Biotechnology Graduate Program

Degree Programs

Brown's Biotechnology Master's Program gives students the flexibility to shape their path with thesis (ScM) and non-thesis (AM) degrees, part-time and management tracks, and opportunities for co-op experience.

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Degree Programs

The Biotechnology Master's Program offers students maximum flexibility, including thesis (ScM) and non-thesis degree options (AM), a part-time track, a management track option, and a co-op experience. Current Brown undergraduates may enter through the Fifth-Year Master’s Program.

Master of Science in Biotechnology (ScM)

Stand Out with a Master’s Thesis that Builds Real-World Skills

The Master of Science (ScM) degree at Brown combines advanced coursework with a rigorous, research-driven thesis experience. Students work closely with faculty mentors to design and execute original research, gaining valuable skills in critical thinking, data analysis, and experimental design. Through writing and defending a formal thesis, students develop the communication and problem-solving abilities that make them highly competitive in the job market, whether pursuing roles in industry, research, or consulting.

A minimum of 8 tuition units (credits) are required.
- At least five of the required eight courses must be structured, advanced level courses in biology or the sciences.
- Must receive a grade of B or better; courses must be taken for a grade rather than credit/no credit.
- No more than three of the required eight courses are to be used for thesis research (Graduate Independent Study).
Program Director endorses the student’s proposed curriculum.
Must identify Brown faculty member willing to host student in lab.
Students do research for the duration of the time in the Program.
Student and faculty mentor select Thesis Committee.
Submit final thesis, present work as a seminar, and pass final oral examination by Thesis Committee.

Students may choose from any of the courses below.

Advanced Biochemistry (BIOL 2270)
Applied AI/ML in Biotechnology (BIOL 2370)
Analysis of Development (BIOL 2310)
Animal Locomotion (BIOL1880)
Biology of Aging (BIOL 2350)
Biology of Emerging Microbial Diseases (BIOL 1550)
Biology of the Eukaryotic Cell (BIOL 2050)
Bioinformatics in the Discovery, Development and Use of Medicines (BIOL 2125)
Biomaterials (ENGN 1490)
Biomolecular Interactions: Health, Disease, & Drug Design (BIOL 2300)
Biotechnology and Global Health (BIOL 1070)
Biotechnology IP (BIOL 2089)
Biotech Science and Industry (BIOL 2020)
Cancer Biology (BIOL 1290)
Cancer Nanotechnology (ENGN 2910S)
Cardiovascular Engineering (ENGN 1520)
Cell Physiology and Biophysics (BIOL 1100)
Comparative Animal Physiology (BIOL 1180)
Computer Aided Visualization and Design (ENGN 1740)
Developmental Biology (BIOL 2320)
Development of Vaccines to Infectious Disease (BIOL 1600)
Drug and Gene Delivery (BIOL 2110)
Environmental Health and Disease (BIOL 1820)
Experiential Learning Industry (BIOL 2180)
In Vitro Models for Disease (BIOL 2167)
Innate Immunity (BIOL 1520)
Innovation and Commercialization in Medical Devices, Diagnostics, and Wearables (BIOL 2528)
Intro to MRI and Neuroimaging (ENGN 1930 N)
Management Strategies in Biotechnology (BIOL 2018)
Molecular Genetics (BIOL 2540)
Molecular Mechanisms of Disease (BIOL 2860)
Molecular Pharmacology and Physiology (BIOL 2170)
Molecular Targets of Drug Discovery (BIOL 2145)
Nanoengineering and Nanomedicine (ENGN 1510)
Nanoscale Materials (CHEM 1700)
Neurogenetics and Disease (BIOL 2320A)
Physiological Pharmacology (BIOL 2260)
Polymer Science for Biomaterials (BIOL 1090)
Principles of Exercise Physiology (BIOL 1160)
Regulatory Affairs in Pharma, Med Device and Digital Health (BIOL 2078)
Stem Cell Engineering (BIOL 1150)
Survey of Modern Therapeutics (BIOL 2250)
Tissue Engineering (BIOL 1140)
Topics in Signal Transduction (BIOL 2220)
Topics in Translational Research (ENGN 2910G)
Virology (BIOL 1560)

Students interested in a course not listed above should email the syllabus to the program Director for approval prior to registering.

Students interview and select a research mentor by the beginning of their first semester in the program and conduct research for the duration of their time in the program.
Students prepare a written thesis and present their work as a seminar for the final defense.

Master of Arts in Biotechnology (AM)

The Master of Arts in Biotechnology (AM) degree is a non-thesis degree requiring students to take upper level, structured courses in the sciences (not seminar courses). Five of these courses are selected from a list of courses that emphasize the fundamental principles and practices of the field biotechnology. Three other courses would be selected by the student from outside this list in all of the basic sciences, including biology, chemistry, and physics, as well as in the applied sciences, engineering, and math.

A minimum of 8 tuition units (credits) are required.
Must receive a grade of B or better, courses must be taken for a grade rather than credit/no credit.
Must complete an approved program of study consisting of at least eight structured, advanced-level courses in biology or the sciences.
Program Director endorses the student’s proposed curriculum.
Students who elect to fulfill the requirements of a non-thesis degree receive the A.M. degree.

Students must select at least five courses from the following list. The remaining three required courses must be approved by the Director if not listed below.

Biology of the Eukaryotic Cell (BIOL1050 )
Biomaterials (BIOL1120)
Biotechnology and Global Health (BIOL1070)
Biotechnology IP (BIOL 2089)
Biotech Science and Industry (BIOL 2020)
Cancer Biology (BIOL 1290)
Cell Physiology and Biophysics (BIOL 1100)
Development of Vaccines to Infectious Diseases (BIOL 1600)
Drug and Gene Delivery (BIOL 2110)
In Vitro Models of Disease (BIOL 2167 )
Innovation & Commercialization in Medical Devices, Diagnostics, & Wearables (BIOL 2528)
Management Strategies in Biotechnology (BIOL 2018)
Molecular Genetics (BIOL 2540 )
Molecular Targets of Drug Discovery (BIOL 2145)
Physiological Pharmacology (BIOL 1260)
Polymer Science for Biomaterials (BIOL1090)
Stem Cell Engineering (BIOL 1150)
Tissue Engineering (BIOL 1140)

Students interested in a course not listed above should email the syllabus to the program Director for approval prior to registering.

Fifth-Year Master's Degree in Biotechnology (AM or ScM)

The Fifth-Year Master’s Program is open to Brown undergraduate students with appropriate backgrounds in biology, biophysics, chemistry, physics, engineering, materials science, economics, or finance. Fifth-Year students may pursue either the ScM or AM degree. The Biotechnology management track is also an option.

Fifth-Year students must meet the requirements of their undergraduate concentration, and choose a faculty advisor ahead of their matriculation into the graduate program. While GREs are not required, applicants must fill out graduate school application as well as two letters of recommendation, a personal statement, an unofficial transcript, and the Fifth-Year Supplemental Application.

A minimum of 8 tuition units (credits) are required.
Must receive a grade of B or better, courses must be taken for a grade rather than credit/no credit.
A maximum of two advanced level courses can be applied towards the Master’s degree as long as they are not used towards fulfillment of undergraduate concentration. Approval of the Program Director is required.
Program Director endorses the student’s proposed curriculum.
At least five of the required eight courses must be structured, advanced level courses in biology or the sciences.
No more than three of the required eight courses are to be used for thesis research (Graduate Independent Study).
Must identify Brown faculty member willing to host student in lab. Students do research in lab for duration of time in the program.
Student and faculty mentor select Thesis Committee.
Submit final thesis, present work as a seminar, and pass final oral examination by Thesis Committee.

A minimum of 8 tuition units (credits) are required.
Must receive a grade of B or better, courses must be taken for a grade rather than credit/no credit.
A maximum of two advanced level courses can be applied towards the Master’s degree as long as they are not used towards fulfillment of undergraduate concentration. Approval of Program Director required.
Program Director endorses the student’s proposed curriculum.
Must complete an approved program of study consisting of at least eight structured, advanced-level courses in biology or the sciences.

A minimum of 8 tuition units (credits) are required.
Must receive a grade of B or better, courses must be taken for a grade rather than credit/no credit.
A maximum of two advanced level courses can be applied towards the Master’s degree as long as they are not used towards fulfillment of undergraduate concentration. Approval of the Program Director is required.
Must take these four Biotechnology Industry courses:
1. Biotechnology Science and Industry (BIOL 2020)
2. Innovation & Commercialization in Medical Devices, Diagnostics, & Wearables (BIOL 2528)
3. Importance of Intellectual Property in Biotechnology (BIOL 2089)
4. Management Strategies in Biotechnology (BIOL 2018)
Other courses selected from Biotechnology Research Track courses and/or Biotechnology Diseases courses.

For students doing research and thesis (ScM)

No more than two of the required eight courses are to be used for thesis research.
Must identify Brown faculty member willing to host student in lab.
Student and faculty mentor select Thesis Committee.
Submit final thesis, present work as a seminar and pass final oral examination by Thesis Committee.

For students not doing research, non-thesis option (AM)

Must complete four Biotechnology Industry courses (above) and four other courses selected from Biotechnology Research Track courses and/or Biotechnology Diseases courses
Students who elect to fulfill the requirements of a non-thesis degree receive the A.M. degree.

Management Track

The Biotechnology Management Track at Brown is designed for students who want to bridge the gap between groundbreaking science and market-ready products. This track equips future leaders with the knowledge and skills to navigate the complex process of turning biotechnology research into life-changing therapies, devices, and diagnostics.

Students gain a deep understanding of how drugs, biologics, medical devices, diagnostics, and wearables are developed, regulated, and brought to market. The curriculum emphasizes strategic decision-making, regulatory landscapes, and the essentials of intellectual property, giving graduates a competitive edge in the biotech and pharmaceutical industries.

Featured Courses Include:

Biotechnology Science and Industry (BIOL 2020)
Importance of Intellectual Property in Biotechnology (BIOL 2089)
Innovation and Commercialization in Medical Devices, Diagnostics, and Wearables (BIOL 2528)
Management Strategies in Biotechnology (BIOL 2018)
Regulatory Affairs in Pharma, Med Device and Digital Health (BIOL 2078)

Whether your goal is to lead R&D, shape regulatory strategy, or launch your own biotech venture, this track prepares you to make an immediate impact.

Students may pursue either the Master of Science (ScM) or Master of Arts (AM) degree with a focus in the Management Track.

Part-Time Track

The Part-time Track is designed with working students in mind who need the flexibility to take as few as one course per semester (part-time):

Students have the same degree (credit and thesis) requirements and receive the same degree as the full-time program.
Students must maintain continuous enrollment in the program.
Students who have selected the part-time option have the flexibility to go between part-time (1 course and thesis) and full-time (2+ courses and thesis) to suit their circumstances.
Students work with the Master’s Program Director and Graduate School to design a suitable course of study.
Visa restrictions may apply to international applicants who are not lawful permanent residents of the U.S.