Online Biotechnology Master Degree Programs

Some of the most exciting advances in science are happening in biotechnology. Biotechnology is helping companies bring lifesaving drugs and medical devices to our healthcare system, increase our food supply and keep it safe, reduce the use of greenhouse gasses with biofuels, decrease production waste and improve products, and unlock genetic information for personalized medicine. Getting a master’s in biotechnology online is a great way to enter this growing and broad field so you can help transform our world for the better.

Whether you are switching careers, adding to your current knowledge, or planning to use a biotechnology master’s online to propel you into a doctoral program, there are numerous great options for convenient, flexible, and specialized programs to fit your goals and preferences. With applications in almost every industry, the career prospects with expertise in biotech are numerous and growing with every passing year.

ARTICLE NAVIGATION:

• What Is Biotechnology?
• What Does a Master’s in Biotechnology Online Cover?
• How to Choose the Best Online Master’s in Biotechnology
• Master’s in Biotechnology Online Curriculum and Format
• Accreditation for Online Biotechnology Master’s Programs
• Masters in Biotechnology Online Admission and Costs
• Careers for Online Master’s Biotechnology Graduates

Biotechnology is the use of biologic processes to create products and materials. It studies any type of tangible living material’s structure and integrity using chemistry and physics. Bread is a classic example of biotechnology that dates back thousands of years. Yeast, which is a living organism, plays a role in creating bread. Without the little creatures we call yeast, there would be no bread. Biotechnology today is primarily used to develop medicines, enhance agriculture, and improve waste management, among many other functions. It’s a fascinating field, and by studying this subject, you can become part of an industry shaping our world.

There are numerous high-quality online biotechnology master’s degrees available to meet the growing demand for experts trained in all aspects of biotechnology. With a rapidly advancing field, there will be new job types and applications for this discipline, and the degrees prepare students to meet the requirements for many jobs. So let’s look at the scope of some of the specialties that you can study in an online master’s biotechnology program:

General Biotechnology

Biotechnology is essentially the marriage of natural sciences and engineering to develop new solutions to humanity’s problems. For example, biotechnologists may analyze and alter microorganisms and genetic sequences to make new products that help the world in various ways, from medical science to shipping. But the field extends to any study of how to work with living organisms in new and beneficial ways.

Bioinformatics

All sciences these days involve computers, but the study of bioinformatics is deeply connected to using technology to collect, store, analyze, and use biologic and biomedical information. There are many uses for bioinformatics, but genetic research is prominent.

Biomedical Sciences

In biomedical sciences degree programs, you will study how to use biochemical, physiological, anatomical, epidemiologic, and pharmacologic processes to improve healthcare and public health.

Biostatistics

This field uses statistical methods to study living organisms and is especially useful in epidemiology, public health, and health care. It is related to bioinformatics but usually involves designing algorithms and analyzing data to uncover patterns that can help decision-makers understand the data in meaningful ways.

Biochemistry

As the name would suggest, biochemistry combines biology and chemistry to analyze the substances and processes of living things. Biochemists may work in settings such as medical research, industry, breweries, and drug companies.

Microbiology

Microbiology studies organisms too small to be seen by the naked eye and includes the sub-fields of immunology, virology, parasitology, bacteriology, and mycology.

Bioethics

With the emerging developments of biotechnology come moral and ethical questions about the use of these novel techniques, substances, and interventions. Bioethics is a cross-practice field that explores and advises how medical, government, industry, and scientific groups can respond to the ethical quandaries posed by innovations.

Biotechnology Administration

Biotechnology has complex ethical, legal, and financial implications for companies. Biotech administration degrees prepare people with the underlying scientific knowledge to manage the use and development of biotechnology. Some degrees are designed for business leaders shifting to managing scientific projects by teaching them skills specific to the biotech business.

Consider Career Goals

Depending on your past education and your goals for your career, you will be looking for different attributes in a biotechnology master’s online degree program. Many programs focus on particular specialties in the scientific areas of biotech, while some focus on the business and legal aspects of biotech development. For example, if you plan to work in public health, some degrees in biostatistics, bioinformatics, or epidemiology will prepare you to work in government, healthcare, or industry positions related to population health. As you consider the many available programs, see which ones best match your aspirations and preparation for graduate school.

The most common degrees you will see for the master’s in biotechnology online are master of science programs in the concentrations listed above. However, you will also see some online master’s in biotechnology specialties for degrees like:

• Master of Public Health
• MBA/MS in Biotechnology
• Professional Science Masters
• Master of Science in Data Science
• Master of Science in Regulatory Science

Many programs have focus options for your master’s in biotechnology online that may include:

• Transplant and Donation Sciences
• Drug Discovery & Development
• Microbiology
• Immunohematology
• Genomics and Health
• Biodefense
• Agricultural Biotechnology

Consider what your career trajectory will require. For instance, those with farming experience may look for a program that includes advanced applications within plant or animal science. If your interests are in subfields related to health, look for programs that focus on medical biotechnology. If management or entrepreneurship is your aim, look at programs with administration or business coursework. The variety of programs available have a range of options.

Can You Meet Admissions Requirements?

When choosing which program would be best for you, consider the requirements for different programs. Some require you to have an undergrad degree in a biotechnology-related subject, while others may require you to have taken a few related courses. Laboratory science programs may require work experience and certification in a medical lab before enrolling. Bioinformatics programs will require solid math knowledge and computer science proficiency, although some programs will include the relevant prerequisites at the beginning of your program.

Many programs in biotech allow you to complete your degree 100% online. A few programs require short visits to campus for lab courses. If you study full-time, you may be able to complete your degree in one year, but most programs accommodate working adults who want to attend part-time while they continue their careers. Commonly, you can complete a part-time program in two to three years, with courses and study time arranged around your life. Programs can run from 30 to 60 credits, with some institutions allowing you to transfer credits from another school.

Depending on your program choice, your fellow students will likely be engaged professionals who will become valuable resources as you continue your career. The curriculum can vary for biotechnology degrees, so look at the specific core and elective courses offered in the programs you are considering. Some possible courses include:

• Ethics in Biological Research
• Cell Culture Processes for Biopharmaceutical Production
• Biostatistical Computing
• Genomics
• Biotechnology and the Regulatory Environment
• Applied Immunology
• Principles of Biodefense/Emerging Pathogens

As you narrow down your choice of programs, look closely at the specifics of the curricula for each to see how it aligns with your interests and the needs for your career. There is a program out there with the right combination of courses for every specialty in biotechnology.

Institutional Accreditation

All the programs on our list are from schools with national or regional accreditation, which assures you that the academic institution has met rigorous requirements for quality education, governance, and financial stability. These accrediting agencies are approved by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation and the U.S. Department of Education. One way to check that the master’s program you are considering is from a reliable and respected school is to check for regional or national accreditation of the institution offering the program.

Resources:

• Council for Higher Education Accreditation
• US Department of Education

Programmatic Accreditation

Programmatic accreditation is not a requirement in biotechnology, but some programs may have approval or connection with the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET) or the Association of Technology, Management, and Applied Engineering (ATMAE). For Master of Public Health degrees, the Council on Education for Public Health (CEPH) is the body to look for. If your graduate program is also an MBA, you can look for business school accreditation from the AACSB or ACBSP.

Resources:

• Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology
• Association of Technology, Management, and Applied Engineering
• Council on Education for Public Health

Admissions Requirements

There are a variety of application requirements for different programs in biotechnology. Most programs have the following core admission requirements:

• Official transcripts
• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution
• Minimum GPA of 3.0 (Some programs allow lower GPAs)
• Statement of purpose
• Letters of recommendation

Some programs require additional documentation or experience, which may include the following:

• Undergraduate degree in biology, chemistry, or a related field
• Specific prerequisite coursework in mathematics, statistics, or computer science
• GRE/GMAT (required by some schools or in certain situations)
• Resume/CV
• Licensure or certification in a laboratory science discipline
• Prior work experience in business and/or life sciences

Average Costs

The average cost for the online biotechnology master’s programs on our list is $38,839. The least expensive program costs $15,520, while the highest-cost program is $56,730. For the master’s degree, scholarships, employer education benefits, military education benefits, and student loans may be available to you to finance your education.

After you graduate with a biotechnology degree, you’ll have numerous paths available for your career. You can work in one of many science-related careers including a biochemist or a food scientist, or you can work in industry research for one of the many different companies implementing biotechnology. Considering that biotechnology is employed by the food, energy, drug, healthcare, agriculture, and clothing industries, it’s easy to imagine all the potential avenues your career could take.

The career paths in biotechnology are multiplying with fast-changing technologies and applications. As a result, many of the broad job categories that biotechnologists work in are expected to grow at a high rate, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). Here are some of those career categories with salaries and expected growth:

The exact job titles for many careers in biotechnology are not tracked separately by the BLS, but as you complete your master’s in biotechnology online, you can develop your career prospects based on your course of study and interests.

Resources:

• US Bureau of Labor Statistics - Occupational Outlook Handbook

The need for biotechnology pros is growing along with an innovative and increasingly needed industry. Now is a great time to get a biotechnology master’s online, so you can help develop new products, treatments, and solutions for a complex world. The exciting field of biotechnology is waiting for bright minds like yours!