Biological and Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Master of Science

Admission

Students complete a 33 credit, interdisciplinary program with courses offered by the Department of Biological Sciences, Chemistry, Pharmaceutical Sciences, and Pharmacy Administration and Public Health—18 credits are within a pharmaceutical biotechnology “core” which includes a three-credit biotechnology internship at an approved site and 15 credits in elective courses. Students must maintain a program cumulative grade point average of at least 3.0. Most courses are typically held in the evening.

Application Requirements

Applicants must submit the following items with their admission application:

• Official transcripts documenting a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale and a B.S. or B.A. or equivalent in a life sciences or physical sciences major
  • Applicants with transcripts from non-US accredited institutions require a World Education Services (WES) evaluation
• A minimum of two letters of reference
• International applicants who have not received a degree from an US-accredited institution are required to present evidence of proficiency in English such as the TOEFL/ IELTS/ DuoLingo test

Program Requirements

The curriculum provides a strong conceptual foundation upon which students can build the practical skills to excel in this exciting and rapidly evolving field. Students must complete a minimum of 33 credits, 18 of which are satisfied by the completion of the required core courses, which includes an off-campus internship. To be eligible for the BIT 900 Internship in Biotechnology, the student must have completed at least 21 credits, preferably 30 credits, with a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0.

Fellowships

There are no fellowships or graduate assistantships available for this degree program. The scholarship committee may award $2000, $3500, $5000, or $6500 per year for up to two years to excellent applicants when funding is available. In addition, applicants may contact the Associate Dean for Graduate Education and Research for information regarding available opportunities.

Academic Standing

All graduate students must maintain a cumulative GPA of 3.0 to continue in the graduate program. A GPA below 3.0 at the end of a semester results in terminal academic probation. In addition, any course letter grade below a B places the student on terminal academic probation. During terminal academic probation, for the next 12 credits of registered course work, excluding special problems and research credits, any grade below B results in a recommendation for academic dismissal. Placement on terminal academic probation also initiates a PHS Dept. review of the student’s academic performance. If academic standing is remediated, the student is no longer on terminal academic probation; however, an additional grade below B will result in terminal academic probation for the remainder of the degree.

If two grades are below B and/or the GPA is below 3.0 in any given semester, the student will be on terminal academic probation for the remainder of their degree. Three grades below B result in immediate recommendation for academic dismissal regardless of academic standing. The student may withdraw from the program prior to academic dismissal..

Transfer of Credit

A student may request transfer up to six (6) graduate credits that have not been applied to another degree from another US-accredited institution of higher learning to substitute for courses in the curriculum. The student must submit a course syllabus for which he or she is requesting transfer credit and an official transcript from the College or University at which the course was taken, to the Director of the Biotechnology Program. The syllabus will be evaluated by the Graduate Education and Policy Committee. If it is deemed to be equivalent, the student will receive transfer credit for the course.

Career Outcomes

Pharmaceutical biotechnology draws upon such disciplines as microbiology, biochemistry, molecular and cellular biology, and pharmaceutical sciences. According to TEConomy Partners, LLC, in 2022 the biopharmaceutical sector directly supported 71,598 jobs and was responsible for a total of 287,270 jobs (direct and indirect) in New York State. The industry generated an economic output of $103.0 billion in total value of goods and services. The average worker compensation in direct biopharmaceutical jobs in New York was $138,111 annually, significantly higher than the state average.

New York State continues to strategically invest in biosciences. In October 2024, the Governor unveiled plans for the New York BioGenesis Park, a $430 million Cell and Gene Therapy (CGT) Innovation Hub in Nassau County, Long Island, with a historic $150 million state investment aimed at accelerating the delivery of new therapies. New York's bioscience-related Research & Development (R&D) expenditure totaled $5.5 billion in FY 2022, placing it among the top states nationally. These investments and the sustained growth highlight New York's commitment to fostering a dynamic life science ecosystem that drives economic growth, attracts talent, and revolutionizes patient care.

Companies and agencies that specialize in pharmaceutical biotechnology seek skilled professionals to meet the industry’s scientific and administrative demands. Career opportunities abound in clinical labs, information technology, large pharmaceuticals, research labs and even small start-ups. You can prepare for these careers through the Master of Science Degree Program in Biological and Pharmaceutical Biotechnology at St. John’s University.

References:

• "Biopharmaceutical Sector Impact on New York's Economy." TEConomy Partners, LLC for PhRMA. February 2024. https://cdn.aglty.io/phrma/fact-sheets/economic-impact/New%20York_Eco%20Impact%20One%20Pager%202022_2.pdf (Accessed September 10, 2025)

• New York BioGenesis Park - https://www.governor.ny.gov/news/governor-hochul-launches-next-phase-long-islands-nation-leading-cell-and-gene-therapy (Accessed September 10, 2025)

• Empire State Development. "2023 Life Science Initiative Annual Report" (mentions CGTx hubs and other investments). https://www.esd.ny.gov/sites/default/files/2023-Life-Science-Initiative-Annual-Report.pdf (Accessed September 10, 2025)

• NewYorkBIO. "NEW YORK LIFE SCIENCES COMMUNITY CELEBRATES STATE'S GROWING LEADERSHIP AS HUB FOR INNOVATION." January 27, 2025. https://www.newyorkbio.org/news/new-york-life-sciences-community-celebrates-states-growing-leadership-hub-innovation (Accessed September 10, 2025)