New Life Sciences Degree Prepares Students to ‘Hit the Ground Running’

The program transforms education into opportunity, one course—and one student—at a time.

When Esteban Terzo first arrived in the United States from Argentina 20 years ago, he barely spoke English. “I knew three sentences,” he said. “I wanted to make sure I knew where to find food and how to pay the rent.”

Today, Terzo is the program director for Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences’ (MCPHS) new part-time, fully online Bachelor of Science in Life Sciences program, helping adult learners overcome barriers of a different kind—balancing work, family, and the challenge of returning to academics after years away.

After Terzo earned his doctorate in genetics and molecular biology and completed his post-doctoral training, he worked in drug discovery and cancer biology in both academia and the local biopharmaceutical industry.

“I saw firsthand how brilliant employees, even with advanced degrees, were often unprepared for the industry,” he said. “They didn’t understand how their experiments fit into the bigger project, or how to communicate effectively across teams. I spent hours in one-on-one meetings—and sometimes even gave lectures—to help entry-level employees understand the big picture.”

That experience shapes his work with students in the Bachelor of Life Sciences degree. It’s the latest initiative from the School of Professional Studies (SPS) and Center for Life Sciences that builds on the University’s partnership with Bioversity, the life sciences workforce training program that launched last year. Bioversity, a MassBio project, helped MCPHS pinpoint the knowledge and confidence gaps that adult learners often face, enabling the University to develop a curriculum that provides a soft landing back into higher education.

“You can see how students’ lives are transforming just by taking one or two classes,” Terzo said. “They’re learning to communicate effectively, apply skills in real time, and realize they can succeed in roles they never imagined.”

The new BS in Life Sciences is designed for adult learners juggling multiple responsibilities. Stackable certificates give students the flexibility to test the waters before committing to a full degree, allowing them to “take one course, see how it fits into your life, then build toward a bachelor’s degree,” said Amber Palmer, Assistant Dean of SPS. She said this approach also helps students signal progress to employers and build confidence in their academic abilities.

The curriculum responds directly to industry needs, Terzo said, adding that the biopharmaceutical and biomanufacturing sectors are modernizing rapidly, introducing advanced therapies, robotics, and new technologies like artificial intelligence.

“Foundational science knowledge alone isn’t enough,” he said. “Students need to understand how the industry works, the language, the roles, and how to communicate across all levels. The industry needs workers with strong critical thinking, problem-solving abilities, laboratory and data analysis skills, foundational scientific knowledge, and overall career readiness.”

Students also gain experience through virtual labs and applied projects, ensuring they can hit the ground running in entry-level roles like research associate, clinical trials assistant, regulatory affairs assistant, biomanufacturing technician, supply chain coordinator, and quality control analyst. Palmer said that employers are looking for candidates who can contribute immediately, minimizing training time.

“It’s not just about technical skills,” she said. “We teach professional communication, problem-solving, and workplace navigation, which are essential for career advancement.”

For adult learners, the program represents more than just academic achievement—it’s a pathway to a better life. Terzo said the first student enrolled in the new life sciences degree program came from Bioversity after transitioning from a career in food service.

“Adult learners from all kinds of career paths are exactly who we’re designing this for,” he said. “With this degree, she can access a livable wage, health benefits, and retirement opportunities—things she never thought possible.”

Palmer emphasized the program's transformational potential. “We want students to be able to apply what they’re learning immediately, build confidence, and advance their careers. Many of them have taken some college courses before but never earned a degree. We’re providing a pathway to complete it, step by step.”

The program also marks a milestone for SPS, which has spent six years refining its approach to part-time learners. “Returning to school is a big commitment,” Palmer said. “Students are investing their hard-earned time and money. Our goal is to provide support, fill knowledge gaps, and ensure a positive experience from day one.”

For Terzo, the mission is both professional and deeply personal. “I’ve lived the challenge of navigating a new country, learning a language, and understanding a complex industry. Now, I get to help students realize the skills and talent they already have, and give them the tools to succeed,” he said. “We have this degree because students deserve the opportunity to fulfill their dreams.”