Biotechnology MBA Track

The Biotechnology Track features an interdisciplinary format that leverages the research expertise and academic leadership of the Tepper School of Business, the Mellon College of Science and Heinz School of Public Policy.

The Track’s framework is unparalleled as an impressive intersection – and authentic partnership – of several disciplines throughout the university, in particular science, engineering, robotics, computer science, business management and biomedical engineering. We view biotechnology as a complex, dynamic industry that requires both breadth and depth for executives to succeed in managing regulatory, management, scientific and marketplace issues.

Students who select this Track prepare for leadership in business and science. We understand the unique aspects of the biotechnology industry and have developed the Track with the objectives of effective utilization of technical and scientific expertise as well as strategic business leadership

Required Courses

Key courses included in the Biotechnology Track are:

• Principles of Biotechnology
• Biotechnology Regulations, Policy and Compliance
• Biotechnology Industry, Structure and Strategy
• Ethical Judgments in Professional Life
• Capstone Project Course
• Plus, four to five relevant electives selected by the student and approved by the Track faculty leader

Elective courses can be selected from biology, for a pharmaceutical focus; public policy, for a health care delivery focus; or engineering and robotics, for a medical devices focus. These three options are readily available, however, other directions can be designed with the Track’s faculty leader.

We recognize biotechnology as an industry that requires professional who can effectively manage multiple disciplines and perspectives. The growth and potential of the sector has resulted in a demand for executives who can simultaneously balance regulatory, scientific and business issues. The Carnegie Mellon culture is inherently collaborative. Our integrated campus network and decidedly small size breeds interdisciplinary exploration, and corporate partners benefit from a broader scientific view. Some of the world’s leading research centers in biomedical engineering, robotics, green chemistry and stem cell research are located on our campus, and MBA students who select the Biotechnology Track have the opportunity to work within them.

In addition, we have chosen the Tepper School of Business as the hub for this Track to ensure an equally balanced emphasis on business and science, while many other universities host their biotechnology programs and degrees in either schools of engineering or science.