SDSU Launches Biotech Certificate
The new certificate for biotechnology project management in quality assurance will be available online.
San Diego State University, along with two other California State University campuses, Channel Islands and Dominguez Hills, are responding to California’s workforce demand for biotech professionals with a new online certificate for biotechnology project management in quality assurance.
Creating leaders for life sciences
The certificate is designed for professionals, with science and engineering backgrounds, who wish to advance their knowledge of the practical skills and tools needed to successfully lead, manage and optimize product development in the life sciences industry. The skills and tools taught as part of the certificate programs stem from a partnership between CSU faculty and industry experts.
The post-baccalaureate certificate programs were developed and will be offered jointly through extended education at each of the three campuses. The programs were made possible, in part, by a grant from the U.S. Small Business Administration that is managed by the CSU Program for Research and Education in Biotechnology (CSUPERB).
High-demand jobs
"The biotechnology and other life science industries are among the nation's most promising job creators. These are high-paying, high-demand jobs that will fuel the 21st century California economy," said Susan Baxter, CSUPERB executive director.
"The state and nation's ability to compete in the global biotech market depends on educating a skilled workforce."
Biocompass Project involvement
The certificates are among the very first results of collaboration through the Biocompass Project —a public-private partnership of eight CSU campuses in Southern California, the Southern California Biomedical Council, the Pasadena Bioscience Collaborative and Pasadena City College.
The project focuses on coordinating workforce delivery systems and providing industry-specific training to help bridge the gap between current educational offerings and the skill sets needed by biotechnology companies. Biocompass will offer practical, cutting-edge laboratory experiences, short-term workshops, specialized courses and programs taught within the context of the regulated business environment unique to the biotech industry
