Online Master's Programs in Biotechnology
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For the 2023-2024 academic year, we have 112 schools in our MHAOnline.com database and those that advertise with us are labeled “sponsor”. When you click on a sponsoring school or program, or fill out a form to request information from a sponsoring school, we may earn a commission. View our advertising disclosure for more details.
“A biotechnology master’s degree equips students with technical knowledge and lab training, laying the foundation for a fulfilling career in the biotech industry.”
Reeta Rao, PhD, Department Head in Biology and Biotechnology, Worcester Polytechnic Institute (WPI)
Less than 40 years ago, the United States Supreme Court ruled that a genetically modified microorganism could be patented, thus announcing the birth of the modern era of biotechnology. As much as science has evolved over those 40 years, enterprise, regulation, and management spheres have evolved in tandem.
An online master’s degree in biotechnology and bioenterprise equips professionals with advanced knowledge of biology and biotechnology while giving them the communication, leadership, and enterprise skills to match. With the advent of cutting-edge distance learning options, students can now access a leading academic institution located in a biotech hub—as well as the faculty, corporate partnerships, and network and research opportunities that go with it—while also advancing their career with work experience from anywhere in the world.
As data analysis skills and advanced scientific knowledge continue to play a crucial role in biotechnology development, more young professionals are breaking out of the academic track and laboratory setting and equipping themselves with a comprehensive and market-minded education. Graduates of an online master’s degree in biotechnology and bioenterprise have become scientists, technical professionals, attorneys, and entrepreneurs. Whether the task is producing life-saving drugs that combat high blood pressure, making improvements in radiation treatment for malignant tumors, or launching new biotech innovations that change the way medicine is practiced, this type of degree can provide the comprehensive skills necessary for professionals of all types to advance in the public-private biotechnology ecosystem.
As the biotechnology field continues to grow, it will need to interact with the non-scientific world in increasingly complex and meaningful ways; master’s programs in biotechnology and bioenterprise are helping to create a new crop of professionals as the bridge between worlds.
Discover what to expect from an online master’s degree in biotechnology and bioenterprise, including the expected coursework and three exceptional professors leading courses at these universities.
| Featured Biotechnology Programs | ||
|---|---|---|
| Johns Hopkins University - Advanced Academic Programs | Master of Biotechnology Enterprise & Entrepreneurship | View Full Profile |
| Johns Hopkins University - Advanced Academic Programs | MS Bioinformatics | View Full Profile |
| Johns Hopkins University - Advanced Academic Programs | MS Biotechnology | View Full Profile |
| Johns Hopkins University - Advanced Academic Programs | MS in Regenerative and Stem Cell Technologies | View Full Profile |
| Johns Hopkins University - Advanced Academic Programs | MS Individualized Genomics and Health | View Full Profile |
| Arizona State University | Biomedical Diagnostics (MS) | View Full Profile |
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For the 2023-2024 academic year, we have 112 schools in our MHAOnline.com database and those that advertise with us are labeled “sponsor”. When you click on a sponsoring school or program, or fill out a form to request information from a sponsoring school, we may earn a commission. View our advertising disclosure for more details. |
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Meet the Expert: Reeta Rao, PhD
Dr. Reeta Rao is a professor and the department head of the biology and biotechnology department at Worcester Polytechnic Institute (WPI). She cares deeply about the career and professional development of scientists at all levels of training. She is committed to keeping researchers engaged in science through workforce development opportunities aimed at recruiting, retaining, and improving the critical skills, knowledge, and resources required for academia and the industry.
Dr. Rao teaches a course entitled “Plagues of the Modern World, Medical Microbiology” to students interested in a career in the healthcare industry or anyone who cares to learn about infectious diseases. She enjoys mentoring and working with doctoral, master, and undergraduate students. One of the highlights of her career in 2018 was receiving the Waksman Outstanding Teaching Award from the Society of Industrial Microbiology and Biotechnology.
Dr. Rao enjoys affiliate appointments at the Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard (Cambridge) and the Institute of Drug Resistance at the University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School (Worcester). She served as WPI’s inaugural associate dean of graduate studies and is a fellow of the American Academy of Microbiology and the American Association for the Advancement of Science.
MHAonline.com: What do you wish the public understood about online master’s degrees in biotechnology programs?
Dr. Rao: A biotechnology master’s degree equips students with technical knowledge and lab training, laying the foundation for a fulfilling career in the biotech industry.
Worcester Polytechnic Institute’s master’s of science in biotechnology program is a one-of-a-kind, skills-based program that was launched in 2018. The program is offered on campus, online, and at corporate partner sites. During the planning stages, a “voice of the customer” survey revealed that prospective students were looking for hands-on training. This was a surprise because the rest of the higher education world was focused on virtual, course-based MS degree programs.
Our skills-based, non-thesis program provides a broad base of advanced coursework and laboratory training in techniques that are applicable to the biotechnology industry. It is especially suited to students with general practice career goals and those not planning subsequent pursuit of a PhD degree. The robust skills-based labs that complement the graduate coursework are held at WPI’s Biomanufacturing Education & Training Center at a time that accommodates the schedule of a full-time working professional, typically on weekends. This technical degree can be paired with a graduate certificate in life science management, allowing students to gain a holistic view of the biotech industry.
In addition, we offer a master’s of science in biosciences administration degree designed for students who have a business inclination and pair it with a graduate certificate in biomanufacturing.
MHAonline.com: What advice would you give aspiring online master’s degrees in biotechnology students?
Dr. Rao: The recent pandemic is proof positive that there is much work to be done in this field. This is an area of growth (nationally projected at more than 5 percent and more than 20 percent in certain areas of the country). In the Northeast, the number of jobs available is approximately 25 percent above the national average. Suffice it to say that it is a great time to be a biotechnologist.
The biotech sector seeks students who are trained in modern bioprocessing techniques. Laboratory skills are critically important during the preparation of life-saving therapies/vaccines. The theoretical knowledge is easily accessible online.
But hands-on training is critical as well. The robust and relevant skills-based course work is the differentiator for our master’s of science in biotechnology degree program. It is focused on the student experience and ensures that the students have a positive and safe learning environment. Our commitment to quality begins at the marketing and recruitment stage and continues through the admissions process, vetting of instructors, course rotations, and plans of study and student success managers.
Featured Online Master’s in Biotechnology & Bioenterprise Programs
John Hopkins is a world leader in biological research and the global biotechnology industry. Its online graduate programs offer a comprehensive exploration of basic science, applied science, and lab science, all with an industry focus. The school also offers a completely online master’s degree in biotechnology, which can be completed part-time.
The program consists of four core courses, six electives, and an optional thesis. After taking core biochemistry, molecular biology, and advanced cellular biology courses, students take six electives: two in science and four in general courses. Students may specialize in one of five areas: biodefense, bioinformatics, molecular targets and drug discovery, regulatory science, or biotechnology enterprise. Students concentrating on enterprise can do an independent study in biotechnology enterprise and entrepreneurship, where they learn to formulate funding strategies under various economic conditions, solve organizational problems that arise from a legal and technological framework, and assess the risks and navigate the various steps in the development of a biotechnology-derived product, from inception to adoption.
Applicants must have a 3.0 GPA in undergraduate studies and must have taken at least two semesters of biology, college chemistry with a lab, and organic chemistry with a lab. Non-native English speakers must submit a TOEFL score, and while GRE scores are not required, they may be requested to help evaluate an application.
Other related degrees at Johns Hopkins include a master’s of science in bioinformatics, master’s of science in biotechnology, master’s of science in regenerative and stem cell technologies, and a master’s of science in individualized genomics and health.
- Location: Washington, D.C.
- Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE)
- Format: Online
- Program length: One to five years, depending on pace, with two years as the average
The master of science in biomedical diagnostics at Arizona State University is an online program designed to explore the critical role of diagnostics in healthcare. This program covers the science, technology, business, and application of diagnostics, offering specialized training in areas such as health regulation, policy, and diagnostic technologies.
It includes ten classes, each lasting 7.5 weeks, totaling 31 credits. Students will engage in coursework across five core areas: application, business, policy, science, and technology of diagnostics. Graduates are prepared for roles in biomedical companies, healthcare management, or further studies in medical school. Admission requires a relevant bachelor’s or master’s degree, a minimum GPA of 3.00, and submission of transcripts, a statement of purpose, a resume, and two recommendation letters.
- Location: Tempe, Arizona
- Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission (HLC)
- Format: Online
- Program length: Ten classes
The UMUC online master of science in biotechnology combines a deep understanding of molecular science with a business-minded skillset. The New York Times spotlighted the program as “the science MBA.” It consists of 36 credits and all courses are available online, with select hybrid offerings and on-ground accompaniments.
After taking core courses such as bioinformatics, societal issues in biotechnology, and the foundations of project management, students may choose to specialize in either bioinformatics, biosecurity and biodefense, biotechnology management, or biotechnology regulatory affairs. The biotechnology specialization offers courses in topics such as commercializing biotechnology in early-stage ventures, information systems management and integration, and the selection and evaluation of biotechnology products. The capstone project focuses on case analysis, ethical management, and group development of a strategic product plan for a start-up biotechnology venture.
Admission requirements include a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited degree-granting university. Applicants must also have a background in molecular biology or have taken college-level molecular biology courses. GMAT test scores are not required for admission.
- Location: Largo, Maryland
- Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE)
- Format: Online
- Program length: Two to three years
Worcester Polytechnic Institute is located in one of the world’s meccas for biotechnology, boasting over 260 different biotechnology companies within driving distance of its campus, which significantly influences the program’s faculty, curriculum, and broader network. Students learn to apply their comprehensive knowledge of molecular biology and biology to make cross-functional decisions with management, development, operations, and regulatory affairs.
Students must take 30 courses, including 15 credits specific to biology and biotechnology. They also must complete nine credits in skills-based classes and six credits in electives, such as chemistry, business, or biomedical engineering. Core biotechnology courses include fermentation biology, genetic engineering, and animal cell culture are supplemented with specialized courses in drug regulations and membrane protein-targeted drug design. These can be combined with electives such as interpersonal dynamics in complex organizations or managing technological innovation. While all classes are offered online, many have on-campus lab requirements, which are scheduled to accommodate working professionals.
An undergraduate degree in life sciences or engineering focusing on life sciences is required for admission. Students must also submit GRE scores, and non-native English speakers must submit a TOEFL score as well.
- Location: Worcester, Maryland
- Accreditation: New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC)
- Format: Online with some on-campus laboratories
- Program length: Three to five years as a part-time student
Northeastern’s master’s program in biotechnology combines advanced training in biotechnology, biology, chemistry, and pharmaceutical science with interdisciplinary business skills, hands-on lab experience, and collaborative work with industry leaders. Concentrations are available in molecular biotechnology, process sciences, biopharmaceutical analytics, pharmaceutical technology, scientific information management, regulatory science, and biotechnology enterprise. The biotechnology enterprise concentration merges biotech with business and management skills (e.g., marketing, leadership, entrepreneurship, innovation) to prepare graduates for a career as a scientist-manager.
The program consists of 34 credit hours. While the courses are online, students must complete a two-week intensive lab at the Boston or Silicon Valley campus. After taking core courses in biotechnology, biology, biostatistics, business, chemical engineering, and chemistry, students choose a concentration that combines electives to match their specialization.
Applicants should have a bachelor’s degree in biology, chemistry, chemical or biochemical engineering, pharmaceutical science, or a related field. While college-level calculus and statistics courses are not required, they are highly recommended. TOEFL, IELTS, or PTE scores are required for non-native English speakers unless they have undergraduate or graduate degrees from a U.S. institution.
- Location: Boston, Massachusetts
- Accreditation: New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC)
- Format: Online with a two-week intensive in Boston or Silicon Valley
- Program length: Two years full-time, three to five years part-time
