Universities in USA for Biotechnology: Courses, Fees, Eligibility, Scholarships, Jobs

Top Biotechnology Colleges/ Universities in USA

Biotechnology is the utilization of biological systems, living organisms, or other relevant parts to develop and create various products. In the modern stage of development, biotechnology also focuses on parts of genetic, biochemistry, molecular biology, etc. to stand out as a profession of advanced science in today’s age. USA is home to over 190 biotechnology universities offering over 300 courses. These universities provide various types of degrees, starting from a certificate program to a Ph.D. program.

Universities in USA offer specializations in Bioinformatics and Biotechnology Management that are among the popular fields in biotechnology universities in USA. Pursuing higher education from biotechnology universities in USA will allow you to work in over 87,600 upcoming job opportunities, as projected by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. The jobs in USA for biotechnology graduates are expected to rise by 7% in the upcoming ten years. Hence, USA can be a decent country for aspirants looking for higher education in biotechnology.

  • More than 60% of the biotechnology professionals in USA are offered an annual salary of more than 90,000 USD.
  • Annual salaries of biotechnology graduates in cities like Austin, Boston, Chicago, Dallas, Houston, New York, and Los Angeles are higher than the other cities of USA.
  • The average salary for biotechnology in the USA is 7% more than that of all jobs.
  • As per the U.S. Department of Labor, 29% of biotechnology professionals are employed in the research and development field.

Top Biotechnology Universities in USA

Presented below is a list of top universities of the USA ranked worldwide for biotechnology by QS World University Rankings 2022. 

QS Rankings 2022 University/College Popular Biotechnology Programs
#1 Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge Bachelor of Science [B.SC] Biological Engineering
#3 Stanford University Ph.D. in Biochemistry
#5 Harvard University Master of Science[M.Sc.]/ Master liberal Arts-Biotechnology; Ph.D. in Bioinformatics and Integrative Genomics;
Certificate Bioinformatics and Biotechnology management 
#25 Johns Hopkins University Masters of Science [M.Sc.] Bioinformatics and Biotechnology; Ph.D. in Cellular and Molecular;
Postgraduate Certificate Biotechnology Enterprise & Biotechnology Education
#32 University of California, Berkeley Doctor of Philosophy [Ph.D.] Comparative Biochemistry 

Universities in USA for Biotechnology: Specialization & Degree Types

Biotechnology as a developing subject has several specializations, starting from biochemistry to molecular biotechnology that one can take up when planning to pursue it from the USA. These subjects in the USA are available in the forms of undergraduate, graduate, doctorate degree and few certificate degrees.

Among the many specializations that biotechnology has, here are some of the popular ones that you can study in USA:

  • Cellular and Molecular Biotechnology
  • Bioinformatics
  • Biochemistry
  • Food Biotechnology
  • Bioinformatics
  • Genomics
  • Biotechnology Management

Biotechnology in the USA is offered as the following degree types:

  • Undergraduate- Bachelor of Science, Bachelor of Arts and certificate programs.
  • Graduate- Master of Science, Postgraduate Certificate, Master of Business Administration and Master Liberal arts.
  • Doctoral- Doctoral of Philosophy/ Ph.D.

Top certificate programs offered in universities of USA for biotechnology:

  • Certificate Bioinformatics- Harvard University
  • Certificate Biotechnology Management- Harvard University
  • Postgraduate Certificate Biotechnology Enterprise- Johns Hopkins University
  • Postgraduate Certificate Biotechnology Education- Johns Hopkins University
  • Certificate Cellular Biotechnology- University of Michigan, Ann Arbor
  • Postgraduate Certificate Bioinformatics- New York University

Bachelors from Biotechnology Universities in USA

An undergraduate degree in biotechnology can be considered as one of the most important degrees when it comes to employment in the USA. As per the data observed from the U.S. Department of Labor, around 28% of the biotechnology undergraduates are employed, which is more than other degree holders of the same field.

Compiled below are some popular bachelor biotechnology programs to keep a track of, along with the universities and the average course fee-

Popular Programs Universities offering the Program Average annual fee (USD)
Bachelor of Science [B.Sc.] Biochemistry University of Pennsylvania 50,744
University of California (Los Angeles) 43,900
Bachelor of Science [B.Sc.] Molecular Biophysics Yale University 59,950
Duke University 60,594
Washington University 57,750
Boston University 58,560
Bachelor of Science [B.Sc.] Biochemistry & Cell Biology University of California (SanDiego) 30,093
Bachelor of Science [B.Sc.] Biochemistry & Molecular Biology Brown University 49,816
Bachelor of Science [B.Sc.] Bioinformatics University of California (San Diego) 30,093

Bachelors from Biotechnology University in USA: Eligibility

In order to apply for an undergraduate program from a university in USA for biotechnology, individuals may check the below gathered criteria and documents essentials:

  • International students must provide their qualifying certificate of 12th grade having more than 80% from any registered body of education (science background is preferred)
  • ACT (35 or more) and SAT (800 to 1550), scores can be required by the universities.
  • International students will have to give the proof of English Language proficiency (IELTS- 7 or more & TOEFL- 85 or more)
  • Students may need to go through entrance tests and interviews conducted by the universities.
  • Students may require providing their medical history.

Bachelors from Biotechnology University in USA: Documents Required

  • Academic Documents ( Mandatory)
  • Statement of Purpose and Letter of Recommendation may be needed (Depends on the university applying
  • A valid passport and an F-1 visa.

Fees & Funding for Bachelors in Biotechnology in USA

The average annual cost to study an undergraduate biotechnological degree from the USA may range from 31,000 to 55,000 USD including tuition, application and other study-related costs. However, the range may depend on the university chosen. Numbers of scholarship facilities are there for undergraduate degrees in the USA.

Masters from Biotechnology Universities in USA

According to the U.S. Department of Labor, there are 10% of biotechnology professionals employed in the USA with a graduate degree. As per salary explorer, a skilled graduate experiences a hike in salary by 29% more than the undergraduates.

Considering the above-stated facts, one can check out the following universities of the USA offering some prevalent biotechnology graduate programs-

Popular Program Universities offering the Program Average Annual Fee (USD)
Master Liberal Arts (Biotechnology)/ Master of Science [M.Sc.] Biotechnology Harvard University 84,455
Columbia University 66,640
Northwestern University 67,970
New York University 42,400
Master of Business Administration [M.B.A] (Biotechnology - Life Sciences) Harvard University 73,440
Master of Science [M.Sc.] (Biochemistry - Molecular and Structural Biology) University of California (Los Angeles) 31,949
University of Michigan 21,389
Master of Science [M.Sc.] (Bioinformatics) Johns Hopkins University 58,720
University of California (Los Angeles) 17,836
New York University 45,860
Master of Science [M.Sc.]Biometry University of Wisconsin (Madison) 25,548

MS in Biotechnology in USA: Eligibility for Admission

The applications of the students willing to pursue MS in Biotechnology in USA shall be accepted on the satisfaction of a few basic criteria as mentioned below:

  • Students must have an undergraduate certificate in a related field of study with a decent grade or percentage.
  • GRE scores are essential for maximum universities (score may vary as per university chosen)
  • All the International students will have to give proof of English language proficiency (IELTS- 7 or more & TOEFL- 85 or more)
  • Students may have to fulfill all the rules and regulations set by respective universities and departments.

Documents Required for MS in Biotechnology in USA Admission

  • Official Academic Transcripts
  • Letter of Intent
  • Current CV
  • A valid passport and an appropriate visa are mandatory.
  • Academic Reference letters

Fees & Funding for MS in Biotechnology in USA

Annual fees to pursue a graduate degree in Biotechnology from the USA may differ on the grounds of specific graduate programs and university one chooses but on average annually, it may cost between the ranges from 17,100 to 74,000 USD. International students can check for different financial aid as help provided by a few universities and the government of the country.

Doctorate from Biotechnology Universities in USA

A biotechnology doctorate degree in the USA may generally take 3 to 5 years to complete. According to salary explorer, a Ph.D. holder from universities in USA for biotechnology can earn 23% more than any other degree holders of the same profession can. This shows how a doctorate degree in the same field can enhance the chance of having a career with high returns.

Listed underneath are the core biotechnology doctorate programs obtainable from the globally ranked colleges of the USA-

Popular Program Universities offering the Program Duration of the Program Average annual fee (USD)
Doctor of Philosophy in Bioinformatics, Integrative Genomics  Harvard University  5 Years 24,004
Doctor of Philosophy in Biochemistry Stanford University 4 Years 54,315
Doctor of Philosophy [Ph.D.] Comparative Biochemistry University of California, Berkeley 5 Years 32,374
Doctor of Philosophy [Ph.D.] Biochemistry- Cellular and Molecular Biology Johns Hopkins University 3 Years 42,006
Doctor of Philosophy [Ph.D.] Biochemistry- Cell & Developmental Biology Emory University 5 Years 22,400

PhD from Biotechnology University in USA: Eligibility

The general criteria and the important documents are outlined below that one can have an eye on when eager to apply for doctoral biotechnological programs:

  • It is highly suggested to have a good academic record both in undergraduate and graduate degree (70% or B-)
  • It is recommended for international students to have GRE scores.
  • Students must get their research paper approved by the concerned universities.
  • Proof of English language proficiency (IELTS- 7 or more & TOEFL- 85 or more) is mandatory for all the international students.
  • Universities may conduct internet-based tests, revised paper-delivered tests, and paper-based tests.
  • International students strictly need to follow the guidelines set by the universities.

PhD from Biotechnology University in USA: Documents Required

PhD from Biotechnology University in USA: Fees & Funding

Funding aids are more when it comes to a doctoral degree and one may get the facility of stipend when doing research in Biotechnology from the USA, but the cost to study a doctoral program may range from 24,100 to 53,000 USD annually on an average. However, the government of the country and various universities of the USA have a number of scholarships available for doctoral programs.

Scholarships Available in Universities in USA for Biotechnology

Scholarships and financial aids offered by the various bodies can be helpful for those willing to pursue their education in biotechnology from the USA, as the cost to study and living may seem huge for an international student to make the dream of studying abroad true.

Tabulated below are some of the popular scholarships that international students in USA pursuing biotechnology program can avail:

Scholarship Name Offered To Amount Awarded (USD) Offered By
BeArt Presets-Academic Scholarship Available for all the undergraduate and graduate programs 2,000 Corporate
Robert S. McNamara Fellowship Program Available for all the Ph.D. programs 25,000 Corporate
Debesh Kamal Scholarship Available for all the undergraduate, graduate and doctoral programs 1385 Trust
JN Tata Endowment Scholarship Available for all the graduate and doctoral programs Variable Trust
AAUW International Fellowships Available for all the graduate and doctoral programs Variable Trust

Fundamentals to ensure when applying for scholarships

Eager students who are willing to apply for scholarships must fulfill all the instructions and protocols set by the scholarship offering organization, but here are some basic points to keep a track of-

  • International students must have an acceptance letter from the respective universities or colleges.
  • High academic scores are required.
  • International students may have to sit for the tests and interviews conducted by the scholarship offering bodies.
  • Statement of purpose may be required.
  • Scores of GRE/GMAT/TOEFL/IELTS may be required by some universities.

Scope of Biotechnology in USA: Jobs & Salary Prospects

The average annual cost to pursue a biotechnology degree in the USA can range from a minimum of 18,000 USD to a maximum of 70,000 USD. Here are few day-to-day tasks of a biotechnology expert-

  • Collection of biological specimens
  • Interpretation and recording of operational data and research
  • Setting up of laboratory equipment
  • Examining characteristics of living organisms
  • Scrutinizing of chemical substances
  • Preparation of biological samples for testing

Presenting under are some high-paid jobs in the Biotechnology sector of the USA that any aspirant can explore. The average annual salary may vary depending on the level of qualification one posses:

Job Title Average Annual Salary (USD)
Bioinformatics Scientist 124,000
Bioinformatics Technician 77,500
Biotechnologists 89,300
Biotechnology Lead Data Manager 80,100
Biostatisfaction 91,000
Biological technician 81,000

There is a high chance of biotechnology professionals finding the country work-friendly. According to salary explorer, an increment in the annual average salary has been observed by 9% every 15 months in the biotechnology sector of the USA. 51% of the biotechnology employees have been found to receive at least one form of monetary bonus annually by 3% to 5%.

The USA has a vast scope for a biotechnology aspirant to explore and grow in terms of several globally ranked universities, like Harvard University, Stanford University, etc. along with a wide range of biotechnology programs offered by those universities. One may get help in terms of scholarships and financial aids to study at ease in the USA.

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Harvard University, Cambridge

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