The University of Maryland, Baltimore County (UMBC) will offer two new Master of Professional Studies (M.P.S) programs in Biotechnology and Cybersecurity at the USG campus, beginning Fall 2013. With a focus on management, these programs will prepare local students for leadership roles in two of the region’s fastest growing industries.

The M.P.S. in Biotechnology will provide students with advanced knowledge of the life sciences as well as highly developed organizational and project management skills. Graduates of this program will be prepared to fill the growing need for managerial professionals in Montgomery County’s concentration of life-science oriented businesses and agencies.

“UMBC at the Universities at Shady Grove is the ideal location for the M.P.S. in Biotechnology because two-thirds of Maryland’s biotech industry is in Montgomery County, along the I-270 corridor,” said Dr. Sheldon Broedel, associate graduate program director for the M.P.S. in Biotechnology program. “With over 50,000 life sciences professionals in this region, UMBC is poised to educate and train individuals in the science and business of biotechnology, breaking the mold of classic academic training. Our faculty consists of full-time industry professionals who bring tremendous background and experience in the life sciences and management.”

Students will graduate as experts in the fundamentals that underlie biotechnology applications and product development. They will be able to analyze and interpret emerging technologies and lead commercial development, including clinical trials, inspections, and regulatory filing processes as well as budget and resource allocation.

The M.P.S. in Cybersecurity will follow a similar model in preparing students with the most up-to-date subject knowledge, combined with managerial skills. This curriculum will allow graduates to serve in leadership and operational roles throughout Montgomery County and the national capital region’s roster of government and industrial entities with deep interests in Cybersecurity.

"Through a combination of dynamic, adaptable program offerings and a highly recognized faculty consisting of thought leaders and industry practitioners, this program will serve a critical need in Montgomery County,” said Dr. Rick Forno, graduate program director for the M.P.S. in Cybersecurity program. “Cybersecurity is risk management at the highest level, and we are here to develop the next generation of professionals managing those risks.”

Gruaduates of the M.P.S. Cybersecurity program will be equipped with precise knowledge of the origins, nature, and current issues in cyberscecurity, and be able to identify ways to mitigate risks. They will be prepared to advance and manage cybersecurity capabilities and standards, including the development of an effective workforce in this rapidly expanding field.

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This story originally appeared on The Universities at Shady Grove website.