UT Adds New Biochemistry and Chemistry MBA Programs

Two new BS/MBA degrees at The University of Tampa will allow students interested in biomedical, biotechnical, pharmaceutical, and chemical careers to earn an undergraduate degree in either biochemistry or chemistry and an MBA degree in only five years of study.

With Tampa Bay’s growing interest in creating and attracting biomedical and biotechnology-related companies, this degree is the first in the region to specifically prepare students for careers in these fields.

UT joins the ranks of such schools as Penn State and the University of North Carolina in offering such a degree. UT, best known for its liberal arts and business programs, has invested substantial resources in its science programs during the past several years.

“A unique part of this new program is the significant time spent in internship activities designed to provide students with a fundamental understanding of both business and science. Better and more broadly trained individuals make better employees, scientists and business leaders. A major objective of this program is to provide employers the employees they need,” said Dr. Joseph Laurino, chair of the Department of Chemistry and Physics and a 2005 graduate of UT’s MBA program.

During the first 3 1/2 years, students in this challenging program will complete undergraduate business courses in accounting, economics, finance, marketing and management, in addition to all of the liberal arts, biology and chemistry courses required for the bachelor’s degree.  Participants will then complete their graduate business courses and internship requirements during the remaining 1 1/2 years of study. This program is unique in the Tampa Bay area, as it is the only one that offers an accelerated MBA degree to non-business and non-engineering students.

Dr. William Rhey, associate dean of graduate programs, said that “the BS/MBA programs provide talented students an opportunity to accelerate their careers even faster. It’s good for them and great for this business community.”

“UT is extremely pleased to come forward with a solid contribution to Tampa Bay’s pursuit to grow the biotech sector,” said Joe McCann, dean of the Sykes College of Business.  “USF shouldn’t have to shoulder all the effort alone if this sector is so important to our entire community. This program, along with our MS degree in technology and innovation management, expresses UT’s commitment to help.”

Guy Hagen, president of Innovation Insight and an analyst on Florida’s High Tech Corridor Council, also commented, “I expect this biochemistry program to be a critical component for building our area’s life science sector.”