Advanced therapeutics, such as cell engineering, gene therapy, and immune engineering, comprise the next generation of life-enhancing and curative interventions. As new therapies gain approval, the demand for skilled professionals in biopharmaceutical manufacturing, including cell and gene therapy production, will continue to rise.

For those interested in joining this growing workforce, Drexel University’s programs provide the foundational knowledge and skills needed for careers in this rapidly evolving field. Graduates work in biomanufacturing, pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, and healthcare, or continue on to academic careers, PhD programs, or medical school.

Read the report from the Chamber of Commerce for Greater Philadelphia on the region’s journey to become a nationally recognized cell and gene therapy hub: Leading the Way: Cell and Gene Therapy in the Greater Philadelphia Area.

Minors and Accelerated BS/MS Degrees

Undergraduate minors offered by the School of Biomedical Engineering, Science and Health Systems (BIOMED) and the Department of Biology, College of Arts and Sciences (CoAS)

Accelerated degrees offered by the School of Biomedical Engineering, Science and Health Systems (BIOMED) and the Department of Biology, College of Arts and Sciences (CoAS)

These accelerated 4+1 programs allow students to complete a BS in Biomedical Engineering or Biological Sciences and an MS in Advanced Therapeutics in five years. The BS degrees provide scientific, technical, and analytical skills for solving human health problems, while the MS degree provides specialized knowledge and lab skills in immune engineering, cell engineering, gene therapy, and biomanufacturing.

MS Degrees

Graduate degree offered by the School of Biomedical Engineering, Science and Health Systems (BIOMED), the Department of Biology, College of Arts and Sciences (CoAS), and the College of Medicine (CoM)

The MS in Advanced Therapeutics provides a multidisciplinary, practice-based graduate education focused on the foundations and best practices for research and development of next-generation therapeutics, including immune engineering, cellular and genetic therapies, targeted drug delivery, personalized medicine, and pharmacogenomics.

The program provides fundamental knowledge and lab skills in cell engineering, gene therapy, and manufacturing, and includes the option of a 6-month graduate co-op. Students with undergraduate backgrounds in biomedical engineering and health sciences are encouraged to apply.

Online Degrees

Online graduate degree and certificate offered by the Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences and Professional Studies in the College of Medicine (CoM)

• MS in Biomedicine and Cell and Gene Therapy
• Post-BS Certificate in Regulatory Affairs for Cell and Gene Therapy

Drexel’s MS in Biomedicine and Cell and Gene Therapy is distinctive in that students take courses in both the College of Medicine and the College of Engineering. Taught by faculty from both areas, the program prepares graduates to work at the intersection of medicine and engineering.

Another unique feature of the curriculum is the capstone course in which students work in teams to develop a commercialization plan for a novel biomedical technology. Students also have the option of completing a virtual industry internship to build their résumés and gain experience. The Regulatory Affairs for Cell and Gene Therapy post-baccalaureate certificate prepares professionals to lead in this growing field and bring new therapeutics to market.