Western New England University’s (WNE) full-time Master of Science in Biopharmaceutical Technology (MSBT)—now accepting applicants for Fall 2026—is designed to meet urgent industry demand for job-ready talent in one of the fastest-growing sectors of the life sciences. The MSBT program provides students with advanced laboratory time, immersive training, quality science, and hands-on competencies that employers increasingly expect in today’s biotechnology, biomanufacturing, and bioprocessing workforce.
WNE’s industry partners have emphasized the importance of graduates gaining meaningful, hands-on experience with biomanufacturing equipment and workflows. The program’s full-time, day-based structure ensures students build those competencies efficiently, supported by extensive in-person laboratory training. As the curriculum progresses, WNE expects to offer select synchronous online course options that provide added convenience while maintaining the essential in-person lab components.
“Biopharmaceutical technology is driving some of the most transformative breakthroughs in healthcare today,” said Bart Lipkens, PhD, associate professor of pharmacology and program chair. “Our full-time program is designed to upskill students quickly by immersing them in real-world laboratory environments, exposing them to the tools, workflows, and regulatory expectations that define modern biomanufacturing. Graduates of this program will be job-ready for roles that are in demand right now across New England and beyond.”
An Immersive, Hands-On Approach Employers Demand
Delivered through WNE’s College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, the MSBT program blends foundational coursework with advanced training in bioprocessing, biomanufacturing, regulatory science, and quality operations. Students gain direct experience with bioreactors, chromatography systems, analytical testing methods, cell therapy manufacturing, and facility-scale simulations—preparing them for critical roles such as:
- Process Development Scientist
- Product Development Scientist
- R&D Scientist
- Manufacturing Associate
- Quality Assurance Specialist
- Validation Scientist
- Regulatory Compliance Specialist
The full-time, day-based structure provides extended access to specialized equipment, closer faculty mentorship, and deeper exposure to laboratory workflows and experimental design—accelerating competency development far beyond what is possible in part-time or fully remote models.
“As Sharp Sterile continues to grow and integrate expanded capabilities, the demand for talent that can operate confidently in modern, regulated manufacturing environments is only increasing,” said Xufeng Sun, Ph.D., vice president of Manufacturing Science and Technology at Sharp Sterile Manufacturing. “Western New England University’s Biopharmaceutical Technology program prepares students with hands-on experience, technical rigor, and quality-focused training that closely aligns with the realities of today’s biopharmaceutical manufacturing operations. That kind of preparation is critical as companies scale and evolve.”
Building on Momentum and Regional Investment
The launch of the MSBT program aligns with WNE’s growing recognition and investment in life sciences education and workforce development. In 2024, WNE earned national recognition for biopharmaceutical engineering excellence through a prestigious Engineers Without Borders USA award. In 2025, the University secured $1.3 million in state and federal funding to support advancements in biopharmaceutical technology, artificial intelligence, and quantum systems training—strengthening the University’s capabilities and expanding its impact across the region.
These investments have helped WNE enhance its laboratory infrastructure, expand access to industry-grade equipment, and deepen collaborations with regional employers who continue to seek a steady pipeline of well-trained technical talent.
Designed for Career-Changers and STEM Graduates Alike
The MSBT welcomes applicants from biology, chemistry, biochemistry, biotechnology, all engineering fields, and related disciplines. It is ideally suited for:
- recent STEM graduates pursuing accelerated entry into biopharmaceutical careers
- working professionals seeking to reskill or upskill into advanced manufacturing roles
- international students seeking a rigorous, industry-focused U.S. graduate program
Applications for the next cohort are now being accepted for Fall 2026.
To learn more about the program, visit:
wne.edu/pharmacy-and-health-sciences/academics/ms-biopharmaceutical-technology
To begin the application process, visit:
wne.edu/pharmacy-and-health-sciences/admissions/msbt
