Are you a school administrator? Yes No x to close
Find Your School
Find VA-Approved Colleges For Military and Veterans
Master’s Degree in Biotechnology

Master’s Degree in Biotechnology

Biotechnology is a science that involves the use of living systems and organisms to develop or make products that help improve our lives and the health of our planet.

According to BLS, the job outlook for biochemists and biophysicists is 4% from 2019-2029. This is about as fast as the average for all occupations.

Online or In-person Master’s in Biotechnology

When it comes to getting your master’s degree in biotechnology, you can find an in-person program or an online program. The benefits of an online program may appeal to working professionals or those looking for a career transition. In-person programs may appeal more to those coming from undergraduate programs or those who simply want that in-person experience. There might be some classes that will have to be taken in person such as labs and certain tests.

A Master’s in Biotechnology

Many jobs in biotechnology do require a master’s degree. And there are many options within the field, depending on what you want to do after you graduate.

Those with a master’s in biotechnology can work in research for a private company, can take on a management role, or use it as a stepping stone for a doctorate.

Concentrations in Biotechnology

Different concentrations will have different types of coursework. Here are some concentrations that you might find in a master’s of Biotechnology program:
  • Biodefense - Students will prepare for a career in national defense, learning about topics such as bioterrorism, biowarfare, and bioethics.
  • Biotechnology Science - Students will focus on topics related to biotechnology science and research, such as DNA damage and repair.
  • Pharmaceutical Technologies - Students will focus on the conversion of purified proteins to drug products that are compatible with clinical use.
  • Entrepreneurship - Students will learn about how to start their own life sciences firm and what that would include.

Classes in Biotechnology

The classes you take in a master’s of biotechnology program will depend on your concentration. Here are a few examples of classes you might take while getting your master’s degree.
  • Molecular Biology- this class teaches about DNA replication, transcription, translation, and more.
  • Bioethics – this class examines ethical issues related to transplants, animal subjects, in vitro fertilization, and more.
  • Cell Biology – this class focuses on cell structure and the functions of a cell.
  • Physiology – this class studies the functions and mechanisms in a living system.

Admission Requirements

Admission requirements differ based on the school and program, however, most will require students to have a bachelor’s degree from an accredited school, to complete an application essay, and submit letters of recommendation. Students most likely will need to have a bachelor’s degree in biotechnology or another similar field.

Some schools might also require professional experience, but even if the school doesn’t, it can help to have that work experience to put on the application. Schools usually also want students to have a 3.0 GPA or higher.

How to Choose a Program

There are many different factors when choosing the right biotechnology master’s program. Students should look at the length of each program, the course format, available concentrations, and final project requirements. Most programs are two years long, but students might also be able to find an accelerated program and be done in a year. It also might depend on if the student goes full or part-time. Students should also consider the curriculum and the cost.

Accreditation status for each program can also make a difference and can affect future career opportunities. Departments often receive accreditation from field-specific accrediting bodies. Accreditation will indicate that the program meets set standards of quality for the profession.

Top 10 Master’s in Biotechnology Programs

There are many different master’s in biotechnology programs, some are in-person, and some are online.

Here are 10 of the top master’s in biotechnology programs:

Top 10 Online Master’s in Biotechnology Programs

Here are 10 of the top online master’s in biotechnology programs:

Jobs With a Master’s Degree in Biotechnology

Scholarships for Students Getting a Master’s in Biotechnology

Here are a few scholarships for those getting their master’s in biotechnology or a similar major. You can also find other scholarships on College Recon.

NSF Graduate Research Fellowship Program 

This fellowship program recognizes and supports outstanding graduate students in NSF-supported STEM disciplines who are pursuing research-based masters and doctoral degrees at accredited US institutions. The five-year fellowship includes three years of financial support including an annual stipend of $34,000 and a cost of education allowance of $12,000 to the institution.

Hispanic Scholarship Fund 

To qualify for these scholarships, a student will need to become an HSF Scholar. To be eligible, students must be a graduating senior, an undergraduate, at a community college transferring to a four-year school, or in a graduate school program. They must also be of Hispanic heritage. When students become an HSF Scholar, they will have access to career services, mentorship, leadership development, knowledge building, and wellness training. Being a scholar will also give them access to select internship and job opportunities with HSF corporate partners as well as being eligible to apply for all scholar conferences including the STEM Summit. Awards are between $500-$5,000.

Excedr Scholarship for STEM Graduate Students

This scholarship is for graduate students in any STEM program or related sub-program and currently working in a lab in their field of study. The award is for $1,500 and there will be multiple winners.

BHW Scholarship

This scholarship is for women who are pursuing an undergraduate or master’s degree and majoring in science, technology, engineering, or mathematics. The award amount is $3,000.

Labroots Scholarship

This scholarship is for students needing support for research projects, travel expenses, and training supplies that are associated with their academic pursuits in one of the STEM fields. One undergraduate or graduate student will receive $2,000 in direct costs. This scholarship was merit-based.