Indiana University’s Kelley School of Business last year started an online graduate level program, the Executive Certificate in the Business of Life Sciences (ECBLS). George Telthorst, who helps run the program and is the Director of Business Development at the School’s Center for the Business of Life Sciences, wants us to help “spread the word” about it.
The ECBLS is a five course program in the business of life sciences. The program defines life sciences as companies whose products require regulatory approval to be sold and the companies that support them. The courses cover core business skills (i.e., value chain, accounting, finance, organizational and human resource management, marketing) and have been tailored to incorporate industry specific cases, content and examples.
In order to be convenient for those already working in the industry, four of the five courses are offered online and the fifth is a week-long in residence experience here in Indiana. Course credits are transferable to several online masters programs at Kelley and San Diego State University. The program has been designed for technical professionals interested in breaking out of their “silos” as well as individuals new to the industry.
The program kicked off last September. The first cohort has 26 students from 14 companies. Students were drawn from industry leaders in pharma, diagnostics and orthopedics, as well as smaller firms and start-ups. Most of the students are currently in production, quality, research & development, or regulatory roles and have work experience ranging from 4 to 25 years. Two are from one company (Eurand) with operations in Ohio. Two are based outside of the continental United States. The next cohort will start in September 2009.
More information about the program is available in the attached ECBLS brochure and at its website.
