Biotechnology

Search for Degree Courses

Use the degree course search to find courses that meet requirements.

The master’s in biotechnology gives me the tools to understand the management side of science. This is a vital skill necessary to add value to any biotech or pharmaceutical company. I am now learning how to effectively design and manage a biological project and its limited resources.

— Sebastian Biglione, current degree candidate

Degree Requirements

To earn the biotechnology degree, fulfill the following requirements.

Meet the course requirements for your concentration.

Nine courses and a thesis (40 credits) are required for each concentration:

See the complete concentration requirements.

Prove competency in statistics.

You complete STAT E-50, E-102, or the equivalent Harvard Summer School course for undergraduate or graduate credit with a grade of B– or higher, or you must pass the waiver exam. The course does not count toward the degree. The waiver exam is only for students with prior coursework in statistics. If you do not pass, you must enroll in a statistics course. To take the exam, contact Stephen Blinn, biotech@dcemail.harvard.edu. The statistics requirement must be met before consulting with Cheryl Vaughan on your thesis proposal. Failure to do so will delay thesis registration and postpone graduation.

Complete at least 4 on-campus-only courses.

See Online Course Options for more information.

Take all courses for graduate credit.

Courses must be taken at Harvard Extension School, Summer School, or the Graduate School of Arts and Sciences. See Academic Standing and Enrollment.

Earn a B− or higher in each course and maintain a 3.0 GPA.

Note that a B or higher grade is required in the 3 courses required for admission.

Complete 6 of the total courses with Harvard-affiliated instructors.

The proseminar and master’s thesis count as 2 Harvard-affiliated-instructor courses. Use the degree course search to find these courses.

Complete all requirements within 5 years of the date of admission.

If your application is delayed, the 5-year timeframe begins on the date of completion of the third preadmission course. If you are unable to complete the degree within 5 years, you are retired from the program.