MA Biotechnology at Columbia University

Programme overview

The MA in Biotechnology trains students in modern molecular biology with emphasis on approaches used in the biotechnology and pharmaceutical industries, including the use of biotechnology to fight disease. It is a free-standing MA.

Faculty: Graduate School of Arts and Sciences | Department: Department of Biological Sciences | Duration: 1 year full-time (30 points plus thesis) | Intake: Fall | Study mode: full-time / part-time | Location: New York, NY, United States

What you will study

Thirty points of coursework plus a master's thesis: three core courses, a practical training experience and electives from Biological Sciences and other departments. The thesis is a review of a biotechnology topic.

Career pathways

Research and development roles in pharmaceutical and biotechnology industries, regulatory affairs, management, investment and patent law, or preparation for MD or PhD programmes.

Official programme page

Application information

Entry requirements

GSAS MA application: transcript for each school attended, statement of academic purpose, personal statement, resume, 3 letters of evaluation (minimum two academic). GRE General required. A BA or BS in biology or a related field is expected; applicants with strong biology and chemistry backgrounds from other majors are considered. Full-time or part-time. Fall admission deadline: 2/4/2027. International applicants whose undergraduate degree is from an institution in a country where English is not the official language must submit TOEFL, IELTS or Duolingo English Test scores.

Intake: Fall

Duration: 1 year full-time (30 points plus thesis)

Apply through the official page: https://www.gsas.columbia.edu/content/prospective-students

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