College of Science

Biotechnology

Master's: Oakland, CA
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The Master of Science in Biotechnology program prepares students to meet national and regional needs for a strong scientific workforce with the biotechnology expertise and professional skills they need to be immediately productive in industrial, governmental, and clinical settings. 

Oakland, CA
Location
Full-Time
Part-Time
Commitment
2-3 Years
Duration of Program
Fall, Spring
Entry Terms
Yes *
Meets F1 Visa Requirements
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Overview

Northeastern University’s Master of Science in Biotechnology is an innovative, non-thesis graduate degree program. The curriculum of this professional science master’s combines advanced interdisciplinary training in biology, chemistry, chemical engineering, and pharmaceutical science with the development of high-value business skills critical to success in today’s dynamic workplace. Graduates are prepared to innovate, collaborate, and lead as research, managerial, or technical professionals in a wide range of biotechnology specialties. The program is taught by respected faculty who are also senior leaders in their fields and bring extensive experience and first-hand knowledge of industry trends.

Students will select 17 credits of electives in place of concentration-specific courses. The program features a co-op work experience with an industry, academic, or government employer.

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Unique Features

  • Industry-aligned faculty 
  • Opportunities to participate in wet lab coursework experience
  • Co-op real-world work experience with a leading industry, academic, or government employer

Career Outlook

The multi-billion-dollar biotechnology industry is diverse, growing, and filled with opportunity. Individuals with advanced scientific knowledge, intellectual flexibility, drive, and professional skills can pursue paths of innovation with the potential to meet critical healthcare and environmental challenges—and to change lives. The industry’s unparalleled growth is projected to continue in the coming years. The result is an ongoing expansion of career opportunities on every level and in every industry sector, from large pharmaceutical operations to entrepreneurial biotechnology startups.

About the Region

The San Francisco Bay Area is often called the birthplace of biotech, dating back to the 1976 founding of Genentech in South San Francisco. The region continues to be home to a large and thriving cluster of hundreds of organizations working at the intersection of technology and the life sciences. 

With its concentration of healthcare centers, clinical facilities, and science enterprises, the East Bay offers a thriving economy in the sector. From giants like Bayer to cutting-edge research companies like Caribou Biosciences, there is a wide range of potential employers for new graduates. 

 

Testimonials

"The MS Biotechnology program is unique in the way it opens doors to opportunities for students. The vast number of concentrations, from enterprise to research, allow flexibility based on what you want to learn. I rekindled my core biology interests and found excellent traction through the courses I was able to pick, given the flexibility of this program. I chose professors who were specifically researching topics that I was interested in and found my interactions with them rewarding. I accepted a co-op at MIT because it has been my lifelong dream to work there, and it wouldn’t have been possible without the support and resources I received."

–Neil Sheth, Master of Science in Biotechnology, '23

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Admissions

A graduate degree or certificate from Northeastern—a top-ranked university—can accelerate your career through rigorous academic coursework and hands-on professional experience in the area of your interest. Apply now—and take your career to the next level.

Program Costs

$63.3K *
Tuition

Finance Your Education We offer a variety of resources, including scholarships and assistantships.

How to Apply Learn more about the application process and requirements.

Requirements

  • Online application
  • Application fee
  • Transcripts from all institutions attended
    • The Foreign Credential Evaluation (FCE) is a required assessment of all transcripts and documents from non-U.S. accredited post-secondary education institutions. (Review the FCE requirements by country.)
  • Personal statement
  • Resumé
  • 2 letters of recommendation
  • Pre-requisite coursework:
    • Biochemistry (lecture, no lab required)
    • Advanced biology such as genetics, physiology, or molecular biology (lecture, no lab required) 
    • Statistics recommended, not required 
  • English language proficiency:
    • Degree earned or in progress at a U.S. institution
    • Degree earned or in progress at an institution where English is the only medium of instruction
    • Official exam scores from either the TOEFL iBT (institution code is 3682), IELTS, PTE exam, or Duolingo English Test. Scores are valid for 2 years from the test date.

Are You an International Student? Find out what additional documents are required to apply.

Admissions Details Learn more about the College of Science admissions process, policies, and required materials.

Admissions Dates

Learn more about applying to the College of Science and our admissions deadlines.

Curriculum

Industry-aligned courses for in-demand careers.


For 100+ years, we’ve designed our programs with one thing in mind—your success. Explore the current program requirements and course descriptions, all designed to meet today’s industry needs and must-have skills.

 

Experiential Learning

Students in the MS in Biotechnology program gain real-world knowledge, awareness, perspective, and confidence during a three- to six-month graduate co-op in industry or academia. As the recognized leader in experiential learning and a trusted source of high-caliber students, Northeastern boasts a network of more than 3,000 public and private sector co-op locations on seven continents. 

Faculty

Our Faculty

Northeastern University faculty represents a broad cross-section of professional practices and fields, including finance, education, biomedical science, management, and the U.S. military. They serve as mentors and advisors and collaborate alongside you to solve the most pressing global challenges facing established and emerging markets.

Students

By enrolling in Northeastern, you’ll be connected to students at our 13 campuses, as well as 300,000-plus alumni and more than 3,500 employer partners around the world. Our global university system provides you with unique opportunities to think locally and act globally and serves as a platform for scaling ideas, talent, and solutions.

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