Program Overview

Introduction to the Master's Degree in Applied Molecular Biology and Biotechnology

The Master's Degree in Applied Molecular Biology and Biotechnology (MS in AMBB) is an entry-level degree designed to prepare students for a career as a laboratory scientist in the biotechnology, biopharmaceutical, or molecular diagnostic fields.

Program Overview

The MS in AMBB program is a "locked step," 51-credit blended master's degree that can be completed in 12 months using a fall, winter, spring, summer semester combination. The program educational goals and courses can be viewed in the Course Catalog.

What Will I Learn in the MS in AMBB?

With a focus on bench-focused technical skills as well as training in the regulatory, fiscal, and management aspects of laboratory practice, students will have the skills needed to succeed in the increasingly competitive biomedical sciences sector. The program also includes a capstone research project.

Career Opportunities

Following graduation, students will be workforce ready, well-rounded, and have marketable technical skills. They will be prepared to sit for the molecular diagnostics board of certification exam offered through the American Society of Clinical Pathology, MB(ASCP). Recent graduates have found work in biopharmaceutical, hospital, biotherapeutics, and related industries. Others have gone on to advanced degrees at leading research and professional programs.

Admission Information

This program is designed for individuals who do not hold a bachelor's degree in biotechnology or applied molecular biology.

Admission Requirements

• BS in a biomedical science-based discipline, including, but not limited to, biology, chemistry, biochemistry, nutrition, or exercise science
• An undergraduate GPA of 3.0 or higher
• Written statement of goals and objectives that identifies the student's research and curriculum interests and explains how admission to the program will facilitate their professional objectives
• Current rťsumť and two letters of recommendation
• If English is not the student's first language, the University requires a paper-based TOEFL score of at least 550, or at least 79 on the Internet-based TOEFL, within the last two years
• GRE is not required

Curriculum

The MS in AMBB program consists of the following courses:

Fall (15 credits)

• MMSC 603 Research Design (3 cr)
• MMSC 608 Molecular Prep Techniques (2 cr)
• MMSC 625 Basic Molecular Techniques (4 cr)
• MMSC 690 Clinical and Molecular Cell Biology (online) (3 cr)
• MMSC 635 Practical Bioinformatics, Genomics, and Proteomics (3 cr)

Winter (3 credits)

• MMSC 691 Human Molecular Genetics (online) (3 cr)

Spring (18 credits)

• MMSC 626 Protein Purification and Characterization (3 cr)
• MMSC 627 Flow Cytometry (2 cr)
• MMSC 815 Contemporary Topics Research I (3 cr)
• MMSC 651 Cell and Tissue Culture Techniques (4 cr)
• MMSC 605 Regulatory and Fiscal Issues in Laboratory Management (3 cr)
• MMSC 692 Application of Molecular Diagnostic Techniques (3 cr)

Summer (15 credits)

• MMSC 815 Contemporary Topics Research II (3 cr)
• MMSC 641 Biotech Practicum I (3 cr)
• MMSC 642 Biotech Practicum II (3 cr)
• MMSC 643 Biotech Practicum III (3 cr)
• MMSC 644 Biotech Practicum IV (3 cr)

Tuition Rates

Due to a College of Health Sciences Dean's Scholarship, the student tuition rate is lower than the published UD graduate tuition rate. The final student tuition rate for the Applied Molecular Biology and Biotechnology program is $886 per credit hour. Tuition remission, assistantships, and/or stipends are not available in this program. Students can apply for financial aid as applicable.

Application Deadline

The application deadline is July 15.