Johns Hopkins University Online MS in Biotechnology and Online Master of Biotech Enterprise & Entrepreneurship

Johns Hopkins University (JHU) Advanced Academic Programs (AAP) offers an online master of science (MS) in biotechnology and a master of biotechnology enterprise and entrepreneurship (MBEE). Both programs are 100 percent online and can be completed in as little as one year.

Students in the MS in biotechnology program can choose a general track or in one of four online concentrations: bioinformatics, biotechnology enterprise, regenerative and stem cell technologies, and regulatory affairs.

The MS in biotechnology degree focuses on scientific basics, applied science, and laboratory science, all while focusing on industry. It provides knowledge in molecular biology, cellular biology, protein chemistry, cell growth, cell evaluation, and more. The curriculum is designed to prepare leaders who know how to lead teams, engage in research, apply research, and make leadership decisions.

The master of biotechnology enterprise and entrepreneurship seeks to prepare leaders who have an in-depth understanding of science in combination with skills in the biotechnology field. The program is designed for biotechnology professionals who want to move beyond the lab into management positions in the field. Students learn to develop funding strategies, develop a biotechnology product, solve problems within biotechnology organizations, and much more. Students are prepared to market their biotechnology products or ideas and lead biotechnology organizations.

Students in the MBEE have the option of choosing a concentration in legal and regulatory affairs.

Graduates of these biotechnology programs may go on to medical school or to management positions in public health and biotechnology industries. JHU is located in Baltimore, Maryland.

What to Expect from the JHU Online MS in Biotechnology and Master of Biotechnology Enterprise & Entrepreneurship

Admission Requirements: Applicants to the online MS in biotechnology and MBEE must have a BS from an accredited institution with a minimum GPA of 3.0. For the MBEE, having a bachelor’s degree in the life sciences is recommended. Prerequisites to the BS in biotechnology program include two semesters each of college-level chemistry, biology, and organic chemistry. Both programs call for the submission of an online application and application fee, a 500-word statement of purpose, a resume or CV, and unofficial copies of transcripts. Applicants also should send in official transcripts by mail. International students must submit proof of English language proficiency and a course-by-course evaluation of their degree if not earned in the U.S. No work experience, recommendations, or GMAT/GRE is required for the programs, but a GMAT/GRE may be requested at the discretion of the admissions committee.

Study Plan: Although the programs can be completed in one year, students typically take two to three years to complete them and have up to five years. Students may begin the programs in the fall, spring, or summer. Neither program requires a thesis or final project, but students can choose these routes. The thesis option adds one course to the degree and is completed as the final two courses of the program.

Curriculum: The MS in biotechnology consists of 40 credits or ten courses. Students can choose a general track or one of four online concentrations: bioinformatics, biotechnology enterprise, regenerative and stem cell technologies, and regulatory affairs. The other concentrations require onsite courses. Core courses include molecular biology, biochemistry, and advanced cellular biology 1 and 2. General track students take six electives, two of which must be in science. Students also have the opportunity to take the thesis option which adds one course to the program. Alternatively, students can choose to do an independent research project as one of their electives provided they have completed at least eight courses toward the degree and are in good standing academically.

Bioinformatics concentration courses include the four core courses, two science electives, and four concentration electives, including options in practical computer concepts for bioinformatics, protein bioinformatics, biostatistics, next-generation DNA sequencing and analysis, and several others.

Biotechnology enterprise concentration courses include the four core courses, two science electives, and four concentration electives, including options in bioethics, creating a biotechnology enterprise, marketing aspects of biotechnology, research ethics, bioscience communication, and several others.

Regenerative and stem cell technologies concentration courses include the four core courses, two science electives, and the following courses: gene therapy, stem cell biology, regenerative medicine: bench to bedside, and stem cell culture lab methods.

Regulatory affairs concentration courses include the four core courses, two science electives, and four concentration electives, including options in clinical trial management, clinical development of drugs and biologics, international regulatory affairs, introduction to food safety, and many more.

The MBEE consists of 40 credits with six core courses, three electives, and one practicum. Core courses include translational biotechnology: from intellectual property to licensing; a proseminar in biotechnology; marketing aspects of biotechnology; either managing and leading biotechnology professionals or leading change in biotechnology; finance for biotechnology; and the ethical, legal and regulatory aspects of the biotechnology enterprise. Electives are chosen to fit a student’s desired career track.

An optional concentration is available for the MBEE in legal and regulatory affairs. Electives include three of the following: biological processes, food and drug law, clinical trial design, clinical trial management, an introduction to CGMP compliance, the clinical development of drugs and biologics, technology transfer and commercialization, and the legal aspects of biotechnology.

Online Experience: Krieger School of Arts and Sciences uses a combination of Adobe Connect and Blackboard for online courses. Classes are asynchronous, however, there may be some optional synchronous activities. All synchronous activities are recorded for those who are unable to attend. Not all concentrations for the MS in biotechnology are available online. The online experience includes narrated PowerPoint, streaming video, text notes, downloadable course assignments, discussion boards, web-conferencing, and online exams and quizzes. The same material is taught online as on campus. New students to online programs are automatically enrolled in the Advanced Academic Program Blackboard orientation course when they register. This must be completed before the start of the first course. The orientation prepares students to use all the tools for online learning. Online students have access to 24/7 technical support, as well as admissions, career, and academic counseling.

On-Site Requirements: There are no onsite requirements for either program as they are 100 percent online. Students are welcome to visit campus anytime and participate in graduation.

Paying for the JHU Online MS in Biotechnology and MBEE

JHU online biotechnology master’s program tuition numbers are listed in the tables below. Prospective applicants should contact the admissions department of the JHU Krieger School of Arts and Sciences for cost clarifications and updates.

JHU may offer financial aid through tuition support and monthly stipends from the various academic departments. Graduate students should also fill out the FAFSA to secure federal loans and must be enrolled at least half-time to qualify. Students may also secure private loans, grants, and scholarships. Students can find out more by calling the Krieger School of Arts and Sciences Financial Aid Office. As a final note, graduate students may check with their employer to see if they offer a tuition reimbursement program to employees seeking a higher degree.

Johns Hopkins University - Advanced Academic Programs Master of Biotechnology Enterprise & Entrepreneurship

  • Blends a strong foundation in science with biotechnology enterprise and entrepreneurship
  • Targeted to understand the implications to the biotechnology industry
  • Created with input from scientific and business leaders
Program Essentials
Degree Level Master's Degree
Program Start Dates Fall, Spring, Summer
Credits Needed to Graduate 40
Time to Complete? Graduate in as little as 1 year, but average is 2-3 years, and students have up to 5 years to complete.
100% Online? Yes
Program Accreditation None
Program Admissions
Level of Education Required? Bachelor's degree or higher
GRE or GMAT Required? No
Work Experience Required? No
Program Tuition
Credit Hours 40
Average Cost Per Credit $1,272.50
Estimated Program Tuition * $50,880.00

Johns Hopkins University - Advanced Academic Programs MS Biotechnology

  • Explore basic science, lab science, and applied science with industry focus
  • Fellowships available in Molecular Targets and Drug Discovery Technologies as well as Noblis
  • Prepare to lead lab teams, conduct research, and make marketing and management decisions
Program Essentials
Degree Level Master's Degree
Program Start Dates Fall, Spring, Summer
Credits Needed to Graduate 40
Time to Complete? Graduate in as little as 1 year, but average is 2-3 years, and students have up to 5 years to complete.
100% Online? Yes
Program Accreditation None
Program Admissions
Level of Education Required? Bachelor's degree or higher
GRE or GMAT Required? No
Work Experience Required? No
Program Tuition
Credit Hours 40
Average Cost Per Credit $1,272.50
Estimated Program Tuition * $50,880.00

Tuition is calculated based on credits, at the published tuition rate. For programs with variable tuition rates, we use the rates for part-time students. Tuition number represents the cost of tuition for the entire program, not per semester or year. Estimated total tuition does not include additional fees, unless otherwise specified. Please check here for any tuition updates.

Sara Navratil
Sara Navratil
Writer

Sara Navratil is a freelance writer and a Certified Canfield Success Principles Trainer. She's the owner of Sara Liza Life, a company dedicated to helping people rewrite their lives. She enjoys researching and writing about healthcare-related topics, including information on online MHA programs. When not working she likes to read, bake, and spend time with her family.