The B.S. program in Biotechnology and Health Economics trains students with a distinctive combination of skills in Biosciences, Biotechnology, Sciences, and Economics. The interdisciplinary combination of complementary skills is in demand in various industries and consulting sectors. Skilled and quantitatively trained professionals are required to analyze not only the scientific side and new technologies and development, but also the economic implications for firms and individuals related to pricing, investment, innovation strategies, and economic and regulatory policies. The program prepares students for successful science-based careers with quantitative, modeling and policy knowledge in Economics.
Program Overview
The B.S. in Biotechnology and Health Economics program is an innovative stand-alone degree that is distinct from our general B.S. Economics program. The program offers students abundant opportunities to acquire skills in a wide range of areas in Sciences and Economics. The curriculum is specifically designed for students who wish to add expertise in Economics to their training in Biological Sciences, Biochemistry and Biophysics, and Chemistry and Chemical Biology. The rigorous curriculum ensures that students are well-equipped with technical and practical knowledge and skills at the frontiers of biotechnology, biosciences, and scientific discovery. The program also can be a great option for students who are planning to go for careers in medicine and the healthcare industry.
Program Highlights
Interdisciplinary Approach to Economics and Sciences
The program offers a truly interdisciplinary approach and combination of skills to prepare for the ever-changing landscape of education and technology. Students benefit from taking a unique mix of courses taught by faculty from the Department of Economics and the School of Science. Students can also choose from a wide range of electives in other areas such as computer science, mathematics, and departments in the School of Humanities Arts and Social Sciences.
Expertise in Concentration Area
Students in the program choose from one of the three concentration areas: Data Analytics; Drug Discovery; and Biotechnology. This expands expertise in their chosen field. The concentration areas provide intellectually and academically enriching experiences for our students.
Student-Faculty Research Experience
Students have the opportunity to work one-on-one with faculty members on research in areas such as innovation and technology, health economics, behavioral economics, experimental economics, economic data analytics and modeling, among others.
Welcoming and Engaging Environment
The Economics Department is a welcoming and supportive community that helps students succeed. Rensselaer’s interdisciplinary and diverse student body provides a stimulating and engaging educational experience. Our advising staff works closely with students throughout their time at Rensselaer to help them achieve their individual educational and career goals.
Coursework
The B.S. in Biotechnology and Health Economics degree requires 124 credits, including coursework in Economics and Sciences. The Economics coursework requires 28 credits, the Science coursework requires about 50 credits, and the remainder in electives.
Required Coursework in Economics
Core analytical skills: Principles of Economics; Intermediate Microeconomics; and Econometrics
Focused expertise: Health Economics and Policy; Economics of Biotechnology and Medical Innovations; and Behavioral Economics
Required Coursework in Sciences
Core analytical skills: Core sequences in Microbiology, Chemistry, and Biochemistry
Concentration areas: Choose one of the three concentration areas: Data Analytics; Drug Discovery; and Biotechnology
Economics Electives
To complement the required coursework, the Department of Economics offers a variety of electives for students to tailor their curriculum in line with their educational and professional goals. The elective courses offered include: Environmental Economics; Money and Banking; Experimental Economics; Applied Game Theory; International Economics and Globalization; Innovation and New Technologies; Cost-Benefit Analysis; Behavioral Financial Economics; Law and Economics; among others.
See RPI Catalog for full details on the B.S. Biotechnology and Health Economics program.
Contacts
For questions regarding our B.S. in Biotechnology and Health Economics program, please contact:
Economics Professor Jason Huh: huhj2@rpi.edu
HASS Student Services Advising Hub. Email: hassinfo@rpi.edu
Program Outcomes
The B.S. in Biotechnology and Health Economics prepares students to: understand and analyze the key technological and economics related issues in the biomedical and healthcare industries; develop analytical skills to study the scientific aspects of biotechnology and biosciences; and apply their skills to the economics of healthcare markets and policies.
After Graduation
Post-Graduation Careers
The B.S. in Biotechnology and Health Economics program provides a strong foundation in Biosciences, Biotechnology, Sciences, and Economics. The innovative and interdisciplinary nature of the curriculum gives our students an advantage in the job market. Upon completion of the program, students are ready to embark on successful careers at the intersection of Sciences and Economics. Students are in good position to take advantage of career opportunities in areas such as pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, medical devices, healthcare consulting, health insurance companies, hospitals, public policy institutions, and in State and Federal Government.