Advance your career in just 18 months
with no formal research and thesis.
Immerse yourself into the biotechnology sector with a degree in Plant Biotechnology. Enjoy the charged atmosphere of scientific discoveries for which the University of Illinois is globally recognized while you complete your non-thesis Master’s degree in just 18 months.
Along with biotechnology-related disciplines, you will learn how the commercialization process works. This program provides opportunities to help you connect with industry partners, helping you learn about the directions and needs of biotechnology enterprises.
TAILOR YOUR DEGREE TO YOUR PROFESSIONAL GOALS
Work with your advisor, Dr. Juvik, to create a customized set of courses that match your interests and individual career goals.
Access courses and faculty performing industry-relevant research in
- plant breeding
- plant and environmental physiology
- bioinformatics
- regression and statistical analysis
Dr. Juvik has been advising Plant Biotechnology PSM students for a few years, though he has been working with Crop Science students since the early 1980s. He earned both his B.S. and Ph.D. from the University of California Davis. During his tenure at the University of Illinois, he has served in both Professor and Director of Graduate Studies roles. He has also served as a visiting scientist and professor at both Stanford and Cornell Universities. Dr. Juvik's research is centered around breeding brassica vegetables (broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower, and kale) to reduce the incidence of cancer, heart disease, macular degeneration, obesity, etc. His lab incorporates expertise in genetics and molecular biology, plant breeding, biochemistry, food science and human nutrition, pharmacology and toxicology of foods, entomology, plant pathology and more.
PLANT BIOTECHNOLOGY + BUSINESS SETS YOU APART
The integrated business courses, professional development seminars, and required internship make your Master’s program different than a traditional master’s. Plus, your cross-disciplinary industry seminars offer you the opportunity to interact with industry and government leaders. See brochure for more details.
By the end of your program, you will be able to:
- design a comprehensive marketing strategy
- manage the flow of products and services
- execute project plans within time and budget
- understand and discuss regulatory policies
- assess financial risks, statements, valuation, and capital budgets
- examine organizational behavior, structures, effectiveness, and more!
For additional information or to discuss your learning and career objectives, contact plant biotechnology major advisor Dr. Jack Juvik at juvik@illinois.edu; (217) 333 - 1966.
Grant Hansen earned an M.S. in the Illinois PSM’s plant biology (now plant biotechnology) program. He return to school after several years of business experience to "not only gain a master's degree, but to add business instruction and experience" to position him for bio-based careers. Grant received the 2012 Volunteer Service Award from the Illinois Office of Volunteer Programs for his work with SCORE while an Illinois PSM student. He interned with AMCOL International as a market research analyst. Upon graduation, Grant was hired as a marketing specialist with DuPont. Recently, he accepted a new position as a product coordinator for United Suppliers.
