Biotechnology is a lucrative career field and one that is rising fast in popularity, especially among students interested in exploring the most modern aspects of science. To get the best out of a biotechnology career, it is important to carefully research the best schools for biotechnology and determine which school is best for your career path.
When choosing the best biotechnology colleges, you should consider cost, location, and available resources. The best biotechnology universities should also enhance your communication, problem-solving, critical thinking, and research skills. This article will provide you with information to help you in your search for the best biotechnology schools.
Best Biotechnology College and University Rankings: Top 10 Biotechnology Schools at a Glance
| School | State | Formats Available | US News Ranking |
|---|---|---|---|
| Arizona State University | AZ | In-person | #117 |
| Johns Hopkins University | MD | In-person, online | #9 |
| Kean University | NJ | In-person | #126 |
| Northeastern University | MA | In-person, online | #49 |
| Purdue University | IN | Hybrid | #49 |
| San Jose State University | CA | In-person | #22 |
| University of California San Diego | CA | In-person | #34 |
| University of Florida | FL | In-person | #28 |
| University of Houston | TX | Online | #179 |
| University of Maryland | MD | Online | #59 |
Biotechnology School Rankings: Best Biotechnology Colleges and Universities
According to US News and World Report, Johns Hopkins University is among the best universities in the US for biotechnology students. The University of California San Diego, San Jose State University, and the University of Florida are also ranked among the top biotechnology schools.
The Best Schools for Biotechnology: Types of College Degrees and University Programs Offered
The types of college degrees and university programs in biotechnology are community college certificate, associate degree, bachelor’s degree, master’s degree, graduate certificate, and doctorate degree. Any of these programs can lead to a job in the biotech industry.
Comparing Popular Degree Options
[query_class_embed] *degree-vs-*degree
Best Biotechnology Schools: Other Biotechnology University Rankings
According to various biotechnology university rankings, the best biotechnology schools in the United States are Johns Hopkins University, the University of Pennsylvania, Harvard University, Brown University, and Northwestern University. Below we rank biotechnology schools by different criteria to help you select the best school for your needs.
Best Online Biotechnology Schools
- Johns Hopkins University. Johns Hopkins’ online biotechnology degree program offers core courses that equip students with the research skills they need to thrive in the biotechnology industry.
- Northeastern University. Alongside in-person classes at its main and satellite campuses, Northeastern also offers online courses. The institution’s online program provides students with the expertise, skills, and research they need to advance their biotechnology careers.
- Purdue University. Purdue is a public research university located in West Lafayette, Indiana, It offers about 200 undergraduate programs, as well as 70 graduate and doctorate programs. The university’s online curriculum helps to develop and improve the professional and leadership skills of the students.
Best Community Colleges for Biotechnology
- Berkeley City College. BCC is a public community college located in Berkeley, California. It offers a two-year biotechnology associate program that equips students with the skills they need for future career opportunities in the field of biotechnology.
- Contra Costa College. CCC is a public community college located in San Pablo, California. CCC offers an Associate Degree in Biotechnology. Its curriculum is designed to offer students experience in the use of the same sophisticated biotechnological instruments that are currently being used in biotechnological industries.
- Ohlone College. Ohlone is a public community college in Fremont, California, founded in 1965. It offers an associate degree program in biotechnology, and its curriculum is designed to train students on the methods and logic behind biotechnology.
Best Undergraduate Schools for Biotechnology
- University of California. The University of California is a public research university established in 1905. The university’s biotechnology undergraduate program helps students acquire biotechnological workforce skills and develop sound knowledge of the biotechnological field. This undergraduate program takes four years to complete.
- University of Houston. This is a public research university located in Houston, Texas. Its Bachelor of Technology degree program aims to educate students on core scientific concepts in relation to other technological knowledge. This college experience will give them an edge in their future career in biotechnology.
- The University of New Hampshire at Manchester. This institution is located in Manchester, New Hampshire. The biotechnology degree program at UNH Manchester offers students the opportunity to engage in qualitative lab research and serve as interns at high-profile biotechnology industries, thereby gaining hands-on experience.
Best Graduate Schools for Biotechnology
- Johns Hopkins University. The biotechnology graduate program at Johns Hopkins builds students up in different branches of the field and further lays a solid foundation for careers in agriculture, pharmaceuticals, and research and development.
- Kean University. Kean University’s graduate program in biotechnology makes use of advanced technology in the process of conducting qualitative research in the field. Students in the MS program can concentrate on one of four areas of biotechnology studies.
- San Jose State University. San Jose State University’s Master’s program in Biotechnology is aimed at equipping students with the knowledge and skills they need to navigate the world of biotechnology. It also has top tutors who are highly skilled in both the academic and industrial aspects of the field.
Best Biotechnology Schools With Dual Degree Programs
- Brandeis University | Master of Business Administration and Master of Science in Biotechnology Dual Degree. This program teaches students the necessary career skills for the biotechnological and pharmaceutical fields. Students also gain expertise in the management of healthcare delivery and health insurance companies.
- Johns Hopkins University | Master of Biotechnology and Masters of Business Administration. These partner programs enable students to develop their skills in biotechnology and similar areas like biostatistics. Students also develop skills in business practices, accounting, and finance.
- Purdue University | Bachelor of Biological and Food Process Engineering and Masters of Advanced Biotechnology Dual Degree. This university’s dual degree program takes at least five years to complete. It focuses on teaching students concepts in biological and food process engineering alongside further research on biotechnology.
Best Schools With Accelerated Biotechnology Programs
- Harvard Extension School | Master’s Degree in Biotechnology. This hybrid program consists of 12 courses, two of which are taken on campus. Students’ research will culminate either in a thesis or a final project.
- Johns Hopkins University | Masters of Science in Biotechnology. This program is available in both in-person and online formats. It can take 12 months or more to complete. The program’s curriculum focuses on courses like molecular biology, organic chemistry, cellular biology, as well as biochemistry.
- Northeastern University | Master of Science in Biotechnology. This program is available online and in person. It takes an estimated period of two years to complete. Northeastern University is rated among the best schools with accelerated programs in biotechnology in the United States.
Easy Colleges to Get Into
[query_class_embed] colleges-that-don’t-require-*modifier
Is Graduate School for Biotechnology Worth It?
Yes, it is worth going to graduate school for biotechnology because advanced degrees open the door for better job opportunities. A graduate degree in biotechnology will make your resume stand out to research and medical manufacturing companies. It might even lead you to a teaching role at a higher institution.
What Jobs Can You Do With a Biotechnology Degree?
The jobs you can do with a biotechnology degree include biomedical engineer, biochemist, medical scientist, clinical technician, microbiologist, and biomanufacturing specialist. Schools like Northeastern University, Kean University, and Johns Hopkins University provide valuable career skills to students in the biotechnology field.
How Much Can I Earn With a Degree in Biotechnology?
According to PayScale, people with Bachelor’s Degrees in Biotechnology earn $75,000 annually on average. The minimum salary that you can earn with a degree in biotechnology is $31,000, while some jobs in biotechnology can pay as much as $128,436 per year. Once you have a strong foundation of technical skills and a few years of experience, you can earn an above-average wage.
Highest-Paying Biotechnology Careers
| Profession | Minimum Education | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Biochemist and biophysicist | Doctoral degree | $102,270 |
| Medical scientist | Doctoral degree | $95,310 |
| Microbiologist | Bachelor’s degree | $79,260 |
| Epidemiologist | Master’s degree | $78,830 |
| Zoologist and wildlife biologist | Bachelor’s degree | $64,650 |
| Clinical laboratory technologist | Bachelor’s degree | $57,800 |
| Chemical technician | Associate degree | $48,990 |
| Biological technician | Bachelor’s degree | $48,140 |
| Environmental science and protection technician | Associate degree | $47,370 |
| Agriculture and food science technician | Associate degree | $44,700 |
Best Jobs With a Biotechnology Degree
The best jobs with a biotechnology degree are biochemist, biophysicist, biological technician, microbiologist, medical scientist, zoologist, wildlife biologist, and epidemiologist. Some jobs require a doctoral degree while others only require a bachelor’s or master’s in a relevant field.
How Can I Pay for Biotechnology School?
You can pay for biotechnology school by applying for scholarships from private or governmental organizations. There are also research fellowships, research assistantships, teaching assistantships, and research grants. These funding opportunities help cover part of or even the entire cost of tuition.
- Scholarship Opportunities. Some universities offer scholarships to students with high academic performance. Other scholarship opportunities can come from private and government organizations.
- Research Grants. Due to the high cost of conducting research in the field of biotechnology, students of distinction can apply for grants from organizations like the National Science Foundation, the National Institute of Health, or the American Heart Organization.
- Research Assistantships. Students in biotechnology graduate programs can apply to serve as research assistants to professors. In addition to gaining practical experience, they will be given a stipend for their service as well as a reduction in their tuition cost.
- Teaching Assistantship. Eligible graduate students can apply to be teaching assistants. They will be assigned to work with a professor and assist them with academic activities such as preparing lecture environments, relaying information to and from the students, and supervising assessments for a discount in their tuition fees.
How to Pay for Your Chosen School Education Path
[query_class_embed] how-to-pay-for-*modifier-school
Choosing the Best Biotechnology School for You
To choose the best biotechnology school for you, you should consider the cost, graduation rate, and academic reputation of each school you’re looking at. You should also consider the retention rate, employment outcomes, accelerated options, and what student and career services they offer.
Cost
Most times, the sticker price on a school is not what a student pays if admitted. During your school search, be sure to ask about financial aid, internship opportunities, and even scholarship opportunities.
Ensure everything you deem necessary to make learning accessible and affordable for you is present in the college you intend to attend. Attending a public university instead of a private or for-profit university can often help you save money in the long run.
Graduation Rate
Inquire about the graduation rate of the college or university you wish to attend. Top colleges often maintain a 90 percent graduation rate. A low graduation rate may be due to a lack of academic support, the inability of the school to meet educational objectives, or the inability of the university to meet the needs of the students.
Reputation of the School
While making inquiries about the list of biotechnology schools to apply for, look for the school’s reputation. Research what the school is known for, whether it’s their programs or their lecturers. Top schools attract top students because they have developed a reputation for providing excellent jobs and fulfilling promises.
How to Get Into the Right School for Your Profession
[query_class_embed] how-to-get-into-*subject-school
Does It Matter What College I Go to for Biotechnology?
Yes, it does matter what college you go to for biotechnology. This is why it is important to inquire about a college before you apply. Some biotechnology schools have better facilities or lecturers than others, which is reflected in their school rankings or overall reputations.
Biotechnology University Ranking Methodology: How We Ranked the Best Schools for Biotechnology
We ranked the best biotechnology schools by consulting the university rankings conducted by US News and World Report and Times Higher Education. To further refine our biotechnology university ranking methodology, we gave special consideration to things like reputation, graduation rate, student-to-faculty ratio, and breadth and depth of biotechnology degree program offerings.
Additional Reading About Biotechnology
[query_class_embed] https://careerkarma.com/blog/best-biotechnology-bachelors-degrees/ https://careerkarma.com/blog/best-online-biotechnology-bachelors-degrees/ https://careerkarma.com/blog/best-biotechnology-associate-degrees/
Best Biotechnology Schools FAQ
The best states for biotechnology colleges are Maryland, Pennsylvania, Washington, Arizona, and Michigan. The schools in these states, including Johns Hopkins, the University of Maryland, and Arizona State University, offer the best facilities and resources for biotechnology students.
With a biotechnology degree, you can work in many diverse career fields, including research and development, clinical research, software engineering, food, biological sciences, sales and technical support, and government/policy-making. You can research other biotechnology careers to identify which one draws your interest.
It’s not very hard to find a job with a biotechnology degree. It gets easier as you advance in your education and achieve more professional goals. The US Bureau of Labor Statistics projects a seven percent job growth for biological technicians for the next ten years.
Yes, it is good to major in biotechnology. An education in biotechnology helps you acquire transferable skills and opens the door to a lucrative career with high pay. In the big picture, advances in biotechnology provide solutions to real-world issues and benefit the global community. A biotechnology degree will put you at the center of this advancement.
About us: Career Karma is a platform designed to help job seekers find, research, and connect with job training programs to advance their careers. Learn about the CK publication.
