The Master of Science in Nanomedicine is a flexible, interdisciplinary, industry-aligned professional master's degree program. It is designed for scientists, engineers, and clinicians who want to develop competencies and skills in nanomedicine research, innovation, and commercialization. Our students receive hands-on training in nanomedicine challenges and opportunities, research tools and techniques, and translation from bench to bedside. The curriculum integrates immersive experiential learning with industry co-ops to prepare graduates for high-demand research and entrepreneurship roles in biotechnology, pharmaceutical, biomedical, and healthcare industries.
This two-year, full-time master’s program consists of six core courses, year-round professional seminars, and a full-time co-op experience. In year two, students tailor their curriculum by selecting one of the following concentrations (or selecting 18 semester hours of electives).
Nanoformulation Research Concentration
The nanoformulation research concentration integrates nanoparticle design, formulation, characterization, and translation. Students gain experience in nanomedicine theory, materials and methods, advanced laboratory techniques, and state-of-the-art instrumentation through a combination of expert-led lectures, instrument demonstrations, and collaborative interdisciplinary project-based laboratory experiences. Students have an opportunity to acquire research and project management skills for roles in research, development, and manufacturing.
Translation and Commercialization Concentration
The translation and commercialization concentration studies scientific discovery, business, and management from the perspective of delivering nanomedicine products to patients. Students build real-world knowledge and skills in innovation, business development, and regulatory affairs—from initial discovery and R&D to FDA approval and launch—through a combination of case studies, industry-mentored projects, and creation of a virtual startup company.
Vaccine Development Concentration
Innovations in nanoparticle-based vaccine delivery during the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic have fundamentally changed the way we develop and test vaccines. The vaccine development concentration provides training in scientific, business, and regulatory principals of vaccine R&D. Students integrate molecular tools for vaccine design, knowledge of vaccine-tissue interactions, and best practices for biopharmaceutical cell culture and manufacturing to develop the industry-aligned skills needed at the forefront of vaccine development.
- Concentrations and course offerings may vary by campus and/or by program modality. Please consult with your advisor or admissions coach for the course availability each term at your campus or within your program modality.
- Certain options within the program may be required at certain campuses or for certain program modalities. Please consult with your advisor or admissions coach for requirements at your campus or for your program modality.
Complete all courses and requirements listed below unless otherwise indicated.
Core Requirements
Course List | Code | Title | Hours |
| BIOL 6381 | Ethics in Biological Research | 2 |
| NNMD 5270 | Foundations in Nanomedicine: Therapeutics | 3 |
| NNMD 5271 | Foundations in Nanomedicine: Diagnostics | 3 |
| NNMD 5570 | Preclinical and Clinical Study Design | 3 |
| NNMD 6272 | Professional Nanomedicine Seminar | 0 |
| PHSC 5560 | Nanotoxicity | 3 |
| PHSC 6214 | Experimental Design and Biostatistics | 2 |
| or BIOT 6214 | Experimental Design and Biostatistics |
| |
| NNMD 6500 | Professional Development for Co-op | 0 |
| NNMD 6964 | Co-op Work Experience | 0 |
Concentrations or Electives Option
A concentration is not required. Students may complete electives (from the electives list below) in lieu of a concentration.
Electives List
Course List | Code | Title | Hours |
| |
| Biotechnology Lab Skills | |
| Biotechnology Applications Laboratory | |
| Nanomedicine Research Techniques | |
| Electron Microscopy Techniques | |
| Nanomedicine Experiential Capstone | |
| Research | |
| Research Skills and Ethics | |
| Biomaterials | |
| Medical Physiology | |
| Cell Culture Processes for Biopharmaceutical Production | |
| Molecular Interactions of Proteins in Biopharmaceutical Formulations | |
| Vaccines and Immunization | |
| Molecular Tools for Vaccine Design | |
| Polymer Chemistry | |
| Biochemical Engineering | |
| Biomaterials Principles and Applications | |
| Biopolymeric Materials | |
| Introduction to Polymer Science | |
| Human Physiology and Pathophysiology | |
| Biophysical Methods in Drug Discovery | |
| Introduction to Nanoscience and Nanotechnology | |
| Biological Physics 1 | |
| Chemical Principles and Application of Drug Metabolism and Pharmacokinetics | |
| Drug Delivery: Engineering Analysis | |
| Transport Phenomena | |
| Pharmacokinetics and Drug Metabolism | |
| Advanced Drug Delivery Systems | |
| The Biotechnology Enterprise | |
| The Role of Patents in the Biotechnology Industry, Past and Future | |
| Managing and Leading a Biotechnology Company | |
| Launching Your Science: Biotechnology Entrepreneurship | |
| Foundations in Vaccine Regulatory Science | |
| Foundation in Quality for Biotechnology | |
| CGMP Statutes and Regulation | |
| Design and Development of Biopharmaceuticals | |
| Sterile Manufacturing Operations | |
| Biomaterials Principles and Applications | |
| Nano/Biomedical Commercialization: Concept to Market | |
Program Credit/GPA Requirements
34 total semester hours required
Minimum 3.000 GPA required
Nanoformulation Research Concentration
Course List | Code | Title | Hours |
| BIOE 5820 | Biomaterials | 4 |
| or CHME 5631 | Biomaterials Principles and Applications |
| CHEM 5648 | Chemical Principles and Application of Drug Metabolism and Pharmacokinetics | 3 |
| or PMST 6252 | Pharmacokinetics and Drug Metabolism |
| NNMD 5370 | Nanomedicine Research Techniques | 4 |
| NNMD 6370 | Nanomedicine Experiential Capstone (Nanomedicine Experiential Capstone) | 4 |
| 3 |
Translation and Commercialization Concentration
Course List | Code | Title | Hours |
| BIOT 5145 | Biotechnology Lab Skills | 1 |
| or BIOT 5220 | The Role of Patents in the Biotechnology Industry, Past and Future |
| BIOT 5219 | The Biotechnology Enterprise | 2 |
| BIOT 5225 | Managing and Leading a Biotechnology Company | 3 |
| BIOT 6290 | Foundation in Quality for Biotechnology | 3 |
| BIOT 6310 | CGMP Statutes and Regulation | 3 |
| NNMD 5470 | Nano/Biomedical Commercialization: Concept to Market | 3 |
| 3 |
Vaccine Development Concentration
Course List | Code | Title | Hours |
| BIOT 5631 | Cell Culture Processes for Biopharmaceutical Production | 3 |
| BIOT 5910 | Vaccines and Immunization | 3 |
| BIOT 5920 | Foundations in Vaccine Regulatory Science | 3 |
| BIOT 5930 | Molecular Tools for Vaccine Design | 3 |
| BIOT 6310 | CGMP Statutes and Regulation | 3 |
| 3 |
Electives Option
Course List | Code | Title | Hours |
| NNMD 5470 | Nano/Biomedical Commercialization: Concept to Market | 3-4 |
| or NNMD 5370 | Nanomedicine Research Techniques |
| 15 |
