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Best 14 Most Affordable Masters in Biotechnology Programs in 2024

January 26, 2024 | Admin

Masters in Biotechnology

Earning a Masters in biotechnology will open many doors to a well-paying and satisfying career. Besides, there are vast opportunities you may explore upon the completion of your masters. Here are many of the biology degree jobs that you may pursue post-graduation. 

A Masters in Biotechnology prepares graduates to serve in careers such as:

  • Medical products quality assurance and quality control
  • Biotechnology business
  • Pharmaceutical research and development
  • Bioinformatics and biostatistics
  • Pharma and biopharma regulatory affairs
  • Clinical trials project management

Top 5 Affordable Masters in Biotechnology Programs

Rank School Location
1University of Maryland University CollegeAdelphi, Maryland
2Wayne State UniversityDetroit, Michigan
3Harrisburg University Harrisburg, Pennsylvania
4Azusa UniversityAzusa, California
5The University of AlabamaTuscaloosa, Alabama

Why Should I Pursue a Master of Science in Biotechnology?

Biotechnology graduate career options

  • Based on the U.S. Department of Labor Statistics, scientists’ job opportunities are likely to increase for the next several years.
  • Ninety-five percent of graduates secure work at university laboratories and biotechnology or pharmaceutical organizations or follow advanced degrees in science (Ph.D.) or medicine (MD, DDS, DO, or PharmD).
  • Successful graduates go on to medical or dental school.
  • Other graduates go on to a Ph.D. program.
  • Graduates can become laboratory instructors or supervisors, and they may also pursue further education to become high school or college science, educators.

Best 14 Affordable Masters in Biotechnology Programs

1

University of Maryland University College

  • Adelphi, Maryland
  • Graduation Rate: 27%

The University of Maryland University College (UMGC: Accredited Online College Degrees) grants a Master’s of Science in Biotechnology with concentrations. They include Bioinformatics, Biosecurity and Biodefense, Biotechnology management, and Biotechnology regulatory affairs. Under Biotechnology with a management concentration, the candidate will learn how to evaluate, launch, and manage biotechnology projects. Besides, it prepares students to work in laboratory management, project management, and bioethics in business and science. Any undergraduates with a B.S in molecular biology bias can qualify to enroll in the colleges’ masters.

School Overview

Tuition: $480 in-state; $659 out-of-state
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2

Wayne State University

  • Detroit, Michigan
  • Graduation Rate: 38%

Wayne State University, founded in 1868, is a public research institution in Detroit, Michigan. Its M.S. in Molecular Biotechnology seeks to prepare students who are technically oriented and interested in recombinant DNA and molecular biological techniques. WU’s degree program is also suitable for individuals preparing for biotechnology careers and Ph. D study. Students at WU are assured of job placement after graduation because the college boasts of a 90 percent placement rate of graduates into career positions.

School Overview

Tuition: $678 in-state; $1,469 out-of-state
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3

Harrisburg University

  • Harrisburg, Pennsylvania
  • Graduation Rate: 28%

Focusing on STEM, Harrisburg University is a private University in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. Its 36-credit hour Master of Science program offers students several concentrations in Biomanufacturing, Medical Biotechnology, and Business Management of Biotechnology. HU’s degree is unique as it is developed with contributions from an advisory group of CEOs and senior biotechnology companies’ leaders. Integrating medical science, research, manufacturing, biotechnology, business skills, and leadership is ideal for students who want to enter the biotechnology field.

School Overview

Tuition: $800 per credit
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4

Azusa University

  • Azusa, California
  • Graduation Rate: 87%

A public-land grant research university in Gainesville, Florida, Azusa University’s Master’s in Biotechnology equips students for leadership in biotechnology professions. The 39-credit degree program provides training in critical areas, including molecular and cellular biology, mathematical modeling, mining of biological databases, regulatory affairs, clinical trials, project management, and biomedical manufacturing.

Working with industry professionals, the college aims to provide candidates with relevant skills to work in these fields. To help students gain practical experience, AU has on-site internships with regional pharma/biopharma and medical companies. Also, students are taught by industry professionals who bring their expertise into the classroom. Graduates who are working professionals can also attend evening courses.

School Overview

Tuition: $1,031
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5

The University of Alabama

  • Tuscaloosa, Alabama
  • Graduation Rate: 68%

The University of Alabama, a public research university in Tuscaloosa, Alabama, grants a Master’s of Science in Life Research and Biotechnology, research-based. With state-of-the-art facilities in laboratories and high-tech classrooms, the college offers its students various research topics. They include disease of the nervous system, magnetic materials, improved drug systems, new interventions, etc.

School Overview

Tuition (Full Time): $5,300 (9-15 credits, in-state); $15,125 out-of-state
Tuition (Part Time): $4,920 (8 credits, in-state); $12,400, out-of-state
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6

The University of Wisconsin-Madison

  • Madison, Wisconsin
  • Graduation Rate: 85%

The University of Wisconsin-Madison, through its School of Medicine and Public Health, grants a Master of Science in Biotechnology program. To make the program flexible and convenient for working professionals, it offers evening/ weekend courses. Besides, graduates can complete their master’s in less than two years. UW’s curriculum grounds students in a well-rounded education in biotechnology, science, business, and law. After completing the course, students can advance their careers in different industries.

School Overview

Tuition: $12,200 in-state $25,526
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7

Texas Tech University

  • Lubbock, Texas
  • Graduation Rate: 96%

Established on February 10, 1923, Texas Tech University advances a Master’s Degree in Biotechnology. TTU only students who desire to earn the master’s for Fall applications. The college wants requirements to include three letters of reference, a personal statement of professional goals, a written sample, and a resume/ CV. TTU’s masters are available 100 percent online, but there’s a campus provision that allows graduates to take it as a hybrid program, partly online and partly on campus.

School Overview

Tuition: $8,097 in-state; $15,693 out-of-state (based on 18 credits)
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8

University of San Francisco

  • San Francisco, California
  • Graduation Rate: 71%

The University of San Francisco grants a Masters of Science in Biotechnology, Professional Master’s (PSM), which combines research in molecular biology with entrepreneurship. Located among the 200 plus private and public biotech firms in the San Francisco Bay Area, the college prides on 90 percent of its students’ job placement after graduation. Developed in partnership with employers, it prepares graduates for science-based careers. Additionally, San Francisco is the hub of biotechnology in the U.S., and as a result, students benefit from guaranteed internships, which lead to full-time positions.

School Overview

Tuition: $1,480 in-state; $26,680
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9

The American University

  • Washington, D.C.
  • Graduation Rate: 81%

The American University’s Master’s: Business Leadership in Biotechnology is designed to make students leaders in the biotechnology industry. It offers four tracks of specializations, namely biodefense, drug discovery, biotechnology management, and bioinformatics. AMU’s graduates will explore research, healthcare management, public policy, and entrepreneurship. Mentored by innovative faculty and local business leaders, students become life science, biotechnology leaders. Through the college’s Entrepreneurship Incubator and partnership with companies like DC-I-Corps and regional biotechnology firms, candidates will benefit from practical experience. Furthermore, students can complete the degree program in just 16 months if they attend lessons full-time. But evening, online, and summer courses are available for part-time graduates.

School Overview

Tuition: $1,631
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10

Rush University

  • Chicago, Illinois

Granting a Master of Science in Biotechnology (MSB), Rush University is located in the Illinois Medical District. A two-semester and 34-credits degree program is an accelerated master’s that provides excellent training for those desiring to make radical changes in their careers. U’s nine-month course is thesis-based as it emphasizes research and laboratory training and biomedical research strategies. Upon completion, graduates can secure a job in private industry or academia or enter a doctoral program in research or healthcare.

School Overview

Tuition: $18,604 per semester
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11

Worcester Polytechnic Institute

  • Worcester, Massachusetts
  • Graduation Rate: 86%

A college that focuses on research and technical arts and applied science, Worcester Polytechnic Institute grants a Master’s in Biology and Biotechnology. Giving students a rigorous curriculum, practical skills, and hands-on experience can start a career in the life sciences and prepare for a coral or medical program. To complete the program, future students will need to earn a thesis in biology and biotechnology. Additionally, they can enroll in the school’s Ph.D. program in Biology and Biotechnology. They also have many opportunities to conduct laboratory research in their coursework in consultation with a WPI faculty member.

School Overview

Tuition: $28,980; $1,610 per credit (Online)
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12

Marywood University

  • Scranton, Pennsylvania
  • Graduation Rate: 65%

Established 1915 by the Sisters, servants of the Immaculate Mary, Marywood University is a Catholic liberal arts school. Its Master of Science in Biotechnology is designed for careers in biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, healthcare, etc. MU’s degree program brings together science. Communication, management, analytical reasoning, and business understanding. Furthermore, candidates desiring mid-and upper-level technology lab research, business management research positions in private, public, and government sectors can apply for this degree. Even those who want to pursue a doctoral degree and professions in medical, veterinary, and dental schools may enroll in the masters.

School Overview

Tuition: $34,156 (12-18 credits)
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13

Harvard University

  • Cambridge, Massachusetts
  • Graduation Rate: 97%

Established in 1963 and a private levy league research university, Harvard University’s MS/ MBA Biotechnology: Life Sciences grants the master’s as a joint degree with the Graduate School of Arts and Sciences and Harvard Medical School. The partnership is also made possible because of Harvard, the Department of Stem Cell, and Regeneration Biology. It aims to provide students with the latest business and scientific understanding and empower them to challenge organizations to advance drug discoveries or therapeutics. After completing the master’s, graduates can lead science-focused organizations, industry businesses, and nonprofits. They can also develop methods to deal with ethical challenges affecting new therapeutics.

School Overview

Tuition: $49,448 (first two years of study)
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14

Northeastern University

  • Boston, Massachusetts
  • Graduation Rate: 84%

Northeastern University grants an M.S. in Biotechnology to meet the biotechnology industry’s news by producing graduates who possess biotechnology and professional skills. Taught by well-respected faculty and senior leaders in the field, the degree program encourages students to be innovative, collaborate, lead research in managerial or technical professions.

NU’s masters offer a wide range of concentrations, such as agriculture, molecular biotechnology, manufacturing and quality operations, etc.

School Overview

Tuition: $54,360
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METHODOLOGY

We examined 50 colleges on credible internet sources granting a master’s in biotechnology. After analyzing their tuition and the nature of the programs they offer, we ended up with 15 schools that ranked based on the cost of attendance, giving us the least expensive schools. Our list shows that the University of Maryland is the most affordable, charging graduates $480 per credit, excluding other fees.

Interested in more exciting degree programs? Check out this page.

Find the program that’s right for you

Whether you’re trying to start your career or make a big change, we can help you find the perfect school to help you reach your goals.

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