CSU San Marcos to Hold Information Sessions for Biotech Laboratory Certificate and Professional Science Master's

SAN MARCOS, CA, July 31, 2012 (Press-News.org) California State University San Marcos (CSUSM) Extended Learning will be holding information sessions for its Biotechnology Lab Technician Certificate (BLTC) and Professional Science Master's in Biotechnology (PSMBt) programs on August 1 and 4, at the CSUSM Temecula Campus.

Information sessions are offered to prospective students who want to find out more about pursing their biotechnology degree in San Diego, including admission requirements or other qualifications, course descriptions, schedules and fees.

The BLTC program is designed to train and prepare individuals for entry-level positions in biotechnology as lab technicians or research assistants. The curriculum provides an overview of the industry and the functions of biotechnology and pharmaceutical laboratories in research, manufacturing and quality control. Covering a range of topics crucial to establishing a solid science foundation, BLTC courses include hands-on training in a laboratory setting. To help meet the demand for biotechnology training in San Diego, the program emphasizes the process of discovery and development of new products in the bioscience industry, while preparing the student to be knowledgeable in cutting edge technologies and market trends.

The PSMBt program is an innovative graduate degree designed to enable students to pursue advanced training in science without a Ph.D., while simultaneously developing essential business skills without an M.B.A. The program will prepare students for careers in the science and technology industries or in government sectors, where workforce needs are increasing. "It is not enough anymore just to know science," says Jill Litschewski, Director of Science and Mathematics Programs. "Today's biotech companies are hiring those who have both a strong science background as well as business and other broad-based skills."

The CSU San Marcos PSMBt program includes essential MBA-level business courses, industry-related fundamentals, as well as real-world exposure. Students can expect guest lecturers and instructors from leaders in the biotechnology industry from the thriving San Diego biotechnology community.

Biotechnology is one of the fastest growing industries in the United States today. California has the largest number of biotech companies and employees in the country (BayBio: Impact 2009). According to a report, San Diego ranks among the top three U.S biotech clusters, which includes San Francisco and Boston (Datamonitor Group, 2011).

Information sessions for the biotechnology lab certificate and PSMBt program will be held at the CSUSM Temecula campus located at 43890 Margarita Road, in the city of Temecula, on Wednesday, August 1, and Saturday, August 4, 2012. Additional information about the sessions may be found on the CSUSM Temecula Events and Announcement site.

About CSUSM Extended Learning
As the academic outreach arm of Cal State San Marcos, Extended Learning is a leading provider of professional and continuing education in North San Diego and Southwest Riverside Counties. Offering degree programs and both academic credit and noncredit professional enrichment courses, as well as career-based certificate programs, Extended Learning helps individuals and organizations achieve their educational and training goals. For more information please visit www.csusm.edu/el.

About CSUSM
California State University San Marcos (CSUSM) has become one of the fastest growing campuses in the CSU system. Providing access to a high quality education and preparing the leaders of tomorrow remain at the core of what we do. Cal State San Marcos embraces and symbolizes twenty-first century learning. We offer hands-on and collaborative learning experiences, cutting edge technology and academic programs relevant to the rapidly changing global environment. Our faculty engages in the latest research and other creative activities and our graduates are prepared to lead and compete in the digital age. Founded in 1989, CSU San Marcos is located on a 304‐acre hillside overlooking the city of San Marcos. It is 15 miles east of the ocean--just thirty miles north of downtown San Diego.