Applied Biotechnology
Master of Science in Applied Biotechnology

The Master of Science in Applied Biotechnology is a collaborative online program of the University of Wisconsin–System, designed to meet the needs of working adults.
Is this program right for you?
The University of Wisconsin–System’s Master of Science in Applied Biotechnology is a collaborative fully online program available at the University of Wisconsin–Madison campus. The program prepares students to advance their careers through leadership and management positions within the field of biotechnology. Students complete core courses to gain a solid foundation in biotechnology, leadership, ethics, research, communications, product development, quality control, and regulatory and compliance practices.
In addition, the Applied Biotechnology program offers three unique tracks to assist students in tailoring coursework to meet their career goals. Students may choose to complete biotechnology tracks in quality assurance and compliance, business management, or research and development.
Our comprehensive online curriculum is based on the successful in-person MS in Biotechnology program offered through the University of Wisconsin–Madison School of Medicine and Public Health.
Students who choose UW–Madison as their home campus for this online program receive the same academic benefits and resources as other UW–Madison students and will receive a UW–Madison conferred degree upon successful completion of the program.
An optional graduate certificate in Applied Bioinformatics is available for degree-seeking students. Courses include:
- Experimental Design and Data Analysis in Biotechnology
- Python for Bioinformatics
- Bioinformatic Inquiry
- Application of Bioinformatics
Please talk with your advisor or the program coordinator to declare this graduate certificate.
Is this program right for you?
The University of Wisconsin–System’s Master of Science in Applied Biotechnology is a collaborative fully online program available at the University of Wisconsin–Madison campus. The program prepares students to advance their careers through leadership and management positions within the field of biotechnology. Students complete core courses to gain a solid foundation in biotechnology, leadership, ethics, research, communications, product development, quality control, and regulatory and compliance practices.
In addition, the Applied Biotechnology program offers three unique tracks to assist students in tailoring coursework to meet their career goals. Students may choose to complete biotechnology tracks in quality assurance and compliance, business management, or research and development.
Our comprehensive online curriculum is based on the successful in-person MS in Biotechnology program offered through the University of Wisconsin–Madison School of Medicine and Public Health.
Students who choose UW–Madison as their home campus for this online program receive the same academic benefits and resources as other UW–Madison students and will receive a UW–Madison conferred degree upon successful completion of the program.
An optional graduate certificate in Applied Bioinformatics is available for degree-seeking students. Courses include:
- Experimental Design and Data Analysis in Biotechnology
- Python for Bioinformatics
- Bioinformatic Inquiry
- Application of Bioinformatics
Please talk with your advisor or the program coordinator to declare this graduate certificate.
Admissions requirements
All applicants must:
- Have a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution.
- Have completed two semesters of college-level lab coursework in biology and/or chemistry.
- 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.
Application materials required:
- Online application
- Resume/CV
- Statement of purpose
- Transcripts
- Two letters of recommendation
Connect with us
Alumni Insight: Pharmaceutical Sciences: Applied Drug Development
September 27
5:30-6:15 p.m.
Join alumni from the Pharmaceutical Sciences: Applied Drug Development program as they discuss their experiences in the program, how it met their academic needs, why it was a good fit, and how it might help you in your future pursuits.
Register for Alumni Insight: Pharmaceutical Sciences: Applied Drug Development
Alumni Insight: Pharmaceutical Sciences: Psychoactive Pharmaceutical Investigation
September 28
5:30-6:15 p.m.
Join alumni from the Pharmaceutical Sciences: Psychoactive Pharmaceutical Investigation program as they discuss their experiences in the program, how it met their academic needs, why it was a good fit, and how it might help you in your future pursuits.
Register for Alumni Insight: Pharmaceutical Sciences: Psychoactive Pharmaceutical Investigation
Program highlights
- The University of Wisconsin–Madison’s M.S. in Applied Biotechnology degree is flexible, so you can complete your master’s while fulfilling work and family commitments.
- Learn from passionate UW faculty who are experts in the field, many who actively work in biotechnology.
- Get real-world experience in the capstone course by applying everything you’ve learned in the program to lead a project at an actual workplace.
How you'll learn
- Fully online curriculum; you choose when you do most of your work each week.
- Collaborative online coursework.
- Choose from three core competency tracks.
- Complete a capstone certificate on a project-based experience in your concentration area.
Sample curriculum
Core Courses (required)
- Principles of Biotechnology
- Ethics, Safety, and Regulatory Environments in Biotechnology
- Professional and Technical Communication in Biotechnology
- Techniques in Biotechnology
- Experimental Design and Analysis in Biotechnology
- Leadership in Organizations
Specialization Tracks (choose 1 or more)
Quality Assurance and Compliance
- Quality Control and Validation
- Regulatory Practice and Compliance
- Industrial Applications in Regulatory Affairs
Business Management
- Biotechnology Marketing and Entrepreneurship
- Global Operations and Supply Chain Management
- Quality and Project Management
Research and Development
- Assessing Innovation in Biotechnology
- Product Development
- Tools for Data Analysis
Capstone Courses (required)
- Pre-capstone
- Capstone
Job outlook
Source: Burning Glass Technologies: Labor Insight. 2020.
Burning Glass Technologies’ Market Salary is an estimated expected salary. Market Salary uses machine learning algorithms to account for experience, skill, and education among other factors that may impact individual salaries.
Ready to learn more about Applied Biotechnology?
Visit UW Applied Biotechnology