phd mba life sciences

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Ms/mba program, ms/mba biotechnology: life sciences, a joint degree that blends business, ethics, and life science.

Harvard’s dual degree program, MS/MBA Biotechnology: Life Sciences , aims to prepare the next generation of industry leaders with advanced training in business, ethics, and life sciences. Built in response to student demand, this novel approach to a Harvard MBA is for people with both an undergraduate degree in the life sciences and at least two years of work experience.

This intensive, two-year dual degree program will offer MS courses developed and taught by  HSCRB faculty . The degrees are jointly offered by Harvard Business School (HBS) and the Harvard Kenneth C. Griffin Graduate School of Arts and Sciences (GSAS).

In the program, students will follow a core curriculum that focuses on business and includes courses in science and ethics. Intensive courses over the summer and in January, plus a broad range of electives in the second year, will ensure students can fulfil both business and science degree requirements.

“We want to provide leadership for the whole scientific and medical enterprise: biotechnology, pharma, venture capital, NGOs, and government. Our future leaders need to feel that the ethical component of what they’re doing is as important as the financial, so that medical needs worldwide can be addressed in an equitable way.” -Mark Fishman, M.D., Professor of Stem Cell and Regenerative Biology and faculty co-chair of the program

“Our department has built into it a strong entrepreneurial spirit, with many biotech companies developed by our faculty. Our scientists don’t just ask and answer questions about how nature works, but further ask how do you make use of that information and commercialize it to help people. This dual degree expands on that, allowing us to train exceptional, ethical leaders in industry – or even in policy – who really understand the science and can be nimble in their decision making.” -Doug Melton, Ph.D., Xander University Professor, co-founder of the Harvard Stem Cell Institute, and faculty co-chair of the program

“The idea is to collaborate with the best and brightest minds across Harvard who believe that it is within our scientific and economic grasp to reduce human suffering.  Students will have access to faculty members from HBS, the Faculty of Arts and Sciences, and Harvard Medical School, who will be present in the classroom at the same time. The program will give them both an MBA and an amazing science education that allows them to lead the next generation of life-sciences companies.” -Amitabh Chandra, Ph.D., Ethel Zimmerman Wiener Professor of Public Policy at HKS, Henry and Allison McCance Professor of Business Administration at HBS, and faculty co-chair of the program

“I am so excited about the launch of this program. It is much needed – we aim to train the future leaders of biotech and pharma, providing them with business skills, scientific critical thinking, and an ethical framework. It’s also exciting for us to interact with a new type of student in HSCRB, expanding our educational community to include undergraduates, science graduate students, medical students, and now business students. It is a real pleasure to work with our colleagues at HBS. I cannot wait to meet our first cohort.” -Bill Anderson, Director of Education in HSCRB and program director for the degree program

Biotechnology: Life Sciences

GSAS has partnered with Harvard Business School and the Harvard Department of Stem Cell and Regenerative Biology to offer an M.S./M.B.A. Biotechnology: Life Sciences. The master of science degree is only offered through this joint program and not as a stand-alone degree. Students interested in pursuing a Ph.D. should consider programs in the Harvard Integrated Life Sciences.

• Joint Degrees

MBA/PhD with the Yale Graduate School of Arts and Sciences

The joint-degree program offers an MBA in combination with a PhD in the sciences or humanities from the Yale Graduate School of Arts and Sciences.

An MBA may be pursued in combination with a PhD in one of a wide array of  areas of study , in the biological sciences, engineering and applied sciences, the humanities, the physical sciences, and social sciences. An MBA/PhD is not available in the  management disciplines .

Students typically complete both degrees in approximately seven years, rather than the eight or more that would be required if the degrees were pursued separately. Programs are highly customized to fit each student's individual course of study, and are generally determined at the time of admission. Students must complete one full year at Yale SOM, during which they complete the integrated MBA curriculum, and one year taking courses at both schools. Students typically begin their full year at Yale SOM after PhD qualifying exams have been passed.

Students receive financial support from the Graduate School of Arts and Sciences during the semesters in which they are enrolled there. They pay tuition during the three semesters during which they are enrolled at Yale SOM.

Learn more about admission to the Yale School of Management. Learn more about admission to the Yale Graduate School of Arts and Sciences.

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Below are admissions and training requirements specific to BBS students.

Current BBS Students

You may apply to SOM, but you must complete the application process no later than January of your first year of study at the Graduate School. Upon receiving an offer of admission to SOM, you are required to submit a proposal of study outlining your academic plan and schedule for completing both the MBA and Ph.D. degrees. Please first meet with your DGS, the Dean of Students at SOM, and the Associate Dean for Graduate Academic Support in the Graduate School prior to crafting this plan of study. If necessary, these parties may meet together with you. Admission to the joint degree program is contingent upon approval of this proposal by the DGS and respective deans of the Graduate School and SOM. Excellent performance in graduate classes and laboratory rotations in the fall semester is also required.

The BBS program requires you to select a thesis lab and departmental affiliation at the end of your first year of graduate study. If you wish to enroll in the joint degree program you must alert your anticipated Ph.D. program DGS and thesis adviser of your plans prior to selecting a thesis laboratory and Ph.D. program affiliation.

Prospective BBS Students

If you have not yet applied to Yale, you must apply simultaneously to BBS (through the Graduate School) and to SOM. Applications to SOM should be submitted for consideration during the first or second round of admissions ( see the SOM website for deadlines ). Admissions decisions for each school are made on an entirely separate basis by the respective admissions committees, and each school will notify you of its decision. You will be enrolled for the joint degree program only if you receive admission to both programs. You will then submit a plan of study as described above.

Academic Schedule

You must complete the core curriculum at SOM in the course of one academic year. During this year you will not be registered at the Graduate School. You must complete the core SOM curriculum prior to beginning graduate study or immediately after completing your first year in the BBS program.

After completing the year-long core curriculum at SOM, you then must take four non-core courses at SOM. You may complete these course requirements in one of two ways:

• Register for a full term at SOM. If you choose this option you would normally do so only after completing all of the requirements for the Ph.D.
• Take one course per semester while remaining registered in the Graduate School and working toward the Ph.D. If you choose this option you should take no more than one SOM course per semester.

You are required to register in and pay tuition to SOM for a total of 3 semesters. While registered in SOM, you will not receive a BBS stipend, will not receive graduate student health coverage, and will be required to pay tuition to SOM. You may not opt for the third semester of full-time study at SOM during your first 3 years in the BBS Program due to funding constraints related to training grants. If you choose to register full-time at SOM after the third year, you will pay the semester of tuition to SOM at that time. You are not able to register simultaneously in the Graduate School during this semester and would thus not be eligible to receive a graduate stipend or graduate student health coverage.

It is not possible to pay SOM tuition on a per-course basis. As a result, if you fulfill the SOM elective course work over four semesters, you will still be required to register at SOM for one full term so that tuition for all four courses may be paid. Normally, you would choose your final term at Yale to register in SOM.

MBA/PhD with the Yale Graduate School of Arts and Sciences

LERNER BUSINESS & ECONOMICS

• MBA + Ph.D. in Biological Sciences

Further your career in industrial science with the 63-credit Ph.D. in biological sciences/MBA dual degree.

This combined program is offered by the Department of Biological Sciences and the Alfred Lerner College of Business and Economics.

For full details, including admissions and financial aid information, visit the joint degree page on the UD Department of Biological Sciences website.

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This STEM-designated degree program provides international students 24 months of OPT (Optional Practical Training) in addition to the original 12 months.

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• MBA + M.A. Strategic Communication
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• MBA + M.S. in Mechanical Engineering
• M.S. in Business Analytics and Information Management + M.S. in Cybersecurity

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Harvard Launches New MS/MBA Biotechnology: Life Sciences Joint Degree

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Jun 19, 2019, 09:50 ET

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BOSTON and CAMBRIDGE, Mass. , June 19, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- Harvard Business School (HBS) and Harvard's Graduate School of Arts and Sciences (GSAS) announced today a new joint master's degree program that aims to prepare future leaders at the interface of  life sciences and business. The two-year, full-time program begins in August 2020 and will confer both a Master of Business Administration from HBS and a Master of Science from GSAS, through Harvard's Department of Stem Cell and Regenerative Biology (HSCRB).

The new MS/MBA Biotechnology: Life Sciences Program equips students with approaches to the science and medical aspects of entrepreneurial activities and will empower them to build organizations with the potential to transform human health. The curriculum emphasizes an understanding of effective, sustainable structures for discovery and development, the ethical implications of new therapeutics, and equitable access to the fruits of therapeutic discovery.

"The world needs more leaders able to bridge science and business," said HBS Dean Nitin Nohria. "We aim to provide graduates of this new program with tools to understand the most modern biomedical science issues, as well as knowledge of scientific methodologies and timeframes, so they can be effective leaders in this domain."

Students in the program will receive life-science training in HSCRB, a joint department between Harvard's Faculty of Arts and Sciences and Harvard Medical School .

"This is a collaborative effort from several schools across Harvard to fill a unique need we see in the industry," said Emma Dench , dean of GSAS. "Currently there is no systematic educational approach to train leaders in this field but students yearn for an opportunity to become conversant in biomedical science and business together. Nearly half of HSCRB graduates are now entering careers in biotech/pharma, biomedical consulting, and finance. We want to prepare them to be leaders in these fields, while helping others that may gravitate towards leadership roles in government and non-profits involved in the life sciences."

The Master of Science degree component is led by world-renowned Harvard scientists and clinicians who have extensive biotechnology and pharmaceutical experience. They will give students distilled, focused exposure to a wide range of modern science and show them potential ways to deploy their learnings strategically for the discovery of novel therapeutics.

The MBA component is directed by business school faculty members who are experts in biotechnology leadership, financing, and social ramifications. The seamless integration of all these elements will prepare students for leadership in the biotechnology-related arena in a manner that is not currently available through traditional programs.

MS/MBA Biotechnology: Life Sciences students will complete their degree requirements over two years, augmented by coursework during August at the beginning of the program and during both January terms. Students will have the summer available between Year 1 and Year 2 to pursue an internship in the life sciences or biotech space.

The program aims to attract a diverse group of outstanding students who have an undergraduate degree in life sciences or medicine or significant workplace experience in biotechnology or life sciences. Admissions officers will consider students applying with non-STEM undergraduate degrees provided they have substantial background preparation in the life sciences. This may include advanced coursework in the biological sciences or independent laboratory experience. These admission requirements will be in addition to those of the HBS MBA Program.

"Strong candidates will combine a passion for life science and a determination to build sustainable business models around the science," said Chad Losee , Managing Director of MBA Admissions and Financial Aid at HBS. "They seek to drive impact at the interface of biological science and society to effect the greatest health outcomes."

This is the second joint MS/MBA degree program Harvard has offered, following the inaugural MS/MBA launched in 2017 from the Harvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences (SEAS), GSAS, and HBS, which confers both a Master of Science in Engineering Sciences and a Master of Business Administration.

Key facts about the program

• In its first year, the program will be highly selective, with a cohort of 7-10 students.
• The first MS/MBA Biotechnology: Life Sciences cohort will matriculate in August 2020 .
• Applicants must meet HBS MBA Program admission requirements.
• Applicants with non-STEM undergraduate degrees must have substantial background preparation in the life sciences (i.e. advanced coursework or independent laboratory experience).
• Candidates can apply in either Round 1 ( September 4, 2019 ) or Round 2 ( January 6, 2020 ).
• HBS and GSAS will release admissions decisions in mid-December (Round 1) and March (Round 2).
• Interested students can receive updates on the program by indicating their interest through the HBS admissions website .
• If you have questions, please email: [email protected] .

CONTACTS Mark Cautela  [email protected] 617-495-5143

Mary Todd Bergman [email protected]   617-935-3619

About Harvard Business School Founded in 1908 as part of Harvard University,  Harvard Business School  is located on a 40-acre campus in Boston . Its faculty of more than 200 offers full-time programs leading to the MBA and doctoral degrees, as well as more than 70 open enrollment Executive Education programs and 55 custom programs, and Harvard Business School Online, the School's digital learning platform. For more than a century, HBS faculty have drawn on their research, their experience in working with organizations worldwide, and their passion for teaching to educate leaders who make a difference in the world, shaping the practice of business and entrepreneurship around the globe.

ABOUT HARVARD'S DEPARTMENT OF STEM CELL AND REGENERATIVE BIOLOGY (HSCRB) HSCRB  has a mission to illuminate the workings of human health and disease, in both basic discovery and clinical settings. As a joint department between Harvard's Faculty of Arts and Sciences and Harvard Medical School , we are committed to transforming medicine by cultivating a deeper knowledge of stem cell and regenerative biology, and to training the next generation to explore new frontiers in biomedical science. HSCRB research bridges academic inquiry and biomedical R&D, with technology and entrepreneurship integrated into many elements of our teaching and research.

ABOUT THE GRADUATE SCHOOL OF ARTS AND SCIENCES Since it was first established in 1872, the Graduate School of Arts and Sciences (GSAS) has grown into a leading institution of graduate study. GSAS offering PhD and select master's degrees in 58 departments and programs that connect students with all parts of Harvard University . Each year, GSAS identifies and attracts the most promising students to form a dynamic and diverse global community, shaping them into visionary scholars, innovative educators, and creative leaders while encouraging them to cross disciplinary boundaries. Graduate students are at the heart of Harvard's excellence in research and education, studying with distinguished faculty and accessing world-renowned research centers, laboratories, scholarly collections, and museums.

SOURCE Harvard Business School

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Ms in biotechnology and mba dual degree.

Master your knowledge in biochemistry, biostatistics, and bioinformatics while developing critical business skills in accounting, finance, negotiation, regulatory, and legal matters with this dual degree.

Pursue These Degrees Together

• MS in Biotechnology
• MASTER OF BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION

MS in Biotechnology/MBA Program Overview

In today’s aggressive biotechnology business environment, there’s an increasing demand for leaders who understand both the science and business of biotechnology. The MS in Biotechnology/MBA is one of the nation’s first and largest dual graduate degree programs in biotechnology and business.

The Johns Hopkins MS in Biotechnology/MBA—offered through the Krieger School of Arts and Sciences and the Carey Business School—allows you to earn two advanced degrees in less time than it takes to earn them separately. The program is specially designed to fit the schedules of working adults, following a curriculum sequence that allows you to complete both degrees in three years.

The program capitalizes on the strengths of leading experts, Johns Hopkins academics, and a diverse student body.

What It’s Like to Study Biotechnology and an MBA at AAP

Admissions Requirements

Please follow the MS in Biotechnology Admission and Application Requirements , with the addition of identifying two individuals to provide recommendations for your application, in order to be considered for this program. Within the Statement of Purpose, please remember to address how this Dual Degree program will help you to succeed in your goals.

In-Depth Article

Biotechnology Master’s Degree: Career Opportunities & Paths

Biotechnology offers diverse career opportunities ranging from agriculture to healthcare to national security. A master’s in biotechnology can advance your career, allow you to explore new fields, and make a positive impact on the world.

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The growing potential to make life-saving discoveries in an ever-changing global economy make this an exciting time to enhance your biomedical science PhD with an MBA! Many ambitious students are now looking to an MBA as a useful enhancement to their biomedical research experience and expand their career options.

An MBA is an investment in the future careers of biomedical graduate students. We know our alums will be future college presidents, department chairs, entrepreneurs, government officials, patent holders and CEOs of biomedical companies. This program will ensure they leave us not only as cutting-edge scientists, but also prepared for the leadership challenges they will face regardless of what lies ahead.

Regardless of career trajectory, PhDs can benefit from pursuing a business education. From a practical standpoint, the managerial skills, business acumen and financial literacy one develops from an MBA program are useful for managing labs, staff, grants or even starting a business. The biomedical industry and higher education are increasingly influenced by legal issues and shifting healthcare policy, both of which are covered by the MBA curriculum. Students will expand their networks by taking classes alongside CEO’s and business leaders enrolled in the Executive MBA program. 

The immediate financial advantages of a PhD / MBA option at UM are substantial. Not only will accepted students receive 100% tuition waivers for the doctoral portion of their studies, they will receive shared credit savings and a 50% scholarship from the School of Business Administration for their MBA. In the long-term, students with MBA’s can expect to have greater earnings over the lifetime of their careers.

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Office of Graduate Studies Rosenstiel Medical Sciences Building, Suite 1128 1600 NW 10th Avenue, M857 Miami, FL 33136 305 243 1094 ​[email protected]

Plan of Study

Curriculum Requirements

PhD students in the biomedical sciences programs at the Miller School of Medicine may choose to pursue a Master of Business Administration degree immediately following their doctoral studies. The  MBA  portion of the sequential degree may be completed in one year and consists of 44  MBA  credits. The degrees must be obtained sequentially.

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Harvard Griffin GSAS partners with Harvard Business School (HBS) on two combined degree programs that confer an MBA from HBS and a master of science from Harvard Griffin GSAS:

Learn more about the  MS/MBA: Engineering Sciences program  with the Harvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences.

Learn more about the  MS/MBA Biotechnology: Life Sciences  with the Harvard Department of Stem Cell and Regenerative Biology.

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MBA Resources

Harvard’s MS/MBA Biotechnology program: Everything you need to know

MBA & Beyond Team

10/11/2021 | 7:04 pm

The 21st century is the century of technology and scientific discoveries. Therefore, modern organizations need people with sound technical and scientific skills apart from managerial and business skills, regardless of education, business, or even the healthcare system. To meet this need, at Harvard University , Harvard’s MS/MBA Biotechnology program: MBA Life Sciences Program has been framed as a joint degree under the Graduate School of Arts and Sciences (GSAS) as well as Harvard Medical School through the Harvard Department of Stem Cell and Regenerative Biology. 

The program’s main aim is to equip students with the latest business ideas and scientific insights, in addition to their existing knowledge of biotech and life sciences.

The joint degree program confers an MBA graduation degree from the HBS and an M.Sc. degree from the (GSAS) and Harvard Medical School. 

The program is completed over two academic years, utilizing January terms and August at the program’s start. The curriculum is structured over two years to emphasize developing efficient business models in the field of life sciences and understanding the ethical implications of new therapeutics to develop models of equitable access to these discoveries. 

Upon completing the program, graduates would be empowered to understand and transform organizations related to new drug discoveries and therapeutics and develop strategies and novel ways to expand access to these at affordable prices.  

In this article, we will learn all about the MS/MBA Biotechnology: Life Sciences Program offered at Harvard University, which is a joint degree program under the Graduate School of Arts and Sciences (GSAS) as well as Harvard Medical School through the Harvard Department of Stem Cell and Regenerative Biology. In addition, this article will confer knowledge on the course curriculum, eligibility, admission process, tuition fees & Scholarships, acceptance rates, class profile, and future prospects.     

The curriculum’s main aim is to equip students with Harvard biotech and life sciences with vast knowledge of business and management so that these insights could be used to transform organizations related to therapeutics and drug discoveries. In addition, the 21st century needs more world leaders working at the intersection of science and society and an in-depth understanding of life sciences and management. 

To meet this, the curriculum is designed to emphasize an understanding of an effective business model that is sustainable in each aspect of the discovery and development of new therapeutics and developing a model to ensure unbiased access to the benefits of therapeutic discovery.

The entire Harvard’s MS/MBA Biotechnology: Life Sciences Program at Harvard University is divided over two academic years. The first term begins in August, and students have the option to pursue internships in the summer between years 1 and 2. 

Now, let’s look at the entire program timeline in brief to get an idea of the basic structure of the MS/MBA program.   

There you go! The above table will help you understand the basic structure of the Course with ease. Moreover, if you want to know about every topic of the program, you can click on the link below.

Eligibility and Admission Process 

Pursuing an MBA is a life-altering decision that requires a significant investment in both time and money. The Harvard Institute is one of the top premier institutes, and Harvard’s MS/MBA Biotechnology: Life Sciences Program seeks a diverse group of exceptional students with a UG-level degree in life sciences/biotech or a significant amount of experience in biotechnology or life sciences.

Most candidates with a STEM UG background are considered alongside students with advanced degrees such as MD or Ph.D. However, in rare circumstances, candidates from a non-STEM background are considered only if they have any substantial or extensive advanced coursework related to the program. In addition, the enrolling candidates are expected to be familiar with the coursework.

Want to pursue an MBA but not sure if your profile fits?

Talk to our Profile Experts to know your chances for a top MBA Program.

 That’s all about eligibility; now, let’s take a quick glance over the admission process. 

Admission Process

 To enroll in the MS/MBA Biotechnology:

 A candidate in the Life Sciences Program of Harvard University must apply and be selected by HBS and the Graduate School of Arts and Sciences (GSAS). The admission process is quite similar to any other management school. After submitting a written application and all the required documents like a resume, essays, LORs, and test scores, selected candidates are invited for the interview process; then a decision notification is released. After that, the candidates can apply for either the MS or MBA program hosted in the HBS application system.

Application Filling

Before filling out the application form, candidates must create an HBS account, which would be the sole source of communication and depository for materials throughout the application process. After that, choose the course name and an application round you want to apply. Always remember to select the round most compatible with your timeline to ensure maximum chances of selection. For more in-depth details about MBA application rounds, click the link below.

Submission of Documents

Candidates are required to submit all relevant and required documents for both the MBA as well as the Master of Science applications.

1. Documents Required for MBA

– Application form, 

– Resume, 

– Official transcript(s), 

– Written Essays, 

– Test scores, 

– LORs (at least two)

– Application fee. 

2. Documents Required for Master Of Science

For Masters, all the above-required documents as for the MBA application are a must except that some additional documents like 

– One additional supplemental essay 

– One additional LOR is also required 

Interview Process

If the university has decided to move forward with your candidacy, you would only receive an interview invitation notification issued around October for application round 1 and in February for application round 2. The HBS has its style of the interview process, which is made unique by mixing constituents from your resume, essays, and career goals along with some typical behavioral and generic questions. Tackling these questions requires more than just raw intellect. You should be well versed with each scenario that could be attained only through practice. 

Looks a bit complicated? Fret not; MBA interviews are supposed to be at a different level to help them choose future world leaders. If you want more help, you can take the quiz or schedule a 1:1 session with us to understand the nature of MBA interviews. Moreover, you can also go through our article How to prepare for the MBA interview questions? So that you can develop your vision using creativity, precision, and clarity.

Decision Notification

Enter the final step! The HBS and GSAS would release the final admissions decisions for both rounds in succession. Round 1 in mid-December and Round 2 in March. 

Based on the admissions committee decisions, a candidate may be selected into the following courses:

– MS/MBA Biotechnology: Life Sciences Program

– MBA Biotechnology 

– Life Sciences Programs only if not selected for the Master of Science program. 

Tution Fees and Living Costs

The Harvard MBA program is one of the world’s most prestigious and expensive MBA programs. For the 2024-2025 academic year, the tuition and fees for the MBA program are as follows: Tuition is $87,872, the HUHS Student Health Fee (SHF) is $1,592, the Student Health Insurance Plan (SHIP) is $4,202, the HUSHP for Student Spouses/Dependents ranges from $0 for a single student to $16,198 for a married student with two children, the Course & Program Materials Fee is $2,650, and housing for 10 months ranges from $19,200 for a single student to $38,400 for a married student with two children or more.

The total cost of attendance, including tuition, fees, and living expenses, ranges from $115,516 for a single student to $150,914 for a married student with two children. In 2020-2021, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the tuition was adjusted to $79,455 after the Field Global Immersion course was cancelled. In recent years, Harvard Business School has taken steps to make the MBA program more affordable, including increasing scholarship offerings to cover the full tuition and fees for around 10% of students based on financial need.

Scholarships & Financial Aid

As mentioned above, the Harvard MS/MBA Biotechnology: Life Sciences stands at one of the costliest programs, and a large volume of investment is required to pursue the program. All the MS/MBA Biotechnology: Life Sciences students are subjected to the Financial Aid policies of the HBS. The Financial Aid & Scholarship Board, as per the annual Cost of Attendance sheet, determines financial aid and awards. The rewards are based on direct and indirect expenses, per student surveys.

Other than this, all students can apply for student loans and need-based HBS Scholarships.

Moreover, The Chris and Carrie Shumway Foundation is responsible for rewarding all the respective candidates. The latter matriculates in the MS/MBA Biotechnology: Life Sciences Program, an incremental $5,500 scholarship for each academic year, disbursed in half for the fall term and the other half for the spring.

In case you want to know more about every scholarship provided by the Harvard Business School in-depth, you can check the official website; the given link is –           

Harvard MS/MBA Biotech Acceptance Rate

Harvard’s MS/MBA Biotech program is one of the most competitive programs. It boasts an average acceptance rate of around 10% —11%, which is almost the same as that of an MBA program from Harvard Business School. 

The program tends to be a bit more populated by STEM background, with slightly more incoming domestic US students (around 75-80%) than its MBA program (approximately 60-65%).  

Since the competition is very high, a good GMAT score and a solid educational background are prerequisite for mingith extracurricular activities, LORs, and an absolute splendid essay to compel the Adcowhoacan nd make them understand why the University needs you. 

Harvard MS/MBA Biotechnology Class Profile

Harvard’s MS/MBA Biotechnology: Life Sciences program attracts people from various backgrounds interested in bringing about reforms in the healthcare system and aims to become a successful and impactful biotech executive to deliver practical, transformative models at organizational levels. 

Variety in class is the very essence of a top MBA program, and a Biotech program attracts people from consulting firms based on life sciences, therapeutic companies, research labs, medical device companies, and biotech companies. 

The diversity offered by the program promotes several chances to draw and learn from each other’s experiences and maintain a tight-knit community network. 

There you go! It was a bit lengthy, but I can assure you that the above paragraphs contain all you need to know about Harvard’s MS/MBA Biotechnology: Life Sciences program. Before filling out the application form, go at least once through the whole article so you can choose wisely according to your budget and comfort. Nevertheless, it’s needless to say that an MBA from Harvard University guarantees the fortune of a lifetime. 

How to Strengthen Your MBA Application as a Biotech Major

Writing an application for an MBA in Biotechnology can be daunting, especially for candidates unaware of the steps and slopes of the path. However, the significance of a “good application” can be very well realized as the application itself reflects your character & quality based on just a few hundred words presented to them.

Drafting an application for Harvard’s MS/MBA in biotechnology program is on a different level. To ace the process of drafting an MBA application, you need a lot of practice, clarity, and creativity.

The most important part of your biotech application is writing a statement of purpose (SOP). A good SOP is backed by your LORs for Biotechnology. Below are some important tips about how to draft an engaging SOP. 

• Ensure your SOP comprises all the relevant information required for the biotechnology course. 
• Since the SOP is a personal essay, you must take every opportunity to make it unique and specific to the biotechnology program. 
• Remember to be brief but comprehensive in your paragraphs. Furthermore, ensure the correctness of the article’s grammar and punctuation.  
• Don’t forget to mention your academic background, aspirations, technical skills, or professional experiences. 
• State all your greatest accomplishments, related skills, and interests in the program. Always remember that all these characteristics set you apart from other candidates beyond your test marks.
• Finally, proofread again and again and edit your essay to near perfection before final submission.

A well-written, engaging, and grammatically correct SOP will increase your chances of getting accepted into a renowned university; thus, make sure you take your time in writing the SOP instead of a last-minute rush. 

Career Opportunities After Harvard’s MS/MBA Biotechnology Program

Upon graduating, the program would open new doors for graduates to understand and transform industries related to new drug discoveries and therapeutics and develop efficient strategies and novel ways to expand access to these at affordable prices. Some common career opportunities after graduation include: 

• Work in lead science-based organizations, work on research culture and understand the organization, all behavior, oppo, unity-costs ratio, and rewards.
• Work to determine the most cost-efficient strategy for science-based organizations and find new ways to expand access to transformative therapies.
• Contribute to research, work and f novel ways to accelerate discoveries of therapeutics wibiotechnologyeconomic value and at the same time can work with different organizations to understand the financial underpinnings of investment decisions in the life sciences.

Harvard’s MS/MBA Biotechnology Recruiters 

As mentioned above, upon graduating there are so many different secto.sThe which students with an MBA in Biotechnology can get placedMBAsome of these industries are

• Specialized Biotechnology Companies
• Industrial Research and Development
• Pharmaceutical firms
• Food manufacturing companies  

Also, below is a list of recruiters for biotechnology and pharmaceutical positions, the companies listed are among some of the top recruiters for MBA in biotechnology.

Understanding every aspect of the program, scholarship, and admission process can be pretty hectic for a person new to this field in any case; if you need more in-depth information about any particular aspect of the application process, interviews, and course structure, feel free to hop on a 1:1 call with our team of experts.

We at MBAandBeyond follow a stepwise procedure to ensure maximum efficiency, quality, and interaction to make every minute worth it! We at MBA and beyond are determined to guide you through your entire application process, ensuring the best offers from top Business schools. Happy learning 🙂

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Harvard have a biotechnology program?

Harvard University offers a joint degree program in the form of the MS/MBA Biotechnology: Life Sciences under the Graduate School of Arts and Sciences (GSAS) as well as Harvard Medical School through the Harvard Department of Stem Cell and Regenerative Biology. The program is two years long and framed to equip students with the latest business ideas and scientific insights along with their existing biotech and life sciences knowledge.

What can you do with an MBA in biotechnology?

Upon completing the program, it would empower the graduates to understand and transform organizations related to new drug discoveries and therapeutics, lead science-based companies with a good understanding of research culture, opportunity-costs, relevant timeframes, and organizational behavior, find new ways to accelerate medical discoveries into therapeutic results. Devising the best business model for equitable access to these discoveries based on financial, scientific, and ethical approaches.

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Is it useful to do an MBA after PhD?

I have heard of people who have gone on to pursue an MBA after their doctorates. What are the advantages/downsides of this?

Wouldn't the companies recruiting them after MBA value their doctorate experience less compared to the experience gained at an MNC? Is there a risk of them being valued as "failed" doctorates?

• graduate-school
• business-school

• 6 MBAs and PhDs are two different things. If you want to run a business, do an MBA. –  Dave Clarke Commented Jun 1, 2012 at 8:24
• It really depends on the degree and what you ultimately intend to do... What do you plan to get your PhD in, and how do you plan to use an MBA as part of your future plans? –  Paul Commented Jun 2, 2012 at 14:13
• 1 Nature just had an article about it: nature.com/naturejobs/science/articles/10.1038/nj7523-523a –  Gimelist Commented Nov 4, 2014 at 22:39

4 Answers 4

There are several cases where PhDs do an MBA. Some of them are:

• Bored of research as a whole.
• Irritation with academia and poor scope in Industry.
• Want to earn money.
• For furthering responsibilities at the university where one is a professor. If you do some looking around, a high amount of Deans to have an MBA along with a PhD.

No degree ever goes waste. Most people with PhD and MBA acquire director positions in companies.

• 26 "no degree ever goes waste" [citation needed] –  JeffE Commented Jun 2, 2012 at 5:43
• 1 "Most people with PhD and MBA acquire director positions in companies." That seems insanely hard to believe. –  xLeitix Commented Jan 4, 2014 at 16:07

A qualification regardless of level and field of study is never a waste, one needs to realize how to use it wisely and appropriately. As we navigate life we shift perspective and interests, our education choices therefore need to reflect this. Ph.D provides sound research focus, MBA provides sound business and leadership focus. The two combined is a great and electrifying combination.

• 4 A qualification regardless of level and field of study is never a waste — [citation needed] –  JeffE Commented Jan 3, 2014 at 17:08
• @JeffE I can indeed think of many examples where a qualification was indeed a waste. However, a (good) MBA is not usually one of those cases. –  xLeitix Commented Jan 4, 2014 at 16:06
• 2 Right. A good MBA is not one of those cases. But many (if not most ) MBAs are not good . –  JeffE Commented Jan 4, 2014 at 20:08

PhD = specialist in a subject, research skills, critical mind MBA = Broad generalist, management, problem solving

The focus and scope is not the same. Also like it was said most researchers who want to climb the ladder need to take the management track which often require an MBA. Put simply an MD is an MD but a hospital manager needs to be an MD and MBA.

Also to teach at a business school other than math or economics you normally need an MBA. Best is a Phd/MBA but while a lowly MBA can teach that is not usually the case for a PhD.

• If a person is smart they will market their experience during the acquisition of their PhD as also providing them with the problem solving and management skill sets. If you are going to be successful in research or business these are good things to have. –  ryetochondria Commented Nov 5, 2014 at 1:10

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• Published: 25 May 2016

Education: Degrees of success

• Chris Woolston 1  

Nature volume  533 ,  pages 569–570 ( 2016 ) Cite this article

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An MBA can unlock progress to the higher ranks of a company — and many firms are willing to pay for one.

Life-science PhD graduates who wish to leave academia often find rewarding careers in the laboratories of biotechnology and pharmaceutical companies. But some find that the lab isn't enough. Researchers who choose to move beyond the bench to the upper levels of the company often decide to add three more letters to their CV: MBA.

Investing time and money in another degree may seem an unappealing prospect for many PhD holders, but that's the reality of the competitive job market: sometimes you have to go beyond the usual training to get the job. An MBA (master of business administration) can open up career possibilities for a biotechnology or drug-development researcher and help them to stand out from the crowd. Those who decide to take the plunge face key questions: how and when to pursue an MBA (see 'When to go for an MBA'), and where to go from there. Many who have travelled this path say that the extra effort to get the degree has paid off by taking their career to the next level.

An MBA can help industrial researchers to move to a higher position and earn more. Jane Rhodes, now a manager for new high-tech initiatives at Biogen, a biotechnology company in Cambridge, Massachusetts, had spent ten years at the company working on drugs for neurological disorders such as Parkinson's and Alzheimer's disease. She felt hemmed in by the lab, but she realized that she didn't have the business or management skills to move up the company ladder. “I came through the British education system, which is very focused,” she says. “I wanted to learn more about the business side of biotech.”

To fill that gap, Rhodes embarked on a two-year MBA programme at Babson College in Wellesley, Massachusetts. Specifically designed for mid-career professionals, the programme took up to 30 hours a week, a big commitment for a researcher who already had a full-time job and a family. The programme would have cost her about US$75,000, but Biogen paid the bulk of the tuition bill, a sign of how much the company values the degree and the person.

boxed-text Rhodes used her MBA to get her job at Biogen overseeing new company initiatives, a position that would have been off-limits without the extra training in the business side of science. “I can now move to multiple different positions across the company,” she says. “The combination of PhD and MBA is very valuable.” She enjoys thinking beyond the confines of research — and that's only one benefit of her revitalized career. “Without an MBA,” she says, “I don't know if my salary would be anywhere close to what it is now.”

An MBA could give industrial researchers the insight they need to help turn a business around. Looking back, Oréda Boussadia wishes that she'd had that insight in addition to her research skills. She was one of only a few people in the world who knew how to create a certain type of transgenic mouse, thanks to her PhD and postdoctoral training in France and Germany. But she knew nothing about turning mice into profits, which was a problem at the small French biotech company that she joined after her postdoc. “We had very good results, but we had trouble making sales,” she says. The company failed within a year, forcing Boussadia to quickly ponder her next step. “I really wanted to continue in biotech, but I had to refine my management skills,” she says. “I knew how to design a research project, not how to develop a company.”

Boussadia jump-started her career by enrolling in the MBA programme at the Institut Français de Gestion in Nantes, France. Like other MBA schemes, it focused on the practical aspects of business: product development, market analysis, pricing and return on investment, using real-life examples as learning tools. Degree in hand, she soon got a job managing the production and sales of transgenic mice at a branch of Charles River Laboratories in Lyon, France. After holding that job for five years, she is now the European head of business development and strategy for EpiVax, a biotech company in Lyon. She's happy with the course of her career. “I enjoyed research, but it wasn't enough,” she says. “I wanted to be a decision maker.”

New horizons

Armed with an MBA, many can leave the lab without leaving science. As a postdoc, Kyle Rasbach investigated potential therapies for muscular dystrophy at the Dana–Farber Cancer Institute in Boston, Massachusetts. But thanks to the MBA that he'd pursued along with his PhD, he was snapped up after his postdoc for a job studying investment opportunities at investment management firm T. Rowe Price in Baltimore, Maryland. Much of his remit involves evaluating the research taking place at drug companies, from the giants of the business to small start-ups. His lab background helps him to spot blockbuster drugs in the making. “Sixty to seventy per cent of my job is science-based,” he says. “You can't do this job and be excellent at it without a PhD or an MD.”

I enjoyed research, but it wasn't enough. I wanted to be a decision maker.

That's also true for Moritz Fischer, director of international marketing for Fresenius Medical Care in Hessen, Germany. After earning his medical degree at the Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich in Germany, he realized that he did not want a career as a physician or clinician. He took a job at Fresenius as a lower-level marketing manager, but soon recognized that he could go much further with advanced business skills. So he pursued an MBA at Danube University Krems in Austria. The company covered his tuition, which he estimates would have cost him at least €20,000 ($22,500). It was a reasonable investment for the company, he says, because he has made money for them. “They were able to capitalize on my training,” he says.

Success stories of researchers with MBAs in biotech and drug development have caught the attention of early-career researchers who are still plotting their careers. Jeffrey Zahratka, a postdoc at the Cleveland Clinic in Ohio, says that he could see himself working at a biotech firm, perhaps one that makes implantable devices to treat neurological disorders. “I could act as a go-between for the research side and the business side,” he says. He still has to weigh up the pros and cons of another degree, but he thinks that he could bring a lot of value to a company. “People with a research background have a lot of tenacity,” he says. “They are battle-tested.”

If he decides to go down the MBA route, he won't be alone. But for now, PhD–MBA remains a relatively rare combination — that factor alone can help a person to stand out and move forward. It's a matter of degree.

Box 1: When to go for an MBA

Timing matters for junior researchers who see an MBA in their future. Although you don't need a PhD to enrol in a programme, many scientists have found that it pays to finish their research training first. “Having a PhD makes it easier to get accepted into an MBA programme,” says Jane Rhodes, a director of new initiatives at biotech firm Biogen in Cambridge, Massachusetts. “And non-PhDs who get an MBA have been less successful.”

Linh Gilles, director of admissions for the Carlson School of Management at the University of Minnesota in Minneapolis, confirms that applicants to the school's MBA course who already have PhDs are more likely to be accepted. Recruiting more PhD scientists to the school is a priority, she says. “Students with a research background have that analytical component,” she explains. “It allows them to hit the ground running that much more quickly.”

Rhodes says that PhD holders who are interested in an MBA should get some industry experience first. “I wouldn't recommend doing it straight out of an academic postdoc,” she says. “You have to have some sort of business context.” And, as was true for her, scientists who already work in industry might be able to get their employer to pay for some or all of the tuition.

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David Spetzler, MS, PhD, MBA

Dr. Spetzler joined Caris Life Sciences in August 2009 and has led our R&D and laboratory operations in a multitude of roles. As President, he currently leads the company’s Clinical Operations, Research and Development, Information Technology, Bioinformatics and Biopharma Services. Dr. Spetzler has generated more than 330 patent applications across 37 different patent families and co-authored more than 123 peer-reviewed journal articles.

As an innovator in molecular science and precision medicine, Dr. Spetzler has a relentless focus on improving patient care. He has led the development of each of the company’s clinical offerings, including our launches of clinical Whole Transcriptome Sequencing in 2019 and Whole Exome Sequencing in 2020. More recently he led the launch of our first AI-based clinical products, Caris GPSai™ and FOLFIRSTai™. He also led the recent development and launch of Caris Assure™, a new whole exome and whole transcriptome liquid biopsy assay that sequences DNA & RNA from both plasma and buffy coat to provide sensitive testing to patients without requiring a tissue specimen.

Dr. Spetzler oversaw the development of the company’s exclusive and unique technology, ADAPT, which is able to measure thousands of protein aberrations and is being used to develop early cancer detection assays, discover novel drug targets and characterize protein differences in each patient’s tumor. He also leads the ongoing development of the company’s proprietary AI platform (DEAN) to create and validate dozens of machine learning signatures, called Next Generation Profiling™ (NGP), thus providing the most in-depth and exclusive analysis and interpretation using the most comprehensive suite of clinical offerings available to cancer patients today. The Company is preparing to launch and continues to develop dozens of unique proprietary AI DEAN-driven, machine learning signatures unlocked from a decade of testing patients and accumulating outcomes data to improve cancer diagnosis and therapeutic guidance never before seen.

Prior to Caris, Dr. Spetzler was a member of the research faculty at Arizona State University, where he developed multiplexed nanotechnologies for single molecule detection of nucleic acid and protein targets. He also developed novel methods of using DNA to create biological computers to solve NP-complete optimization problems and built a novel optical detection system capable of measuring single molecule protein conformational changes with microsecond time resolution. At Arizona State University, Dr. Spetzler earned a MS from the School of Mathematical and Statistical Science in Computational Bioscience, a PhD in Molecular & Cellular Biology and an MBA. Dr. Spetzler is an adjunct faculty member of the molecular cellular biology program at Arizona State University, and a scientific and commercial reviewer for SBIR/STTR grants for NSF.

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Bolster your expertise in the way our world and its citizens work by diving deep into an advanced degree in the sciences. Whether you’re interested in human behavior, the living or physical world, or the science behind physical and emotional wellness, you can explore what you’re passionate about at NYU—and prepare for careers in biomedical research, ocean science, anthropology, psychological practice, applied research, and more.

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*Interested applicants may have the opportunity to participate in the NYU Abu Dhabi Global PhD Student Fellowship program or the NYU Shanghai doctoral study and research program . ✝ Interested applicants may have the opportunity to participate in the NYU Shanghai doctoral study and research program .

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*Interested applicants may have the opportunity to participate in the NYU Abu Dhabi Global PhD Student Fellowship program or the NYU Shanghai doctoral study and research program .

If you’re excited by more than one subject and would like to combine them to create your own individualized program of study, you may be interested in the MA in Individualized Study degree at the Gallatin School of Individualized Study.

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Scholarships are determined by a variety of factors. The minimum academic requirements for each award are listed below. The charts are based on your year of entry and include the minimum GPA you need to maintain to renew your scholarship each year.

Graduate Assistantships

Graduate assistantships are offered to qualified students enrolled in our graduate degree programs providing partial or total tuition remission. Depending on your skills and experience and the needs of a specific program, graduate assistants may be asked to work as a Graduate Assistant (GA), Research Assistant (RA), or Teaching Assistant (TA).  Learn more .

Graduate Scholar Award (GSA): Up To $3,000 Per Year

This award recognizes the talents of entering graduate students who have demonstrated a high level of academic achievement. It consists of up to $3,000 per-year tuition-only credit for a maximum of three years (six semesters) of continuous full-time enrollment (nine credits). Proration may be available for applicants taking less than nine graduate level credits per semester, but you must register for at least three graduate level credits per semester for this proration. In addition, this scholarship applies only to fall and spring semesters and is not applicable to graduate courses that are offered at a discounted tuition rate.

Typically, students with the following criteria qualify:

• Complete the  FAFSA  (U.S. students only).
• Be accepted to a matriculated graduate degree program.
• Have earned a bachelor’s degree with a 3.3 CGPA. * Please note that scholarships are awarded based on your GPA at the time of application. If your final, official GPA is higher than when you applied, the Office of Admissions will reconsider scholarship awards up until the beginning of the semester.
• Bridge students are not eligible for scholarships during the time they are taking bridge coursework. They become eligible once matriculated into their degree program. To qualify for scholarships after matriculation, bridge students must have achieved a minimum CGPA of 3.3 for their bachelor’s degree and a CGPA of 3.3 for any bridge coursework.
• If your program requires a GRE, then you must have earned a high enough combined score on the verbal and quantitative sections as determined by your academic department.
• M.B.A. applicants must have a minimum GMAT score of 400.
• International students must have a minimum TOEFL score of 79, IELTS score of 6, PTE score of 53, or Duolingo score of 105.
• All students must be fully accepted without academic conditions.

Renewal Criteria

Awards are renewable each semester if you have a FAFSA on file, meet  Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP)  criteria, and maintain a 3.3 cumulative GPA. This award applies to fall and spring semesters only.

New York Tech Graduate Alumni Award

This award is offered to students who hold a New York Institute of Technology bachelor’s or master’s degree only. The award is NOT applicable to students in dual degree programs with the College of Osteopathic Medicine.

To be considered, all students must complete an application each academic year. This award will be allotted on an annual basis for a maximum of three (3) years or six semesters depending on the student meeting all of the following criteria required each semester.

• Allotted $1,000 tuition-only credit for every three credits, up to $6,000 per year ($3,000 per semester)
• Student must complete their degree on the Long Island or New York City campus of New York Tech.
• This award is not applicable to students enrolled in the BS/DO, BS/DPT, BS/MSOT, or BS/MSPA joint-degree undergraduate/graduate programs.
• This award is not applicable to students with tuition remission or tuition exchange or for students who take classes at an already discounted tuition rate.
• This award is not applicable to students receiving a second bachelor’s degree at New York Tech.
• This application does not guarantee an award. This award is subject to fund availability.
• Complete the  FAFSA  and submit any requested  verification documents  (excluding International students)
• Must be fully matriculated in one of New York Tech’s graduate degree-granting programs in New York
• Must have a prior baccalaureate or master’s degree from New York Tech
• Cannot be enrolled in the BS/DO, BS/DPT, BS/MSOT, or BS/MSPA joint-degree undergraduate/graduate programs at New York Tech.
• Enrolled in at least three (3) credits
• Maintain  Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP)
• Maintain at least a 3.0 cumulative grade point average
• Complete and submit a  New York Tech Graduate Alumni Award application  annually

Application Deadlines

• For Fall Admits:  July 15
• For Spring Admits:  December 15

Life Science Achievement Award: Up To $3,975 Per Year

This scholarship is awarded only to students who are matriculated in the B.S. in Life Sciences dual degree programs in occupational therapy, physical therapy, and physician assistant studies. This award is not applicable to students enrolled in the combined Life Sciences/Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine degree program. The award bridges the gap between your undergraduate phase and your graduate or professional phase.

This one-time scholarship provides up to $3,975 for the first year (including summer if applicable) of the professional phase of the combined BS/MS.OT, BS/MS.PA and BS/DPT programs for the completion of your undergraduate degree program. Full-time attendance is required.

• Complete the  FAFSA  (U.S. students only).
• Maintain a 3.3 cumulative GPA.
• Satisfactorily complete the classes you registered for in the previous semester.
• Be matriculated in the B.S. in Life Sciences dual degree programs in occupational therapy, physical therapy, and physician assistant studies.

Mayor’s Graduate Scholar Award

This award is for students who work for the Office of the Mayor of New York. It consists of $3,000 per year for up to three years or six semesters. This scholarship cannot be combined with the New York Tech Graduate Scholar Award. Students must have a bachelor’s degree and be admitted to a New York Tech graduate program.