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High tuition fees, recurring travel costs, and staggering housing rents are some expenses students must bear when going for an on-campus master’s program. These were my biggest worries while searching for higher education after my bachelor’s.
Luckily, I found several affordable online master’s in biotechnology from reputed institutes. Today, I am sharing my updated findings about all the affordable universities that can help you achieve your dream.
Top 10 Affordable Online Master’s in Biotechnology
With the rise in inflation, pursuing higher education has become quite challenging. A master’s in biotechnology, with pricey lab expenses, adds to the struggle. Many individuals often abandon their dream of pursuing a master’s degree. An affordable online master’s program is the solution to all these problems.
Here’s the list of 10 cheap yet reputable master programs in biotechnology.
University of Maryland Global Campus
The University of Maryland offers an online Master’s in Biotechnology Management, recognized as a Professional Science Master. During this online master’s, you will learn how to handle and launch biotech projects. The program also helps students build strong business and biology skills, preparing them for a great career or starting their own venture.
The curriculum comprises core courses, a specialization track of different courses, and concludes with a capstone. Upon completion of this degree, you’ll be well-prepared for careers in laboratory management, project management, and other roles within the biotechnology industry.
- Financial Aid: Available
- Tuition Fees: $659 per credit hour
- Total Credit Hours: 36
- School Type: Public
- Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education
Mount St. Mary’s University
Mount St. Mary’s University offers a Master of Science in Biotechnology and Management, an eight-week session of 12 courses you can complete in one or two years. The online classes occur once every week at night, making it convenient for everyone to attend classes while fulfilling other personal or professional obligations.
This program teaches you to launch biotech products, navigate industry regulations, handle projects and finances, and hone ethics and critical thinking skills. Plus, with three extra classes, you can earn a certificate in Data Science, Organizational Development, or Project Management alongside your master’s degree.
- Financial Aid: Available
- Tuition Fees: $700 per credit hour
- Completion Time: 1-2 years
- Credit Hours: 36
- School Type: Private
- Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education
University of Wisconsin at Madison
University of Wisconsin’s Master in Applied Biotechnology is a fully online program you can complete at your own pace in four years. With three unique tracks: quality assurance and compliance, business management, or research and development, you can customize your coursework to align with your specific career goals.
If you pick UW Madison for this online program, you get all the same academic perks as other students learning on campus. So, there isn’t any difference in learning at home or university apart from the tuition fee, which is quite affordable in the case of this online degree.
- Tuition Fees: $850 per credit hour
- Credit Hours: 31
- Completion Time: 2-4 years
- School Type: Public
- Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
Harvard Extension School
Harvard Extension School offers an online Master’s in Biotechnology with a one-week in-person experience in Cambridge. In this program, you can deepen your understanding of biotechnology theory and industry practices and gain hands-on experience in experimental design, data analysis, writing, and ethical collaboration.
Students will learn from biotech professionals and life science instructors from Harvard University. They also receive personalized academic and career advising. The curriculum is customizable, allowing you to learn at your own pace and experience the benefits of online and in-person learning without worrying about expenses.
- Financial Aid: Available
- Tuition Fees: $805 per credit hour
- Credit Hours: 48
- School Type: Private
- Accreditation: the New England Commission of Higher Education
Rutgers University at New Brunswick
Rutgers University offers an online Master’s in Biotechnology and Genomics. It uses Canvas as its learning management system, providing easy access to all materials and classes through this user-friendly platform. The program is designed to equip students with skills for managing technical development in molecular biology, including biotech, genomics, and more.
You’ll be able to explore diverse industries like healthcare and agriculture, learn biotech principles, and gain essential business knowledge in finance, entrepreneurship, communication, leadership, and regulatory aspects.
- Financial Aid: Available
- Tuition Fees: $900 per credit hour
- Credit Hours: 43
- School Type: Public
- Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education
Morehouse School of Medicine
Morehouse School of Medicine offers an online Master of Science in Biotechnology degree, where you’ll learn about bioscience, core technologies, and entrepreneurial strategies that help biotechnology businesses grow.
This program covers essential topics like cell biology, critical thinking, ethics, biochemistry, data science, molecular biology, genetics, and a capstone practicum.
You can choose from elective courses like medicine making or medical device development to learn about specific areas that interest you. In your last semester, you must undertake a project management and health science capstone practical.
- Financial Aid: Available
- Tuition Fees: $950 per credit hour
- Credit Hours: 35
- Completion Time: About one year
- School Type: Private
- Accreditation: SACSCOC
Johns Hopkins University
Johns Hopkins University offers a Master’s in Biotechnology, where students can take online classes in the evenings or on weekends at their own pace without changing their schedule.
This program consists of four core courses and six electives. You can specialize in areas like biodefense, molecular targets, regenerative and stem cell technologies, or regulatory affairs. The curriculum offers a variety of more than 100 elective courses, allowing you to customize your learning experience.
- Financial Aid: Available
- Tuition Fees: $5,210 per course
- Credit Hours: 40
- Completion Time: 12 -36 months
- School Type: Private
- Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education
Northeastern University
Northeastern’s Master of Science in Biotechnology is a unique, non-thesis program that offers advanced training in biotechnology, biology, chemistry, and pharmaceutical sciences with essential business skills.
This program of Northeastern University helps you gain the skills needed to work immediately in industries, government, and healthcare, meeting the demand for a strong scientific workforce in the region and across the country.
During this degree, you can choose from ten concentrations, like agricultural biotechnology or biodefense, each offering hands-on experiences and insights into the science and business of biotechnology.
- Financial Aid: Available
- Tuition Fees: $1,502 per credit hour
- Credit Hours: 34
- Completion Time: 2-3 years
- School Type: Private
- Accreditation: New England Commission of Higher Education
Worcester Polytechnic Institute
Worcester Polytechnic Institute offers a Master’s in Biotechnology degree, an online program with lab courses on campus that are scheduled according to your preference to avoid disturbing your routine. The classes are usually recorded, and some also have the option of live online classes and chats, allowing students to interact with their professors and colleagues.
By the end of this program, you will gain expertise in molecular biology, biochemistry, and modern biotech practices, enabling effective collaboration in interdisciplinary teams and making informed decisions across various biotech functions.
- Financial Aid: Available
- Tuition Fees: $1,610 per credit hour
- Credit Hours: 30
- School Type: Private
- Accreditation: New England Commission of Higher Education
American University, Washington
American University has a Master’s in Biotech program, which can be completed in six months. The program is offered in online mode, making it easy for students to focus on the classes without any distractions.
You can customize your degree to your career goals by choosing one of four areas to get specialized skill sets: biodefense, bioinformatics, biotechnology management, or drug discovery and design. Once you choose one, you will have to complete nine credits of different courses in these specialized areas to get a degree.
- Financial Aid: Available
- Tuition Fees: $1,922 per credit hour
- Credit Hours: 30
- School Type: Private
- Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education
Why a Master’s Degree in Biotechnology is Important
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, biotechnologists had a median pay of $49,650 per year as of 2022. The employment rate is estimated to increase by about 5% by 2032, which shows how in-demand biotechnologists will remain.
With technology developing every day, many companies will prefer people who have master’s in higher education degrees. A master’s degree is the key to opening all those doors, as your qualifications will show how experienced you are in professional terms.
The additional qualification improves your professional profile. In 2022, studies showed that people with a master’s earned around $1,661 on average more than those with just a bachelor’s degree in the US.
Related Questions
Is an online Master in Biotechnology respected?
Yes, an online master’s in biotechnology is a worthy option. Always ensure that a reputed institution accredits your selected institution.
Is an online Master’s Program in Biotechnology cheaper than on-campus?
Yes, online master’s degrees are usually cheaper than on-site options. You can avoid campus fees, commuting costs, and residence expenses with an online program.
Will I be eligible to apply for a Ph.D. degree after my online graduation in Biotechnology?
Yes, regarding eligibility for doctorate-level education, an online degree is worth the same as an on-campus one. Some institutions might have lab and practical experience requirements. So, always consult your concerned institution before making a decision.
Conclusion
A master’s in biotechnology is worthwhile. It boosts job opportunities and potentially increases salary. In a tech-driven world, having a master’s sets you apart and enhances your professional reputation. Select any of these programs according to your preferences and make your dream come true.
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