MS in Biotechnology in USA: Fees 2023, Top Colleges, Placements & Salaries

MS in Biotechnology in USA is an advanced degree program that offers an in-depth understanding of biotechnology, which is a rapidly growing field that combines biology and technology to develop innovative solutions to global problems. Admission to MS in Biotechnology in USA requires a bachelor's degree in a related field such as biology, chemistry, or biochemistry with a minimum GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale (83-86%).

The tuition fee in the top universities for MS in Biotechnology in USA varies depending on the university, ranging from 42,000 USD to 85,000 USD (34 lakhs-70 lakhs INR). Graduates of MS in Biotechnology in USA have a wide range of career opportunities available to them, including roles in research and development, production and manufacturing, and management. Graduates of MS in Biotechnology in USA can expect to earn salaries ranging from 60,000 USD to 120,000 USD (50 lakhs-99 lakhs INR) per year, depending on their job role and level of experience.

Check Out: Jobs in USA for International Students

MS in Biotechnology in USA: Highlights

MS in Biotechnology in USA Top Universities

MS Biotechnology is offered by various universities across the United States. The table given below presents some of the best American colleges that offer regular master’s in biotechnology programs.

Several other colleges in the United States offer various master’s degree programs in Biotechnology. While selecting a college to pursue MS Biotechnology in United States, students should keep in mind factors such as the demographic (proximity to research centers in the USA, university clusters, biotechnological industries etc.) of the colleges they want to apply in.

Why Study MS in Biotechnology in USA?

• The Biotechnology industry in the US has experienced impressive growth, with an average annual increase in market size of 2.6% between 2018 and 2023, outpacing the overall economic growth rate.
• The job outlook for Biological Technicians is bright, with employment projected to grow by 9% from 2021 to 2031, outpacing the average growth rate for all occupations. An average of 12,200 new job opportunities for Biological Technicians are expected to arise annually during this decade.
• In 2023, the average salary for an employee in the Biotechnology industry stands at a substantial 408,000 USD (3.36 crore INR).
• Some of the top employers of the graduates of MS in Biotechnology in USA are as follows:
  
• With an average salary that ranks 8th among Healthcare and Social Assistance industries and a position as the 47th largest industry in the US, the Biotechnology industry holds a prominent place in the American economy.
• Pursuing MS Biotechnology from USA opens up numerous possibilities for international candidates. Not only does the country provide a congenial atmosphere for learning, growth and development, colleges and universities in the United States offer the world’s best laboratories and equipment for research.
• MS biotechnology in USA exposes international students to an environment which is rich in cultural diversity. It provides a world-class education, research facilities and presents numerous areas of employment to candidates attending the program.
• The low unemployment rate of just 3.7% in the USA as of December 2022 presents a wealth of job opportunities for recent graduates.

MS in Biotechnology in USA: Types & Specializations

Master’s degree in Biotechnology is offered under various names in the United States. These are:

• MS in Biotechnology/ MSc in Biotechnology: Master of Science degree in Biotechnology is the traditional master’s degree received at the end of two-years of study at most American colleges. The two-year program involves theory, laboratory/research work, and paid/unpaid internships. MS in Biotechnology prepares students for a doctorate-level education while also equipping them with the necessary skills to get jobs related to their field of specialization/study.
• MA in Biotechnology: This program is offered at the Columbia University and familiarizes students with the modern aspects of molecular biology while emphasizing on the processes utilized in biotech and pharmaceutical industries. Candidates that do not want to spend 5-7 years of study on a PhD but want a career in Biotechnology and Pharmaceutical industries, should choose this program.

Biotechnology has distinct specializations in which candidates can pursue a master’s degree. Some of these are:

• Food Biotechnology
• Medical Biotechnology
• Cellular and Molecular Biotechnology
• Biotechnology Enterprise
• Bioinformatics
• Biodefense
• Regenerative and Stem Cell Technologies
• Regulatory Science

MS in Biotechnology in USA: Eligibility & Requirements

Eligibility and requirements for admission to MS Biotechnology slightly differ from college to college across the United States. However, the prerequisites and application requirements broadly remain the same for international students.

• Student should possess an undergraduate degree (preferably finished in 4 years) in related fields of study from a recognized university.
• Minimum GPA of the student must be 3.0 or above on a 4.0 scale (83-86%).
• Language Proficiency Tests like IELTS or TOEFL is compulsory for International students with a native language other than English.
• Student needs to undertake GRE test for admission to most science courses in the US.

MS in Biotechnology Application Requirements

Given below is a list of some basic application requirements for universities in the US needed from candidates seeking admission into the MS Biotechnology degree programs.

• Transcript of all previous academic reports and qualifications.
• Scanned copy of passport.
• Statement of Purpose (SOP)/ Letter of Intent: Students need to specify what their goals and aspirations are and how the degree they wish to pursue will help them.
• Letter of Recommendations (2-3)
• TOEFL and IELTS scores (should not be below 100 and 7.0 respectively).
• Submission of Application fee.
• Proof of participation or achievements in extra-curricular activities.
• Academic/Professional CV.
• GRE score.

University-wise admission requirements for MS in Biotechnology in USA

MS in Biotechnology in USA: English Proficiency Test Scores

MS in Biotechnology in USA without GRE

The Graduate Record Examinations (GRE) is a standardized test in USA which judges the analytical, verbal and quantitative skills of students seeking admission into masters or doctoral degree programs in the United States.

While there are various universities in the US that make it mandatory for students to take the GRE and have a minimum score that confirms their eligibility into the desired course of study, it is not unusual for institutions to neglect or compromise the weightage given to GRE.

Given below is a list of some universities in the United States that do not mandate submission of GRE scores for admission into the MS Biotechnology course:

• Northwestern University
• Georgetown University
• Brown University
• The University of Illinois at Chicago (GRE not required with substantial work experience in the course-related field)

Other universities might waive-off the GRE requirements if the candidate meets one of the following criteria:

• Student maintains an exceptional academic history.
• Student has undertaken or participated in relevant research work.
• Student possesses considerable work experience in industries related to their discipline.

MS in Biotechnology in USA: Costs

For an international student planning to pursue higher education in USA, being aware of the tuition fee and other expenses they will incur, is crucial information that will help plan and procure (if the need arises) the funds necessary for their sustenance, well in advance.

The tuition fee charged for MS Biotechnology at various universities across America is not the same and relies on factors such as nature of the university (private/public), location, number of credit hours/course units etc. The tuition fee in some of the top universities for MS in Biotechnology in USA is as follows:

Cost of Living in USA

MS Biotechnology in USA costs $15,000-$30,000 per year. And that is just the tuition fee. While actually applying to colleges in the United States, there are many more expenses to cover for international students. Cost of living in USA ranges from 1,800-2,400 USD (1.48 lakhs-2 lakhs INR) per month depending on the type of accommodation students opt for. Most on-campus dormitories come with basic utilities such as electricity, water and food and are considerably cheaper than off-campus apartments which require tenants to pay separately for the utilities.

Accommodation is available in different modes across American colleges. While on-campus housing is the most favored and recommended accommodation available to international students, candidates can also choose to live in off-campus shared apartments.

Scholarships for MS in Biotechnology in USA

International students seeking to pursue MS in Biotechnology in USA have access to a variety of scholarships provided by both the government and prestigious universities. These scholarships, designed to help those in need of financial assistance, include the following popular scholarships for international students in USA:

MS in Biotechnology: Placements

Some of the top job titles with average salary packages after MS in Biotechnology in USA are given below:

Explore: Post-Study Work Visa in USA

MS in Biotechnology in USA v/s MS in Biotechnology in Canada

For a study abroad aspirant, looking for a cheaper option to study biotechnology, Canada can be your study destination. The table below differentiates MS in Biotechnology in USA and Masters (MS) in biotechnology in Canada :

Pursuing MS in Biotechnology in USA is a highly desirable option for individuals interested in advancing their careers in this dynamic and rapidly growing field. The curriculum of this program provides students with a comprehensive understanding of biotechnology, encompassing subjects such as genetics, biochemistry, and molecular biology. With the increasing demand for biotechnology professionals, MS in Biotechnology in USA opens doors to numerous career opportunities and is a great investment for students interested in this field.

FAQs

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