Master of Science (MS) in Biotechnology

Our approach

You obtain hands-on experience at one of the nation's top academic medical centers, Rush University Medical Center.

You'll learn from faculty who practice in their field and are accomplished researchers.

You’ll gain certification in Good Laboratory Practices (GLP), which involves setting up, maintaining and working in a laboratory under federal regulations.

The biotechnology curriculum covers guidelines for the humane care and use of animals in research.

You'll work with live research animals, per Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee protocols, under the guidance of a laboratory animal veterinarian.

Rush is excited to introduce a new search engine for students in the Division of Translational Science, featuring a list of over 500 faculty members who are accepting students in our DTS programs. This searchable platform allows students to explore opportunities by keyword and department, offering a centralized resource to see who is accepting students and in which program, and access links to faculty profiles and publications. Students can also send a direct email through the platform, which will notify the student research coordinator to facilitate connections.

Program length and location for the MS in Biotechnology

The MS in Biotech Program is a two-semester, non-thesis program designed for students who may not want to commit to a traditional two-year master’s program.

Coursework and laboratory training take place on campus. A minimum of 34 credits is required for graduation.

Program tuition for the MS in Biotechnology

We know your education is a big investment. We want to make sure you have all the information you need to make the best financial decisions for you and your family.

Tuition for the Master of Science in Biotechnology program is $22,908 per term.

There are a limited number of scholarships for the program, including academic and diversity-based scholarships.

Learn about financial aid options

Biotechnology career opportunities

There are a variety of career paths for those who earn an MS in Biotechnology degree. Following are some facts about the paths our graduates pursue:

• Ninety-five percent of our graduates work at university laboratories and biotechnology or pharmaceutical organizations. Or they pursue advanced degrees in science (PhD) or medicine (MD, DDS, DO, or PharmD).
• About 60% of our graduates go on to medical or dental school.
• About 20% of our graduates go on to a PhD program.
• Graduates can become laboratory instructors or managers. They may also pursue further education to become high school or college science teachers.

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects a 7% increase in biological laboratory technician jobs from 2018-28, which is faster than average.

The following are some of the more popular types of biotechnology careers:

• Agricultural engineer
• Biochemist
• Biomedical engineer
• Biotechnology laboratory technician
• Environmental engineer

Salaries vary depending on various factors, ranging from $45,000 to well over six figures, according to salary.com.