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Biotechnology MS

Master of Science in Biotechnology

Students gather in a lap.

Designed to meet the needs of working professionals, the Master of Science in Biotechnology program at UW–Madison fuses science, law, and business to broaden your skills.


Is this program right for you?

Success in biotechnology today demands broad expertise and global vision. The Master of Science in Biotechnology program at UW–Madison creates a well-rounded educational experience that provides a comprehensive view of product development and delivery.

Our program provides a multi-disciplinary approach to product development and technology-based entrepreneurship and is well-suited for practicing scientists, technical professionals, attorneys, and business people poised to move into positions of greater responsibility in the world of biotech.

The fast-paced curriculum is presented in innovative and convenient evening and weekend sessions designed to accommodate your challenging professional and family life—and help ensure completion of the program in less than two years. Every other week, classes meet on Thursday evening, all day Friday, and on Saturday morning.

Nearly 90% of our students cite a significant or considerable impact on their career, even before they graduate from our program.

The Master of Science in Biotechnology program brings together the expertise of UW–Madison’s world-class faculty and the experience of the region’s most successful biotechnology leaders from private industry.

Is this program right for you?

Success in biotechnology today demands broad expertise and global vision. The Master of Science in Biotechnology program at UW–Madison creates a well-rounded educational experience that provides a comprehensive view of product development and delivery.

Our program provides a multi-disciplinary approach to product development and technology-based entrepreneurship and is well-suited for practicing scientists, technical professionals, attorneys, and business people poised to move into positions of greater responsibility in the world of biotech.

The fast-paced curriculum is presented in innovative and convenient evening and weekend sessions designed to accommodate your challenging professional and family life—and help ensure completion of the program in less than two years. Every other week, classes meet on Thursday evening, all day Friday, and on Saturday morning.

Nearly 90% of our students cite a significant or considerable impact on their career, even before they graduate from our program.

The Master of Science in Biotechnology program brings together the expertise of UW–Madison’s world-class faculty and the experience of the region’s most successful biotechnology leaders from private industry.

Admissions requirements

All applicants must:

  • Have a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution.
  • Have completed a minimum of two semesters of biology or other related life science courses. Equivalent work experience will also be considered.
  • Have a minimum undergraduate GPA of 3.0.
  • Submit evidence of English language proficiency, if applicable. The required proficiency scores are: TOEFL IBT 92, PBT 580; or IELTS 7.0.
  • If invited, participate in program admission interview.

Application materials required:

  • Online application
  • Resume/CV
  • Statement of purpose
  • Transcripts
  • Three letters of recommendation

Connect with us

Coffee & Conversation: Pharmaceutical Sciences Professional Programs

April 03
8-10 a.m.
Join Enrollment Coach Anna Denucci to discuss your questions regarding the application to the Pharmaceutical Sciences Professional Programs.
Join Zoom Session

Meet the Program Director: Engineering Management

April 11
noon-12:30 p.m.
Join Program Director Heather Smith for an in-depth conversation about the Engineering Management MS program including curriculum, application process and potential career paths.
Register for Meet the Program Director: Engineering Management

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Program highlights

  • The biotechnology degree is flexible, so you can complete your master’s while still fulfilling your work and life commitments.
  • We are celebrating 15 years of successfully preparing students to answer and analyze scientific breakthroughs, industry advancements, legal concerns, and more. You are enrolling in a program that is tried and true.
  • You learn and network with world-renowned faculty and industry experts, so you can build professional references in the field that you can utilize after the degree.
  • Ninety percent of students cited a “significant or considerable” impact on their careers even before they graduated. Source: 2015 Master’s in Biotechnology Graduate Survey.

How you'll learn

  • Every other week, classes meet on Thursday evening, all day Friday, and on Saturday morning.
  • Working in teams, explore challenges faced by today’s biotechnology industry alongside students from a broad range of professional backgrounds.
  • Interact with faculty, industry leaders, and others to gain awareness of business strategy, global markets, and emerging technologies vital to delivering groundbreaking products to market.

Sample curriculum

Year 1

Semester 1

  • Intellectual Property, Patents & Licensing
  • Business of Biotechnology: Fundamentals
  • Molecular Technologies I
  • Biotechnology, Regulation & Ethics

Semester 2

  • Biotechnology Operations
  • Molecular Technologies II

Year 2

Semester 3

  • Early Drug Discovery
  • Molecular Technologies III
  • Business of Biotechnology: Commercialization Pathways

Semester 4

  • Business of Biotechnology: Sustaining Growth
  • Advanced Biotechnology
  • Project Management and Leadership

Ready to learn more about Biotechnology MS?
View the UW-Madison Guide

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Connect with our enrollment coaches

Our friendly, knowledgeable enrollment coaches are here to answer your questions. Contact an enrollment coach to:

  • Learn how to make this program work with your life/schedule
  • Get help with your application
  • Determine if financial aid is available

Visit with our coaches on campus or at an upcoming student fair in your area. Search student fairs & events.

Connect with a coach

Kim Hartz

 I was returning to school at 40 and didn’t just want a set of credentials. I wanted a program with meaning and value. The degree is so unique—a blend of science, business and ethics related to biotechnology—and because it is from UW-Madison, one of the best-kept secrets in the biotechnology knowledge base.  

Kim Hartz, Clinical Researcher; Independent Consultant; Returning Student
Read more about Kim Hartz