Brandeis Online

January 29, 2026

Will pursuing a master's in biotechology help you achieve your goals?

Should I do a master’s in applied biotechnology or a PhD?

The decision to pursue a master’s in biotechnology versus a PhD depends on your personal career goals. Research and development jobs in government and academia often require a PhD as a prerequisite — so if landing a senior position in one of these fields is your goal, a master’s may not be right for you.

However, pursuing a PhD also requires a large time commitment — often between 5 and 7 years. If you want to break into the industry sooner rather than later, want the flexibility to work in or out of the lab, and want to fast-track your path to a senior or leadership position, then a program like Brandeis Online’s MS in Applied Biotechnology and Enterprise will give you the knowledge, skills, and credentials you need.

What jobs can I get with a master’s in applied biotechnology?

A master’s in applied biotechnology can open the door to a diverse range of industry jobs. Graduates of applied biotechnology master’s programs go on to become regulatory affairs managers, bioinformatics technicians, quality control systems managers, clinical research coordinators and more.

Business-focused programs like Brandeis Online’s MS in Applied Biotechnology and Enterprise also open the door to higher level management and chief executive positions by equipping you with the skills to form strategic partnerships and successfully interact with diverse stakeholders.

Will a master’s in applied biotechnology limit me to lab work, or open non-lab roles too?

A master’s in applied biotechnology will certainly not limit you to work in the lab. In fact, earning a master’s — especially from an interdisciplinary program like Brandeis Online’s MS in Applied Biotechnology and Enterprise — gives you more more job flexibility than a PhD or bachelor’s with experience.

Unlike PhD programs — which are research-heavy and lab-focused — a master’s in applied biotechnology can help you quickly pivot from the lab to roles in bioinformatics, regulatory affairs, or business.

With course topics ranging from synthetic biology and genome engineering to strategic partnerships and project and portfolio management, Brandeis Online’s applied biotechnology master’s will give you the scientific, technical, and business expertise necessary to succeed in industry roles both in and out of the lab.

What technologies and techniques will a master’s in applied biotechnology actually teach me?

Applied biotechnology master’s programs are diverse. Brandeis Online’s MS in Applied Biotechnology and Enterprise combines a unique blend of biotechnology and business skills. Students learn how to apply cutting-edge technologies like CRISPR, AI-driven development and sustainable bioprocessing to solve complex problems. However, they also develop essential soft skills in project management and communication, learning how to lead cross-functional teams and develop strategic partnerships in the biotechnology industry.

Brandeis Online’s applied biotechnology and enterprise program is also unique in that our instructors are active industry professionals. This means you’ll learn from the first-hand experiences of your professors, gaining in-depth knowledge of how to navigate regulatory pathways, communicate with diverse stakeholders, and more.

Will a master’s in applied biotechnology help me move into industry if I’m currently in academia?

Yes, a master’s in applied biotechnology can be a huge help if you’re looking to move out of academia and into the biotechnology industry. Brandeis Online’s MS in Applied Biotechnology and Enterprise teaches you about the business side of biotech, giving you much-needed skills in the areas of portfolio and project management, partnership development, and more.

Brandeis Online’s program also comes with the opportunity to network and form close relationships with professionals who are already in the biotech industry. Our faculty and advisory council is composed of active experts in the biotech field, coming from companies like Amgen, Eli Lilly & Company, and Quanterix. The connections you make with instructors — and your peers — can help to guide you as you transition into industry.