Online Master’s Programs In Biotechnology

If you hold a bachelor’s in a STEM-related major and want to return to school to pursue a research career, consider earning a master’s in biotechnology online. The biotechnology job market holds high education standards and, in the case of many research-intensive jobs, often requires a doctoral degree. A master’s in biotechnology helps graduates secure well-paying positions and widens their career options.

Read on for our guide on what to expect when earning a master’s in biotechnology online in terms of cost, degree requirements, and useful professional resources.

Students earning a master’s in biotechnology online learn many transferable skills. The degree provides a thorough foundation in molecular biology and covers the regulations in place for food, drugs, and cosmetics. This knowledge translates to many different industries, such as manufacturing, agriculture, and medical research. Biotechnology learners also develop skills in critical thinking and mathematical reasoning. Some programs also emphasize management and entrepreneurial skills.

Curricular specifics for biotechnology master’s programs vary, but there are some commonalities. Most programs conclude with a thesis, usually on a contemporary issue in biotechnology. Some allow learners to complete open-ended capstone projects instead, which can take the form of a plan or proposal for a new drug, a piece of medical or diagnostic equipment, or a biotechnology business.

Biotechnology degrees do not typically require specific exams, but many biotechnology master’s programs emphasize laboratory components as part of their culminating projects.

If you wish to specialize for a specific career, consider pursuing a biotechnology program that offers degree specializations. Options vary, but the following list includes common specializations.

Biotechnology Enterprise
This concentration is tailored to biotechnology majors who wish to strike out as independent entrepreneurs. Curricula usually cover legal and regulatory issues in the biotechnology and biomedicine fields.

Stem Cell and Regenerative Technology
Biotechnology majors who want to work in the emerging stem cell and regenerative technology field can pursue this concentration, which usually features a strong laboratory component covering cell culture techniques and DNA microarrays.

Drug Discovery and Design
Students interested in biomedicine may choose this concentration, which prepares them for work in the pharmaceutical and drug development industries. Coursework covers topics such as bioinformatics, drug manufacturing standards, and drug approval processes.

Earning a master’s in biotechnology online qualifies graduates for a variety of career paths. Graduates might pursue careers as researchers or as manufacturing facility managers. The following list includes some of the most common master’s in biotechnology jobs.

Biochemists and biophysicists conduct research on the chemical and physical processes within living organisms. They usually work in laboratories or offices, in academic or commercial settings, and they hold at least a Ph.D.

Biomedical engineers design devices, equipment, and systems for use in the medical and health services field. They work in settings such as manufacturing and university systems, and they usually hold at least a bachelor’s.

Natural sciences managers oversee the work of scientists and engineers, directing research and development. These professionals generally hold graduate degrees in science-related majors.

Industrial production managers oversee the daily functions of manufacturing facilities for fields like biotechnology and nanotechnology. They typically hold at least a bachelor’s in a science-related field along with extensive administrative experience.

Medical scientists conduct research to advance individual and public health. They may work in academic or healthcare settings and usually hold medical degrees or postgraduate degrees in biology.

Graduates and postgraduates with biotechnology degrees tend to earn high salaries due to the specialized nature of their work. No degree guarantees a particular career or wage, but the following table enumerates average wages for some common master’s in biotechnology jobs for graduates from biotechnology master’s programs.

Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics

Prospective biotechnology majors should only consider programs from regionally accredited schools, as regional accreditation holds more clout than national accreditation. It’s easier to transfer credits between regionally accredited institutions, as well.

Students should also check whether their biotechnology programs hold programmatic accreditation, which indicates higher curriculum standards. Quality biotechnology programs often hold accreditation from the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology, the most common programmatic accrediting body for programs in engineering and natural and applied sciences. Other biotechnology programs may have programmatic accreditation from the Association of Technology, Management, and Applied Engineering.

Paying for your master’s in biotechnology can seem daunting, but there are many resources that can help ease the financial burden. Learners seeking financial aid may opt for fellowships, scholarships, grants, or other financial resources, many of which are tailored specifically to women and minorities.

Biotechnology majors interested in research careers should consider applying for a Ford Foundation fellowship. These fellowships are tailored to high-achieving students who plan on working in academia as teachers or researchers.

This national fellowship fund, established in memory of a prominent Armenian-American educator, offers fellowships of up to $18,000 to aid students in natural and social science majors, most notably law and engineering.

Sigma Delta Epsilon awards fellowships to female graduate and doctoral students majoring in life and physical science topics. Only members can apply, but Sigma Delta Epsilon allows applicants to join upon submitting their applications for a $25 fee.

Biotechnology graduates may want to join professional organizations, which offer vital resources for networking and professional development. They allow both recent graduates and seasoned veterans to form supportive communities with their peers.