FAQs
I am currently in academia, is the program appropriate for me?
The Fundamentals of the Bioscience Industry Program is well suited for all those individuals who want to explore the possibilities existing for scientists outside the academic environment. The Program consists of classes in a wide variety of fields, including intellectual property and patent work, management, drug development, business and marketing.
When is the best time during my academic career to enroll in this program?
It is never too early or late to start exploring what could be expecting you at the end of your academic career, whether it be moving on to industry or staying within the academic environment. The Fundamentals of the Bioscience Industry Program offers you the chance to explore opportunities outside of academia, learn the basics of the corporate environment, and, most importantly, network with other individuals who share your same interests. No matter where you are in your academic career, you will find that the contacts you make and develop within the program will outlast the duration of the program itself.
Our teachers and guest speakers are professionals of the Life Science industry, most of whom have experienced the transition between academia and industry. You will have the opportunity to talk one on one with some of the most respected professionals in the field.
I am currently working in the Life Science industry, is the program appropriate for me?
The Fundamentals of the Bioscience Industry Program is tailored to provide and complement information necessary to progress inside the industry. The program offers the opportunity to create and sustain a network of contacts that will help you in your career.
Our course directors, instructors and guest speakers are professionals in the Life Science industry, most of whom have experienced the transition between academia and industry. You will have the opportunity to talk one on one with some of the most respected professionals in the field, and have a direct feeling on how to achieve your professional goals.
For how long does the program run? What is the workload?
The Fundamentals of the Bioscience Industry Program runs from the end of January until mid-May. Classes will meet twice a week, on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 5:45 PM to 8:30 PM.
The Program is offered at Stony Brook University in Stony Brook, NY.
During the program you will be asked to actively participate and work in teams to prepare a commercialization project including a final report and presentation. While this project is intense, there will be many class meetings dedicated to working on your group project. Program participants should expect to spend time outside of class working on the group project. The time needed to dedicate to the project outside of class increases as the semester progresses.
What are the requirements to apply? When is the deadline?
Most of our successful applicants have a solid background in their current profession and are strongly motivated to pursue a career in the Life Science Industry. You are eligible if you hold at least an undergraduate degree in life sciences, or are currently employed in a life science company.
The complete application includes the application form, a resume, personal statement, one letter of recommendation, one copy of your latest academic transcript (current graduate students only), a non-refundable application fee ($40), and a deposit ($500). Visit our application information page to see the current application deadlines.
The program is very competitive and applications will be considered until class is full. A maximum of 20 students per location will be admitted to the program. Therefore, interested applicants are encouraged to apply early.
How much does it cost?
Stony Brook University students are eligible to take the program as BME 509 (typically at no cost) earn credit toward their degree. For graduate students and post-docs registered at NY State academic and research institutions the Bioscience Industry Program costs $1,995, plus a non-refundable application fee of $40. The New York State corporate sponsored employee cost is $2295 and non-New York State corporate sponsored employees: $4250.
What are the instructors’ backgrounds?
Our instructors are all industry professionals specializing in different fields of Life Sciences. These include experts in Business Models & Strategies, Intellectual Property, Product Development Cycles, Consulting, and Global Market Forces. Most instructors had academic appointments in the past and experienced the transition between academia and industry. They often hold different positions inside industry as well, coming into contact with several realities and needs, which they are now able to convey and explain to our students.
What will the program teach me that I can’t learn at my own university/company?
During the program, you will be prompted with several different realities inside the Life Science industry, speak with professionals with different backgrounds, and be able to talk directly with people who made the choice you want to make in your own career. In addition, during the classes you will learn how to work in teams, cooperate, and hone those skills that are necessary to succeed in careers in the Life Science industry. Moreover, people coming both from academia and industry compose our student body. This ensures better dialogue and complements the knowledge of both parts on the topics discussed during classes.
The interactions among students and teachers offers to the Fundamentals of the Bioscience Industry Program its unique capacity to link people with similar goals into a network of professionals of the present and future Life Science Industry.
Will I find a job after completing the program?
The program does not have an official job placement program as the needs of our alumni differ greatly. Upon completion of the program, we offer graduates access to a robust alumni network where career and internship opportunities are made available.
Can I get in touch with people who already completed the program?
An essential part of the Fundamentals of the Bioscience Industry Program is our official Alumni Network. This multi-faceted network is comprised of over 400 program alumni and headed by an Executive Committee that is elected annually. Visit the Alumni Network Website for more information. If you would like to discuss the program with alumnus, please contact the program director who can put you in touch with a program graduate.
I have more questions, how can I contact you?
If you have questions or would like more information, please contact our program director, Kate Hutchinson. If you would like to learn more about the Center for Biotechnology visit www.centerforbiotechnology.org.