Flexible Curriculum, Networks in Industry, & Paid Internships
Entrepreneurial Biotechnology (EB) is a two-year professional MS in Biology (Entrepreneurial Biotechnology Track) offered by the Department of Biology at Case Western Reserve University in collaboration with the CWRU School of Law and the Case School of Medicine, an outstanding biomedical research center that currently ranks 12th among the nation’s 122 medical schools in NIH research funding. You will study state-of-the-art biotechnology, practical business, and technology innovation while you work on a real-world entrepreneurial project with an existing company or your own startup. The EB will help connect you with mentors, advisors, partners, funding sources and job opportunities.
Who Enrolls?
Individuals who have a bachelors, masters, or PhD in a biology-related field. EB students typically have a strong work ethic, an aptitude for creative problem solving and a passion for creating and launching new things. Typically, EB students do not wish to follow the traditional career path of researcher.
Careers and Salaries
EB prepares students to work as an integral part of a start-up or small company in diverse research or technology-centered environments. EB graduates currently work for companies ranging from startups to Fortune 100, and hold diverse positions that include CTO, Program Manager, Project Manager, Chief Scientist/Engineer, Chief Technologist, Director of Professional Services, Integrated Services Engineer, Project Coordinator, Business Development Associate and Executive Director. According to a 2009 survey by the National Professional Science Master’s Association, the average salary of EB alumni is approximately $70,000. Starting salaries are usually lower.
Teaching Assistantships & Tuition Support
A limited number of merit-based part-time teaching assistantships are available. These assistantships provide one third to half tuition support with no stipend, and are offered to students who exhibit excellence in academics as well as innovation and entrepreneurship. It should be noted that most EB “Plan A” (internship/thesis) students are employed in a well-paying internship before the end of the first year.
Prerequisites
Minimum of a 4-year bachelor’s degree in biology or a biology-related field. 20% of EB students hold a masters or PhD.
Partners
JumpStart, BioEnterprise, The Northcoast Angels, and the Cleveland Clinic assist EB faculty in bringing the outside world to campus. This takes many forms, such as entrepreneurs and executives presenting “live” case studies in the classroom, identification of project opportunities for students, and guest speakers for the monthly STEP seminar series. Furthermore,”Plan A” (internship/thesis) students can compete for internship positions in BioEnterprise, Inc,. and the Cleveland Clinic, which are advertised during the first semester.
Instructors
EB instructors have extensive international experience in both the practice and study of innovation. Students are exposed to a mixture of theory and practical knowledge.