Bruce Bunnell, PhD, Graduate Advisor
Center for BioHealth 365
Phone: 817-735-2064
E-mail: bruce.bunnell@unthsc.edu
The Biotechnology program at The University of North Texas Health Science Center at Fort Worth (HSC) is a specialized master’s program designed to train individuals for careers in industry and research by providing the tools and experience needed for highly technical positions offered in emerging biotechnology companies, life science organizations, and research institutions. The program is usually completed in two years. The program is completed online with the exception of a 6-month internship practicum experience. It is ideal for students balancing career and family responsibilities with enrollment.
Campus resources are available from Financial Aid to the Library, including Career Readiness Center and the Center Academic Performance, without traveling to our physical location.
The master’s degree in biotechnology provides a strong foundation upon which to build a career or increase career options. The rigorous curriculum focuses on providing students a broad-based view of the biomedical sciences, as well as in-depth knowledge of lab management and industry practice, ethical issues, and laboratory skills necessary to prepare the student for a career in the biotechnology and life science industry. With three starting points each year, students in this program can begin classes at the time most convenient for them. The average time to complete the degree is 2 years with full-time enrollment. A comprehensive list of course requirements is available online.
Opportunities for Graduates in Biotechnology
Biotechnology in the United States is a dynamic industry and there are many opportunities for employment. When considering a career in biotechnology, most people think of a scientist in a laboratory developing drugs to improve the quality of life. However, biotechnology has a wide variety of career opportunities including sales and marketing, research and development, manufacturing and quality control, and assurance. The biotechnology industry continues to flourish nationwide and the number of biotechnology companies increases annually. Employment in the biotechnology field continues proportionately.
There are many career options for someone with a graduate degree in biotechnology. Examples of potential careers include a biotechnical scientist working as part of a team of scientists under the direction of a group leader on a given product; a consultant providing advice and support in product development, process implementation, forensic analysis, manufacturing, and management recruitment and training; and an industry researcher helping to define the range and scope of new areas of research that may lead to new products.