Biotechnology & Life Sciences MBA

Biotechnology is a rapidly growing industry with abundant opportunities for qualified workers. Completing an MBA program is a great way to start a successful career in this dynamic and evolving industry. Biotechnology companies and those with biotechnology departments are always seeking qualitifed managers and administrators.

Online MBA programs are particularly well-suited to students with full-time jobs or ongoing family responsibilities. These programs allow students to study at their convenience, whenever their busy schedules allow. Students enrolled in an online MBA program will be required to take a wide variety of business, project management, finance and administration courses remotely.

There are numerous job opportunities for MBA graduates in the biotechnology industry. Job prospects at all levels of the biotechnology industry, including management, are projected to steadily grow over the next ten years.

The Value of an MBA

Even though the majority of professionals working in the biotechnology industry have a strong background in science, the industry also relies heavily on skilled management professionals. In fact, employers have a ferocious appetite for good project managers. Many biotechnology companies have found out that they can't rely on entry-level scientists to keep a dozen balls in the air at the same time. Project management is a crucial competency of a successful biotechnology company or department, and MBAs are well qualified to manage a company's mission critical biotechnology projects.

Where biotechnology is an established discipline, with degrees, specific knowledge and professional certifications, so is project management. Unfortunately, studying to become a biotechnology scientist does not prepare candidates for the rigors of managing multifaceted biotechnology projects, a diverse team of scientists, or an entire deparment. Earning an MBA with an emphasis in biotechnology or project management is great preparation for various management and administration roles in the field of biotechnology.

An MBA is a particulary valuable degree for those already in a biotechnology career. Many scientists who work in biotechnology find themselves slowly migrating into project management and general management roles without any formal management training. Those seeking to advance their career opportunities in biotechnology management would be well served by completing an online MBA or executive MBA program with an emphasis general or project management. These programs can equip aspiring biotechnology scientists and career professionals with the skills they need to transition into general management and project management roles.

For those looking to expand their biotechnology career into new areas, an MBA provides the training and skills required for new career advancement opportunities. Biotechnology scientists can earn an MBA to move into managerial roles, transition into a new a technical field, or make a career change altogether.

How to Select an MBA Program

There are thousands of sites on the Internet that provide useful advice on how to go about selecting a business school, but in the real world how do you actually choose an MBA program? Research suggests that most people choose an MBA program much like they choose a car; they compare different MBA program based on various attributes, such as reputation, salary, program size, costs, and so forth. However, unlike buying a car, you'll only acquire one MBA during your lifetime and you can't test drive it! So it's important you make a good decision.

The attributes we recommend that you consider when selecting an MBA program are the following:

Reputation
The reputation of a program is important, especially if you're relying on your MBA to make a career change, get your first job, or qualify for a promotion. For example, if you want to move into the field of marketing, and you're currently working in project management, a degree from Kellog - one of the top marketing schools in the nation - is going to be much more advantageous than a degree from BYU, a top accounting business school.

Teaching Methodology (Case vs. Quantitative)
Different business schools employ different teaching methodologies. Some schools focus on teaching skills through quantitative exercises while others use real-world cases for teaching. While we prefer the case methodology of teaching, you'll want to decide which method is best for you based on your personal preference and educational objectives, and then choose a school accordingly.

Faculty Orientation (Research vs. Teaching)
Some business schools are very research oriented, while other focus almost exclusively on teaching. While research can be useful for learning, we recommend you find an MBA program where the primary concern of professors is the education of their students, especially if you already have research experience and are looking to aquire managemet skills.

Size of Program (Number of Students)
We recommend staying away from programs that have a high student to professor ratio - even if they're prestigious. Find a program that's not too big but also has a good reputation. Being able to interact with other students and your professors on a regular basis will go a long way to a successful learning and MBA experience.

Program Focus
Not all MBA programs are the same. Just because your buddy says that Wharton is the best business school across the board doesn't mean it offers the best program for you. If you're wanting to excel in finance, then maybe Wharton offers the right business program for you, but if you're currently working and just want to improve your project management skills, there are a lot of other good MBA options.

Below you'll find a selection of excellent business schools offering both campus-based and online MBA programs for aspiring managers and professionals.

Biotechnology & Life Sciences MBA

MBA Degree Programs