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What is Biotechnology?

Biotechnology is an exciting field of study that is rapidly growing around the globe.  Biotechnology is a branch of biology emphasizing the utilization of living systems to develop or enhance products.  In other words, biotechnology manipulates living organisms or specific components within a living organism to create useful commercial applications and products.

Examples of biomedical science biotechnology innovations and advancements include:

  • Pharmaceutical advancements to combat rare diseases
  • Improving crop yield and pest resistant crops
  • Discovering new bacterial strains
  • Industrial engineering advances
  • Starts reducing carbon emissions and innovating new biofuels
  • Producing renewable biomass & reducing fossil fuel emission
  • Improving water efficiency in everyday tasks
  • Food production free of allergens

Career Summary

MEDIAN SALARY

$42,520

PERCENT ABOVE NATIONAL
INCOME AVERAGE

12.82%

TOTAL SECTOR EMPLOYMENT

79,300

Degree Median Salary vs Adjacent Degree Types

Source: BLS, US Census, and IPEDS

2024 Best Biotechnology Degree

Being the top of its league, Harvard University is the world’s one of the highly regarded research universities with contributions in different areas and fields in terms of discovery, exploration, and discussion. It has a distinctive style of instruction in the teaching methods and teaching styles provided and provided by its department.

Through the collaboration and cooperation between the Graduate School of Arts and Sciences and the Department of Stem Cell and Regenerative Biology of Harvard University, the university offers a master's degree in biotechnology. This procedure is only applicable to joint offerings and cannot be used as a single-site course. Any student who wishes to proceed should apply for Harvard’s Integrated Life Sciences.

Acceptance Rate

4.64

Student to Faculty Ratio

7:1

Columbia University, prides to be one of the world’s best and most important centers of research and distinguished learning environment in many fields of knowledge. Its location in New York city benefits their resources in teaching and research, creating significant academic relationships in the diverse community and in other countries and regions. 

They aim to form a diverse and well-qualified faculty and student community in order to provide and acquire leading-edge knowledge and to dedicate this effort to the world. It excels greatly in the field of Biotechnology as a research university. Listed as one of the top universities in Biological Sciences in America, the university trains its students in the areas of molecular biology, advancing in the field of biotechnology. It has 29-credit coursework that includes collaborative learning in the biotechnology industry, as well as business and law in the field of biotechnology. 

Acceptance Rate

5.45

Student to Faculty Ratio

6:1

As an Ivy League research institution, Brown provides a wide range of high-level academic opportunities. It includes famous and outstanding faculty and staff. 

It offers a graduate degree in biotechnology designed to enable students to acquire knowledge in biology, medicine, and science, and to hone their analytical and problem-solving skills and other fields related to the completion of this course. Coupled with its complete education system and collaborative learning environment, students in this field have been trained and exposed to a wide range of biotechnology and medicine to achieve success. 

Acceptance Rate

7.07

Student to Faculty Ratio

6:1

The University of Pennsylvania, commonly phrased as “Penn”, is an Ivy League university that commits itself to administer intellectual rigor, research, and create new knowledge for its members and community. It is one of the top universities in the World Universities rankings. 

The renowned research institution excels in several academic disciplines including the top ranked biotechnology degree program.  It is a program that trains exceptional youngsters in areas including engineering, biology, medicine, and plant science. It comprises of high standard curriculum tracks namely molecular biotechnology, biopharmaceutical/engineering biotechnology, and biomedical technologies, giving the students the best quality of education there is, along with the university’s top-ranked faculty members and world-class biomedical facilities, it ensures to craft and disseminate sustainable knowledge that contributes to the future of biotechnological research.

Acceptance Rate

7.66

Student to Faculty Ratio

6:1

The University of Chicago is a top urban research school with a graduate rate of 94% and a solid academic performance and achievements since 1880. The university thrives in empowering their students to learn unconventional thinking and develop critical and analytical thinking and rigorous writing.

The University is proud to present its graduate programs at the Biosciences department, which focuses on four major fields: Biomedical Science, Darwinian Science, Independent programs, Molecular Science, and Neuroscience. As inclusion, the department also decides to include a summer degree in biotechnology to be taught online this year. The course aims to shed light and thorough understanding that is expected to provide stimulation and introduction to the course.

Acceptance Rate

6.17

Student to Faculty Ratio

5:1

Located in the city of Evanston, Illinois, Northwestern University sets its mission to be a research institution that develops young people to become competent, socially responsible, and morally upright leaders as they face the real world. It is one of the top-ranked universities in the world, ranking at 23rd and 17th in America’s top colleges in 2019. 

Abundant with its research faculties, curriculums, and resources, Northwestern offers its Biotechnology degree program, which prepares its students to become renowned scientists and engineers through innovative learning, collaborative training with top-notch educators, and integrated coursework. This curriculum design hones and develops their skills to become frontiers in the development of the biotechnology industry. Several breakthroughs brought great contributions in solving global health issues such as the invention of insulin, autoimmune therapeutics, cell and gene therapies, and many more. 

Acceptance Rate

9.05

Student to Faculty Ratio

6:1

Georgetown University prides its religious core values, an institution devoting themselves to social justice, restless inquiry, and individual respect. It is a private research institute that holds a graduate rate of 92.4%, catering more than 4,000 students. 

Georgetown offers a liberal degree in biotech that offers masters and certificate programs that hold a requirement of 30 credits. These courses are based on science and biotechnology and require two semesters to complete. This program promotes collaborative learning wherein students must attend internships, giving each one an opportunity to work with renowned leaders of the field, along with its state-of-the-art technology and resources.

Acceptance Rate

14.36

Student to Faculty Ratio

11:1

Johns Hopkins University prides to be one of the eight Ivy League schools present today. With its high graduation rate of 92.4%, it functions with a goal to educate its students and community to establish and develop their skills for original research and learning and to become educators and contributors to society. 

As a research-based institution, it holds an exceptional reputation in its program in Biotechnology. This program offers a wide range of field study options consisting of MS in Bioinformatics, Biotechnology Enterprise, Biotechnology, Entrepreneurship, Food Safety Regulation, Individualized Genomics and Health, Post-Baccalaureate Health Science Intensive, Certificate in Biotechnology Enterprise, MS in Regulatory Science, Biotechnology, Certificate in Biotechnology Education, MBA Dual Degree and Post-Master’s Certificate in Genomics and Sequence Analysis. The program hones students that can advance in the fields of life sciences and information technology to sustain and improve the healthcare system, pharmaceutical industries in the global economy. 

Acceptance Rate

11.17

Student to Faculty Ratio

7:1

Tufts University thrives in the environment of curiosity, creativity, and engagement. Founded in the year 1852, it is well known for its advancements in research while being a moderately sized institution. It cultivates creative scholars in a diverse community, thus becoming an influential person in universities and the world. 

This institute offers an advanced degree in biotechnology that contributes to several fields of studies and industries in society, specifically in engineering and sciences. The Engineering Track specializes in biochemical processes, applying engineering principles, and leading-edge biotechnology techniques, while the Science Track tackles molecular biology procedures and advanced cloning and expression techniques. This four-year course cultivates students to become vanguard thinkers and solve economic problems in science and engineering. 

Acceptance Rate

14.95

Student to Faculty Ratio

9:1

It is the oldest and top research institution in California, and its mission is to bring students an unparalleled academic experience through its advanced modern technology and research facilities. In terms of faculty and staff, the University of Southern California has the most outstanding and comprehensive faculty and staff, and has won different awards and is highly praised for their performance and expertise.

At USC, interested applicants of Biology and Science can proceed with a Master's Degree in Translational Biotechnology. Under the initiative and supervision of Keck School of Medicine’s Department of Translational Genomics, the masters in biotechnology degree program is made possible and available as a ground for a unique curriculum and unique practical training. It is supported and driven by USC'S Keck School of Medicine and spearheaded by top faculty.

Acceptance Rate

11.42

Student to Faculty Ratio

9:1

One of the oldest and most innovative universities in Michigan is a place that respects a rich and prosperous tradition and creates a brighter future for students and a diverse community (also known as the University of Michigan). This place is a public research university designed to train future leaders. 

The University of Michigan offers an advanced curriculum in Biotechnology, which broadly aims to “Heal the world, Fuel the world, and Feed the world”. The plan covers a wide range of major industries, such as agriculture, crop production, health care, non-industrial uses of crops, and other pharmaceutical and environmental uses. It will take 4 years to complete.

Acceptance Rate

22.91

Student to Faculty Ratio

11:1

Northeastern University takes its experience as its biggest core. With its growing global network, forging research and innovative partnerships around the globe, it brings boundless opportunities inside its community to solve complex challenges in the world. 

Northeastern prides itself as one of the top universities for Biochemistry, Biophysics, and Molecular Biology. Living up to its title as an advanced private research university in the global sector. It also offers a program in Biotechnology, focusing on the combination of sciences and engineering, it aims to harness cellular processes to create medicines, using biofuels to reduce the effect of greenhouse gas emissions, and improving the quality of agriculture with enhanced nutrients. This program is the new vanguard in the industry. 

Acceptance Rate

18.05

Student to Faculty Ratio

14:1

Boston University dedicates its world-class excellence to its principles claiming that education must be accessible to all. It is a private research institute located in Boston, Massachusetts that continues to develop and set up groundbreaking works in research and education. 

It offers an advanced-level of academic training in its biotech degree program, which centers on life sciences and engineering. The school comes with proficiency in applying scientific principles that contribute to innovation in the biotechnology field. Through resourcefulness in researching and reviewing its data as a database of significant scientific information and resources, the school’s competence in the field of research continues to grow to great heights.

Acceptance Rate

18.94

Student to Faculty Ratio

10:1

The University of Rochester offers students a variety of academic options. They provide liberal arts, business courses, medical courses, and education courses through an unbiased and supportive learning environment and authorized teachers.

The Department of Biology at the University of Rochester is a leader in genetics research, dedicated to exploring and finding answers in various fields of biology and genetics. It promises to train lifelong learners through a vibrant and rigorous educational environment. Most importantly, the department not only emphasizes academic excellence through active and continuous biological research, but also hopes to provide opportunities for all learners and students.

Acceptance Rate

29.71

Student to Faculty Ratio

10:1

Founded in 1831, New York University (NYU) continues to innovate its high-quality education, centering on scholarships, teaching and research to provide students with the best opportunities. It caters to more than 50,000 students as one of the largest private universities in the United States, with an acceptance rate of 32%. 

Anyone who is eager to use their skills to develop innovative products and start a high-tech business must have a master's degree in biotechnology and entrepreneurship. Students who intern in industries such as biotech startups can improve their skills. They can also take elective courses in schools affiliated with New York University.

Acceptance Rate

16.2

Student to Faculty Ratio

9:1

Brandeis University commits itself to the pursuit of excellence in the academic field to pass down to its students for years since its becoming. It holds a community of scholars and students provided with opportunities to advanced learnings in humanities, arts and social sciences, and natural and physical sciences. 

As a private research institute, the school offers leading-edge curriculums in all its departments. Its Biotechnology program is one of its greatest assets in achieving this title. It is a two-year program that involves laboratory training, seminars, and meetings with biotechnology professionals, and research through its high-standard project laboratories. They also grant financial aids and scholarships for those well-qualified students in their curriculum.

Acceptance Rate

29.9

Student to Faculty Ratio

10:1

The University of California in Irvine (UCI) aims to catalyze and enhance the lives of the people of the community through rigorous learning, innovative research, and commitment to public service. Governing with top-notched faculty members and staff, students in this research institute, as well as their new ideas and eagerness to learn, perspectives come together in order to produce a brighter future for the world. 

UCI offers a master’s degree in biotech established to train and expose students to the world of biological sciences, chemistry, and chemical engineering to be able to solve prominent global problems in the fields of medicine, agriculture, and chemical manufacturing. It requires a minimum GPA of 3.0 and a full-time status in order to qualify for the program. 

Acceptance Rate

26.54

Student to Faculty Ratio

18:1

Ranking 5th in Public National Universities in the United States, the University of California in Davis prides for its standout academics and sustainability. It caters to more than 39,000 students from different diversities and its own indigenous people.   The school advances in research and innovative learning, thus, offering an advanced-level curriculum in the Biotechnology program.  The UC Davis biotech degree seeks to discover a new and further understanding of life processes through research development and technologies. To qualify for this program, students must have a background in general biological sciences, with a mandatory internship requirement in a research laboratory or biotech company.

Acceptance Rate

38.87

Student to Faculty Ratio

20:1

he University of Georgia functions at a world-class pace, committing to their university’s lifelong motto that is “to teach, to serve, and to inquire into the nature of things.” It holds a population of more than 37,000 students with fresh minds and brilliant ideas, trained to be purposeful frontiers of knowledge and innovation. 

Regarded as the oldest public research institution in the country, UGA offers a top-rated degree in Biotechnology, which majors in the scientific and laboratory experience essential to explore and understand molecular biology and genetics, DNA extractions, plant science, agricultural science, and other aspects involving biotechnology. Research innovations and findings resulting in this program produce plenty of advantages to society in terms of medicine, agriculture, and engineering. It aims to solve prominent global issues by educating young minds and preparing them to be frontiers in the world of science.

Acceptance Rate

45.3

Student to Faculty Ratio

17:1

George Washington University is a private research university whose responsibility is to educate young people in liberal arts, languages, sciences, erudite professions and other research courses, conduct academic research and publish relevant results of such research. This institute, renowned for its excellence in research, offers a program in Biotechnology, which aims to create solutions to global problems in health, agriculture, and engineering. 

The GWU biotechnology degree aims to integrate molecular-based processes and improve traditional technologies through innovation and modern technology to increase the proficiency and convenience of development. To enter the program, applicants are required to submit an application containing two recommendations, previous academic records and a statement of purpose within a given timetable.

Acceptance Rate

40.84

Student to Faculty Ratio

13:1

Syracuse University, located in the city of New York, is a private research institution that holds a mission to promote learning through research, creative accomplishment, scholarship, and service. It holds different programs with collaborative and active engagements with professional people to contribute high-standard knowledge to its students, along with its top-notch faculty members and staff. 

It offers studies in Biotechnology to train students to solve real-world issues about food, health, and the environment. Its curriculum involves teaching different areas in biology, chemistry, mathematics, economics, computer science, and engineering. Graduating in this field provides an array of job opportunities in medicine, healthcare, laboratory work, leadership, policy-making and management.

Acceptance Rate

44.38

Student to Faculty Ratio

15:1

Located at the heart of America, American University (AU) prides itself on its academic flexibility. It strives to equip students who are dreamers and perseveres, believing that the leaders of today are responsible to train the leaders of tomorrow. 

AU offers a Biotechnology Program, which applies science and engineering as a means to invent new pharmaceuticals to existing diseases today and develop biochemical processes to contribute to the betterment of the community on a global scale. To qualify for the program, a student must be a graduate of an undergraduate science course, with a GPA of at least 3.00, and an interview with the administration. The master’s degree in this program requires 32-unit course work and participation in seminars and workshops that tackle the prominent issues in the aspect of science and technology.

Acceptance Rate

36.08

Student to Faculty Ratio

12:1

The University of Washington prides itself as one of the world’s top universities for consecutive years. It holds a mission of “preservation, advancement, and dissemination of knowledge.” 

It gives proper recognition to well-qualified students by giving them scholarship grants in studying on the campus. The institute is one of the best research institutes in the country, thus, providing impeccable knowledge along with its findings of innovative research and breakthroughs. It provides a Biotechnology program that offers master’s degrees in MS Pharmaceutical Bioengineering, MS Applied Chemical Science & Technology, MS Biomedical Regulatory Affairs, and MS Biostatistics. The University of Washington in Seattle Campus has a graduation rate of just over eighty-one percent. 

Acceptance Rate

51.76

Student to Faculty Ratio

19:1

Although North Carolina started as a land-focused institution, it has always focused on agriculture and engineering, but now it has become one of the leading public research universities. It has excellent programs in various scientific fields such as engineering, technology, mathematics and science.

As a first-class research university, the college offers comprehensive biotechnology courses. This is a minor course only. Students who choose to take non-degree courses regardless of their courses and majors can also obtain a biotechnology certificate. NCSU is committed to providing the most advanced facilities in research and laboratories to support and satisfy students' research on biotechnology.

Acceptance Rate

45.13

Student to Faculty Ratio

14:1

Through the Morrill Act of 1862, the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign was signed by the late President Abraham Lincoln and became one of the first 37 land granting agencies. The school is located in the Twin Cities (Urbana and Champaign), UIUC is among the nation’s well-regarded universities in different fields and research.

The University of Illinois is outstanding in its pursuits and dedication in discovering and unlocking answers in Biotechnology. The university, along with Roy J. Carver’s Biotechnology Center, allows and supports students to explore the world of Biotechnology through its ground-breaking infrastructure and cutting-edge faculty. It includes research in different fields of biotechnology.

Acceptance Rate

59.03

Student to Faculty Ratio

20:1

Top Degrees in Biotechnology

The rapidly growing field of biotechnology is a burgeoning field in science with ever-expanding applicability in the marketplace.  As such, degree programs at accredited colleges & universities continue to proliferate while evolving in scope.  The programs range from undergraduate certificates through graduate degrees.

In addition, many schools now offer online biotechnologist biotechnology degree programs effectively doubles a student's academic options.  To help you ascertain the best program for you, simply request information from the best college for you below as you work towards a decision for your future.

Certification Program in Biotechnology

Affordable undergraduate certification programs in biotech provide students with the basics in a condensed format.  Unlike degree programs, a certificate program is typically shorter in term and hyper-focused on a singular field of study.

The net result of a certificate is for students to gain foundational knowledge in the field to prepare them for a degree-granting program or for an entry-level position.  Community colleges and junior colleges offer a substantive selection of certificate programs along with research universities as the biotech field rapidly evolves.

Associate Degree in Biotechnology

Associate biotechnology degrees are conferred in one of three ways:

  1. Associate of Science (AS)
  2. Associate of Arts (AA)
  3. Associate of Applied Science (AAS)

Either degree pathway will typically take students two-years to complete, if enrolled on a full-time basis.  The time it takes for part-time students to earn an AA degree will depend.  Pace, course load, and program requirements will ultimately determine how long it will take a student to earn an associate's degree on a part-time basis.

Associate degrees mix liberal arts education with rich-latent classes to provide students with a well-rounded education.  Liberal arts classes you can expect to see in a course catalog include communications, psychology, history, art, philosophy, and creative writing.  Core classes will cover many of the same principles from school to school.  Examples of core curriculum include the following classes: biology, chemistry, statistics, organic chemistry, calculus, geometry, physics, and physics with calculus.

Bachelor Degree in Biotechnology

Online bachelor’s degrees in biotechnology are conferred as Bachelor of Science (BS) or a Bachelor of Applied Science (BAS).  Bachelor degrees are designed to be completed in 4-years.  Education requirements bachelor degrees will blend general education courses with core science and math-based curriculum.

Requirements bachelor degree include core classes and may include a combination of bioscience, molecular biology, cell biology, bioethics, managing and leading, regulatory affairs in science, law, international regulation, marketing, finance, product commercialization, and emerging issues in the field.

Master Degrees in Biotechnology

An online degree earned in biotech is a 2-3 year program for full-time students.  Degrees can be conferred as a Master of Science (MS) or Master of Applied Science (MAS).  Most colleges and universities allow students to select an area of emphasis in a graduate degree track which directly affects the classes taken in the program.  Students may have an interest in research, regulation, health sciences, virology, marine biotechnology, agriculture, neuroscience, oncology, biostatistics, biofuels, biosensors, stem cell biology, or food toxicology.

Most master degree programs end with the successful completion of a capstone course and thesis project.  With the ever-expanding biological sciences biomedical field, students may find new niches to pursue in the near-term along with top-tier science professors.   Graduate students in biotech will be equipped to make an impact in a growing field of study in research organizations, colleges, or industry upon program completion.

College Courses in Biotechnology

In terms of educational requirements, Biotechnology degree holders will have typically studied the following courses while in college:

Biotechnology Salary & Jobs

Prospective scientists looking for science jobs will find various pathways with a college degree. Jobs in the sciences biomedical science can be for traditional organizations or niche research organizations in disparate sectors.

Biotech jobs and areas of specializations can include any number of the following pathways: food scientist, high school teacher, agricultural engineer, post-secondary teacher, research specialist, genomics, animal scientist, immunologist, biophysicist, toxicologist, biomedical engineer, virologist, pharmacologist, epidemiologist, biologist, microbiologist, plant scientist, medical scientist, and nutritional scientist.

Research Biotechnology & Health Care Careers

Career paths in science biotechnology health are projected to grow much faster than the average employment.  More specifically, the BLS estimates job growth for biomedical engineers to surge 23% and biochemists will see an 11% bump in employment during that timeframe.  All told, the employment opportunities should exceed 5,000 new jobs in the coming ten years.

Mean annual salary jobs for biotechnology health sciences is also well above average.  As an example, the mean annual compensation for a bioengineer $92,970 with the top 10% earning nearly $145,000 a year on average.  Similarly, the median annual income for a biochemist $91,190 a year with the top ten percent earning approximately one hundred eighty-thousand dollars a year.

Additional Resources in Biotechnology

Additional resources in biotech can be found by connecting with well-respected associations such as BIO and ICBA.  Both acclaimed organizations provide membership benefits, cutting-edge research, and career opportunities in fields of study such as healthcare, agriculture, environmental, and industrial sectors of the economy.

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