Biotechnology Master's Degree Overview
Through the online master’s degree in the field of biotechnology, you:
- Develop an understanding of biotechnology principles, research and innovation, and business, including commercial functions, financial analysis and valuation, and the regulatory aspects of drug development.
- Build knowledge of current industry needs by cross-training in statistics, management, or computer science.
- Gain experience in experimental or case study design, scientific data analysis, writing and communication, ethical implications, and effective collaboration.
- Experience the biotech community in Cambridge alongside your classmates during an in-person week in January or 3 weeks in summer.
Biotechnology Master’s Degree Benefits
-
A faculty of biotech professionals and life science instructors from Harvard University
-
Personalized academic and career advising
-
Option to produce a capstone project focused on biotechnology innovation
-
Internship track to explore a topic in bioinformatics, biotech management, or project management
-
Entrepreneurial opportunities through the Harvard Innovation Labs
-
Harvard Alumni Association membership upon graduation
Customizable Course Curriculum
Our curriculum is flexible in pace and customizable by design. You’ll experience the convenience of online learning and the immersive benefits of learning in person. You can study part-time, choosing courses that fit your schedule and align with your professional goals.
As you work through the 12-course program, you’ll have the opportunity to examine topics like business and science of biotechnology, bioinformatics, epigenetics, and biomedical product development.
You’ll choose between two tracks — a capstone or an internship — and visit Cambridge for an immersive in-person experience.
11 Online Courses
Synchronous and asynchronous options are available year-round.
Sample Courses:
- Cell Biology
- Evolution
- Neurobiology
- Biomedical Product Development
Capstone or Internship Track
Create a capstone project focused on innovation in biotech, or complete an internship to explore a topic in bioinformatics, biotech management, or project management.
On-Campus Experience
Come to campus for 1 week in January or 3 weeks in summer where you engage with the vibrant biotech community in Cambridge.
Admissions
The path to your degree begins before you apply to the program.
First, you’ll register for and complete 3 required courses, earning at least a B in each. These foundational courses are investments in your studies and count toward your degree, helping ensure success in the program.
Next Start Term: Spring 2025
Enroll for your first admission course this spring. Course registration is open November 4, 2024 – January 23, 2025.
To get started, explore degree requirements, confirm your initial eligibility, and learn more about our unique “earn your way in” admissions process.
Earning a Stackable Certificate
As you work your way toward your master’s degree, you can take courses that also count — or “stack” — toward a certificate. It’s a cost-effective, time-saving opportunity to build specialized skills and earn a professional credential along the way to your degree.
Stackable graduate certificates include:
A Faculty of Biotechnology Experts
You’ll learn from Harvard faculty and industry leaders who will help you gain real-world perspectives. Our instructors are renowned experts in the field of biotechnology and bring a genuine passion for teaching, with students giving our faculty an average rating of 4.6 out of 5.
-
![Steven Denkin]()
Steven Denkin
Director and Research Advisor, Biotechnology, Harvard Extension School
Teaches The Genetown-Harvard Experience, Precapstone: Business Ideas and Entrepreneurial Innovation, Capstone: Business Ideas and Entrepreneurial Innovation
-
![]()
Jaclyn Dunphy
Senior Director of Strategy and Research Operations, Abiologics
Teaches Introduction to the Business and Science of Biotechnology
-
Nicolas Labovitis
Chief Executive Officer, Ibex Finance, LLC
Teaches Introduction to the Business and Science of Biotechnology, The Genetown-Harvard Experience, Precapstone: Business Ideas and Entrepreneurial Innovation
-
![Britt Stockton Lee]()
Britt Stockton Lee
Clinical Simulation Faculty, MEDscience Simulation Lab, Harvard Medical School
Teaches Clinical Anatomy and Physiology I, Clinical Anatomy and Physiology II
-
Alex Pederson
Director of Regional Marketing, BeiGene
Teaches Commercial Functions in Biotechnology and Pharmaceutical Companies
-
![Masha Fridkis-Hareli]()
Masha Fridkis-Hareli
Founder and President, ATR, LLC
Teaches Immunoassay Design and Development
Our Community at a Glance
Students in the biotechnology degree program are accomplished professionals who are pursuing the degree to continue their career advancement. They work in fields like biotech, academic research, pharmaceuticals.
-
31
Average Age
-
1–2
Courses Taken Each Semester
-
98%
Work Full Time
-
88%
Pursued for Career Advancement
Career Opportunities in Biotechnology & Alumni Outcomes
Our biotechnology graduates have gone on to PhD programs in the fields of AI and machine learning, cell and systems biology, proteomics, pharmacy, genetics, and neurogenetics at national universities. They are employed in the field of biotechnology and related industries such as pharmaceuticals, hospital and health care, and medical devices.
Roles held by recent graduates include:
- Antibody Engineer
- Biotechnology Engineer
- Computational Biologist
- Data Scientist
- Field Application Specialist
- Senior R&D Manager
Alumni work at a variety of organizations, including:
- Boston Children’s Hospital
- Broad Institute
- Novartis
- New England BioLabs
- Pfizer
- Wyss Institute
Career Advising and Mentorship
Whatever your career goals, we’re here to support you. Harvard’s Mignone Center for Career Success offers career advising, employment opportunities, Harvard alumni mentor connections, and career fairs like the annual Harvard Biotech, Pharma, & Healthcare Expo on campus at Harvard.
Your Harvard University Degree
Upon successful completion of the required curriculum, you will receive your Harvard University degree — a Master of Liberal Arts (ALM) in Extension Studies, Field: Biotechnology.
Expand Your Connections: The Harvard Alumni Network
As a graduate, you’ll become a member of the worldwide Harvard Alumni Association (400,000+ members) and Harvard Extension Alumni Association (29,000+ members).
I leave not only with a master’s degree and certificate, but also a business plan and the knowledge, experiences, and resources that allow me to take this idea I had and turn it into something that can help others.
Tuition & Financial Aid
Affordability is core to our mission. When compared to our continuing education peers, it’s a fraction of the cost.
| Our Tuition (2024–25 rate) | $3,340 per course |
|---|---|
| Average Tuition of Peer Institutions | $5,476 per course |
| Average Total Cost | $40,080 |
After admission, you may qualify for financial aid. Typically, eligible students receive grant funds to cover a portion of tuition costs each term, in addition to federal financial aid options.
Learn more about the cost of attendance.
Biotechnology Master’s FAQs
How long does it take to complete a master’s degree in biotechnology?
The time it takes to complete a master’s degree in biotechnology depends on the program you select. Because most Harvard Extension School students work full time while earning a degree, they take an average of two to four years to complete the program, depending on course load. Most students take one or two courses each semester. You have five years to complete the degree.
Will earning a master’s in biotechnology help me advance my career?
Many students currently working toward a master’s in biotechnology are doing so to advance their career. Pursuing a master’s degree in a specific field demonstrates to your employer that you care about continuing to learn in your field. Earning an advanced degree can also help you differentiate yourself to prospective employers and gain expertise in specific areas of the field. To see the types of roles and companies where our alumni work, explore the biotechnology career outcomes.