Ph.D., at 940-898-2797 or spierce9@twu.edu.
Request Info about our PSM in Biotechnology
Page last updated 9:18 AM, May 2, 2023