Master’s in Biotechnology in USA: Vital Information

Masters of Science (MS) in Biotechnology in the United States of America (USA) will help you build a rewarding career with ample research and academic opportunities. It is a two-year course that you can pursue full-time, part-time, or even online at the US universities. MS in Biotechnology in the USA is a research-driven program costing roughly around $44,000 and $1,000,00 annually. 

MS in Biotechnology is available to undergraduate degree holders in biotechnology, chemistry, biology, and medical technology, among other disciplines. Most colleges also require the students to submit a thesis based on research work done by them at the end of their programs. Masters programs in Biotechnology have varying names, including MS in Biotechnology, MA (Masters of Arts) in Biotechnology and PSM (Professional Science Masters) in Biotechnology.

Reasons for studying Masters in Biotechnology in the USA

Pharmaceutical and Biotechnology are two of the most flourishing industries in the USA. Therefore, demand for qualified professionals with research and professional expertise is steadily increasing. The USA is a highly advanced nation known for pioneering innovations in food production, medicine, agriculture, waste management, and more. Interestingly, these are all sectors where biotechnological research is the backbone of growth and development.

Here are some reasons for studying MS in Biotechnology in the USA: 

• As per a report by Statista, the funding received in the field of biotechnology by the National Institutes for Health was approximately USD 7.77 billion during fiscal year 2020 which is estimated to reach USD 7.9 billion in 2022.
• Some of the acclaimed institutions or universities for pursuing STEM courses are based out of the US and International candidates can establish their career in  research & development, with cutting-edge laboratories and infrastructure. 
• The demand for biotechnology professionals is bludgeoning. One can remain in the USA and work as a research associate or apply for PHD programs. The USA also gives an extension to students graduating out of STEM courses.  Usually a work permit of 2 years is given to the Non- STEM graduates but for STEM graduates, it is 2 years with one year of extension. Around 3/5th of the biotechnology professionals in the US get more than USD 90,000 per year.
• There is no paucity of jobs in the field of biotechnology as the sector is growing at a good pace with over 80,000 upcoming jobs. The R&D in the US is also backed by huge funds with over 7 billion utilized for Research & Development and health infrastructure.
• The multicultural and diverse environment offers possibilities for global exposure along with world-class research and educational standards.

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Top Universities that Offer MS in Biotechnology in the USA

Here are some of the best universities for Masters in Biotechnology in USA: 

Name of the Institution	QS Subject Rankings 2022 (Life Sciences & Medicine)	Name of the Course	Total Costs of the Program
John Hopkins University	3	MS Biotechnology	$50,080 (approx.)
University of Pennsylvania	18	PSM Biotechnology	$44,908 (approx.)
University of Georgia	250	MS Biotechnology	$49,448 (approx.)
Northwestern University	68	MS Biotechnology, MBP (Master of Biotechnology Program)	$85,112 (approx)
Columbia University	22	MA Biotechnology	$1,85,280 (approx)

Source: university official websites

Many other institutions offer master’s courses to students in the USA. While choosing an institution to study MS Biotechnology in the country, students should account for the location, access to laboratories and research centers, and employment prospects at biotechnological firms and industries in the area. 

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MS in Biotechnology in USA- Cost

International students planning to study MS in Biotechnology in the USA should take into consideration the tuition costs and other expenses. 

Pre-Arrival Costing

Pre-Arrival costs include $213 as GRE fee and $194 as IELTS or TOEFL fee. The expected visa cost is $160, while application charges go up to $1,000. $160 is the surplus application charge. Flight tickets cost around $1,000. In addition to the visa fee component, international students must bear the SEVIS Fee, which costs around $350.

Post-Arrival Costing

Tuition fees at several universities depend on the type of institution, total credit hours, location, and more. Average tuition costs are $30,000 – 40,000 annually. Accommodation is usually available on-campus for international students, although they may choose off-campus apartments (shared or private) as well. The cost of living in the USA is generally between $500 and $1,000 every month. Most dormitories on campus offer amenities like water, electricity, and food. They are comparatively cheaper options for students.

 An average cumulative cost of MS in Biotechnology will fall around roughly $55,000 for international applicants.

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Requirements for admission into MS in Biotechnology in USA

One should check the eligibility guidelines for MS in Biotechnology in the USA  carefully. Eligibility criteria may vary across universities. Here are some common requirements:

• Undergraduate degree (usually four years) 
• The minimum GPA should be 3.0 on a scale of 4 or higher in the undergraduate course
• TOEFL or IELTS score 
• GRE test score to get admission into STEM courses in the USA

The application requirements include the following: 

• Academic and educational transcripts
• SOP (Statement of Purpose) or Letter of Intent mentioning their future goals and how the degree will benefit them 
• A scanned passport copy is a must
• 2-3 LORs or Letters of Recommendations
• IELTS or TOEFL score with 6.5 and 80 respectively
• Students should provide proof of their involvement in extracurricular activities, as required by the university 
• CV or Resume along with the GRE score

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Pursuing MS Biotechnology without the GRE in USA: 

The Graduate Record Examination (GRE) is a standardized examination analyzing international applicants’ quantitative, verbal, and analytical capabilities. Many universities have the GRE scores compulsory for applicants, while some do not. Some of the institutions where you can apply without the GRE include the following:

• Georgetown University
• Northwestern University 
• The University of Illinois in Chicago
• Brown University 

Other educational institutions, at times, waive the GRE score requirements if candidates have an excellent academic track record and strong co-curricular profile with relevant research activities. Students with sizable professional experience in related industries may also apply without the GRE. 

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Scope after Masters in Biotechnology in the USA

After MS in Biotechnology in the USA, average salaries usually stand at $73,000 for skilled graduates. Graduates can take up positions like biotechnology research associates, research scientists, senior research associates, molecular biology research associates, and associate research scientists.

Salaries may start from $50,000 and go up to $73,000 and more. There are numerous research and development (R&D) opportunities for biotechnology students in the USA, while they can also choose to pursue doctoral programs.

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Visa Procedure for International Applicants

F-1 Visas are usually required for full-time candidates. They may work for up to 20 hours each week, while being eligible for optional practical training (OPT) for 12 months. This gives them a chance to work for twelve months after graduating. Here are some of the other requirements for the visa: 

• Valid passport extending to at least six months after the end of your course
• Form DS-160
• Payment receipt application 
• Form I-20 while applying for a student visa, with non-immigrant student status 
• Original provisional certificate or mark sheet
• Score sheets for TOEFL, IELTS, GRE and other standardized examinations
• Proof of funds in the applicant’s bank account. Bank statements must be submitted, and details of scholarship program or sponsors, if applicable. 
• Proof showing the intent of the candidate for not staying back in the country for a long term and return on completion of the. One way could be to furnish a return ticket for India as evidence

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Candidates will have to go through an interview at their nearest USA Consulate or Embassy. Once the screening procedure is done, they will be notified about the next steps. Here are some pointers on the application procedure: 

• Fill up the application form, attach your photograph and bring a print-out to the interview venue. 
• Schedule your interview at the Consulate or Embassy while paying $160 (INR 11,895).
• Furnish all compulsory documents for the interview. 
• Appear for the interview and wait for the decision of the authorities. 
• Upon approval of your visa, you will be paying the issuance fee and planning your travel itinerary likewise. 

Students will have to provide proof of funds equivalent to the total course fees and living costs for a year. Proof of scholarships (if any) must be provided along with completing the SEVIS-1901 form and registering at the global database of visitors. The SEVIS charge is $220 (J visa) or $350 (F visa), which works out to INR 16,355 or INR 26,020. Visa appointments may be scheduled online, while students can complete their DS-160 forms digitally. 

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Scholarships for MS in Biotechnology In USA: International Students

Here is a list of some scholarships that MS Biotechnology aspirants may check out: 

• California State University, Channel Islands- MS in Biotechnology Scholarship Program, sponsored by the institution. It is open to students from any global region. 
• Washington State University- The Department of Crop and Soil Sciences, Washington State University, offers the H.E. Goldsworthy Scholarship where graduate students breeding wheat or taking up vital projects for the Pacific Northwest are considered eligible. The Tracy Vincent-Sharp Memorial Scholarship is for food production students only. 
• Oregon State University- Oregon State University’s College of Agricultural Sciences offers the Don Burlingham Scholarship for backing senior and junior students in soil and crop sciences, along with bio-resource research. 
• Montgomery College- The Biotechnology Program at Montgomery College emphasizes training workers as part of the Paul Peck Biomanufacturing Scholarship. This supports those eligible to study in the USA and pursue a certificate in Biomanufacturing. It offers up to $500 or INR 37,172 for each semester. Students should furnish their FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) and the Montgomery College Foundation application form. 
• Community College of Allegheny County- This program trains aspirants in its program named the Biotechnology Workforce Collaborative Scholarship. It uses grants from the Government to offer scholarships that cover all educational costs like fees, books, tuition costs, and laboratory equipment. 

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Career Prospects After MS in Biotechnology

Job Title	Median Salary
Microbiologist	$60925
Biomedical Engineer	$92,620
Product Development Scientist	$152,000
Biotech Product Analyst	$79,316
Medical and Clinical Lab Technicians	$54,180
Bioproduction Operators	$75,970
Biological Technician	$45160
Food Scientist	$68,395
Epidemiologist	$102,618
Clinical Data Managers	$100,350
Clinical Research Coordinators	$137,950
Biofuels Production Manager	$101,618
Natural Sciences Managers	$137,904

Source: university official website

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