Admissions

If you are interested in pursuing a dynamic career in biotechnology and associated professions, we invite you to apply to our Master of Biotechnology Program (MBP). Your application will be reviewed promptly, and an interview will be scheduled if your application is competitive. Competitive applications feature GPA's above 3.5 and TOEFL or IELTS scores better than 100 or 7.5, respectively.  

Our institution code for TOEFL is 5937. From the IELTS guide: "IELTS test takers can wait until their results have been released and then contact the test center where they took the test to request scores to be sent to the institution(s) of their choice. They will need to provide the test center with the name, department (if applicable) and address of the institution(s)." 

MBP will accept the submission of TOEFL or IELTS test scores through their at home testing service to meet this requirement. This option is only available while testing centers are closed due to the impact of COVID-19.  The MBP does not require the GRE test. 

Quick Facts about Application
Application Deadlines	Scholarship (Domestic and International): March 1 Final: May 31 International: May 1
Application Fee	None
Prerequisite Coursework	At least one course in each of the following areas: Organic chemistry or biochemistry General or physical chemistry Biology (e.g., cellular or molecular) Calculus
Application Process	Fill out and submit an online application. Participate in an interview via Skype, by phone, or in person, once the application is complete (including 2 recommendation letters).  Interviews take place multiple times every month November through May, and on a case-by-case basis outside this time period. Receive an official decision.

START THE ONLINE APPLICATION

Admitted students are eligible for funds towards visiting campus either individually or for one of our Campus Visit Days. These are two events held in the spring. Campus Visit Day allows admitted students to see MBP program spaces and meet with the program faculty, current students, and alumni through a day of engaging events here on Northwestern’s beautiful campus. Apply by our Round One deadline of March 1st to be included in a Campus Visit Day as an admitted student!

Already a Northwestern Student?

Some undergraduate courses may count toward your degree and shorten your MBP curriculum from five to four quarters.

2024-2025 Tuition

• Students are expected to pay five quarters of tuition to earn the Master of Science in Biotechnology degree. The tuition for the 2024-2025 academic year is $18,309 per quarter. Tuition for the 2025-2026 academic year has not been established. 
• Students who choose to take part in an internship during their degree do not pay tuition during their internship. Additionally, many of the internships are paid positions.

Financial Aid

Master’s students may be able to find funding through loan options or through other scholarship and resource opportunities, some of which are listed on McCormick’s website.

Additionally, students may want to visit the Evanston Office of Graduate Financial Aid for information on federal and private loan and funding options. 

Students using financial aid to fund their graduate degree must comply with the Financial Aid Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) Policy to maintain eligibility.

We offer merit-based scholarships to US students and exceptional international students in the amount of up to $20,000.