Overview

The Biotechnology programme at Harvard University provides students with a comprehensive understanding of the intersection between scientific discovery and commercial innovation. This advanced degree is designed to equip professionals with the interdisciplinary skills required to lead within the rapidly evolving global life sciences sector. Participants explore the technical, regulatory, and financial frameworks that drive modern drug development and agricultural breakthroughs.

Why Biotechnology at Harvard University?

Studying at this institution offers unparalleled access to the vibrant "Genetown" ecosystem in Cambridge, a global hub for the biotech industry. The programme features a unique performance-based admissions process, allowing students to demonstrate their academic capabilities through initial coursework. Learners benefit from the expertise of distinguished faculty members who are active leaders in research and industry. Additionally, students can choose between a research-focused thesis track or a practical capstone project, tailoring their education to specific career goals in management, bioinformatics, or innovation.

Tuition Fee Breakdown

International fee: USD 3440 per module
National fee: USD 3440 per module
Local fee: USD 3440 per module

Visit the Fees and Funding section for a breakdown in your local currency.

Syllabus

The curriculum consists of 12 graduate courses designed to provide both theoretical depth and practical application. Modules may include:

Business and Science of Biotechnology
Bioinformatics
Biomedical Product Development
Ethics and Trends in Biotechnology
Financial Analysis and Valuation in Biotechnology
Regulatory Aspects of Drug Development
Graduate Studies in Biology and Biotechnology
Writing for the Sciences
Genetown Experience

Careers with Biotechnology

Graduates from this programme are well-positioned for leadership roles across various sectors, including pharmaceuticals, medical device manufacturing, and healthcare consultancy. The curriculum prepares individuals for high-level technical and managerial positions within global organisations. Common career paths for alumni include roles such as:

Antibody Engineer
Biotechnology Engineer
Computational Biologist
Data Scientist
Field Application Specialist
Senior R&D Manager

Alumni have successfully secured positions at prestigious organisations such as Pfizer, Novartis, Biogen, and the Wyss Institute. Furthermore, the programme provides a strong foundation for those wishing to pursue doctoral studies in specialised fields like neurogenetics, proteomics, or systems biology at leading international universities.

Programme Structure

Courses include:

The Master of Liberal Arts, Biotechnology degree field consists of 12 courses, four of which are required on campus. You choose a thesis or capstone track.

12 Graduate Courses

The degree is only for students with an undergraduate degree in a science field (physical, life, or computer science), at least one year of proven postbaccalaureate scientific research experience, and an academic background in molecular, cellular, and organismal biology.

Proseminar

3 Biotechnology life sciences courses

Ethics and Trends in Biotechnology

4 Biotechnology electives

Key information

Duration

Full-time
- 12 months

Start dates & application deadlines

Starting 2027-09-02 00:00:00
- Apply before 2026-12-01 00:00:00

Language

English

Duolingo English Test

125

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TOEFL^® IBT

100

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IELTS

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Credits

48 SCH

Delivered

On Campus, Online

Campus Location

Cambridge, United States

Disciplines

Biotechnology View 195 other Masters in Biotechnology in United States

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Academic requirements

GPA

English requirements

Duolingo English Test

125

Take A Free Practice Test!

TOEFL^® IBT

100

Schedule TOEFL®

PTE Academic

Schedule a PTE test!

IELTS

Prepare for Your English Test

Cathoven AI IELTS Preparation

Learn your IELTS Score

AI-powered IELTS feedback. Clear, actionable, and tailored to boost your writing & speaking score. No credit card or upfront payment required.

Trusted by 300k learners
98 accuracy using real exam data
4.9/5 student rating

Other requirements

General requirements

To begin the admissions process you simply register—no application needed—for the following two graduate-level degree courses:

BIOT 200 Proseminar: Introduction to Graduate Studies and Scholarly Writing in Biotechnology

1 biotechnology life science course

Before you enroll in any degree-applicable courses, you must possess a four-year regionally accredited US bachelor's degree. You cannot already have or be in the process of earning a master's degree in Biotechnology or a related field. Foreign bachelor’s degrees must be evaluated, and the Admissions Office makes final determinations about eligibility.
English is the language of instruction at Harvard Extension School. If your native language is not English, you must have provided designated proof of English proficiency to register in the courses.

Tuition Fees

Tuition fees are shown in and the most likely applicable fee is shown based on your nationality.

International Applies to you

Applies to you

Non-residents

3440 USD / module

≈ 3440 USD / module
Out-of-State

3440 USD / module

≈ 3440 USD / module
Domestic

Applies to you

In-State

3440 USD / module

≈ 3440 USD / module

Living costs

Cambridge

United States

1814 - 3756 USD / month

The living costs include the total expenses per month, covering accommodation, public transportation, utilities (electricity, internet), books and groceries.

Financing

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Funding

Win a €10000 Scholarship! Deadline: 30 June 2020

Embark on your journey with the Studyportals Scholarship! We're giving away a total of 20,000 euros to help you achieve your dream of studying abroad.

Win a €10000 Scholarship! Deadline: 30 June 2020

Embark on your journey with the Studyportals Scholarship! We're giving away a total of 20,000 euros to help you achieve your dream of studying abroad.

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Scholarships Information

Below you will find Master's scholarship opportunities for Biotechnology.

Available Scholarships

You are eligible to apply for these scholarships but a selection process will still be applied by the provider.

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About

Overview

Programme Structure

Key information

Duration

Start dates & application deadlines

Language

Prepare for Your English Test

Credits

Delivered

Campus Location

Disciplines

What students do after studying

Academic requirements

English requirements

Prepare for Your English Test

Other requirements

General requirements

Tuition Fees

International Applies to you

Domestic

Living costs

Cambridge

Financing

Funding

Need help with your student visa?

Scholarships Information

Available Scholarships

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