Translational Biotechnology Certificate

Harlyne J. Norris Cancer Research Tower
1450 Biggy Street, NRT G517F
Los Angeles, CA 90033
(323) 442-3237
Email: CarolLin@usc.edu
Program Director: Carol S. Lin, PhD, MAE

keck.usc.edu/translational-biotechnology-program/
dtg.usc.edu/education/translational_biotechnology

 

Keck School of Medicine Department of Translational Genomics offers a Graduate Certificate in Translational Biotechnology. This program combines a unique curriculum and distinctive practical training that exposes students to biotechnology and its applications in translating genomic and molecular insights into developing novel therapies and precision medicine. Drawing strength from the Keck School of Medicine faculty’s education, research, and practice expertise, this program educates students on approaches used in the academic research, biotechnology and medical sciences industries.

Program Summary

The certificate program in Translational Biotechnology is for students who wish to expand career options in the biotechnology or biomedical sciences industry, but do not wish to pursue a graduate degree.

Students in this program will augment their current background with additional knowledge of:

• the science of human diseases and their interventions
• the role of biotechnology in developing new therapies and precision medicine
• the scope of issues and decisions faced by collaborating basic and clinical researchers in the bench-to-bedside process
• the regulatory framework that impacts the use of new interventions
• the private and public capital that develop the growing biotechnology and biomedical markets.

The program is ideal for

• Professionals in management, investment, regulatory affairs or law in the biotechnology industry, to extend their knowledge of the science behind this industry, enabling them to make better decisions regarding this rapidly developing technology.
• Current graduate students, to learn translational biotechnology in addition to their own field of concentration.
• Students with a moderate biology background, to extend their course work in biotechnology and therapeutic discovery and development.
• Students interested in doctoral programs or professional degree programs, to build a strong foundation in biotechnology prior to applying to their top programs of study.

Admission

Admission requirements include a minimum GPA of 3.0 and an undergraduate major in biological sciences, or at least six bioscience courses in the molecular, cellular, genetics and biochemistry topics.

 

Applicants must also supply a statement of purpose and three letters of recommendation from evaluators qualified to assess their potential for graduate-level course work. Please visit the program Website for additional information on admission and application procedures.

Advisement

The program requires that students meet with an academic adviser of the program each semester prior to registration.

Satisfactory Academic Progress

A graduate GPA of at least 3.0 is required at all times. Any student whose graduate GPA falls below 3.0 will be placed on academic probation. Students on academic probation who do not raise their GPA to 3.0 after two semesters of written notification of academic probation will be academically disqualified.

A minimum of 14 units of course work from Translational Biotechnology curriculum is required for completion of certificate program.