The Texas Tech Center for Biotechnology and Genomics administers the Master of Science in Biotechnology, with an emphasis in bioinformatics as an additional option. The degree program is offered with a concentration in an intensive research experience (either completed as a Research Concentration in Life Sciences or a Research Concentration in Bioinformatics), or a coursework-based degree program designed to be completed in one year if desired. The research-based concentration is a two-year program (38 credit hours), with the first two semesters consisting of required and elective coursework. The second year (nine to 12 months) is devoted to research (and possibly additional advanced coursework). Students may satisfy the research requirement in either of two ways: (1) complete an M.S. thesis, based on research carried out in the laboratory of a participating faculty member, or (2) complete a non-thesis internship in a research laboratory on campus, an industrial research laboratory, a government laboratory, or a not-for-profit foundation laboratory. Students who select a non-thesis option must pass a comprehensive final exam during their fourth (or final) semester.