The Biology Department at NMSU offers a one-year non-thesis Master in Science program in Biotechnology. This program focuses on innovative technology and its relationship to life science business. It equips students to pursue successful careers in biotechnology, including basic and applied research, product development and testing, and policy-making. Students will complete coursework in molecular biology, genomics and bioinformatics, statistical analysis, business, bioethics and professional development skills. Additional graduate course work will provide students with further expertise in various areas of interest, including cell, molecular and microbiology; environmental, ecological and evolutionary biology; and systems and integrative biology.

 

BioTech Program Committee

 

Dr. Donovan Bailey, Head             biotechms@mvar.nmsu.edu,dbailey@nmsu.edu

Dr. Timothy F. Wright                      wright@nmsu.edu

Dr. Jiannong Xu                              jxu@nmsu.edu

 

Course Offerings

The program requires 30 credits for graduation. The curriculum consists of 12-15 courses per semester over two semesters with an optional summer internship. Prior coursework in Genetics and Biochemistry is expected.

Skills  (9 cr)

   Mol Biol Res Methods (BIOL 450 or BCHE 494)                                3
   Bioinformatics  (GENE 452) or Genomic Techniques (BIOL 550)   3
   Experimental Design & Analysis (A ST 505)                                       3

Professional Development  (5-7 cr)

  Ethical issues in Biology (BIOL 540/PHIL 540)                                                1-3
  Professional Development (BIOL 541)                                                  1
  Science and Business (BUSAD 485)                                                    3

Biological Knowledge Electives (14-16 cr)

   Students are expected to choose 5 or more courses numbered 450 or above in Microbiology, Organismal and Cellular Biology, Genetics or Ecology. See Biology department course listings in the NMSU Graduate Catalog.

Optional Summer Internship (3-6 cr)

Summer research internship in a biotech company or in Biology Dept. lab (BIOL 598) Credits count towards the required elective credits.

Graduate Student Links and Info

NMSU Biology Department
NMSU Graduate School
International Students Services
Biology Graduate Student Organization: Advice for entering grad students - from grad students!

Student Success

Graduates of the Biotechnology Masters program are working in a variety of areas, including life science technology firms, state agencies, and biofuel start-up companies.