Biotechnology (M.A.)
At a Glance
Excel in a globalized biotechnology job market- Earn your Biotechnology M.A. at Â鶹ɫÇéƬ in as little as 1.5 years. Gain hands-on experience through internships and interdisciplinary training in biotechnology, regulatory affairs, and leadership.
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Program Level Details
Format
On-campus
Credits Required
30
Time Commitment
1.5 Years Full time
2 Years Part-time
Cost
Summer 2025, Fall 2025, and Spring 2026
$1,176/credit
Fees
2025-2026 Academic Year
$490/semester (full-time students)
$165/semester (part-time students)
Apply By
Fall: March 1 (priority), June 15 (regular), August 1 (final)
Spring: November 1 (priority), December 15 (regular), January 6 (final)
Summer: March 1 (regular), April 1 (final)
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Overview
The Biotechnology M.A. from Roger Williams (Â鶹ɫÇéƬ) combines the strengths of the liberal arts—critical thinking, information synthesis, and effective communication—with customized interdisciplinary training in biotechnology, regulatory affairs, leadership, and management. This multifaceted training primes graduates to excel in a globalized biotechnology job market.
An internship is the capstone requirement for a Biotechnology M.A. Six credits correspond to 240 hours. Students work at companies in the biotechnology industry, at government agencies, or at other state or federal government offices. This targeted internship has the potential to turn into a built-in path to permanent employment.
- Customized Interdisciplinary Training: Gain expertise in biotechnology, regulatory affairs, leadership, and management.
- Internship Engaged Learning Capstone: Gain hands-on experience through a 6-credit biotechnology internship at leading companies, government agencies, or research institutions. Projects offer a range of experience such as basic research, business operations, industrial and biomedical sciences, regulatory affairs, and leadership.
- Career Advancement: Prepare for a variety of roles in biotechnology, including research, management, regulatory affairs, and business development.
About the Biotechnology Field
- Medicine: Developing new drugs and therapies, gene therapy, personalized medicine, and medical diagnostics.
- Agriculture: Creating genetically modified crops with increased yield, resistance to pests and diseases, and improved nutritional value.
- Industry: Producing biofuels, biodegradable materials, and enzymes for industrial processes.
- Environmental Protection: Developing bioremediation techniques to clean up pollution and producing sustainable products.
Biotechnology has had a profound impact on society by:
- Improving human health: Developing treatments for previously incurable diseases, reducing mortality rates, and enhancing overall well-being.
- Increasing food production: Addressing global food security challenges by increasing crop yields and developing drought-resistant and pest-resistant varieties.
- Protecting the environment: Developing sustainable technologies and practices to reduce pollution and conserve natural resources.
- Driving economic growth: Creating new industries, jobs, and opportunities for innovation.
DEGREE REQUIREMENTS
The biotechnology field offers a wide range of career opportunities, including:
- Research Scientists: Conducting research to develop new products and technologies.
- Biomedical Engineers: Designing and developing medical devices and equipment.
- Biotechnologists: Working in various sectors, such as pharmaceuticals, agriculture, and environmental science.
- Regulatory Affairs Specialists: Ensuring compliance with regulatory standards and guidelines.
- Business Development Managers: Identifying and developing new business opportunities.
- Quality Assurance Specialists: Ensuring the safety and efficacy of biotechnology products.
Application Requirements
To be considered for admission to the Biotechnology M.A. degree program, applicants should possess either a science or STEM-related bachelor's degree (e.g., Biology, Biochemistry, Marine Biology, Mathematics, Technology, or Engineering), or have relevant related work experience. (4+1 students must be enrolled and in good standing in an undergraduate program.)
To apply, submit the following:
- Completed application form and $50 application fee. An application fee is not required for Â鶹ɫÇéƬ students.
- Official transcripts of all undergraduate and graduate coursework. The Office of Graduate Admission will obtain transcripts on behalf of Â鶹ɫÇéƬ students.
- Resume (required for applicants without a science or STEM background)
- Letter of Intent (two double-spaced pages maximum) describing your interest in Biotechnology, relevant past experiences and career goals
- Two letters of recommendation attesting to your potential to succeed in graduate school
- If your first language is not English, an official report of TOEFL or IELTS results
The Graduate Records Examination (GRE) is not required for admission. Applicants with an overall GPA below 3.0 are strongly encouraged to take either the GRE or MAT. International applicants should also read additional requirements for non-U.S. residents.
Where appropriate, documents should be submitted via email to gradadmit@rwu.edu. Any official documents that must be mailed (i.e. transcripts) should be sent directly to:
Office of Graduate Admission
1 Old Ferry Rd.
Bristol, RI 02809
Have questions about the application process? Visit the from the Office of Graduate Admission.
