EmailGBC News
New biotechnology master’s program builds on UMBC’s strengths
Contact:
Chris Morris
(410) 455-1570
Baltimore, MD – This fall 2007, UMBC will launch two new graduate programs designed for biotechnology professionals--a Master in Professional Studies (M.P.S.): Biotechnology and a Certificate in Professional Studies: Biotechnology Management--in response to the rapidly growing biotechnology field. Classes will be offered in the evenings at the UMBC Technology Center and main campus; both locations are just five minutes from the BWI Airport.
With strengths and expertise in the life sciences, UMBC has responded to the strong demand for education and training from the regional biotech industry.
On-going education and training are critical for the success of these companies. “I believe that leadership and team building skills are essential to allow our employees to succeed to their highest potential,” says Ravinder Dhallan, Chairman and CEO of Ravgen, Inc., a biotech firm focusing on early detection of disease using genetic markers. The Columbia, Md. firm. is already on-board with some employees ready to start this new M.P.S. program in fall 2007.
UMBC’s new applied master’s program combines the latest scientific research with the practical business and management skills necessary for success in the biotech field. In June 2006, UMBC conducted a focus group of CEOs and professionals from small and mid-sized biotechnology companies. The group agreed that many biotechnology professionals lack skills in managing people, budgets, and new product development even though they have strong science backgrounds. The group also stressed the importance of employees being skilled at working in a team environment. UMBC incorporated these recommendations into the program design by keeping classes small, incorporating project-based learning done in teams, and by offering coursework in management skills as well as the biosciences.
The new biotechnology master’s program builds on the success of UMBC’s Regulatory Affairs for Biotechnology program. Two courses from this certificate are incorporated into the new master’s program. Dr. Antonio Moreira, the lead instructor for these courses, has extensive industry experience that includes bringing the $1 billion product recombinant alpha-2 interferon to market.
The new program will have close ties to techcenter@UMBC on campus, the university’s business incubator. Of the 30 startup and emerging technology firms located in the center, more than 10 are biotechnology and life science firms. These firms will provide a rich source of talent for the new program—in the form of instructors, students, and advisory board members.