Program Description

Taught by top-tier faculty at the University of Texas at Dallas, the Master of Science in Biotechnology degree program prepares students for careers in biotechnology and biomedicine and helps working professionals develop new advanced skillsets and enhance their career opportunities.

The Biotechnology master’s program is designed so that students with a wide variety of academic backgrounds can succeed in core courses, take electives in specialized areas and subfields, and tailor the degree program to fit their needs, interests and career aspirations. Designed by faculty in the School of Natural Sciences and Mathematics, the Biotechnology curriculum encourages the development of cross-disciplinary knowledge, allowing students to develop additional expertise in fields such as:

• Molecular and Cell Biology
• Chemistry
• Research
• Engineering and Computer Science
• Health Care
• Management and Business Administration
• Science Education

The field of biotechnology has experienced rapid growth in recent years as scientists and researchers, corporations and governments develop cutting-edge bioanalytical tools and techniques and as the decoding of the human genome continues to usher in new advances in scientific knowledge and technological innovation. Graduates of the Biotechnology program will gain an advanced knowledge of the field and develop the experience and skillsets that will help them succeed in academic, corporate or governmental careers.

Benefits

The Biotechnology master’s program ensures that students gain a broad understanding of biotechnology and related subfields, apply their knowledge and analytical skills to create effective and novel solutions to practical problems and communicate and work effectively in collaborative environments.

Other benefits include:

• World-Class Faculty: The program is led by faculty of the School of Natural Sciences and Mathematics who are widely cited experts in their respective fields.
• Comprehensive Curriculum: Courses in the Biotechnology master’s program will introduce students to new ideas, technologies, and competencies while also teaching them the skills they’ll need to thrive in competitive, ever-changing industries.
• Lab Experience: Lab work will introduce students to state-of-the-art research techniques used to understand the molecular mechanisms of biological processes such as gene expression, protein structure and function, carcinogenesis, neurodegeneration, bacterial pathogenicity and symbioses, metabolism and signaling networks.
• Facilities: A cluster of buildings and research labs on the northwest side of campus comprise the over 300,000-square-foot space where students can explore the sciences including the famous Natural Sciences and Research Lab – the “mermaid building” and the Sciences Building. Opened in 2020, the 186,000-square-foot Sciences Building is home to state-of-the-art labs for advanced research in mathematical, biological and physical sciences.
• Location: Situated in the greater Dallas region—recently rated by Forbes magazine as the #1 “Best City for Jobs”—UT Dallas provides students with easy access to employers and internship opportunities, not to mention a large and supportive alumni population.

Career Opportunities

Graduates of the Biotechnology master’s program have gone on to pursue professional careers in many different fields. Recent graduates have found jobs such as:

• Academic or industrial scientists and researchers
• Quality control inspectors and analysts
• College professors and teachers
• Lab technicians
• Healthcare professionals

The NSM Career Success Center is an important resource for students pursuing STEM and healthcare careers. Career professionals are available to provide strategies for mastering job interviews, writing professional cover letters and resumes and connecting with campus recruiters, among other services.

Marketable Skills

Review the marketable skills for this academic program.

Application Deadlines and Requirements

Please take note of all application deadlines and visit the Apply Now webpage to begin the application process. See the Department of Biological Sciences graduate programs website for additional information. Fall admission only.

Applicants to the Biotechnology master’s degree program should have:

• A bachelor’s degree or its equivalent. All majors are considered, but those with laboratory science, mathematics, computer science, or engineering degrees are particularly encouraged to apply. In general, students will not be admitted to the Biotechnology program if they require more than two courses in order to be ready to take the program’s core courses.
• A grade point average (GPA) of at least 3.0 on a 4.0 scale.
• Test Scores: A GRE score is not required. Additional standards may apply to applicants requesting Teaching Assistantships.
• International applicants must submit a TOEFL score of at least 80 on the internet-based test. Scores must be less than two years old. See the Graduate Catalog for additional information regarding English proficiency requirements for international applicants.