What is the institution code for Brown University?
The institution code for Brown University is 3094. There is no separate department/program code.
Are the GREs required for admission?
No. The GREs are not required.
What is the cost of tuition?
The 2024-25 cost of tuition is $8,576 per credit or $68,608 for eight credits. Students pay per credit, so the 2024-25 cost for the degree is $68,608.
How many credits do I need to graduate?
The Biotechnology Master's degree is an eight-credit degree that students typically complete over two years. At Brown, one credit is equivalent to one course.
Do you offer financial aid?
Most students are self-funded, meaning they pay for the degree through loans or their personal funds. Domestic students can complete the FAFSA and CSS profile to obtain loans. For more information on financial aid, click here. International students should consult this website.
Are scholarships available?
All accepted applicants, domestic and international, are considered for an 1/8 tuition scholarship. These merit awards are limited, and are determined based on application material. No other information is necessary to be considered for the merit scholarship
Are there specific prerequisites for the program?
We accept students with bachelor's degrees in all life sciences majors. Other majors are accepted on a case-by-case basis.
I would like to apply to the Fifth-Year Master's Degree program. Is there a different process?
Yes. Please visit the Fifth-Year Master's Degree section of our website, by clicking here. Please note that the Fifth-Year Program is exclusively for current Brown Undergraduate students.
What is the difference between a Master of Science in Biotechnology and a Master of Arts in Biotechnology?
The Master of Science in Biotechnology has coursework as well as a thesis requirement. The Master of Arts is a non-thesis, coursework-only degree program.
Do you offer a part-time program?
Yes. Please click here for more information on our part-time track program.
Is there an interview process?
No. We do not hold interviews.
What kind of jobs do Biotechnology graduates obtain?
Our graduates go to work for big pharma companies, biotech companies, device companies, universities, and consulting firms. Please click here for more information.
I am an international applicant. Is there anything additional I need to know?
Further information for international applicants can be found by clicking here.
Is the TOEFL or IELTS required for international students?
All international applicants whose native language is not English must submit an official Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or International English Language Testing System (IELTS) Score. For more information, click here.
Is the co-op required?
No. The co-op is not required. Please visit our co-op FAQ page for more information.
Can international students do the co-op?
Generally yes. Many international students do this each semster. Students must consult OISSS to determine eligibility for CPT.
Can I finish the program in one year?
The AM degree can be accelerated to be completed in two semesters. The ScM degree can be completed in two semesters, but this represents a significant time commitment from students as it requires both course work and a thesis. Most ScM students looking to accelerate their degree complete the program in 12-15 months.
Who will be my advisor?
Each student is assigned to either the Director or the Associate Director as an academic advisor. In addition, ScM students find a research advisor who serves as their thesis advisor. The process of finding a thesis is a combination of students reaching out to faculty and faculty reaching out to students for interviews. Both a student and a research advisor have to agree to work together. Doing a thesis is contingent on finding a research advisor, however, almost every student wishing to pursue a thesis has been able to.
Should I reach out to research faculty to be my research advisor before applying?
No. Most faculty will want to see that you are accepted into the program prior to discussing thesis research.