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Biotechnology PSM

Professional Science Master’s in Biotechnology

From biofuels to drug discovery and emerging diseases to environmental remediation, the Professional Science Master’s (PSM) in Biotechnology​ from Temple’s College of Science and Technology equips graduates with the knowledge and tools to tackle the problems that impact human health and the environment. This 30-credit graduate degree program prepares students to understand biomolecular and cellular processes and be leaders in developing new products and technologies.

Led by faculty scholars from the departments of Biology and Pharmaceutical Sciences, the Biotechnology PSM program explores the development of new technologies based on living organisms and their products. Program features include

  • access to real-world independent research projects,
  • hands-on training in professional and management skills, and
  • applied focus on responsibility and ethics in research and policy.

With opportunities to do research in one of Temple’s many state-of-the-art facilities or an internship at a local pharmaceutical or biotechnology company, the Biotechnology PSM helps position you for career advancement with real-world experience in this rapidly growing field.

    Program Format & Curriculum

    Classes for the Biotechnology Professional Science Master’s are held in the evening on Temple’s Main Campus to accommodate working professionals. The advanced career-focused curriculum requires 30 credit hours of coursework and can be completed in two years.

    Classes are a blend of research and seminar courses including

    • Analytical Biochemistry,
    • Biotechnology Lab I and II,
    • Ethics Regulation and Policy in Biotechnology, and
    • Nucleic Acid Technologies.

    Students must also successfully complete a final capstone project with a local biotechnology, healthcare or pharmaceutical company or conduct research at Temple under the guidance of a principal investigator. If your interests are more aligned with research or you wish to pursue future academic study, you might want to consider the Biology MS or the Biology PhD.

    Learn more about required courses in Biotechnology PSM.

    +1 Accelerated Degree Programs

    Temple undergraduates can pursue dual degrees with an accelerated +1 dual bachelor’s + master’s degree option. The Professional Science Master’s in Biotechnology can be completed through the +1 accelerated pathway if the required qualifications are met by junior year.

    • +1 BA in Biochemistry + Biotechnology PSM
    • +1 BA or BS in Biology + Biotechnology PSM
    • +1 BS in Genomic Medicine + Biotechnology PSM
    • +1 BS in Genomic Medicine with Pre-Medicine Concentration + Biotechnology PSM
    • +1 BA or BS in Natural Science + Biotechnology PSM
    • +1 BS in Neuroscience + Biotechnology PSM

    Learn more about +1 biotechnology accelerated degree programs. If you are a current Temple student interested in one of these +1 programs, please visit our graduate admissions page for next steps.

    Related Graduate Degrees

    Related Graduate Certificates

    Tuition & Fees

    In keeping with Temple’s commitment to access and affordability, this Professional Science Master's offers a competitive level of tuition with multiple opportunities for financial support.

    Tuition rates are set annually by the university and are affected by multiple factors, including program degree level (undergraduate or graduate), course load (full- or part-time), in-state or out-of-state residency, and more. These tuition costs apply to the 2025–2026 academic year.

    Pennsylvania resident: $1,395.00 per credit
    Out-of-state: $1,824.00 per credit

    You can view the full cost of attendance breakdown on the Student Financial Services website.

    Our Advisors

    A key component to a professional science master’s program is its advisory board, which is composed of industry experts who advise on curriculum design, capstone projects and internships.

    Program Contact

    The following faculty teach in the Department of Biology and lead the Biotechnology PSM.

    Darius Balciunas is a professor in the Biology Department and director of the program.
    Phone: 215-204-1611
    Email:  

    For general questions regarding the Biotechnology PSM, contact .

    Accreditation

    As a division within Temple University, the College of Science and Technology is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.

    Additional Program Information