Biotechnology Degree Overview
Ever wondered how scientific discoveries turn into real-world medicines and treatments? That's the power of biotechnology! This field combines biology with the engineering of living cells to create value-added products, such as medicines, vaccines, and gene therapy. The process of manufacturing these value-added products is called Biotechnology. The program equips students with the knowledge and hands-on skills in biomanufacturing's scientific, regulatory and practical facets.
The Master of Biotechnology at ACPHS is offered by the Department of Life Sciences and Pharmaceutical Sciences in collaboration with CBET (Stack Family Center for Biopharmaceutical Education and Training). The program offers two tracks: a full-time track for full-time students and a part-time track for working professionals. In addition, the flexibility of the program enables you to pursue dual degree programs (e.g., Doctor of Pharmacy).
The program is a one-year accelerated program with extensive hands-on laboratory learning and courses that lay the foundations for understanding the science and regulatory landscape of the biotech industry. The program culminates with a biopharmaceutical project (research-focused, review paper and industrial-experience track) allowing a customizable personalized education experience.
Scholarships are available for qualified students who submit complete applications by the deadlines. There are two scholarships, Richard E. Sobiski ’65 Masters in Biomanufacturing and Bioprocessing Fund and the Borisenok Family Foundation Biomanufacturing Scholar to help support advancement in the biopharmaceutical sciences.
The Master of Biotechnology at ACPHS is offered by the Department of Life Sciences and Pharmaceutical Sciences in collaboration with CBET (Stack Family Center for Biopharmaceutical Education and Training). The program offers two tracks: a full-time track for full-time students and a part-time track for working professionals. In addition, the flexibility of the program enables you to pursue dual degree programs (e.g., Doctor of Pharmacy).
The program is a one-year accelerated program with extensive hands-on laboratory learning and courses that lay the foundations for understanding the science and regulatory landscape of the biotech industry. The program culminates with a biopharmaceutical project (research-focused, review paper and industrial-experience track) allowing a customizable personalized education experience.
Scholarships are available for qualified students who submit complete applications by the deadlines. There are two scholarships, Richard E. Sobiski ’65 Masters in Biomanufacturing and Bioprocessing Fund and the Borisenok Family Foundation Biomanufacturing Scholar to help support advancement in the biopharmaceutical sciences.
Hands-On Learning in the Biotechnology Master's Program
The Biotechnology program culminates in Biopharmaceutical capstone projects, providing students with the chance to apply their classroom and laboratory learning to real-world practice. There are three options for biopharmaceutical capstones. The program concludes with a customizable biopharmaceutical project (research-focused, review paper, and industrial experience track) that allows for a personalized educational experience.
The biotechnology program is designed to establish a foundation for careers in the biotech industry. It emphasizes understanding cell and molecular biology, the processes of medicine discovery, (bio)manufacturing, and regulation, and includes over 150 hours of hands-on training using laboratory techniques that align with industry-standard equipment and methods.
The biotechnology program is designed to establish a foundation for careers in the biotech industry. It emphasizes understanding cell and molecular biology, the processes of medicine discovery, (bio)manufacturing, and regulation, and includes over 150 hours of hands-on training using laboratory techniques that align with industry-standard equipment and methods.
Biopharmaceutical Capstones
Examples of Research-focused Capstones
- Refining Affinity Chromatography of Hybridoma-derived Anti-IgM Monoclonal IgG Antibodies – Joel Goetz (ACPHS Faculty Mentor: Payel Datta)
- Exploring Human Cytochrome P450 2C8 and 2C9: Genetic Polymorphisms, Drug-Drug Interactions, and Clinical Implications) - Aezat Ullah (ACPHS Faculty Mentor: Dr. Manish Shah)
- Benefits and Limitations of IBM Robotic Process Automation (RPA): A Use Case for Text Recognition - Nivedita Sivakumar, Industry-Experience
Examples of Review-Style Capstones
- Interchangeable Biologics: Pharmacy Level Substitution - Vidisha Amin (ACPHS Faculty Mentors: Dr. Payel Datta and Dr. Haian Zheng)
- Methods to Establish an Efficient Workflow to Produce Antibody-Drug Conjugate (ADC) - Bereket Estifanos – (ACPHS Faculty Mentors: Dr. Payel Datta)
- Review of Molecular Mechanisms of Monoclonal Antibodies for Cancer Treatment - Carmen Nazario (ACPHS Faculty Mentors: Dr. Payel Datta and Dr. Kideok Jin)
Examples of Industry-Experience Capstones
- Quality Assurance Validation for Curial Global – Mariam Gawdat, Curia
- Influenza Assay Development at Pfizer Vaccine R&D – Nicholas Labbe
- Benefits and Limitations of IBM Robotic Process Automation (RPA): A Use Case for Text Recognition - Nivedita Sivakumar, IBM
- Quality Assurance for Biopharmaceuticals: An overview of regulations and methods – Hany Elfar, Curia
Interested in Hybrid Learning?
Are you interested in hybrid learning? ACPHS offers a hybrid option for a Master of Science in Biotechnology. You'll prepare for roles in the biotech and biopharma industries through a combination of online classes and in-person, hands-on training with industry-standard equipment.
Careers in Biotechnology
The biotechnology program at ACPHS is ideal for early and mid-career professionals seeking to enter the biotech and biopharmaceutical industries. For those already in biopharma, the program helps enhance skills and prepares students for leadership roles.
Graduates are prepared for various positions, including cell-line development, regulatory compliance, and quality assurance. Leading biopharmaceutical sciences companies that hire our graduates include Amgen, AstraZeneca, Pfizer, and Johnson & Johnson.
Earning a master’s degree opens doors to leadership opportunities and higher-paying careers, particularly for candidates who can navigate the complex regulatory environments in biotechnology.
Located near the biopharma hubs of Boston and New York City, Albany is a great place to pursue your degree.
Graduates are prepared for various positions, including cell-line development, regulatory compliance, and quality assurance. Leading biopharmaceutical sciences companies that hire our graduates include Amgen, AstraZeneca, Pfizer, and Johnson & Johnson.
Earning a master’s degree opens doors to leadership opportunities and higher-paying careers, particularly for candidates who can navigate the complex regulatory environments in biotechnology.
Located near the biopharma hubs of Boston and New York City, Albany is a great place to pursue your degree.
Contact the Program Director
Payel Datta, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor
payel.datta@c178.net
518-694-7483
Assistant Professor
payel.datta@c178.net
518-694-7483
Contact the Admissions Office
106 New Scotland Ave.
Albany, NY 12208
admissions@c178.net
518-694-7221
Albany, NY 12208
admissions@c178.net
518-694-7221