MS in Biotechnology in USA: Top Colleges, Fees, Eligibility, Scholarships & Jobs

MS in Biotechnology in USA Latest Updates 

• The GRE 2025 Exam is set to be conducted between 8th September 2025 to 21st September 2025.            
• The GMAT Exam date 2025 is set to be between June 2025 to December 2025.
• The PTE 2025 Exam is set to be conducted between July 2025 to December 2025.
• The IELTS Exam 2025 is set to be conducted between August 2025 - December 2025.

MS in Biotechnology in the USA is an undergraduate degree program for a master’s in biotechnology. The total duration for the course is 2 years. This program is particularly research-oriented with courses related to genetics, molecular biology, bioinformatics, pharmaceuticals, and many more. Entrance examinations like the GRE examination, IELTS, GMAT and TOEFL are required for admission in the best universities for MS in Biotechnology in USA, like Massachusetts Harvard University, Johns Hopkins University, University of Pennsylvania, Columbia University, and many others. Applicants also need an aggregate score of 85% in the bachelor’s degree. After completing master's in Germany, applicants are eligible for roles like Biological Scientist, Clinical Data Specialist, Bioinformatics Scientist, and many others.

The MS biotechnology in USA fees for the top universities range between $ 35,400 - $ 88,000, which is ₹30,62,000 - ₹76,13,000. Harvard Need-Based Scholarships, Johns Hopkins Federal Loans, Rotary International Ambassadorial Scholarships, SelfScore International Student Scholarship, Global Student Scholarship, and many others are some of the scholarships for Indian students in the USA.

The MS in Biotechnology salary in the USA after graduation is around $ 1,27,000,  which is ₹1,09,89,000 in Indian currency. Some top recruiters for MS in Biotechnology in the USA are Pfizer, AstraZeneca, Amgen, Roche, and many more. 

MS in Biotechnology in USA - Course Highlights 

Course highlights for MS in Biotechnology in the USA are given in the following table. The highlights include the course fee, average salary, top universities and other information. Candidates can check the table and apply for admission accordingly.

MS in Biotechnology in USA - Important Dates and Events 

Important dates of the entrance exams and other events for admission to MS Biotechnology in USA are mentioned in this section. Applicants must check these dates carefully and apply accordingly to avoid missing any deadlines. The events and their corresponding deadlines are given below.

Top Universities - Application Start & End Dates

Application Start & End dates for applying in the best university for biotechnology in USA are mentioned in the table below. Admission dates for completing the master’s degree usually fall between August to December in most cases. University-wise deadlines are given below in the table. Applicants must note the deadlines and apply accordingly.

Why choose MS in Biotechnology in USA?

Pursuing MS in Biotechnology in USA is a smart and beneficial decision for a bright career. The renowned universities in the USA are providing MS in Biotechnology along with a variety of scholarships. The average salary after completion of a biotechnology degree ranges around $ 1,27,000. 

The reasons are listed below:

• Top institutions of the world - USA has the most top universities in the world for biotechnology master’s programs, like Harvard University, Johns Hopkins University, University of Pennsylvania, Columbia University, and many others.
•  On average, around 12,200 new jobs in the USA are expected to arise annually during this decade. Hence, better career opportunities for the biotech graduates.
• Various scholarships, like the Harvard Need-Based Scholarships, Johns Hopkins Federal Loans, are available. Scholarships in USA for international students from India like Fulbright Scholarships for Indians, Inlaks Scholarship are available for financial assistance.
• Studying in the top universities of the world helps you build a good, wide alumni network, which is very helpful in growing your career.

MS in Biotechnology in USA: Fees

MS biotechnology in USA fees for the top universities range between $ 35,400 - $ 88000 which is ₹30,62,000 - ₹76,13,000 in Indian rupees. The total fees have been mentioned in the table below. Applicants can have a look and apply for admission accordingly.

MS in Biotechnology in the USA: Cost of Living

While completing the MS in Biotechnology in the USA, the total cost of living in the USA annually ranges around $30,000. This includes Accommodation, Food, Utilities, Internet, transportation, and other necessary costs. The annual cost of accommodation is around $20,000, which varies from city to city. Below is the table breaking down all the necessary expenses.

MS in Biotechnology in the USA: Admission Requirements

Although the Qualifications for MS in Biotechnology vary depending on different universities, here are a few conditions that are common among all the universities. These include GMAT score, IELTS score, postgraduation requirements, and others.

MS in Biotechnology in USA: Application Process

MS in Biotechnology in the USA application process starts with filling the examination form of examinations like GMAT, IELTS, GRE. Hence after giving the examination, applicants need to apply for admission at the official website of the preferred university after checking the eligibility requirements. 

1. Visit the official website of GMAT, IELTS or GRE (as per the university requirement) and then apply for the examination.
2. Download the admit card and appear in the examination.
3. After the result is declared, visit the official website of the selected university and check the eligibility requirements. A minimum of 85% aggregate in a bachelor’s degree is required for the top universities. The GMAT/GRE, IELTS scores may differ.
4. After checking the eligibility requirements, if you qualify for admission, fill the application form by selecting "MS in Biotechnology”.
5. After applying, wait for the results of the shortlisted candidates. 

MS in Biotechnology in the USA: Documents Required

Below is the list of the major documents required for admission in MS in Biotechnology in USA. Kindly prepare the documents before applying for admission:

• SOP
• LOR
• Resume
• Bachelor’s marksheet and qualifying certificate
• Entrance Examination Scorecards
• Academic Transcript
• Student visa
• Essays
• Application confirmation copy

MS in Biotechnology in USA: University-wise Cutoff Criteria

Eligibility criteria for MS in Biotechnology in USA require the applicants to have a bachelor’s degree with a minimum aggregate of 85%. Candidates fulfilling the basic eligibility criteria are eligible to apply. Admission in top universities like Harvard University requires a GMAT score of 700+, an IELTS score of 7.5, and a TOEFL iBT: 109. Johns Hopkins University requires an IELTS score of 7.0 and a TOEFL iBT: 100. The detailed requirement for admission is given below in the table.

GMAT/GRE Preparation Tips

Preparing for GMAT/GRE requires a well-planned and structured study routine as GMAT syllabus is quite vast.

1. Understand the examination format: Familiarise yourself with the types of questions and exam pattern by analysing the previous year's questions.
2. Practice mock tests: Select a particular test series and practice regularly. Most of the candidates avoid this due to exam fear or underconfidence. But this will help you clear your core concepts, analyse your mistakes, and boost your confidence.

IELTS/TOEFL Preparation Tips

IELTS (International English Language Testing System) or TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) is a very vital test for those willing to pursue master’s or doctoral programs in colleges abroad. Scoring well in these examinations requires proper preparation and mindful planning.

Stated below are a few tips for the candidates to score better in these exams:

• Understand the format: The motive of both IELTS and TOEFL is to test the language skills, but they both have a different format; the IELTS test is of 2 hours 45 minutes, whereas the TOEFL test is for 4 hours.
• Improve your vocabulary: Both IELTS and TOEFL require a rich vocabulary for a good score. Learn new words daily, practice synonyms and antonyms.

MS in Biotechnology in USA: Scholarships

Scholarships in the USA for Indian students enrolled in MS programs in Biotechnology include the Harvard Need-Based Scholarships, Johns Hopkins Federal Loans, Rotary International Ambassadorial Scholarships, SelfScore International Student Scholarship, Global Student Scholarship, and many others.

MS in Biotechnology in the USA - Best Universities

The best universities for MS in Biotechnology in USA are Harvard University, John Hopkins University, Columbia University, University of Pennsylvania,  and many others. According to the QS World Rankings 2025, Harvard University is the top-ranked university among the top biotechnology schools in the USA for MS in Biotechnology. A list of the top universities in US for MS in Biotechnology is given below in the table:

MS in Biotechnology in USA: Syllabus

MS in Biotechnology syllabus is divided into 4 semesters, 2 each year. The two semesters are the fall semester and the spring semester, each lasting from September to May. The detailed curriculum of MS in Biotechnology is given below in the table.

MS in Biotechnology in USA VS MS in Biotechnology in India

Here is a comparison table that depicts the comparison between MS in Biotechnology in the USA VS MS in Biotechnology in India on the basis of cost, average salary, alumni network, and living costs. Students thinking of joining universities abroad can check this for a better idea:

MS in Biotechnology in USA: Career Scope

Career opportunities in USA after completing a Master's in Biotechnology are quite good. The average starting salary in the USA after completing the degree ranges around $ 2,00,000 annually for the post of Biological Scientist, $ 1,94,000 for Bioinformatics Scientist and much more. Refer to the table below to know more:

Frequently Asked Questions

Ques: What are the exams required for admission to MS Biotechnology in the USA?

Ans: GMAT, GRE, IELTS, and TOEFL are required for assuring admission in foreign universities in the USA.

Ques: Is GMAT required for admission toto all the universities in the USA?

Ans: No, some universities do not require GMAT scores for admissions. Admission is provided based on the score in the bachelor’s degree and IELTS/TOEFL score.

Ques: What is the average fees of MS in Biotechnology in the USA?

Ans: The average tuition fees for MS in Biotechnology courses in the USA range between $ 35,400 - $ 88000 / ₹30,62,000 - ₹76,13,000.

Ques What is the average starting salary after completing MS in Biotechnology in the USA?

Ans: After completing MS in Biotechnology from top universities in the USA, the average starting salary ranges between $ 1,27,000/ ₹1,09,89,000.

Ques: Which is the top university for MS in Biotechnology in the USA?

Ans: According to the QS World Ranking 2025, Harvard University is the top university in the USA for MS in Biotechnology in the USA.

Ques: What is the overall course duration of MS in Biotechnology in the USA?

Ans: The overall course duration of MS in Biotechnology in the USA is 2 years.

Ques: What is the  score required in the undergraduate degree for admission to the MS in Biotechnology program in the USA?

Ans: Top universities in the USA require a minimum aggregate of 85% for admission to the MS in Biotechnology program.