M.S. in Biotechnology, Pathway - 2 Semesters

Entry requirements for Postgraduate programs

1. Academic Qualifications: Prospective postgraduate students applying to American University are expected to demonstrate strong academic qualifications in their previous studies. While specific requirements may vary depending on the program, applicants typically need to hold a bachelor's degree or its equivalent from an accredited institution. The academic qualifications requirement generally falls within the range of 83% to 86%, depending on the program and the competitiveness of the applicant pool.

2. English Language Proficiency:  

   • IELTS (International English Language Testing System): A minimum overall band score of 6 is required with no band less than 5.5.
   • TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language): The minimum TOEFL iBT (internet-based test) score 74 with no band less than 20 is required.
   • PTE (Pearson Test of English): The minimum PTE Academic score required is 50 with no band less than 46.
   • DET (Duolingo English Test): The minimum DET score of 100 is required with no sub-score below 90.

American University (AU) in Washington D.C., USA, is committed to promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion by providing financial assistance to international students through various scholarship programs. These scholarships are designed to attract top talent from around the world and make an American University education more accessible to students from diverse backgrounds.  

Global Leader Scholarship: The Global Leader Scholarship at American University is a merit-based award offered to international students who demonstrate exceptional academic achievement, leadership potential, and a commitment to making a positive impact in their communities. This prestigious scholarship covers full tuition, room, and board for the duration of the student's undergraduate studies at AU.

International Peace Scholarship: The International Peace Scholarship is awarded to international students who have a strong academic record and a demonstrated commitment to promoting peace, justice, and social change. This scholarship provides partial tuition support to eligible students enrolled in undergraduate programs at American University.

AU Emerging Global Leader Scholarship: The AU Emerging Global Leader Scholarship is awarded to outstanding international students who have overcome significant obstacles and challenges to pursue their education and demonstrate leadership potential and a commitment to serving their communities. This scholarship covers full tuition, room, and board for the duration of the student's undergraduate studies at AU.

AU International Merit Scholarship: The AU International Merit Scholarship is awarded to international students with exceptional academic achievements and strong leadership qualities. This merit-based scholarship provides partial tuition support to eligible undergraduate students enrolled at American University.

AU Dean's Scholarship for International Students: The AU Dean's Scholarship for International Students is awarded to academically talented international students who demonstrate financial need and have a strong commitment to academic excellence. This scholarship provides partial tuition support to eligible undergraduate students at AU.

AU Transfer Merit Scholarship for International Students: The AU Transfer Merit Scholarship for International Students is awarded to outstanding transfer students from international institutions who demonstrate exceptional academic achievements and leadership potential. This merit-based scholarship provides partial tuition support to eligible undergraduate transfer students at American University.

AU Presidential Scholarship for International Students: The AU Presidential Scholarship for International Students is awarded to top-performing international students who have demonstrated outstanding academic achievements, leadership abilities, and a commitment to service. This prestigious scholarship covers full tuition for eligible undergraduate students at AU.

These scholarships for international students at American University reflect the university's commitment to academic excellence, diversity, and global engagement. By providing financial assistance and support to talented and deserving students from around the world, American University seeks to foster a diverse and inclusive campus community and prepare students to become global leaders and change-makers in their respective fields. International students interested in applying for scholarships at American University should review the eligibility criteria and application requirements on the university's official website and contact the Office of Admissions for further assistance.

Graduates of the Master of Science (M.S.) in Biotechnology program at American University Washington D.C. are well-equipped to pursue diverse and rewarding career opportunities in the rapidly growing field of biotechnology. The M.S. in Biotechnology program at American University Washington D.C. prepares graduates for dynamic and impactful careers in biotechnology, offering opportunities for professional growth, innovation, and leadership in a rapidly evolving biotechnological landscape. Graduates emerge as skilled and versatile biotechnology professionals equipped to address global challenges and drive positive change through biotechnological innovation and entrepreneurship.

1. Biotechnologist/Research Scientist: Graduates can work as biotechnologists or research scientists in academic institutions, research laboratories, biotechnology companies, or government agencies. They conduct research, develop new technologies, and contribute to scientific discoveries in areas such as genomics, proteomics, molecular biology, and bioinformatics.

2. Bioprocess Engineer: Graduates may pursue roles as bioprocess engineers in biopharmaceutical companies, biotechnology startups, or contract manufacturing organizations. They design, optimize, and scale-up bioprocesses for the production of biopharmaceuticals, vaccines, enzymes, and other bioproducts using microbial, cell culture, or fermentation technologies.

3. Quality Control/Quality Assurance Specialist: Graduates can work as quality control or quality assurance specialists in biotechnology companies, ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements, industry standards, and Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP). They perform quality testing, document compliance, and implement quality management systems to ensure product safety and efficacy.

4. Bioinformatics Analyst: Graduates with expertise in bioinformatics can pursue careers as bioinformatics analysts in pharmaceutical companies, research institutions, or bioinformatics service providers. They analyze biological data, develop computational tools, and conduct bioinformatics research to support drug discovery, genomics, personalized medicine, and other applications.

5. Regulatory Affairs Specialist: Graduates may work as regulatory affairs specialists in biotechnology companies, assisting with regulatory submissions, compliance, and approvals for new biopharmaceutical products, medical devices, or diagnostics. They navigate complex regulatory frameworks, liaise with regulatory agencies, and ensure product compliance with regulatory requirements.

6. Clinical Research Associate: Graduates can pursue roles as clinical research associates (CRAs) or clinical trial coordinators in clinical research organizations (CROs), pharmaceutical companies, or academic medical centers. They coordinate clinical trials, recruit study participants, collect data, and ensure compliance with study protocols and regulatory guidelines.

7. Product Development Manager: Graduates may work as product development managers in biotechnology companies, overseeing the development and commercialization of new biotechnological products, such as therapeutic proteins, vaccines, diagnostic assays, or agricultural biotechnology products. They manage cross-functional teams, drive product development strategies, and navigate the product development lifecycle.

8. Entrepreneur/Biotechnology Startup Founder: Graduates with entrepreneurial aspirations may start their own biotechnology startups or consulting firms. They develop innovative biotechnological solutions, secure funding, navigate regulatory requirements, and commercialize biotechnological products or services in areas such as precision medicine, synthetic biology, or agricultural biotechnology.

9. Scientific Writer/Communicator: Graduates can pursue careers as scientific writers, communicators, or educators in biotechnology-related fields. They write scientific articles, reports, grant proposals, or regulatory documents, and communicate scientific findings to diverse audiences through publications, presentations, or educational programs.

10. Academic/Industry Liaison: Graduates may work as academic-industry liaisons, facilitating collaborations and partnerships between academic institutions and biotechnology companies. They identify research opportunities, negotiate collaborations, and foster knowledge exchange and technology transfer between academia and industry.