MS in Biotechnology in USA: Top Universities, Requirements, Costs, Career Prospects & More for Masters in Biotechnology in USA

Course Curriculum For Masters in Biotechnology in USA

Pursuing MS in biotechnology in USA universities might come across a wide aspect of course curriculum. The course offer both practical and research courses pursuing the course. The masters in biotechnology curriculum features a unique blend of science, engineering and the business of biotechnology. Some of the subjects includes are:

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

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Top Universities For Masters in Biotechnology in USA

No doubt to say that the US has countless top-ranked universities and pursuing a master's degree from these universities offers a lot of perks and benefits. Here we curated a list of some of the top universities in USA for MS in biotechnology courses:

• Harvard University 
• Columbia University
• John Hopkins University
• Northwestern University
• University of Wisconsin

Let's discuss them one by one below:

1. Harvard University

Harvard University offers biotechnology programs in two different degrees in liberal arts and a joint degree with a business school. Its master's in biotechnology will develop your understanding of theory and research, including human genetics and physiology, proteomics, genomics, and epigenetics. It builds your knowledge of current industry practices, including innovation and molecular biology techniques. The joint degree program is the integration of business and management with biotechnology.

QS World University Rankings 2023	5
Type of University	Private
Average Annual Fees	37,200 USD
Program Offered	ALM in Biotechnology MS/MBA in Biotechnology: Life Science

2. Columbia University

Columbia University offers a Biotechnology masters course training the students in the modern aspects of molecular biology along with a particular emphasis on approaches that are used in the biotechnology and pharmaceutical industries. Its curriculum focuses on the basic principles of biotechnology and some specific applications in various fields. The coursework includes three core courses, intensive laboratory experience and elective courses.

QS World University Rankings 2023	22
Type of University	Private
Average Annual Fees	35,936 USD per semester
Program Offered	MA in Biotechnology

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3. John Hopkins University

The biotechnology program at John Hopkins University provides a comprehensive exploration of basic science, applied science, and lab science, with a biotechnology focus. It gives students a solid grounding in different areas of study such as biochemistry, molecular biology, cell biology, genomics, and proteomics. The course has a flexibility for students to tailor elective coursework to meet the individual career goals. 

QS World University Rankings 2023	24
Type of University	Private
Average Annual Fees	60,480 USD
Program Offered	MS in Biotechnology MS/MBA in Biotechnology

4. Northwestern University

Northeastern University’s biotechnology course curriculum features a unique blending of science, engineering and business of technology. The university offers the most extensive research opportunities in MS in Biotechnology program requires over 1000 hours of research and seven units of required courses in bioprocess engineering, introductory engineering and non technical courses. The course also has the access to more than 70 technical and non technical electives.

QS World University Rankings 2023	32
Type of University	Private
Average Annual Fees	62,160 USD
Program Offered	MS in Biotechnology

5. University of Wisconsin

University of Wisconsin’s MS Biotechnology is designed for the working professionals that provides students an overarching view on modern biotechnology operations, addressing fundamental scientific and legal matters, innovative technologies and complex business issues. It isa practical and result oriented program which provides you the foundation necessary for succeeding and advancing in one of the fastest growing and most complex industries globally. 

QS World University Rankings 2023	83
Type of University	Public
Average Annual Fees	25,504 USD
Program Offered	MS in Biotechnology

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List of Biotechnology Masters Universities Without GRE

If you are applying for an MS in Biotechnology  in USA without GRE score, then you need not to worry much about your admission. As there are several MSc biotechnology universities in USA that do not require GRE tests as their mandatory documents in the applications. Here is a list of US universities that do not mandate masters in biotechnology are:

• Brown University
• Johns Hopkins University
• University of Wisconsin-Madison
• Duke University
• Northwestern University
• Boston University
• University of Maryland
• New York University

Comparison Between MS and MBA in Biotechnology in USA

The Biotechnology masters program in USA is offered in different degrees. Popular among them is an MS and MBA in biotechnology in USA. To understand which one of them is better, here we have compared the difference between both the programs:

Basis of Comparison	MS in Biotechnology	MBA in Biotechnology
Type of Degree	Postgraduate degree	Postgraduate degree
Focus Areas	Focused on the technical and the hands-on training in biotechnology, biomedical technologies, molecular biology, biopharmaceutical.	Focus on theoretical, practical based training, and exposures to the integration of biotechnology with business and management.
Program Duration	2 years	1-2 years
Top Universities	Johns Hopkins University University of Pennsylvania Columbia University University of California, Berkeley	University of Southern California Harvard Business School Columbia Business School Boston University
Average Annual Fees	17,299 USD - 49,000 USD	23,000 USD - 63,000 USD
Work Experience	No prior work experience is required	At least 3 to 5 years of experience is required
Average Salary	72,000 USD	85,000 USD

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Eligibility Criteria and Admission Requirements For Masters in Biotechnology

To get into Masters in Biotechnology in USA, you must have to fulfil some of the eligibility criteria for admission. These qualifications may vary from university to university and program. Some of the basic masters in biotechnology in USA requirements are given below:

• Bachelor's Degree
• English Language Proficiency Scores
• GRE or GMAT Scores
• Passport & Student Visa

Let's discuss about them:

• Bachelor's Degree

The most common admission eligibility for MS in biotechnology in USA is to have a bachelor's degree certificate. You must complete your bachelors degree in biotechnology or any engineering specialisation with good academic scores. Having a good GPA of at least 3.5 will help you to get into the best colleges.

• English Language Proficiency Scores

If you are one among the international students then you must have to submit a language test scores to be considered for the admission for the course. It is one of the most important criteria for admission to biotechnology courses in USA. The minimum expected scores for an MS in biotechnology in USA are:

• IELTS: 6.0 - 7.0
• TOEFL: 90 - 100

• GRE or GMAT Scores

Graduate entrance scores like GRE or GMAT are optional for getting admission to masters programs in USA. These scores are used for evaluation of your profile. However, a competitive test scores based on some top universities are:

• GRE: 260 - 330
• GMAT: 650 - 725

• Work Experience

To pursue MS in biotechnology in USA, universities may ask for work experience. So, having 2-3 years of professional experience is an added advantage.

• Passport & Student Visa

A US student visa is a must to get admission into best universities in USA for MS in embedded systems for international students. A copy of your passport is also required for applying for the student visa. Make sure you can apply for a Student Visa at least three months prior to the date of travel.

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Documents Required For Masters in Biotechnology in USA

Apart from eligibility for MS in biotechnology in USA, there are some essential documents you need in the submission process. Here is a list of documents you gather before submitting your application form:

1. Official high school transcripts
2. Language test scores
3. GRE or GMAT scorecards
4. Personal essay
5. Statement of purpose
6. Letter of recommendation
7. Resume or CV
8. Work experience certificate 
9. Proof of your financial resources
10. Copy of your passport

Now let's look at the admission process of masters in biotechnology in US universities.

Admission Process For MS Biotechnology Universities in USA

The application form of some best universities for MS biotechnology in USA opens three times a year for summer, fall and winter semesters. A few of them also accept on a rolling basis which means you can apply anytime within a year. But how to apply to these universities. Here we have given a step by step guide for the application process:

1. First, make a list of some of the best universities of masters in biotechnology or you can also refer to the above mentioned universities.
2. Shortlist these universities based on their requirements and the program they offer. 
3. Browse each university website and check which university falls under your interest.
4. Fill up their application along with the application fees.
5. Gather all your essential documents and submit them in the application.
6. Wait for the decision or you can also check the status. There must be some chances that they will conduct an interview before confirming the application.
7. Clear the interview part and once you get the decision letter accept it by paying the depositary fees.

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Another concern after the application process of MSc biotechnology colleges in USA is their costs. Therefore it is very important to discuss the costs of studying an MS in biotechnology in the USA.

Cost of Studying For Masters in Biotechnology in USA

The overall MS biotechnology costs in USA for international students will depend on two factors which are your program tuition fees and the living costs. Let's discuss both of them in detail:

Tuition Fees

The MS biotechnology in USA fees is majorly based on the university whether it is a public or private university. On an average the tuition fees for the course ranges between 17,299 USD to 48,000 USD per month. However, some of the universities also consider the fees on credit fees i.e. 40 USD per credit or more.

Costs of Living

The tuition fees of any university is a constant investment which is necessary, but the costs of living in USA will depend on the type of your lifestyle. The average living cost in USA for international students ranges between 1,300 USD to 2,500 USD per month. These costs may include your personal expenses too.

Scholarships For Masters in Biotechnology in USA

There are various types of scholarships offered to international students in USA. You can opt for many of the scholarships while pursuing your MSc biotechnology in USA or any other courses. They may help you in managing your tuition fees and expenses in the country. Some of the scholarships are also offered by external sources to the students. Here is a list of a few  scholarships you can opt for studying:

Scholarship Name	Eligibility	Benefits
International Merit Scholarship, Columbia University	Starting any master's degree programs at the university.	Upto 3,000 USD
International Graduate Student Scholarships and Fellowships, Harvard	Masters degree students are eligible with good academic records	Tuition Fees and Housing
Foreign Fulbright Program, University of Wisconsin	International students seeking graduate programs in masters or PhD are eligible with a good academics in bachelor.	Grants cover tuition fees and other expenses.
Biotechnology Academic Scholarship, University of Texas	Students seeking a degree at the university and have maintained a GPA of 3.0 (“B”) or better in the program.	Amount Varies

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Job Opportunities After Masters in Biotechnology in USA

The job opportunities in USA after MS in biotechnology are immense, you will never run out of the exciting career options to live and contribute to society. You can get exposure in different areas such as pharmaceuticals, food, textiles and much more. Some of the job profile of after biotechnology in USA are:

Job Profile	Average Salary Per Year
Biological Technicians	45,160 USD
Biochemists and Biophysicists	75,739 USD
Microbiologists	75,492 USD
Molecular Biology Research Associate	55,100 USD
Bioinformatics Scientist	82,530 USD
Epidemiologist	73,568 USD

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Pursuing the best universities for masters in biotechnology in USA provides you endless opportunities both academically and career wise. You have the option to get into your desired place based on your personal and professional life with exciting career opportunities. So, if you want to get into some top universities offering MS in biotechnology in USA or need some assistance in the admission process, connect with our Yocket Professionals now.

Frequently Asked Questions About Masters in Biotechnology in USA

Ques. Is biotechnology in demand in USA?

Ans. The biotechnology market industry is a major economic driver generating over 140 billion USD in revenue. Currently, the US biotechnology firms employ more than 1.66 million people and with the need of rapid innovation demand for skilled professionals will continue to rise.

Ques. What is a good GRE score for an MS in biotechnology?

Ans. A general GRE test score should be a minimum of 295 along with no less than 150 on a verbal section and no less than 145 on the quantitative section is considered competing for admission.

Ques. How long is MSc Biotechnology in USA?

Ans. A MSc Biotechnology program in USA may take upto two years to complete.

Ques. What are the tuition fees of MSc biotechnology universities in USA?

Ans. The average tuition fees for Masters in biotechnology programs in USA ranges between 17,299 USD to 48,000 USD per year.

Ques. What are some of the popular MS in biotechnology courses in USA?

Ans.  A few of the popular biotechnology masters degree programs in USA for international students are:

1. MS Translational Biotechnology
2. MS Biotechnology and Entrepreneurship
3. MS Medical Biotechnology
4. MS Biomedical Engineering and Biotechnology
5. MS Biotechnology and Biomedical Sciences