Biotechnology, M.S.
Biotechnology is a swiftly growing industry. From the food grown at our farms to the medicine we buy and the ways we clean up the environment, biotechnology affects many facets of our daily lives. Major developments in the field occur every day, with many introduced by academic and professional communities before the greater public is even aware of industry advancements.
At the School of Engineering, you’ll join in these exciting discoveries. Course topics range from industrial application of enzymes and bio-polymer synthesis to modern drug design and the role of biotechnology in health care. The availability of various and varied electives enables you to specialize in selected biotechnology areas.
The program also includes Advanced Cell and Molecular Biology and Genetic Engineering courses, both with labs. Students can further enhance their research and analytical skills by registering for a Guided Study course. Taking two such courses will enable students to complete a body of research work equivalent to a master's thesis (optional). Students can also take a business- or management-related course from Biotechnology and Entrepreneurship M.S.
Other electives are available for both programs. For further details please visit Biotechnolgy, M.S. curriculum below and the Biotechnology and Entrepreneurship, M.S. curriculum.
With advisor’s permission students can take courses at other Schools of NYU.
There are ample research/internship opportunities available at NYU and NYC at large. For example, many Biotech M.S. students participate in research projects at the NYU Langone Medical Center, the world-renowned Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, and other research institutions in the city. There are also internships in Biotech start-ups. All students can, of course, apply for summer internships at big pharmaceutical companies. To learn more about these opportunities see what our students say below.
Find out about Admission Requirements.
Curriculum
The 30-credit curriculum of the Biotechnology, MS program consists of 3 parts:
- 5 required courses in biotechnology, protein and tissue engineering, enzyme catalysis, and biosensors (15 credits)
- 3 elective courses in biotechnology and related fields (9 credits)
- 2 more elective courses or Guided Studies in Biotechnology, involving laboratory or literature work (6 credits)
To meet graduation requirements, students must attain an overall GPA of 3.0 (average of a B) in all their courses.
Compare to Biotechnology and Entrepreneurship, M.S.
Goals and Objectives
| Biotechnology, M.S. | Biotechnology and Entrepreneurship, M.S. |
| The program aims to advance students’ knowledge beyond the BS level and equip them with the skills needed in the rapidly evolving environment of life sciences-based industries. Suitable for students who plan to pursue careers in industrial and/or academic research. | The program is designed to provide students with a broad coverage of key areas of modern biotechnology and a basic understanding of business and finance issues. Suitable for students who are interested in early stage technology companies and/or aspire to start their own business. |
Courses
| Biotechnology, M.S. | Biotechnology and Entrepreneurship, M.S. | |
| Biotechnology and Pharmaceutical Industry | Required | Required |
| Biotechnology and Health Care | Required | Required |
| Biosensors and Biochips | Required | Required |
| Biomedical Materials and Devices | Elective | Elective |
| Protein Engineering | Required | Elective |
| Tissue Engineering | Elective | Elective |
| Biocatalysis in Industry | Required | Required |
| Neuroscience | Elective | Elective |
| Immunology: Concepts, Mechanisms and Applications | Elective | Elective |
| Genetic Engineering (with labs) | Elective | Elective |
| Advanced Cell and Molecular Biology (with labs) | Elective | Elective |
| Biomedical Materials and Devices | Elective | Elective |
| Entrepreneurship and Venture Creation | Not offered | Required |
| A Guided Study or Project in Biotechnology | Elective | Elective |
