Tufts University - School of Engineering
Certificate in Biotechnology
Certificate
DURATION
2 semesters
LANGUAGES
English
PACE
Full time, Part time
APPLICATION DEADLINE
31 May 2026
EARLIEST START DATE
Jan 2026
TUITION FEES
USD 1,799 / per credit
STUDY FORMAT
On-Campus
Key Summary
About: The Certificate in Biotechnology program aims to provide a comprehensive foundation in the field of biotechnology, covering topics like genetics, microbiology, and bioprocessing.
Students get hands-on experience, which helps bridge the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical application.
The course formats may vary, allowing flexibility for different learning styles and schedules.
Career Outcomes: Graduates may pursue diverse career paths in biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, and healthcare sectors.
Potential roles include biotechnology technician, laboratory manager, and research associate.
This certificate creates opportunities to engage in innovative research or support the development of new biotechnological products.
The ability to manipulate the genetic content of microbial, insect, animal, and plant cells has led to a variety of commercial applications in medicine, nutrition, materials science, and the environment. New biotechnology-derived pharmaceutical products are gaining FDA approval, and the sequencing of the human genome will lead to tremendous new opportunities in disease prevention. The biotechnology certificate program gives you the skills employers are looking for to develop today's products: biochemical process engineering principles, molecular biology practices, and state-of-the-art cloning and expression techniques.
Who Should Apply?
The program is open to students with a bachelor's degree and a background in biology, chemistry, or engineering. Students who lack the necessary biology or engineering background can take primer courses during the summer.
Program of Study
Through industry-based projects and case studies, the four-course, graduate-level Biotechnology Certificate programs provide you with the fundamentals and practical considerations in the field, including the construction of recombinant DNA and the production of enzymes, therapeutic proteins, vaccines, and small-molecule primary and secondary metabolites. The curriculum features modern techniques for the separation and purification of small and large biomolecules. In addition, production and separation case studies emphasize process economics, GMP, and QA/QC.
Two certificate program tracks are available. Both tracks require four courses.
Science Track: emphasizes molecular biology practices and state-of-the-art cloning and expression techniques
Two core courses from the following:
- Biochemical Separations (CHBE 161)
- Molecular Biotechnology (CHBE 162)
- Biomaterials and Tissue Engineering (BME 164)
- Principles of Cell and Microbe Cultivation (CHBE 166)
- Biochemistry (CHEM 171/172)
- Molecular Biology (BIO 105)
- Biochemistry and Cellular Metabolism (BIO 152)
- Topics in Biochemistry (BIO 153)
One laboratory course:
- Tissue Engineering (BME 175)
- Recombinant DNA Techniques (CHBE 163)
- Biotechnology Projects Laboratory (CHBE 168)
One approved elective course in biology, chemistry, or chemical and biological engineering
Engineering Track: emphasizes biochemical process engineering principles and state-of-the-art biotechnology production techniques
Two core courses:
- Biochemical Separations (CHBE 161)
- Principles of Cell and Microbe Cultivation (CHBE 166)
One laboratory course from the following:
- Recombinant DNA Techniques (CHBE 163)
- Biotechnology Processing Projects Laboratory (CHBE 168)
One approved elective course in biology, chemistry, or chemical engineering
This certificate is offered in collaboration with the Tufts Department of Biomedical Engineering and the Tufts Tissue Engineering Resource Center.
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