Biotechnology is a field that focuses on the research and study of living organisms to develop products that can be used in a wide variety of fields. In contrast, bioengineering is a field that uses engineering principles to solve problems in biology. Several universities offer a bachelor of science in bioengineering program with a concentration in biotechnology.
Over 180+ biotechnology universities in the United States provide over 300 courses. These universities offer various degrees, from a certificate to a PhD program.
Bioinformatics and Biotechnology Management are two of the most popular specialities offered by biotechnology universities in the United States. In the next 10 years, positions for biotechnology graduates are anticipated to rise 7% in the United States. As a result, the United States could be a good option for biotechnology students seeking further education.
From research and development to manufacturing and sales, biotechnologists work in various roles in fields such as food, agriculture, pharmaceuticals, etc. The average salary of a bachelor of science in biotechnology in the USA is $75,000 annually.
Biotechnology programs are available at graduate and undergraduate levels at universities around the United States. Discover the best biotechnology colleges and universities in the United States that offer the necessary biotechnology courses by scrolling through the options below.
The top Biotechnology Universities in the USA
Rank |
University |
1 |
Harvard University |
2 |
Massachusetts Institute of Technology |
4 |
Stanford University |
7 |
University of California - Berkeley |
8 |
University of California - San Diego |
9 |
University of California--Los Angeles |
10 |
Yale University |
13 |
California Institute of Technology University of Washington |
15 |
Cornell University |
17 |
University of California—San Francisco |
19 |
Johns Hopkins University |
=20 |
Columbia University |
=20 |
Princeton University |
24 |
University of Pennsylvania |
=26 |
University of Chicago |
35 |
New York University (NYU) |
|
Top Biotechnology University in the USA: Bachelor of Biotechnology
A bachelor's degree in biotechnology provides the student with a strong foundation in physics, chemistry, and mathematics and significant experiences in research and engineering laboratories.
A wide range of possibilities come to the students who complete a bachelor's degree in biotechnology or bioengineering from USA's prestigious universities. Students can go for a master's degree to specialize in a particular field or a PhD for research or in professional fields such as medicine, dentistry, etc.
The course duration is generally 4 years, and the tuition fee ranges from $34,000 to $62,000 annually in US universities.
University |
Program |
Course Duration |
Stanford University |
Bachelor of Science in Bioengineering |
4 years |
University of California - San Diego |
Bachelor of Science in Bioengineering: Biotechnology |
4 years |
University of California -Berkeley |
Bachelor of Science in Bioengineering |
4 years |
Johns Hopkins University |
Bachelor of Arts in Biomedical Engineering |
4 years |
Cornell University |
Bachelor of Science in Biological Engineering |
4 years |
University of Washington |
Bachelor of Science in Bioengineering |
4 years |
University of Pennsylvania |
Bachelor of Arts in Biotechnology and Biomedicine |
4 years |
University of California--Davis |
Bachelor of Science in Biotechnology |
4 years |
University of Florida |
Bachelor of Science in Biotechnology |
4 years |
University of Wisconsin--Madison |
Bachelor of Science in Biomedical Engineering |
4 years |
Documents Required:
- High school transcripts
- SAT or ACT score
- English Language Test Score
Academic Requirement:
- Completion of high school transcript
- Pre-requisite courses include English, Mathematics, and Science (physics, chemistry, and biology)
English Language Requirement:
- A TOEFL score of 80 to 100 overall
- An IELTS score of 6.5 to 7.0 overall
- A DUOLINGO score of 115 to 120
Top Biotechnology University in the USA: Bachelor of Biotechnology (Tuition Fee)
University |
Tuition Fee |
Stanford University |
$55,473 |
University of California - San Diego |
$43,190 |
University of California -Berkeley |
$62,390 |
Johns Hopkins University |
$58,000 |
Cornell University |
$62,456 |
University of Washington |
$40.740 |
University of Pennsylvania |
$36,644 |
University of California--Davis |
$31,026 |
University of Florida |
$34,280 |
University of Wisconsin--Madison |
$39,354 |
Top Biotechnology University in the USA: Master of Biotechnology
The master’s degree in biotechnology or bioengineering is for those students who wish to advance their expertise in a particular domain within the discipline. The course duration of a master’s degree can be anywhere between 10 months to 2 years.
Top colleges in the United States offer a two-year master's degree in biotechnology as a standard, part-time, or online degree. Most institutions in the United States require students to write a thesis paper based on their research work at the end of the course.
In the United States, there are several names for a master's degree in biotechnology. While MS Biotechnology remains the most popular, alternative designations for a Master's degree in Biotechnology in the United States, comprise a Professional Science Master's (PSM) in Biotechnology and a Master of Arts (MA) in Biotechnology.
The research-oriented course costs no more than $30000 a year and prepares students for professions or further academic goals in various biological sciences specializations.
University |
Program |
Course Duration |
Harvard University |
MS/MBA in Biotechnology |
21 months |
Stanford University |
Master of Science in Bioengineering |
1 year |
University of California -Berkeley |
Master of Engineering in Bioengineering |
10 months |
Johns Hopkins University |
Master of Science in Biotechnology |
1 year |
University of Washington |
Master of Science in Bioengineering |
2 years |
University of Pennsylvania |
Master of Biotechnology |
1.5 years |
University of California--Davis |
Master of Science in Bioengineering: Biotechnology |
1.5 – 2 years |
University of Wisconsin--Madison |
Master of Science in Biotechnology |
2 years |
Documents Required:
- Transcript
- Statement of purpose
- Letter of Recommendations
- Resume
- GRE scores
- English Language Test Scores
Academic Requirement:
- A 4 years bachelor's degree from a recognized institution with a minimum score of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale in a field relevant to the biotechnology
English Language Requirement:
- A TOEFL score of 90 to 100 overall
- An IELTS score of 7.0 to 8.0 overall.
Top Biotechnology University in the USA: Master of Biotechnology (Tuition Fee)
University |
Tuition Fee |
Harvard University |
$84,455 |
Stanford University |
$39,120 |
University of California -Berkeley |
$62,390 |
Johns Hopkins University |
$50,080 – $52,080 |
University of Washington |
$29,000 – $35,000 |
University of Pennsylvania |
$48,416 |
University of California--Davis |
$28,710 |
University of Wisconsin--Madison |
$21,000 ($10,500*2) |
Top Biotechnology University in the USA: PhD in Biotechnology
PhD is the highest level research degree that takes anywhere between 4 to 6 years to complete depending upon the student's prior education. Students not only acquire intellectual prowess in the biotechnology field but also become highly capable with leadership and independent scientific research ability.
A PhD holder in biotechnology from a university in the United States can make 25% more than other professionals with the same degree. This explains how obtaining a PhD in the same profession might increase the likelihood of a rewarding career.
After completing the program, graduates are hired by research facilities to lead research projects or may also acquire faculty positions in academic institutions.
University |
Program |
Course Duration |
University of Washington |
Ph.D. in Bioengineering |
4 – 6 years |
University of Pennsylvania |
Ph.D. in Bioengineering |
4 – 6 years |
University of California--Davis |
Ph.D. in Biotechnology |
4 – 6 years |
University of Florida |
Ph.D. in Agricultural and Biological Engineering |
4 – 6 years |
Baylor College of Medicine |
Ph.D. in Quantitative & Computational Biosciences |
4 – 6 years |
Document Required:
- Transcripts
- GRE scores
- Letter of Recommendations
- Statement of Purpose
- CV
- English Language Test Scores
Academic Requirement:
- A bachelor’s or a master’s degree from a recognized university in a relevant field with a minimum score of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale.
- The relevant field includes bioengineering, biotechnology, chemical engineering, biology, physics, etc., so the applicant has sufficient experience in a science or engineering lab and exposure to mathematics and science courses.
English Language Requirement:
- A TOEFL score of 90 to 100 overall
- An IELTS score of 7.0 to 8.0 overall.
Top Biotechnology University in the USA: PhD in Biotechnology (Tuition Fee)
University |
Tuition Fee |
University of Washington |
$30,036 |
University of Pennsylvania |
$39,838 |
University of California--Davis |
$26,544 |
University of Florida |
$20,806 |
Baylor College of Medicine |
$22,000 |
|
Top Biotechnology University in the USA: Scholarships:
Scholarships and financial aid offered by various bodies can benefit those interested in pursuing their education in biotechnology in the United States. The cost of study can be prohibitive for an international student who wishes to pursue their dream of studying abroad.
Some of the merit-based and need-based scholarships opportunities awarded to international students in universities in the USA are listed below:
University |
Awards |
Amount |
Stanford University |
Stanford Graduate Fellowships (SGF) |
Tuition fee and stipend for three years |
University of California -Berkeley |
Regents' and Chancellor's Scholars Association |
Monetary benefit matched to the demonstrated need |
Johns Hopkins University |
The Hodson Trust Scholarship |
2/3rd of the annual tuition fee |
International Scholarship |
Varies |
|
Charles R. Westgate Scholarship in Engineering |
Full tuition and stipend |
|
University of Wisconsin – Madison |
King-Morgridge scholars program |
Full tuition, insurance, and stipends for four years |
Western union scholarship |
$1000 |
Top Biotechnology University in the USA: Job Scope
One of the most critical sectors in America is biotechnology and pharmaceuticals. The demand for biotechnology specialists is clearly on the rise, and the potential is limitless.
Taking a Biotechnology course in the United States opens up opportunities for overseas students.
A biotechnologist or a bio-engineer works in several different fields, including pharmaceutical industries, agriculture, food industries, energy, health, etc. The tasks may include research and development, product development, manufacturing to sales, finance, marketing, etc.
The average salary for a biotechnology degree in the USA is $75,000 annually.
Role |
Range of Salary |
Average Salary |
Research Scientist |
$50,000 - $96,000 |
$72,618 |
Quality Assurance Manager |
$56,000 - $123,000 |
$83,821 |
Bioinformatics Scientist |
$57,000 - $119,000 |
$86,644 |
Process Engineer |
$59,000 - $104,000 |
$78,059 |
Laboratory Manager |
$41,000 - $89,000 |
$60,322 |
Manufacturing Supervisor |
$46,000 - $87,000 |
$62,793 |
Staff Scientist |
$45,000 - $119,000 |
$73,319 |
Product Development Scientist |
$46,000 - $115,000 |
$73,555 |
Healthcare Consultant |
$56,000 - $144,000 |
$87,822 |
Research Coordinator |
$42,000 - $86,000 |
$58,074 |
Research Analyst |
$37,000 - $65,000 |
$49,656 |
Top Hiring Companies for Biotechnology in the USA:
- Regeneron
- Amgen
- Pfizer
- CSL Behring
- AbbVie
- Moderna
- Daiichi Sankyo
- GRAIL
- Waters Corporation
- Gilead Sciences