M.S. Biotechnology and Pharmaceutical Engineering (MS-BTPE) at Carnegie Mellon University
A Joint Program from the Departments of Chemical Engineering and Biological Sciences
Biotechnology is transforming the way we treat disease, develop medicines and understand the human body. At Carnegie Mellon University, we’ve created a graduate program that prepares students to lead this transformation.
The M.S. in Biotechnology and Pharmaceutical Engineering (MS-BTPE) is a 1.5-year, full-time program that combines the strengths of CMU’s Department of Biological Sciences and Department of Chemical Engineering. Students gain advanced scientific training alongside practical instruction in bioprocessing, drug development, regulatory compliance, and bioinformatics. Many of our professors jointly share research projects, foster development of more expansive knowledge that bridges chemical engineering, molecular biology and medicine.
Why Choose the MS-BTPE program at CMU?
- Interdisciplinary Curriculum: Learn from expert faculty in both biology and engineering. Coursework includes immunology, genomic manipulation, synthetic biology, process design and scale-up techniques. In the first semester, students from each discipline take courses to build knowledge in the other area, so engineers take intensive coursework in modern biology, while biologists take foundational engineering principles. In subsequent semesters, students learn side-by-side with peers from different backgrounds. This approach mirrors the industry spaces where engineers and scientists work hand-in-hand to advance research and bring new technologies to market.
- Industry-Driven Training: Our curriculum was developed in collaboration with leading pharmaceutical and biotech companies to ensure students are prepared for real-world challenges. In addition, many CMU faculty engage in research on biomanufacturing and therapeutics, putting them at the forefront of the field.
- Hands-On Experience: At Carnegie Mellon University, we recognize the transformative power of real-world experience. That’s why hands-on lab work and project-based learning are central to the MS-BTPE program. Students have the opportunity to collaborate directly with faculty in cutting-edge campus labs focused on areas such as drug delivery systems and cellular production optimization. Whether assisting on ongoing research or conducting original investigations, students receive mentorship and training that can lead to published work. You may also choose to write and defend a research thesis as part of your academic journey. After the first year, students are encouraged to pursue internships — either on campus or with leading pharmaceutical companies — to further apply their skills in professional settings and prepare for impactful careers.
- Career-Ready in 3 Semesters: Complete your degree in just 1.5 years and enter the workforce with a competitive edge in a rapidly growing industry. Informed by these industry collaborations, our program responds to needs expressed by major pharmaceutical and start-up companies for employees who can immediately contribute to the industry. Through advanced coursework and hands-on experience, students gain expertise in the following key fields:
- Bioinformatic integration
- Commercial research
- Drug development
- Medicinal chemistry
- Regulatory compliance
- Cross-Disciplinary Learning: Students from biology and engineering backgrounds learn side-by-side, gaining complementary skills and building a shared language for collaboration.
- Faculty-Led Innovation: Inspired by a conversation between CMU professors Kris Dahl and DJ Brasier, this program reflects CMU’s culture of innovation and interdisciplinary thinking.
- Cutting-Edge Topics: Explore emerging technologies like CAR-T therapy, gene editing, protein therapeutics, and rapid vaccine development.
- Supportive Community: Dedicated advisors, job fairs, and social events help students build a strong peer and professional network.
Real-World Impact
The MS-BTPE program is designed to meet the growing demand for professionals who can bridge the gap between biology and engineering. Graduates will be equipped to:
- Scale biopharmaceutical designs for industrial production
- Engineer cells and proteins for therapeutic use
- Navigate regulatory environments and commercial research
- Contribute to innovations in synthetic biology and personalized medicine
Our curriculum and lab work prepare you to work in professional and academic settings, from pharmaceutical companies to hospital labs. Recent CMU students have gone to work for:
- Genentech
- Ginkgo Bioworks
- Oxford Biomedica
- Scribe Therapeutics
Recent job titles for MS-BTPE graduates include:
- Automation engineer
- Process development program associate
- Research associate
Application Fee:
$25 for all applicants.
Application Deadlines:
- Priority Deadline: December 15. Application review begins in mid-December and applications are reviewed on a rolling basis after that.
- International Applicants: March 1
- Domestic Applicants (including current F-1 visa holders in the U.S.): April 29
How to apply to the M.S. in Biotechnology and Pharmaceutical Engineering Program
Step 1: Start Your Application
Begin your journey toward a career in bioinformatics and data-driven biological research.
- Create an account through the MCS Graduate Application Portal.
- Select “MCS Graduate Application,” then choose “M.S. in Biotechnology and Pharmaceutical Engineering.
- You may also apply separately to:
- M.S. in Biotechnology & Pharmaceutical Engineering
- M.S. in Quantitative Biology and Bioinformatics
Step 2: Submit Transcripts
- All Applicants: Upload unofficial transcripts during the application process. Official transcripts will be required only if admitted.
- International Applicants: A WES (World Education Services) evaluation is required for all international transcripts.
Step 3: GRE Scores (Optional)
- GRE scores are not required, but will be reviewed if submitted.
- Photocopies are accepted for initial review; official scores must be submitted if admitted.
Institution Code: CMU 2074
Department Code: Biology 0203
Step 4: English Language Proficiency (For Non-Native Speakers)
Applicants who are non-native English speakers must submit one of the following:
- TOEFL
- IELTS
- Duolingo English Test
Score Submission Codes:
- Duolingo: Select “Carnegie Mellon University – Mellon College of Science”
- TOEFL: Institution Code CMU 2074, Department Code 35
- IELTS: Select “Carnegie Mellon University, Mellon College of Science”
Step 5: Letters of Recommendation
Submit three letters of recommendation from individuals who can assess your academic and research potential.
- At least one letter should be from your most recently attended college or university.
Step 6: Statement of Purpose
Craft a compelling 1–2 page essay that outlines:
- Your motivation for pursuing a degree in Biotechnology and Pharmaceutical Engineering and reasons for considering the Department of Biological Sciences and the Department of Chemical Engineering.
- Any research experience and your role in those projects
- Your primary areas of interest within the field
- Why you are choosing Carnegie Mellon University’s Department of Biological Sciences
Step 7: Finalize Your Application
- Ensure all materials are submitted before the deadline.
- After submission, monitor your application status page for updates.
Questions? Contact us at MS-BTPE Admissions
Step 8: Admissions Decisions
- Application review begins mid-December.
- Decisions are typically released within two months of the review start date.
CMU Rales Fellows
The Carnegie Mellon University Rales Fellows Program is dedicated to cultivating the next generation of STEM leaders and driving innovation by increasing access to a life-changing graduate education. By removing financial barriers to obtaining advanced degrees and providing Fellows with holistic support, the Rales Fellows Program empowers and connects scholars with others who share a passion for progress and innovation.
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