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Masters in Translational Biotechnology

Masters in Translational Biotechnology

Department of Translational Genomics at Keck School of Medicine offers a Master of Science (MS) degree in Translational Biotechnology. This program combines a unique curriculum and distinctive practical training that exposes students to biotechnology and its applications in translating genomic and molecular insights into developing novel therapies and precision medicine. Drawing strength from the Keck School of Medicine faculty’s education, research, and practice expertise, this program educates students on approaches used in the academic research, biotechnology and medical sciences industries.

For official program information please visit our page in Keck School of Medicine of USC web site and the catalogue page in University of Southern California web site.

Overview

Students in this program will gain an understanding of

  • The science and technology of underlying diseases and their interventions;
  • The role of biotechnology in developing new therapies;
  • The regulatory framework that will impact the use of new interventions; and
  • The private and public capital that will develop the growing biotechnology and biomedical markets.

The program is ideal for those who are passionate about biomedical sciences and would like a career in biotechnology beyond laboratory research.

  • Students with a moderate biology background have the opportunity to extend their course work in biotechnology and biological sciences and continue in these fields.
  • Professionals in management, investment, regulatory affairs or law in the biotechnology industry are able to extend their knowledge of the science behind this industry, enabling them to make better decisions regarding this rapidly developing technology.
  • Students interested in doctoral programs or professional degree programs, such as medical school and law school, will build a strong foundation in biotechnology prior to applying to their top programs of study.

Translational Biotechnology is also available as a Progressive Degree Program.  It is designed to enable USC students to begin taking master’s level courses while completing bachelor’s degree requirements.

A minimum of 28 units of graduate level course and field work is required for graduation. The program can be completed by full-time students in 1 year including the summer semester or at a reduced pace by part-time students.

LEARNING OBJECTIVES

Students in the Master of Science in Translational Biotechnology program will:

  • Gain exposures to biotechnology and its specific applications.
  • Become familiar with approaches used in the academic research, biotechnology, and medical sciences industries in the US and internationally.
  • Gain an understanding of the science and technology underlying diseases and interventions, the role of biotechnology in developing new therapies, the regulatory framework that will impact the use of new interventions, entrepreneurial mindset and skills, and the private and public capital that will develop the growing biotechnology and biomedical markets.
  • Establish expertise in designing, initiating, planning, managing, and troubleshooting practical projects.
  • Acquire leadership skills and team work ethics.
  • Achieve proficiency in literature comprehension, critical thinking, oral and written communication in both formal and informal settings.
  • Upon completion of the program, students will be prepared for further studies in graduate and professional programs, or careers as research and development scientists, Field specialists, clinical trial project coordinators, consultants, marketing professionals, founders and executives of biotech firms, business development, technical specialists and patent agents.

Curriculum

General requirements include at least 28 units of required courses as follows:

CORE LECTURE COURSES

Required, 12 units

Students with strong background in biotechnology may substitute TRGN 536 with another appropriate course, with permission of the program director.  A minimum grade point average of 3.0 on all core courses is required.

  • TRGN 536 Biotechnology Primer
  • TRGN 537 Pathway and Target Discovery
  • TRGN 538 Seminar in Translational Biotechnology
  • TRGN 543 Biotechnology Entrepreneurship and Commercialization I

EXPERIENTIAL LEARNING

Required, 7 units

Experiential learning includes a total of 4 units of TRGN 539 plus two Capstone courses. This program does not require a thesis. Instead, students are required to defend their program capstone through TRGN 540 and 541, which include practicum conclusion, reflective narratives, and portfolio presentation.

  • TRGN 539 Translational Biotechnology Practicum
  • TRGN 540 Translational Biotechnology Capstone Preparation
  • TRGN 541 Translational Biotechnology Capstone Defense

ELECTIVES

At least 9 units

At least 4 units must be from TRGN. No more than 4 units of TRGN 590 may be used to fulfill degree requirements.

  • BAEP 551 Introduction to New Ventures
  • BAEP 552 Cases in Feasibility Analysis
  • BAEP 561 Entrepreneurship in Innovative Industries: Life Sciences
  • BAEP 563 Corporate Entrepreneurship
  • INTD 504 Molecular Biology of Cancer
  • INTD 531 Cell Biology
  • INTD 572 Systems Physiology and Disease I
  • INTD 573 Systems Physiology and Disease II
  • TRGN 510 Basic Foundations in Translational Biomedical Informatics
  • TRGN 514 Introduction to Human Genomic Analysis Methods
  • TRGN 515 Advanced Human Genomic Analysis Methods
  • TRGN 516 Biomedical Informatic WebApps, Databases and Datastructures
  • TRGN 524 Applications of Genomic Technology in Biomedical Research I
  • TRGN 525 Applications of Genomic Technology in Biomedical Research II
  • TRGN 526 Clinical Bioinformatics in Genomic Testing
  • TRGN 542 Biotechnology based Therapeutics
  • TRGN 544 Biotechnology Entrepreneurship and Commercialization II
  • TRGN 545 Exploring Chemical and Biological Therapeutic Modalities
  • TRGN 546 Biotechnology Intellectual Property, Regulatory, and Contract Law
  • TRGN 550 Communicating Science – writing
  • TRGN 551 Communicating Science – speaking
  • TRGN 590 Directed Research

ACADEMIC STANDARD

A graduate GPA of at least 3.0 is required at all times. Any student whose graduate GPA falls below 3.0 will be placed on academic probation. Students on academic probation who do not raise their GPA to 3.0 after two semesters of written notification of academic probation will be academically disqualified.

ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS

Admission requirements include a minimum GPA of 3.0 and an undergraduate major in biological sciences, or at least 6 bioscience courses in the molecular, cellular, genetics and biochemistry topics.

Formal application via USC Office of Graduate Admission’s online portal is required.

  • Completed online application.
  • Statement of purpose (approximately 500 words): Tell us where you came from, where you are going to, and how enrolling in the Translational Biotechnology Program may help you reach your academic or career goals.
  • Resume or CV: There is no specific format requirement for Resume or CV.
  • Letters of recommendation (minimum three for MS, two for certificate): We accept letters from both academic and professional evaluators. At least two of the letters should address your bioscience aptitude. All letters must be on the letterhead of the organization or department.
  • Transcripts from ALL previously attended post-secondary institutions regardless of whether a degree was obtained.
  • Standardized test score (MS application only): A minimum score of 300 on the Graduate Record Examinations (GRE) General Test is required. In lieu of GRE, DAT (minimum 18), MCAT (minimum 28 pre-2015 or 505 post-2015) or USMLE may be submitted. Applicants beneath these standardized test score requirements or have not yet taken the exam are asked to consult with program director for advisement.
  • International students whose first language is not English are required to provide evidence of English Proficiency: TOEFL (iBT) 90, with no less than 20 on each section, or IELTS 6.5, with 6 or above on each band.
  • Students with strong bioscience preparation but with lower language proficiency scores could consider applying to USC’s International Academy Pre-master’s programs.
  • Applicants considered for admission may be interviewed (in person or via video conferencing) with program director and/or other faculty

 

APPLY NOW

Apply at Office of Graduate Admission starting September

  • Application deadline for Spring 2020:
    • Master of Science in Translational Biotechnology: December 1, 2019
    • Graduate Certificate in Translational Biotechnology: December 1, 2019
    • International students requiring visa processing: November 1, 2019
  • Application deadline for Fall 2020:
    • Master of Science in Translational Biotechnology: August 1, 2020
    • Graduate Certificate in Translational Biotechnology: August 1, 2020
    • International students requiring visa processing: June 15, 2020

Careers

Career Opportunities

Career options for graduates include, but are not limited to:

  • graduate studies in Ph.D. and other professional programs
  • research scientists in academic or industry settings
  • research, validation and field applications scientists
  • outcomes research, clinical trial managers, project coordinators
  • institution contract and licensing manager
  • educators: community college, primary and secondary schools, technical and specialty schools
  • consultants
  • medical science liaisons
  • marketing professionals
  • founders and executives of biotech firms
  • investor relations, analysts, investment banking, fund managers, business development (additional degreed or nondegreed business training required)
  • associates, attorneys, counsels (JD required) or technical specialists and patent agents in law firms
  • agents or officers in government agencies such as FDA, USPTO, NIH

Additional Info

COST OF ATTENDANCE AND FINANCIAL AID

Estimated budgets for tuition, fees, books, supplies, room, board and other living expenses can be found in the university catalogue and here.  Tuition is charged at the same rate for both in-state and out-of-state residents.

Students may apply for financial aid through USC Financial Aid Office, which provides additional information for federally backed student loans, private financing and federal work-study program.  Limited funding opportunities can be found at the Office of Academic Honors and Fellowships and USC Graduate School.

USC OFFICE OF INTERNATIONAL SERVICES

The Office of International Services (OIS) provides continuing support services for international students. Professionally trained counselors and student peer counselors are available to advise international students on important issues such as immigration regulations, academic progress, financial concerns, housing and cross-cultural adjustment. Through this office, students can receive information about social and cultural activities.

ADDITIONAL WEB PAGES

Contact

MS in Translational Biotechnology 
Keck School of Medicine of USC
1450 Biggy Street,  NRT 2506
Los Angeles, CA 90033

Map

Program Director
Carol S. Lin, PhD, MAE
Email: carollin@usc.edu
P

University of Southern California