<p>Just wanted to pick some brains...</p>
<p>I'm going to be starting a terminal masters program in Biotechnology in the fall, 1 year, all that jazz, and I was just wondering whether people thought these types of programs are worth it. I'm primarily using it to get more research experience (I have minimal in undergrad) and to decide whether I want to move onto a PhD at a later point, plus if I go into private firms, I can get paid more. </p>
<p>I've seen sources basically say they're worthless, others say they're pretty valuable...what do you guys think?</p>
<p>plus if I go into private firms, I can get paid more.
Not much more in my experience. Maybe a couple of K per year, if that.</p>
<p>That being said, I think that these programs are pretty valuable if you already have a career in the biotech field. The professional masters in biotech at UW included training in intellectual property matters, business strategy development, regulatory affairs and a just a bit of molecular biology. This would be valuable to point to if you wanted to take on a new position at your company. </p>
<p>I can’t say that these programs would be beneficial as a precursor to a Phd. You don’t do academic research in a professional masters program, as that is the definition of a “professional” program. If you are pretty sure you want to do a Phd at some point, maybe you ought to work on getting a lab tech position and save your cash.</p>