Jerry Simecka, PhD, Graduate Advisor
Education and Administration Building, 247C
Phone: 817-735-2116
E-mail: jerry.simecka@unthsc.edu
The Biotechnology program at UNT Health Science Center (UNTHSC) 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. Students are only admitted in the summer semester.
The master’s degree in biotechnology will provide a strong foundation upon which to build a career. 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. Students complete a 2-semester (40 hours/week) internship practicum in biotechnology and use this experience to write a detailed internship practicum report. The average time to complete the degree is 2 years. Students are only admitted in the summer semester. 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 opportunitiesincluding 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.