MS in Biotechnology in USA (2025): Top Universities, Cost & Salary

Biotechnology is the intersection of innovation and life. Every time you eat bread, cheese, yoghurt, or wine, you're essentially witnessing the application of ancient Biotechnology without even realising it. Humans have been using living things to solve problems and enhance life for thousands of years, despite the term being relatively new.

By the 20th century, Biotechnology had made enormous strides. I assume you've heard of DNA, pasteurisation, or penicillin. This field is the source of all of that. Massive projects like the Human Genome Project resulted from scientists' efforts to decode life itself. All of a sudden, industry, agriculture, and genetics were collaborating rather than operating independently.

These days, Biotechnology not only alters the world, but also reshapes it. Consider using the hidden power of marine life or printing human organs in space. You're looking at a future where science fiction becomes your reality with biotech.

Repeatedly, we hear students wanting to pursue higher education in the United States, and we know the reasons for that. In this section, we will explore the reasons why students must consider the US for pursuing an MS in Biotechnology:

Excellent Education

Studying in the United States, one of the most sought-after locations, provides the greatest academic and hands-on training with state-of-the-art technologies. Additionally, via their substantial laboratory research, professional coaching, networking, and workshops, the coursework includes bioprocess engineering, biology, and business, which can help you build the learning, problem-solving, and soft skills that employers are looking for.

University Rankings

Numerous surveys, including THE and QS, often place US universities at the top. Universities like MIT, Harvard, and Caltech are listed in the Top 10 by the QS World University Rankings 2024. The top two US colleges providing Biotechnology studies are even included in the QS rankings for biological sciences.

Scope

After earning an MS in Biotechnology in the US, companies provide various employment options with high salaries. The US Bureau of Labor Statistics forecasts that job growth for Biotechnology graduates will increase by 7% between 2020 and 2030. Additionally, there will be an average of 11,800 positions available for biological technologists annually.

Top universities for a Master’s in Biotechnology in the US are MIT, Caltech, and Johns Hopkins University. Most of these universities are ranked in the QS 50 in 2025, proving their academic excellence. The US is a leading researcher in Biotechnology and provides opportunities for creativity, teamwork, and professional advancement. Along with Biotechnology, you also study applied microbiology, which gives you a holistic view of the domain.

The top American universities that can launch your biotech career are listed below, based on the QS World University Rankings and the Times Higher Education Subject Rankings for 2025: 

Let’s discuss the universities in detail:

Harvard University

Harvard University has an almost perfect overall score of 96.8 and has a perfect score of 100 in the academic reputation index. Located in Cambridge, Massachusetts, it hosts 21,000 students from all over the world. Through its Extension School and Graduate School of Arts and Sciences, Harvard provides a master's program focused on Biotechnology that blends rigorous science with classes in biotech business, bioethics, and innovation management.

Stanford University

Spanning over 8,180 acres, Stanford University is one of the largest universities in the USA. With 18 interdisciplinary research institutes and seven schools, this university has a course suited to everyone’s needs. It has a total of 17,422 students, with over 5000 of them being international students. Through its department of Bioengineering, Stanford offers a world-class Master's in Bioengineering. This course is great for students who want to pursue exciting careers within the Biotechnology, engineering, and medicine and healthcare sectors.

University of Pennsylvania

Founded in 1740 by Benjamin Franklin, the University of Pennsylvania is a private Ivy League research university located in the city of Philadelphia. It has a total staff count of 5,288, with 41% being International staff. Another fact to boast about is that the highest number of Penn graduates go on to become fortune 500 CEOs. The highly interdisciplinary Master of Biotechnology program at Penn University integrates legal studies, entrepreneurship, regulatory affairs, and biotech science

University of California, Berkeley (UCB)

The University of California, Berkeley was founded in 1808 and has the most impressive lineup of alumni, faculty, and researchers. This includes 99 Nobel laureates, 23 Turing Award winners, and 14 Pulitzer Prize winners. Their Master's in Biotechnology is an accelerated program to be completed in a span of 1 year. You get hands-on training like learning CRISPR gene editing techniques, bioinformatics, and more. With internship programs and career mentorship programs, it also makes you job-ready by the end of the program. 

University of Chicago

The University of Chicago is a private research university that was founded in 1856. Outside of the Ivy League universities, the University of Chicago is one of America’s top universities. 29 Nobel laureates have been faculty members of this university. The Master of Biomedical Sciences and Molecular Engineering programs at UChicago offer a Biotechnology pathway. This is a transformative 1-year program, focuses on applications and innovations in clinical care and medical treatment, statistics, bioethics, and the American healthcare system.

Yale University

Yale University, a private research university, has a Biotechnology program that ranks 10th by the Times Higher Education Subject Rankings 2025. It has a score of 99.9 in the academic reputation index, making it a very prestigious Ivy League school to get into. It hosts more than 3000 international students and is a very culturally rich campus. It offers an MS in Computational Biology and Biomedical Informatics. This program offers a data science perspective applied to the biomedical domain. 

John Hopkins University

Johns Hopkins University is an American private research university in Baltimore, Maryland, founded in 1876. It has a perfect score of 100 on the Faculty to Student Ratio index, with a total faculty count of 4,987. It also has a total of 88 Undergraduate and Postgraduate programs. They offer a 40-credit Master of Science degree composed of 4 Required Core Courses and 6 Elective Courses. There are also various areas of concentration such as Biodefense, Bioinformatics, Biotechnology Enterprise, Molecular Targets and Drug Discovery, Regenerative and Stem Cell Technologies, and Regulatory Affairs. 

Columbia University

Situated in Upper Manhattan, New York City, Columbia University is a private Ivy League institution. The goal of Columbia's MS in Biotechnology program, which is ranked as the 18th best in the world by THE 2025, prepares you for work in research labs, biotech, and pharmaceutical companies. It provides practical lab training along with exposure to business executives in New York City, with a focus on biochemical engineering, product development, and regulatory science.

New York University (NYU)

Based in New York City, New York University’s Biotech program ranks a little behind at 333 (ranked by THE, 2025). It hosts more than 48,000 students. It has around 65 undergraduate and Postgraduate programs across various disciplines. Through its Tandon School of Engineering and Department of Biology, NYU provides graduate-level Biotechnology education. Students gain access to NYC's thriving biotech ecosystem, which includes partnerships with startups and medical institutions, as well as courses in molecular biology, bioinformatics, and bioprocessing.

Northwestern University

Northwestern University’s MSc in Biotechnology is ranked 31 by THE subject rankings, 2025. It has an overall score of 76 and has three campuses, which establishes its global presence. Out of its 20,000 total student count, more than 4000 are international students. The MS in Biotechnology program at Northwestern University combines business, management, and entrepreneurship with scientific research. It gives students a multidisciplinary edge by allowing collaboration with Northwestern's Feinberg School of Medicine and providing specialisation options like synthetic biology and nanoBiotechnology.

Students pursuing an MS in Biotechnology at US colleges may encounter a broad range of course curricula. The curriculum for the master's program in Biotechnology combines science, engineering, and Biotechnology business innovatively. Among the subjects covered are:

• Enzymes and mechanisms
• Cellular energetics and thermodynamics
• Microbial kinetics
• Bioinformatics
• Biotechnology Enterprise
• Molecular Targets and Drug Discovery
• Regenerative and Stem Cell Technologies

Biotechnology is a vast field of Biology that is at the crossroads of biology and technology and aims to better the quality of life. This broad, multidisciplinary field has many avenues for you to explore, so before you choose your dream university, it is also important to understand which course is best suited for you. 

Regardless of whether you are interested in healthcare, research, or industrial innovation, there is a niche for you that is perfectly aligned with your goals. The following are a few sought-after specializations you can look out for while pursuing your master’s in Biotechnology in the US:

Bioinformatics

This branch of Biotechnology combines biology, computer science and statistics. It is useful to analyse complex biological datasets, such as data related to drug discovery and genomics. Some universities you can explore to pursue this specialization are Carnegie Mellon University, Northeastern University, and John Hopkins University. 

Molecular Biology

This field of science seeks to understand how molecules interact with each other to perform functions essential to life. This also includes studying in detail about genes, DNAs, and RNAs. It studies the very molecular basis of everything biological around us. Popular universities offering this specialization include Boston University, Northeastern University, and the University of New Haven

Microbiology

 This branch deals with the study of all the microorganisms around us, including unicellular, multicellular, and acellular beings. Viruses, Bacteria, Fungi, protozoa, etc., are all microbes that are studied within this branch. It also explores how these microorganisms affect the environment and our health. If this interests you, the University of Tulsa, Colorado State University, and Rutgers University are good options to explore for the same. 

Environmental Biotechnology

This field has everything to do with the natural environment around us. It addresses key environmental issues that may pose bigger threats in the future. Therefore, if developing innovative green solutions for pressing issues revolving around our environment interests you, this specialization may be the right fit for you. Northwestern University, Newcastle University, and Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University are good university options you can consider. 

Medical Biotechnology

This branch of Biotechnology uses cells and cell materials to research and manufacture pharmaceutical drugs. Its key focus is on developing drugs, vaccines, and diagnostic equipment to both treat and prevent illnesses. The Department of Biomedical Sciences at the University of Illinois College of Medicine Rockford offers an MS in Medical Biotechnology, also known as the MBT program. If you are interested in this field, the MBT program could be the right fit for you. 

The three main intakes for the MS in Biotechnology program offered by the majority of US universities are Fall (August/September), Spring (January), and Summer (May/June). Although many universities accept applications for spring and summer, autumn is the most popular and competitive intake. 

Rolling admissions are offered by certain universities, which means that applications are reviewed as they come in until all available seats are occupied. Let us now look in detail at the application processes for different intakes

Application Process for Spring Intake

The Spring Intake is also known as the January Intake, offers students to start their journey mid-academic year. The US academic system is more flexible and thus offers multiple start points. A typical timeline for the January intake starts around April the previous year with the shortlisting of universities, and starts preparation for various entrance exams. 

Here’s a month-by-month timeline to help you plan your application process for the Spring intake effectively:

Application Process for Fall Intake

The fall intake is the most popular option among students as it resembles a mainstream academic year. It also provides you with a wide range of options in universities, which is not the case with the spring intake. 

Here’s a step-by-step monthly breakdown to help you stay on track for the Fall intake:

Application Process for Summer Intake

The Summer intake or the May intake is a very unique opportunity to grab your degree faster than the normal pace. This shorter intake typically runs from May to August each year. This intake has way less competition as it is not a very popular choice among students. 

The Summer Intake (May to June) is less common but still available at select U.S. universities for MS in Biotechnology. This intake is perfect if you want to start mid-year without waiting for the Fall or Spring semesters.

Here’s a timeline to guide your application process for the Summer intake:

Depending on the university and program design, a Master's degree in Biotechnology in the United States normally costs between USD 42,000 and USD 85,000. It is crucial to remember that this range only includes tuition fees; living expenses, travel, health insurance, and visa-related costs should all be included in your overall budget for studying in the United States.

Tuition Fees

In the United States, the cost of an MS in Biotechnology primarily depends on the type of university, whether it’s public or private. The monthly tuition rates for the course vary from USD 18,000 to USD 48,000 (INR 15 lakhs - INR 40 lakhs). 

However, some colleges also consider the credit costs, which are USD 40 (INR 3330) or more per credit. Top universities like Harvard and Columbia may be slightly on the costlier end, but if you are looking for top-class universities with cheaper tuition, public universities are a perfect choice. There are many scholarship options for you to explore that can help reduce the burden of tuition fees. 

Additionally, you should also consider the return on investment (ROI) while weighing out your options. According to an analysis made by Northeastern University,  U.S. employment in science is projected to grow by nearly 16% by 2035. Thus, you need to consider many factors while choosing a university, with tuition fees being one of them. 

Here is a list of top universities and their annual tuition to help you make the decision.

Student Visa Fee in the USA

The student visa fee in the US for an international student is USD 535 (INR 44,300). International students usually apply for an F-1 visa in order to study for an MS in Biotechnology in the United States. You will first be required to pay the SEVIS Fee, after which the university will provide a form I-20, which is necessary for your visa application, following an admission offer. 

You will have to fill out the form with correct information and bring it for your F-1 interview. The next step is to fill out the Visa Fee, fill out the D-160 form, and appear for your interview 120 days before the start of your program. Here is a breakdown of the total cost of a Student visa fee in the USA as an international student.

Visa Costs for an Indian student are as follows:

• F-1 Visa Fee: USD 185 (INR 15,830)
• SEVIS Fee: USD 350 (INR 30,000)
• Total: USD 535 (INR 44,300)

Living Expenses

Budgeting for both tuition and living expenses is crucial when deciding to pursue an MS in Biotechnology in the United States. Depending on the city, your lifestyle, and the type of housing you choose, these costs can vary significantly. Compared to mid-sized cities or college towns, metropolitan areas like New York, San Francisco, and Boston are typically more expensive.

An outline of typical monthly living costs for overseas students can be found below:

To be eligible for an MS in Biotechnology in the USA, you need a bachelor’s degree in a relevant field (like engineering, biology, etc), 16-years of educational experience (including a 3-4 year undergraduate degree), a good GPA of 3.0/4.0, and test scores (GRE score of 320+ for top universities).

Let us discuss each of these in detail:

Bachelor's Degree

You need a solid academic record while completing your bachelor's degree in Biotechnology or any other engineering specialization. Gaining admission to the top universities is facilitated by a strong GPA of at least 3.0 on a 4.0 scale.

English Language Proficiency Scores

As an international student, you need to submit your English proficiency test scores. It is among the most significant requirements for enrollment in Biotechnology and other programs in the United States. The following are the minimal requirements for an MS in Biotechnology:

• IELTS: 6.0 - 7.0
• TOEFL: 90 - 100

GMAT or GRE Scores

To be admitted to master's programs in the United States, applicants must have graduate entrance scores such as the GRE or GMAT. Your profile is evaluated using these scores. On the other hand, competitive test results based on a few elite colleges are:

• GRE: 260 - 330
• GMAT: 650 - 725

Employment History

Universities in the USA may require work experience for students wishing to pursue an MS in Biotechnology. Therefore, having two to three years of work experience is beneficial.

Student Visa and Passport

International students wishing to pursue an MS in embedded systems at the top US colleges must have a valid student visa. Applying for a student visa also necessitates providing a copy of your passport. Ensure that you can apply for a student visa at least three months before the travel date.

Documents required for a master's in biotech in the USA are your academic transcripts, LORs, SOPs, English proficiency proofs, proof of sufficient financial funds, a student visa, and other important verification documents. Here is a detailed list that will help you keep your documents organised and save you from last-minute surprises:

• Official high school transcripts
• Language test scores
• GRE or GMAT scorecards
• Personal essay
• Statement of purpose
• Letters of recommendation
• Resume or CV
• Work experience certificate
• Proof of your financial resources
• Copy of your passport

Remember that these documents are mostly mandatory, but might vary university-wise. Curate a strong SOP, ask your academic professors and counselors to write your LORs in advance, include ALL your personal and academic achievements in the resume, and score outstandingly on the standardized tests!

Yeah, we know how you have repeatedly heard the word 'GRE' being necessary for applying to US universities! However, don't sweat too much about GRE scores when applying for an MS in Biotechnology in the States. Enlisted below are some of the finest institutions that accept applications without the GRE results, and don't mention them as a mandatory document.

Location can have a significant impact on Biotechnology education, networking, internships, and post-graduation employment prospects. Numerous biotech hubs can be found in the US, particularly in states with robust biotech industries and reputable universities.

The following states are well-known for having numerous universities with highly regarded MS programs in Biotechnology:

Let's discuss each university in detail

Boston, Massachusetts

With an overall score of 89, and ranked 16 globally in the QS Best Student Cities, Boston is home to top universities like Harvard University, MIT, the Boston University. These universities offer some of the best Master's programs in Biotechnology, with various specializations as well. You can also be expected to be quickly hired by some of the top biotech companies like Schrödinger, Inc., Vertex Pharmaceuticals, etc. 

New York City, New York

New York City, the concrete jungle where dreams are made, hosts top universities like Columbia University, New York University. It ranks 18th in the QS Best Student Cities, and has a score of 96.3 for student view. You will have access to networking opportunities in academia, research, and business. Pfizer, Merck, and Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center are some of the biggest names in the industry, and you get the opportunity to study in the same city where their offices are located. 

San Francisco Bay Area, California

With an overall score of 83.8, San Francisco ranked 29th in the QS Best Student Cities list. It also has a score of 91.3 in the Employer Activity index, meaning you have great job prospects as a graduate, especially in the tech sector. You can get your Master's in Biotech from top universities like Stanford and the University of California, Berkeley (UCB). Endpoint Clinical, Inc., Fibrogen, Inc., and Gladstone Institutes are some top biotech companies that have called San Francisco their home. 

Chicago, Illinois

The Windy City, or the City of Chicago, is 44th on the list of QS Best Student Cities. With an overall score of 78.3, it is home to two of the most prestigious universities, the University of Chicago and Northwestern University. Both of these universities offer top-class Biotechnology graduate programs. Chicago also scores extremely well in the employer activity rank; you can spot top biotech companies like GE Healthcare, Planet Pharma, and Hillrom.

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

The city of Philadelphia, known for its rich history and cultural setting, is ranked 65th in the QS Best Student Cities list 2025. It is also home to the Ivy League institution, the University of Pennsylvania. This extremely student-friendly city is a great destination to pursue your master's in Biotechnology and find a suitable career later on. Top biotech companies in and around the city are Lannett Company, Integral Molecular, and Biomeme Inc.

It can be expensive to pursue an MS in Biotechnology in the United States, but there are many scholarships available to help international students. These scholarships, which can greatly lessen the burden of tuition fees and living expenses, are provided by universities, government initiatives, and outside organisations.

Here are a few notable scholarship opportunities you can explore:

Biotechnology is one of the fastest-growing industries in the US, and it is used in bioinformatics, pharmaceuticals, agriculture, and healthcare. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the continued investment in health innovation, research, and sustainable solutions is expected to drive the faster-than-average growth of many biotech-related professions through 2032.

Here are some stats for the employment scope of studying Biotechnology in the USA:

• Between 2018 and 2022, the biotech industry grew by USD 3 trillion, and the number of employees increased by 11%.
• In 2021, there were almost 2.1 million employees in the Biotechnology sector in the USA alone.
• Measured by the overall capital output, the biotech industry has contributed over USD 2.9 trillion to the US economy in the last few years.

Depending on their position, level of experience, and region, professionals in the United States with a Master's in Biotechnology typically earn around USD 78,000 annually, according to Payscale. Particularly well-paid positions are those in regulatory affairs, quality assurance, research, and development.

The Biotechnology industry generated approximately $183 billion in revenue in 2024. Additionally, current U.S. Biotechnology firms employ over 431,600 people, and this number is on the rise. This is great news if you are planning on doing a master's in Biotechnology in the USA. Such programs are intended to help students learn about the diverse range of jobs available in the industry, from lab research to regulatory affairs and business strategy, in addition to developing technical proficiency in fields like molecular biology, genetics, and bioprocessing.

Biotechnology graduates are no longer restricted to conventional lab positions, according to Kevin Broadbelt, a former associate teaching professor at Northeastern University. To bring biotech innovations to life, the industry now requires specialists in regulatory affairs, quality control, project management, data analytics, and business development.

Let’s take a look at some of the most in-demand careers in Biotechnology and what they offer.

Confused about whether to select an MBA or MS in Biotechnology when applying in the States? There are several degree options available for the US master's program in Biotechnology. An MS and an MBA in Biotechnology are popular among them. To determine which is superior, we have contrasted the two programs in the table below:

In the USA, obtaining an MS in Biotechnology opens doors to some of the most prominent universities, cutting-edge research opportunities, and fascinating career paths in the international biotech sector. We've covered everything to help you make an informed choice, from comprehending the top-ranked programs and their specialisations to navigating the eligibility requirements and tuition costs.

We at Yocket are here to help you along the way. Our professionals are available to help you with any task, including creating the ideal SOP, understanding your application timeline, and shortlisting universities. Make an appointment with a Yocket counsellor one-on-one right now to move forward with your Biotechnology studies in the United States.