Program Overview

Master of Science in Biotechnology

The Master of Science in Biotechnology is a comprehensive program that equips students with the skills and knowledge to thrive in the dynamic biotechnology industry. The program combines knowledge of science, entrepreneurship, the regulatory and legal landscape, and data analytics to help students succeed in this rapidly evolving field.

Program Overview

The Master of Science in Biotechnology is defined by a comprehensive, holistic approach to the field, equipping students with the skills and knowledge to turn groundbreaking ideas into real-world solutions. Students will gain knowledge of the latest trends, from gene editing technologies to AI-driven drug discovery and synthetic biology.

At a Glance

• Program: Master of Science
• Credit Hours: 30 credits
• Cost per Credit: $1,732
• Duration: One year (full time) to three years
• Classes Begin: September 2025
• Applications Due: June 1
• Location: Courses are offered at the Lincoln Center campus (except science elective classes, which will be offered at Rose Hill)
• Full Time or Part Time

By the Numbers

• $211.2 billion: Market size of the U.S. biotechnology sector in 2023
• 16,000: New jobs in life sciences expected in NYC by 2026
• 7.7%: Average annual industry growth since 2018
• STEM Designation: The M.S. in biotech is a registered STEM-designated program, permitting students to apply for a 24-month extension of their post-completion Optional Practical Training

Program Specifics

Overview

The program provides a comprehensive understanding of the biotechnology industry, combining knowledge of science, entrepreneurship, and data analytics.

Admission Information

To apply for the Master of Science in Biotechnology, the following components are required:

1. Resume or Curriculum Vitae (CV): Applicants should submit a resume or CV that details their education, work experience, and any accomplishments of note.
2. Official Transcripts: The M.S. in biotechnology requires official transcripts from each candidate sent directly from the issuing college or university.
3. Official Graduate Record Examination (GRE) Scores: GRE scores are optional for this program.
4. Statement of Intent: Applicants are required to submit an up-to-500-word essay that describes why they want to attend the master's in biotechnology program, what their professional goals are, and their candidacy's unique value proposition.
5. Supplemental Essay (Optional): Applicants may choose to answer an optional essay question to help the admission committee get a better understanding of their unique perspective and potential contributions to the community.
6. Two Letters of Recommendation: Applicants are required to name two professional or academic recommenders.

Courses

Required Courses

• Introduction to the Science in Biotechnology
• The Biotechnology Enterprise
• Law and Regulation in Biotechnology
• Experimental Design, Biostatistics, and Math for Data Science
• Biotechnology Capstone

Electives

• Techniques in Molecular Biology
• Applications of Nanobiotechnology in Medicine and Diagnostics
• Bioinformatics
• Introduction to AI in Biopharma
• Health Law and Biomedical Ethics
• Patent Law
• Creating a Startup
• Strategy, Commercialization, and Finance in Biotechnology

Other Relevant Electives

• Molecular Biology
• Advanced Biochemistry and Cancer Metabolism
• Biotechnology Manufacturing Process
• Techniques in Biotechnology and Tissue Engineering
• Computational Models of Biological Systems and Drug Design
• Metabolomics and Nutrition
• Data Analytics Tools and Scripting for Biotech
• Scientific Information Management for Biotechnology Managers
• Data Integration and Knowledge Discovery
• Data Visualization
• Entrepreneurship and Business Development in Biotechnology
• Marketing Applications in Biotechnology
• FDA Law
• Pharmaceutical Law
• Business Ethics and Biotechnology

Faculty Spotlight

• Falguni Sen, Ph.D.: Professor, Gabelli School of Business, and Head of Fordham's Global Healthcare Innovation Management Center

Curriculum Highlights

• Five required courses and five electives
• Convenient schedule to accommodate working professionals
• A real-world capstone project led by industry and research mentors in New York City

F.A.Q.

• What are the career paths with a biotechnology degree?
  • Graduates will be equipped to make significant contributions to the advancement of biotechnological innovations in various sectors, including pharma, biopharma, startup, government, compliance, and consulting.
  • Career paths include research and development, lab technicians, bioinformatics and data analysis, regulatory affairs, manufacturing and quality control, gene therapy, regenerative medicine, microbiome research, and metabolic engineering.
• Can I work while getting my degree?
  • Yes, the part-time options allow working professionals to earn their degree while fully employed.
• What are biotech employers looking for?
  • Employers in the biotechnology industry typically seek a combination of technical expertise, soft skills, and a strong alignment with the company's goals and culture.
• What current trends in biotechnology will I be prepared for?
  • The program will prepare students for current trends in biotechnology, including advancements in gene editing and CRISPR technology, nanobiotech, personalized medicine, and precision therapeutics, as well as artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning in biotech.