Overview

Currently, over 70% of the compounds in the biopharmaceutical industry’s drug development pipeline are large biological molecules. This is a rapidly evolving area mandating continued education for those holding entry level degrees. Graduates of URI Online’s Biopharmaceutical Drug Development Graduate Certificate will have the knowledge to design and articulate a whole team approach to the product life cycle of a candidate drug molecule from initial identification through commercial launch.

Specifically, completing this program will enable graduates to:

• Describe the design and challenges of the pharmaceutical product development process from initial concept to market as well as the roles and responsibilities of each operational group
• Implement cGMP regulations for pharmaceutical drug substance and drug product manufacture; and
• Develop product development strategies to optimize the creation of novel pharmaceuticals in industrial settings.

Courses

Courses are designed to broaden knowledge of drug discovery and development and increase opportunities for career advancement.

BPS 502: Drug Development
This course provides comprehensive knowledge and practical skills essential for understanding the drug development process from discovery to commercialization.

BPS 506: Chemistry, Manufacturing and Controls for Biopharmaceuticals
This course is focused on the chemistry, manufacturing, and controls (CMC) for the development of biopharmaceutical products.

BPS510: Biopharmaceutical Regulatory Compliance and Product Quality
This course focuses on the key concepts associated with regulatory compliance, quality assurance and overall drug product quality for biopharmaceuticals particularly in relation to product development.

BPS 512: Biologics and Biosimilars
This course introduces fundamentals of common types of biologics and biosimilars including their discovery, development, pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics, stability, ercacy, delivery and pharmacoeconomic considerations.

Tuition per credit based on 2024/2025 academic year rates (subject to change): $887

Admissions

• Bachelor’s degree
• College transcripts
• Two letters of recommendation
• Resume/CV
• Statement of purpose
  • Interest in program
  • Relevant work experience
  • Reasons for applying to the online program at URI
  • Professional goals, as well as plans for achieving these goals

*Applicants with a GPA lower than 3.0 may be considered for provisional admission — please contact online@uri.edu before applying to discuss the GPA requirement.