Master of Science in Biotechnology
Be Part of the Revolution
We live in a time of innovation. Scientists are pioneering discoveries, techniques and technologies with the aim of improving human health by developing effective vaccines, treatments and cures for diseases that cause illness in people. You can join them.
Earn a Master of Science in biotechnology from UT Tyler and take your place as a leader developing cutting-edge solutions to some of our most pressing problems. Be part of a team engaging in vital research as you deepen your knowledge and build your skills for an exciting and rewarding career.
Why Earn a Master’s in Biotechnology at UT Tyler?
You’re a problem solver with an analytical mind and a strong sense of curiosity. You know that some of the most exciting advances are happening in the field of biotechnology. Cell and gene therapies are allowing us to increasingly treat disease at its source on the molecular level. Genetic engineering is being used to create new vaccines for emerging diseases. Advances in our understanding of the immune response have led to the development of immunotherapeutics to treat cancer and autoimmune diseases.
The right training can equip you to take part in these life-changing innovations and advance your career as a researcher and scientist. Benefiting from the advances and forward-looking perspective of the School of Medicine, the MS in biotechnology rigorously prepares you for doctoral programs, medical school or research positions.
Here’s how:
- Cutting-edge research: Get in-depth experience with actual research that makes an impact. You’ll work as part of a team alongside faculty members conducting biomedical research funded by the National Institutes of Health in areas like lung disease, cancer and the immune response to infections. You’ll even have the opportunity to publish your research findings in peer-reviewed scientific journals.
- World-class faculty: Learn from leaders in the field. UT Tyler hosts the Center for Biomedical Research, a multidisciplinary research center where our faculty develop new therapies and techniques to improve human health outcomes. They don’t just teach about biotechnology; they take an active role in innovating healthcare in East Texas and beyond.
- Hands-on learning: Gain meaningful, practical experience throughout your studies. Learn state-of-the-art techniques, use advanced equipment, including high-tech imaging and molecular and cell analysis instrumentation, and gain access to groundbreaking intellectual property.
- Mentored growth: Get individualized attention to develop as a researcher. Our low student-to-faculty ratio means you’ll develop real relationships with faculty who act as guides and mentors during your studies and beyond.
- Affordability: Build your skills without building a burden of debt. Our MS in biotechnology is one of the most affordable programs in the state of Texas. We offset our already low tuition with graduate assistantships, scholarships and other forms of financial support.
What You’ll Learn
The MS in biotechnology consists of 36 to 44 credit hours and can be completed in two years. The curriculum gives you a comprehensive understanding of biochemistry, molecular biology and cell biology while building your skills as a researcher. You’ll be prepared for further studies at the doctoral level or to confidently start a career in biomedical, clinical, forensic or industry research.
Learn the fundamentals of biotechnology along with core knowledge in areas like molecular biochemistry in your first year. In your second year, explore more applied areas of biotechnology and complete your own original research project. From your first semester, you’ll be in the laboratory learning the equipment, techniques and practices of advanced research as you collaborate with peers and faculty mentors.
During your time at UT Tyler, you will:
- Master the techniques and equipment of modern biotechnology.
- Build in-depth knowledge of biological and biochemical systems that will enable you to adapt to emerging technologies.
- Attain a level of integrity and competency integral to professional and ethical work in the field of biotechnology.
- Be prepared for careers in the biotechnology industry or to continue your education in a PhD or MD program.
- Develop your critical thinking and problem-solving skills, along with the ability to communicate complex topics with clarity.
- Plan and engage in your own original research.
See All MS in Biotechnology Degree Requirements
Visit the Department of Cellular and Molecular Biology
What Can You Do With a Master’s in Biotechnology?
Put your research expertise to use to improve human health in the East Texas region and beyond. Jobs for medical scientists are expected to grow rapidly as our increasing knowledge and technology open new areas for research and development. Graduates can find work as bioengineers or microbiologists, conducting research and creating solutions in settings ranging from government research institutes to pharmaceutical companies.
Use your biomedical knowledge and research skills to help solve crimes as a forensic science technician.
Build on your understanding of biochemistry and scientific acumen through further studies. Take an applied direction and pursue medical school to serve as a physician or join a doctoral program for a career in advanced research at a university or in an industry.
How to Apply
To be considered for admission to the MS in biotechnology program, you must have a bachelor’s degree in biology, chemistry or a related field from an accredited institution with a minimum GPA of 3.0 in your field of study. You must also have taken Biochemistry I or an equivalent and achieved a grade of “B” or better in the course. Applicants who do not meet the minimum GPA requirement may be admitted on a probationary status at the department’s discretion.
Your application must include the following:
- A completed online application.
- Official transcripts for all prior college- or graduate-level work, submitted to the Office of Graduate Admissions.
- Three letters of recommendation written by former professors to highlight why you would do well in the biotechnology graduate program.
- A minimum combined score of 295 on the GRE: 145 on the verbal section and 150 on the quantitative section (GRE Code for UT Tyler: 6850).
- Applicants with an undergraduate degree from a non-U.S. institution must have a satisfactory TOEFL score (or its equivalent).
UT Tyler Health Science Center offers the Master of Science in biotechnology at a fraction of the cost of other institutions.* Tuition for the fall and spring semesters is $3,000 - $3,500. Tuition for the summer semester is approximately $2,000. The total cost for the Biotechnology Program is $14,000 - $16,000
*Based on 2023 - 2024 tuition data.
The Master’s in biotechnology program offers an academic scholarship to make your studies even more affordable. Award amounts are variable and depend upon individual qualifications, funds available and the number of applicants. If you meet the eligibility requirements, you may apply for and receive the scholarship each semester you are in the program.
July 15
Application deadline for students wishing to begin the program in the fall.
Note: Spring and summer admission are not available for this program.
October 1
The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA®) opens for the upcoming academic year.
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Next Steps
Your future starts here. Become a leader in scientific innovation at UT Tyler.