COLLEGE OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

Learn more about the graduate certificate in Bioinnovation.

About the Certificate

The primary objective of the Bioinnovation graduate certificate program is to develop a portfolio of knowledge and experience that allows individuals with a background in science, business, communication, law, and policy and regulation to pursue careers in such fast-growing fields as bioinformation, the environment, global health, pharmaceuticals and biotechnology, technology transfer and trade. The certificate program provides:

• extensive biotechnology and biomedical background to challenge and complement traditional thinking and applications;
• review of the translational nature of biodiscoveries through classroom instruction and direct interaction with different bioindustry professionals, including scientists, lawyers, journalists and others; and
•  development of team and matrix work routines and effective communication skills.

The Bioinnovation certificate program is designed to help recent graduates obtain relevant employment or to accelerate career advancement and/or allow a career shift for currently employed professionals. The certificate is a shorter, transcripted program taken from the core requirements of the Bioinnovation PSM program. Certificate students take the same core courses as PSM students but without committing to a capstone project or the full 30 credits needed to earn a graduate degree. The classes are taught by the same faculty as those for the Bioinnovation PSM program.

Time Limit for Certificate Completion: 2 years

Campus Location: Main

Full-Time/Part-Time Status: The certificate program can be completed on a full- or part-time basis. NOTE: International students may not be eligible to apply for a student visa based on admission to the certificate program. Please contact the assistant director for PSM programs for more information.

Non-Matriculated Student Policy: Non-matriculated students may take up to 9 credits of coursework before applying to the graduate certificate program.

Admission Requirements and Deadlines

Application Deadline:

Fall: March 1

Applications are processed on a continual basis. Ordinarily, the applicant is informed of an admissions decision within four to six weeks of receipt of all supporting application documents. Late applications may be considered for admission.

International students should note that the certificate may not fulfill the F-1 visa requirement for full-time coursework.

APPLY ONLINE to this certificate program.

Coursework Required for Admission Consideration: Applicants should have a strong background in one or more of the following fields: science, business, communication, law, or policy and regulation. Upon review, the PSM in Bioinnovation Steering Committee may allow departures from course requirements.

Bachelor's Degree in Discipline/Related Discipline: A baccalaureate degree in Biology, Chemistry, Business or Communication, or a Juris Doctor in Law (or foreign equivalent), is required. Non-STEM graduates are required to enroll in at least two Biology foundation courses, as recommended by the PSM in Bioinnovation Steering Committee, on a non-matriculated basis.

Statement of Goals: In approximately 500 to 1,000 words, describe your interest in the Bioinnovation certificate, career goals, and academic and professional achievements.

Interview: An in-person or Skype interview is required.

Transfer Credit: Graduate credits from an accredited institution may be transferred into the Bioinnovation graduate certificate program. The credits must be equivalent to coursework offered by the Biology Department at Temple University. A grade of "B" or better must have been earned for the credits to transfer. The PSM in Bioinnovation Steering Committee makes recommendations to the Department Chair for transferring credit on an individual basis. The maximum number of credits a student may transfer is 6.

Certificate Requirements

Number of Credits Required to Complete the Certificate: 12

Required Courses:

Course List

Code	Title	Credit Hours
Select four courses from the following:		12
BIOL 5226	Innovative Biomodels and Concepts
BIOL 5227	Biomarkers and Biotargets: Research and Commercialization
BIOL 5228	Epigenetics, Genetics: Applications in Drug Design and Drug Response
BIOL 5229	Systems Biology: Principles and Applications
BIOL 5239	Dissemination of Biodiscoveries and Virtual Reality in Medicine
BIOL 5505	Ethics Regulation and Policy in Biotechnology
SGM 5137	Entrepreneurial Thinking and New Venture Creation
Total Credit Hours		12

GPA Required to be Awarded the Certificate: 3.0 minimum

Contacts

Department Contacts: