Biocompass Advancing Industry with Education

Life Sciences Degrees

California State University offers a variety of degrees to prepare students for careers in biotechnology related industries such as pharmaceuticals, biopharmaceuticals, and medical devices and in areas of the healthcare sector where there is a strong workforce demand.

Cal Poly Pomona

Master of Biotechnology
The Master of Biotechnology prepares graduates for challenging and rewarding careers in biomedical device, biocomputing and biopharmaceutical industries. This two-year program provides solid training in the science skills fundamental to industry, and also a sound background in essential business skills, including project management, team management, cross-functional teamwork, group leadership and communication, regulatory affairs, drug discovery and development, and stem cell methodology. The program is offered jointly with CSU Fullerton and CSU Los Angeles.

For more information or to apply contact: David Dyer, ddyer@fullerton.edu or visit the MBT program website Opens in a new window..


CSU Channel Islands

Master of Science in Biotechnology and Bioinformatics
The flexibility of the degree structure permits students to custom-design their curriculum under an advisor's guidance, making the degree especially relevant for students employed in today's diverse biotechnology workplace. Students completing the program are qualified to pursue careers that require knowledge of current scientific principles and knowledge underlying advances in biotechnology along with legal and intellectual property issues. The program is not only comprehensive, but prepares the students to be effective managers in biotechnology-related companies, agencies and organizations by giving them the knowledge and skills needed to advance in science and business roles. Furthermore, a multi-disciplinary approach encourages teamwork and effective expression of ideas.

For general information and application packets contact: (805) 437-2748 or e-mail biotech@csuci.edu or visit the program website Opens in a new window..

Master of Science in Biotechnology and MBA Dual Degree
The Master of Science in Biotechnology and Master of Business Administration is an innovative dual degree program offered to meet the regional and national needs of a well educated workforce in the biotechnology industry. Drawing on courses currently offered through the existing MS in Biotechnology and MBA programs, the interdisciplinary blends key components of biological science and business at the graduate level. By recognizing the importance of combining biotechnology and business in a dual degree program, our biology and business/economics faculty present a forward-looking and progressive program geared for those intending to develop careers in the biotechnology industry.

For general information and application packets contact: (805) 437-2748 or e-mail biotech@csuci.edu or visit the program website Opens in a new window..


CSU Chico

Professional Science Master's
The Professional Science Master’s (PSM) option in environmental sciences serves the needs of scientists who want to improve their skills in business. The PSM program is designed to fill a management need for technology-based companies, governmental agencies, and non-profit organizations. The business training is complemented by advanced science training in pertinent fields such as agriculture, biology, chemistry, and engineering. The U.S. is on the verge of losing its lead as an innovative and technological leader in the world, because it is not generating an adequate highly-trained workforce. The increasing global population and per capita natural resource usage has predictable outcomes. The Environmental Sciences PSM is part of the solution.

For more information contact: psm@csuchico.edu or visit the program website Opens in a new window.


CSU Dominguez Hills

Bachelors of Science in Quality Assurance
The online Bachelor of Science in Quality Assurance (BSQA) degree program blends the basic sciences with the technologies, management principles, quality concepts and statistical tools needed to prepare professionals for careers in Quality Assurance, and to enhance the careers of working professionals in the field seeking career enhancement. Those students more interested in the technical areas of Quality can pursue a Measurement Science option.

For more information contact: 1-310-243-3880 or email msqa@csudh.edu or visit the BSQA program website Opens in a new window.

Click here Opens in a new window to apply.

Master of Science Quality Assurance
The online Master of Science in Quality Assurance (MSQA) degree program is designed to prepare professionals in quality, engineering, science, management, health care, government and service industries for career advancement. Topics covered include Total Quality Management (TQM), Six Sigma, ISO 9000, reliability, benchmarking, process improvement, quality control, human factors in quality assurance, measurement and testing techniques, quality project management, productivity, quality function management, and customer satisfaction.

For more information contact: 1-310-243-3880 (MSQA office) or email msqa@csudh.edu or visit the MSQA program website Opens in a new window..

Click here Opens in a new window. to apply.

Bachelor of Science in Clinical Science - Cytotechnology Option or Medical Technology Option
The Bachelor of Science Degree in Clinical Science is designed to provide baccalaureate level didactic and clinical practica in the clinical science professions. A strong clinical experience is combined with a science base within the liberal arts and sciences focus of the University. Course work dealing with automation, management, laws affecting laboratory and health care services, and ethics of patient care are encompassed within the curriculum leading to professional certification. Graduates of the program, upon passage of the appropriate certification examination(s), are considered to be health professionals armed with the technical skills and knowledge theory necessary to meet current and future standards of quality laboratory and health care services practice. There are two professional clinical options: Cytotechnology and Medical Technology. The clinical or internship components of all options are offered under the supervision of university faculty, in affiliation with approved, accredited health care facilities.

For more information contact: Cheryl Jackson-Harris, Program Coordinator at (310) 243-3748 or visit the CSU Dominguez Hills catalog Opens in a new window..


CSU East Bay

Masters of Science in Biostatistics
The program is designed to serve the needs of students with varying backgrounds in Statistics, Biological Sciences, Public Health, Computer Science, Mathematics and other sciences. The program includes curriculum designed to prepare students to work in the pharmaceutical and biotech industries. All students are expected to master a wide variety of applied statistical and probabilistic techniques and the theoretical foundations on which these techniques rest. They are expected to be familiar with recent developments and to be able to use the statistical literature to learn new techniques and theories throughout their professional careers.

For more information contact: Department of Statistics and Biostatistics at (510) 885-3435 or visit the program website Opens in a new window.


CSU Fullerton

Master of Biotechnology
The Master of Biotechnology prepares graduates for challenging and rewarding careers in biomedical device, biocomputing and biopharmaceutical industries. This two-year program provides solid training in the science skills fundamental to industry, and also a sound background in essential business skills, including project management, team management, cross-functional teamwork, group leadership and communication, regulatory affairs, drug discovery and development, and stem cell methodology. The program is offered jointly with Cal Poly Pomona and CSU Los Angeles.

For more information or to apply contact: David Dyer,ddyer@fullerton.edu or visit the MBT program website Opens in a new window..


CSU Long Beach

Master of Science in Healthcare Administration
Developed by an expert team of faculty and industry professionals, the MSHCA-Accelerated Program is designed to prepare you for administrative positions in hospitals, managed care, mental health settings, long-term care, multi-institutional system central offices, governmental health agencies, and other health related organizations. The curriculum combines online and face-to-face weekend instructions. Subject areas include an analysis of the U.S. health care system, managerial skills essential to the health care profession, financial management, and strategic business in the health industry, ethics, and public policy analysis.

For more information contact: (800) 963-2250 or e-mail MSHealthcare@ccpe.csulb.edu or visit the MSHCA-Accelerated Program website Opens in a new window..

Click here Opens in a new window. to apply


CSU Los Angeles

Master of Biotechnology
The Master of Biotechnology prepares graduates for challenging and rewarding careers in biomedical device, biocomputing and biopharmaceutical industries. This two-year program provides solid training in the science skills fundamental to industry, and also a sound background in essential business skills, including project management, team management, cross-functional teamwork, group leadership and communication, regulatory affairs, drug discovery and development, and stem cell methodology. The program is offered jointly with Cal Poly Pomona and CSU Fullerton.

For more information or to apply contact: David Dyer, ddyer@fullerton.edu or visit the MBT program website Opens in a new window..


CSU Northridge

Master in Assistive and Rehabilitative Technology
Provide our graduates with the knowledge, conceptual skills, and professional abilities needed for success not only in specific areas of professional practice but also for leadership in the field - i.e., the ability to lead innovation as well as cross-field teams and organizations. While earning your master's in Assistive and Rehabilitative Technology, you will learn how to design and manufacture assistive technology devices. Subject areas will include product design and development, project management and robotic applications.

For more information contact: Jennifer Kalfsbeek, Senior Program Director, The Tseng College, (818) 677-5943 or Email:Jennifer.Kalfsbeek@csun.edu or visit the Assistive Technology Program website Opens in a new window..


CSU San Bernardino

Master of Science in Environmental Science
The Master of Science in Environmental Sciences (MSES) is designed to provide strong preparation in applied science as well as social, political, and economic aspects needed for critical decision-making for environmental issues. The program includes a core curriculum including an internship, and participation in a basic or applied research project related to the internship. To accommodate working professionals, internships may be completed at their place of business if deemed appropriate by their faculty advisor. The program is designed so that it can potentially be completed in two years and every effort will be made to offer courses at times convenient for working professionals. The required internship program will be offered during the summer between the first and second years and the supervised graduate study in the following quarter. Additional internship courses are included as electives, as a number of local companies have expressed an interest in having interns for extended periods.

For more information contact: Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry at (909) 537-5318 or Department of Geology at (909) 537-5336 or visit the MSES program website Opens in a new window..

Master of Science in Health Services Administration
The Master of Science in Health Services Administration is appropriate for students preparing to become health service administrators or managers in hospitals, health maintenance organizations, medical group clinic managers, nursing homes, public health departments, state and federal health agencies, military health services, or other health service organizations.

For more information contact: Department of Health Science and Human Ecology at (909) 537-5339 or visit the Health Services Administration M.S. program website Opens in a new window..


CSU San Marcos

Master of Biotechnology
The Master of Biotechnology is a professional science degree program designed to meet the needs of the biotechnology industry and associated organizations. The program combines advanced study of related science, professional preparation, business and real-world experience for biotechnology-oriented students. The purpose of the degree is to prepare students for careers in technology-related organizations with a breadth of workplace knowledge.

For more information contact: (760) 750-8719 or el@csusm.edu or visit the program website Opens in a new window.


San Diego State University

Master's of Science in Bioinformatics and Medical Informatics
Bioinformatics (we also include Systems Biology here) and Medical Informatics (also called Biomedical, health, or Clinical Informatics) are related multidisciplinary fields that rely on data mining and pattern recognition techniques to discover biological or clinical patterns in large amounts of data (e.g. data mining in Flow Cytometry). The majority of research and development (R&D) in the two fields can be categorized into one of three branches. The first branch is the algorithm development branch in which R&D specialists use mathematical and engineering techniques (sometimes also approaches from physical sciences) to develop new, more efficient, and/or more accurate methods to mine biological or clinical data. The second branch falls within the software engineering paradigm and primarily focuses on R&D in human-computer interface. Specifically, the branch deals with data visualization and the design of graphical user interface (GUI) that allows the user to easily visualize and interpret the results of the algorithms developed by the first branch. The third branch includes those who work on finding answers to specific biological or medical questions. This includes those working to uncover the underlying mechanisms involved in specific biological systems or specific diseases. This branch also includes much of the work being conducted in the area of Systems Biology. This program offers training for all three branches of the two fields. Students can specialize in their area of interest in the second year of the program, while the first year is individually tailored to primarily fill in the holes in the student's background required for her/his desired specialization.

For more information contact: BMI Coordinator at cadams@sciences.sdsu.edu or visit the program website Opens in a new window.

Professional Science Masters Program
The PSM degree has an interdisciplinary cast and is offered in collaboration with the departments of Astronomy, Biology, Chemistry, Computer Science, Engineering, Geological Sciences, Mathematics, and Physics. The degree's curriculum is driven by real-world problems and includes: Visualization/Communication, Team Projects, Internships (required for the PSM) and Business Basics (required for the PSM).

The PSM, being business based, leads to careers in management of technology in a wide variety of fields.

The PSM degree is offered in conjunction with the Sloan Foundation supported PSM programs around the country. The program was launched in response to industry requests for better-trained professionals with advanced degrees.

For more information contact: Computational Research Center at (619) 594-3430 or e-mail Director at castillo@myth.sdsu.edu or visit program website Opens in a new window.

Master of Science in Regulatory Affairs
The degree focuses on laws and regulations mandated by the Federal government, especially the Food and Drug Administration, related to discovery, development, testing, and manufacture of products for commercial distribution, and post-marketing surveillance. The degree program provides students with detailed knowledge and understanding of current regulations and their practical application to the development and commercialization of drugs, biologics, and medical device products.

For more information contact: (619) 594-6030 or visit program website Opens in a new window.


San Francisco State University

Professional Science Master's
The Professional Science Master's (PSM) is an innovative, new graduate degree designed to allow students to pursue advanced training in science or mathematics, while simultaneously developing workplace skills highly valued by employers. PSM programs consist of two years of academic training in an emerging or interdisciplinary area, along with a professional component that may include internships and "cross-training" in workplace skills, such as business, communications, and regulatory affairs. All have been developed in concert with employers and are designed to dovetail into present and future professional career opportunities.

For more information contact: psm@sfsu.edu or (415) 338-1695 or visit program website Opens in a new window.


San Jose State University

Master of Biotechnology
The Professional Science Master of Biotechnology Program (MBT) was founded in 2003 in the Biological Sciences Department at San José State University by three faculty members (William Murray, Chris Brinegar, and Sally Veregge) who were awarded a program development grant from the Sloan Foundation. The MBT program integrates advanced, hands-on training in laboratory-based biotechnologies from the Department of Biological Sciences with MBA-level business courses in management/marketing from the College of Business. The Department of Biological Sciences is highly regarded in the Silicon Valley for providing outstanding laboratory-based training, and the College of Business is ranked in the top 15% of Business Schools in the country.

This MBT program graduates highly trained individuals who have had direct exposure to the biotechnology corporate world and are ready to make immediate contributions to biotechnology companies. Graduates work in a variety biotechnology and pharmaceutical companies including Genentech, Affymetrix, Ilumina, Agilent Technologies, Abbott, Roche, Frost and Sullivan, and others.

For more information contact: mbt@science.sjsu.edu or Dr. Sally Veregge, Program Director, at 408-924-4880 or visit the program website SJSU Master of Biotechnology program website.

Master of Medical Products Development Management
The Master of Medical Product Development Management (MPDM) is a Master of Science (MS) degree program that prepares its graduates for career change, advancement or entry into the challenging and rewarding field of clinical research and clinical development in the biomedical industry.

The emphasis of the program is on the management of products undergoing clinical research and clinical development, i.e. clinical trial stages I, II, III and IV or other testing as required the Federal Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

The MPDM provides rigorous courses covering the processes, regulated by the FDA, by which drugs, biologicals such as vaccines and biopharmaceuticals, in vitro medical diagnostics, and medical devices are developed for use in patients. The MPDM also includes advanced MBA-level courses in the administration, supervision and management of the development processes including FDA submissions of these medical products

For more information contact Progam Director at tonja.green@sjsu.edu or visit http://www.medproddev.sjsu.edu/ program website SJSU Master of Biotechnology program website.