Bioinnovation PSM

About the Program

Bioinnovation entails identification, commercialization and dissemination of novel biological technologies, concepts and models. The primary objective of the Professional Science Master’s (PSM) program in Bioinnovation 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 program offers:

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 PSM program draws on the strengths of Temple faculty in the College of Science and Technology and the Fox School of Business and Management. Program development and implementation are executed by the PSM in Bioinnovation Steering Committee, which partners with Internal and External Advisory Board members and the Temple University Graduate School.

Time Limit for Degree Completion: 2 years

Campus Location: Main

Full-Time/Part-Time Status: The degree program can be completed on a full- or part-time basis. Most of the classes are offered in the evenings or on weekends to enable full-time working professionals to be enrolled in the program. International students are required to register as full-time students.

Interdisciplinary Study: The two-year program consists of a series of multi- and interdisciplinary core courses related to application of systems biology; dissemination of biodiscoveries; epigenetic and genetic applications in drug design and drug response; ethics, regulation and policy; feasibility assessment of innovative business ideas; innovation in biomodels and concepts; management and marketing for technologists; and research and commercialization of biomarkers and biotargets. Many of the courses are writing intensive and also provide students with opportunities to sharpen their oral presentation skills. All student research projects are developed with the cooperation of Temple faculty and members of our External Advisory Board under the guidance of the PSM in Bioinnovation Steering Committee.

Accreditation: Temple University is fully accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.

Areas of Specialization: Three areas of concentration are offered:

Bioinnovation in Environment and Society
Current Topics in Bioinnovation
Implementation of Biodiscoveries in Health and Other Industries

Job Prospects: Official job placement is not offered, but prospects are good. The program is designed to help recent graduates obtain relevant employment as well as accelerate career advancement and/or allow career shift of currently employed professionals. Graduates of PSM programs are in high demand, which underscores the PSM as an attractive career path for those who do not wish to become academic researchers or pursue a doctorate.

Non-Matriculated Student Policy: Non-matriculated students may enroll in a total of three courses (9 credits) with permission of the instructor and the Biology Department.

Financing Opportunities: Financial assistance in the form of Research or Teaching Assistantships is not offered at this time.

Admission Requirements and Deadlines

Application Deadline:

Fall: March 1; December 15 international
Spring: October 30

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.

APPLY ONLINE to this graduate program.

Letters of Reference:
Number Required: 2

From Whom: Letters should be obtained from college/university faculty or faculty who are familiar with the applicant's competency. If the applicant has an established career in a related field, the applicant’s immediate supervisor should provide one of the letters.

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

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 PSM program, career goals, and academic and professional achievements.

Standardized Test Scores:
GRE: Optional

Applicants who earned their baccalaureate degree from an institution where the language of instruction was other than English, with the exception of those who subsequently earned a master’s degree at a U.S. institution, must report scores for a standardized test of English that meet these minimums:

TOEFL iBT: 90
IELTS Academic: 6.5
PTE Academic: 61
Duolingo: 110

Interview: In-person or video interview required.

Transfer Credit: Graduate credits from an accredited institution may be transferred into the Bioinnovation PSM 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.

Program Requirements

General Program Requirements:
Number of Credits Required Beyond the Baccalaureate: 30

Required Courses:

Course List
Code	Title	Credit Hours
Core Courses
BIOL 5226	Innovative Biomodels and Concepts	3
BIOL 5227	Biomarkers and Biotargets: Research and Commercialization	3
BIOL 5228	Epigenetics, Genetics: Applications in Drug Design and Drug Response	3
BIOL 5229	Systems Biology: Principles and Applications	3
BIOL 5239	Dissemination of Biodiscoveries and Virtual Reality in Medicine	3
BIOL 5505	Ethics Regulation and Policy in Biotechnology	3
SGM 5136	Principles of Strategy and Management ¹	3
Electives		6
Capstone Course
BIOL 9995	Capstone Project ²	3
Total Credit Hours		30

With advisor approval, any recommended graduate-level introductory course offered by the Fox School of Business and Management may be substituted for SGM 5136.

A total of 3 credits of BIOL 9995 is required for the PSM in Bioinnovation program. Students may start their capstone research project at any time with approval from their advisor.

Proposed Progressive Coursework Outlined by Year:

Year 1
Fall
BIOL 5226	Innovative Biomodels and Concepts	3
BIOL 5227	Biomarkers and Biotargets: Research and Commercialization	3
SGM 5136	Principles of Strategy and Management¹	3
	Term Credit Hours	9
Spring
BIOL 5228	Epigenetics, Genetics: Applications in Drug Design and Drug Response	3
BIOL 5229	Systems Biology: Principles and Applications	3
BIOL 5239	Dissemination of Biodiscoveries and Virtual Reality in Medicine	3
Elective^2,3		3
	Term Credit Hours	12
Year 2
Summer I
BIOL 9995	Capstone Project⁴	1
	Term Credit Hours	1
Fall
BIOL 5505	Ethics Regulation and Policy in Biotechnology	3
BIOL 9995	Capstone Project⁴	1
Elective^2,3		3
	Term Credit Hours	7
Spring
BIOL 9995	Capstone Project⁴	1
	Term Credit Hours	1
	Total Credit Hours:	30

With advisor approval, any recommended graduate-level introductory course offered by the Fox School of Business and Management may be substituted for SGM 5136.

Students are required to take 6 credits of electives. These can be selected from the program's approved list of electives; any graduate course offered by the Fox School of Business and Management; or any other Temple University graduate-level course that aligns with the students' career goals.

Electives are shown in the plan of study as 3-credit courses taken in two academic terms. If students choose to take electives that are fewer than 3 credits and additional time is needed to complete elective coursework, it is recommended that those elective credits be taken in the Spring term of Year 2.

⁴

A total of 3 credits of BIOL 9995 is required for the PSM in Bioinnovation program. Students may start their capstone research project at any time with approval from their advisor. These credits are shown in the plan of study as 1 credit taken in each of three academic terms. Students may elect to distribute the 3 required credits over one, two or three terms, as their schedule allows.

Approved Electives:

Course List
Code	Title	Credit Hours
BIOL 5234	Bioinnovation Seminar	1.5
BIOL 5235	Milestones in Clinical Translation of Biodiscoveries	1.5
BIOL 5236	Bioadvanced Screening in Health Disparity	1.5
SGM 5137	Entrepreneurial Thinking and New Venture Creation	3
SGM 5138	Global Innovation Strategy: Creating Agile, Innovative, Globally-Competitive Organizations	3
SGM 5139	Lean Entrepreneurship / Innovation: Fast & Frugal Methods to Launch Startups & Test Innovative Ideas	3
SGM 5142	Business Model Innovation	3
SGM 5144	Creativity Unleashed: Harnessing Creativity to Solve Real-World Innovation Challenges	3
SGM 5148	Open Innovation and Managing Strategic Alliances	3
Or any other graduate course offered by the Fox School of Business and Management or Temple University graduate-level course that aligns with the student's career goals

Culminating Events:
Capstone Project:
BIOL 9995 constitutes the capstone experience for the Bioinnovation PSM and requires the submission of a written project and oral presentation of the results.