The admission requirements emphasize strong quantitative skills and knowledge of molecular sciences.The admission requirements emphasize strong quantitative skills and knowledge of molecular sciences.

Admissions

If you are interested in pursuing a dynamic career in biotechnology and associated professions, we invite you to apply to our Master of Biotechnology Program (MBP). Your application will be reviewed promptly, and an interview will be scheduled if your application is competitive. Competitive applications feature GPA's above 3.5 and TOEFL or IELTS scores better than 100 or 7.5, respectively.  

Our institution code for TOEFL is 5937. From the IELTS guide: "IELTS test takers can wait until their results have been released and then contact the test center where they took the test to request scores to be sent to the institution(s) of their choice. They will need to provide the test center with the name, department (if applicable) and address of the institution(s)." 

MBP will accept the submission of TOEFL or IELTS test scores through their at home testing service to meet this requirement. This option is only available while testing centers are closed due to the impact of COVID-19.  The MBP does not require the GRE test. 

START THE ONLINE APPLICATION

Quick Facts about Application
Application Deadlines
  • Priority: March 15
  • Final: May 31
  • International: May 1
Application Fee
  • None
Prerequisite Coursework

At least one course in each of the following areas:

  • Organic chemistry or biochemistry
  • General or physical chemistry
  • Biology (e.g., cellular or molecular)
  • Calculus
Application Process
  1. Fill out and submit an online application.
  2. Participate in an interview via Skype, by phone, or in person, once the application is complete (including 2 recommendation letters).  Interviews take place multiple times every month November through May, and on a case-by-case basis outside this time period.
  3. Receive an official decision.

2023-2024 Tuition

  • Tuition is $17,590 per each of the five quarters to earn the Master of Science in Biotechnology degree.  Cost-of-living fees are not included in this figure.
  • Students who choose the optional seven-quarter program plan in order to fulfill an internship do not experience an increase in tuition. (No tuition is assessed during the internship.) Additionally, many of the internships are paid positions.

Already a Northwestern Student?

Some undergraduate courses may count toward your degree and shorten your MBP curriculum from five to four quarters.

Financial Aid

Master’s students may be able to find funding through loan options or through other scholarship and resource opportunities, some of which are listed on McCormick’s website.

Additionally, students may want to visit the Evanston Office of Graduate Financial Aid for information on federal and private loan and funding options. 

Students using financial aid to fund their graduate degree must comply with the Financial Aid Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) Policy to maintain eligibility.

We offer merit-based scholarships to US students and exceptional international students in the amount of up to $20,000.