Online Master’s Programs in Biotechnology and Biotech Enterprise

John Hopkins is a world leader in biological research and the global biotechnology industry, and their online graduate programs offer a comprehensive exploration of basic science, applied science, and lab science, all with an industry focus. The school 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 courses in biochemistry, molecular biology, and advanced cellular biology, students take six electives: two in science and four in general courses.

Students may choose to specialize in one of five areas: biodefense, bioinformatics, molecular targets and drug discovery, regulatory affairs, or biotechnology enterprise.

Students concentrating in biotechnology 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.

Graduates will be well prepared to take up roles such as forensic scientist, biotechnologist or technician, biochemist or chemical technician, medical scientist, and epidemiologist.

• Location: Washington, D.C.
• Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE)
• Format: Online
• Expected Time to Completion: 12 to 36 months (depending on pace, with 24 months as the average)
• Estimated Tuition: $4,815 per course

George Washington University offers an online master of science in health sciences (MSHS) in immunohematology and biotechnology program. This fully online program is designed for students who hold national certification as a Clinical Laboratory Scientist (CLS), Medical Technologist (MT), a Blood Bank Technologist, or a Medical Laboratory Scientist (MLS).

To get accepted into the program, applicants must have a bachelor’s degree; a grade point average of 3.0 or above; a written personal statement; national certification as a Medical Technologist (MT), Clinical Laboratory Scientist (CLS), a Medical Laboratory Scientist (MLS) or Blood Banking Technologist/ Specialist; a completed online application; a current resume; two letters of recommendation; official transcript from every college and university attended; and TOEFL or IELTS scores for international students.

The program consists of 35 credits. Some of the topics of instruction include biostatistics for clinical and translational research, advanced immunology and serology, genetics, medical biotechnology, molecular biology, and research ethics and scientific integrity.

Students can become adept at applying principles of molecular and traditional laboratory procedures for performing diagnostic analyses and calculating the results obtained from research and clinical laboratory test data. They also learn how to conduct and disseminate results of transfusion medicine studies, evaluate laboratory data for refining or developing laboratory test procedures, and apply knowledge of immunohematology and transfusion medicine principles.

On successful completion of the program, graduates can pursue opportunities in blood banking laboratories, donor centers, transfusion medicine research, and blood centers. They can take up roles such as biotechnology or government research associate, blood bank laboratory manager, blood banking laboratory supervisor, and transfusion medicine or molecular biology scientist.

• Location: Washington, DC, United States of America
• Accreditation: Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools
• Expected Time to Completion: 24 months
• Estimated Tuition: $980 per credit

The UMGC online master of science in biotechnology combines a deep understanding of molecular science with a business-minded skillset. The program 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 techniques of biotechnology, students may choose to specialize in either bioinformatics, biosecurity and biodefense, biotechnology management, or biotechnology regulatory affairs.

The biotechnology management 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 having a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited degree-granting university. Applicants must 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
• Expected Time to Completion: 12 to 36 months
• Estimated Tuition: In-state ($504 per credit), out-of-state ($659 per credit), military and veteran students ($480 per credit)

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 has a significant influence on 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 credits of courses, which include 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 medical and applied immunology, virology, bioinformatics, 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 project management 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 with a focus 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
• Expected Time to Completion: 36 to 60 months, part-time
• Estimated Tuition: $1,610 per credit

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 credits, and while the courses are taken online, students must complete a two-week intensive lab at either the Boston or Silicon Valley campus.

After taking core courses in foundations in biotechnology, the biotechnology enterprise, scientific information management for biotechnology managers, experimental design and biostatistics, molecular cell biology for biotechnology, and protein 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 Commission of Higher Education, Inc. (NECHE)
• Format: Online with two-week intensive in Boston or Silicon Valley
• Expected Time to Completion: Full-time (24 months), Part-time (36 to 60 months)
• Estimated Tuition: $1,672 per credit

Purdue University’s master of science in biotechnology innovation and regulatory science (BIRS) hybrid program includes online learning and an on-campus requirement of three weekends per semester preparing students for a career in medical devices, pharmaceuticals, or biotechnology in less than 24 months. Students in this program will learn about the important aspects of biotechnology innovation within the context of quality assurance and regulatory science.

Admission requirements include a bachelor’s degree in chemistry, biology, or a closely related field from an accredited university, an undergraduate GPA of 3.0, a complete online application, a statement of purpose, three letters of recommendation, official transcripts from all institutions, a current resume, and proof of English proficiency for students native language is not English.

The curriculum of this 30 credit program includes courses such as directed projects, drug development, good regulatory practices, innovation and strategy in biotechnology, medical devices and diagnostics, and quality management, audits, and inspections, among others.

• Location: West Lafayette, Indiana
• Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
• Expected Time to Completion: 22 months
• Estimated Tuition: Indiana residents ($1,000 per credit); out-of-state residents ($1,030 per credit)

Duquesne University offers a master of science in biotechnology that combines advanced training in the sciences with instruction in the essentials of medical devices, regulatory affairs, product development, and commercial research. The faculty of the program includes highly trained experts in the biomedical industry. Students in this program will build a solid foundation in this biotechnology field, conducting cutting-edge research and expanding their skills in communication, project management, and leadership.

Applicants to the program must have an undergraduate degree in biology (or a related sub-discipline) with a basic foundation in chemistry, biology, physics, and mathematics, a completed online application, a statement of purpose, official transcripts, two letters of recommendation, and English language proficiency requirements for international students.

While many courses in this 30-credit hybrid program can be completed online, they can also be taken in a classroom setting. As part of the program, students will delve into topics such as biotechnology product development, bioanalytical chemistry, ethics in biotechnology, cellular and molecular biology, and biotechnology.

• Location: Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
• Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE)
• Expected Time to Completion: 24 months
• Estimated Tuition: $1,568 per credit