University of the Sciences in Philadelphia

To meet a growing need for broadly-trained professionals in the pharmaceutical and biotechnology fields, the Biological Sciences Graduate Program at University of the Sciences in Philadelphia is crossing traditional academic boundaries in its new degree offerings. The new PhD in cell and molecular biology and a professional MS degree in cell biology and biotechnology provide students with interdisciplinary graduate experiences.

“We’re offering a small program with diverse research opportunities,” said Dr. John R. Porter, graduate programs director, who explained that the degrees fill fundamental niches for the mid-Atlantic region and beyond. The exclusive focus on interdisciplinary research and learning, emphasis on biotechnology, drug discovery and delivery, and a vast and varied range of topics and disciplines, differentiate the program from other regional offerings.

The graduate tracks provide opportunities for advanced learning in cell biology, molecular biology and genetics, biotechnology, bioinformatics, biochemistry and structural biology, and the business applications that support these pursuits.

“In the pharmaceutical and biotechnology industries, interest in individuals who specialize within a single focus is waning,” Dr. Porter said. “Instead, these industries are increasingly looking for professionals trained across multiple disciplines who can work in several facets.”

·        With a PhD in cell and molecular biology, students are exposed to multiple disciplines and guided through the understanding of complex biological systems. The program prepares students for advanced research as well as supervisory positions in industry, government service, or academia.

·        The professional MS combines courses in the scientific fields with key business courses that prepare students for management positions in industry, advanced training in related fields such as patent law, marketing or medicine, technical positions; or further education leading to PhD, MD, or MD/PhD degrees.

“The program’s interdisciplinary approach throughout graduate education places students at the forefront of knowledge of cell and molecular biology, and shapes them into career scientists of high value to industry, government, and academia,” Dr. Porter said.

These degree options were added to the already successful cell biology and biotechnology MS and MS (non-thesis) degree options. All of the graduate programs use evening courses to make the degrees accessible to the working student. A certificate in biotechnology is under development.

For more information about University of the Sciences and the Biological Sciences Graduate Programs program, visit http://www.gradschool.usp.edu/programs/biological_sciences.