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MS/MBA Biotechnology: Life Sciences

A joint degree with the Graduate School of Arts and Sciences and Harvard Medical School through the Harvard Department of Stem Cell and Regenerative Biology

The world needs more leaders working at the intersection of science and society, with deep understanding of biotechnology, life sciences, and management. To meet this need, the MS/MBA Biotechnology: Life Sciences Program at Harvard University builds upon students’ existing biotech and life sciences knowledge and equips them with the latest business and scientific insights. This empowers them to grow transformative organizations that will advance new drug discoveries or therapeutics.

The curriculum emphasizes an understanding of effective, sustainable business models for discovery and development, the ethical implications of new therapeutics, and equitable access to the fruits of therapeutic discovery.

Admissions & Financial Aid

Harvard offers a joint degree program that confers an MBA from Harvard Business School and a Master of Science from the Graduate School of Arts and Sciences and Harvard Medical School in the Harvard Department of Stem Cell and Regenerative Biology, a Faculty of Arts and Sciences/Harvard Medical School joint department. The program is completed over two academic years, utilizing January terms and time in August at the start of the program.

Upon completion of the program, graduates will be able to:

Assess the potential therapeutic value of discoveries emanating from lab-discovery in the life sciences and understand ways to accelerate these discoveries into therapeutics.
Lead science-based organizations, including businesses and non-profits, with an understanding of research culture, relevant timeframes, opportunity-costs, rewards, and organizational behavior.
Determine the most promising strategy for science-based organizations, including novel ways for expanding access to transformative therapies.
Understand the financial underpinnings of investment decisions in the life sciences, including real-option approaches to investments, as well as the role of scientific, commercial, policy, and regulatory uncertainties in affecting these opportunities.
Develop approaches to ethical dilemmas bedeviling novel therapeutics, including investment in neglected diseases, the provision of life-saving drugs to disadvantaged patients and those in the developing world, and the pricing of medicines.

Interested in learning more? Fill out an Introduce Yourself form to stay in touch.

FAQ

Why did Harvard create this program? What is the mission?

As the field of biotechnology continues to grow, so too does the need for business leaders who speak science, and scientists who are exceptional leaders. The MS/MBA Biotechnology: Life Sciences program is the first of its kind to address the unique intersection of science, strategy, finance, ethics, and people. Boston’s position as America’s hub for biotechnology allows the program to leverage this vibrant ecosystem to develop students into effective life sciences leaders.

How do we leverage Boston’s biotech, research and entrepreneurial ecosystems? Are there opportunities outside the classroom?

MS/MBA Biotechnology students list the HBS Healthcare Club, the Harvard Biotech Club, the Rock Center for Entrepreneurship, and Harvard iLabs as key sources of collaboration and support during the program. Through courses like the Life Sciences, Ethics, and Management seminar, students interact with industry leaders, who discuss challenges they have faced in their various roles.

What types of applicants should be interested in this program?

Prospective students should be fascinated by the intersection of biotech, pharma, and business. Successful candidates for the program will hold an undergraduate degree in biology (or another life science) and/or have significant workplace experience in biotechnology or life sciences. Candidates with advanced degrees such as an MS, MD, or PhD are warmly welcomed to apply.

If you are unsure whether your background has prepared you sufficiently, consider your familiarity with the topics covered in Molecular Biology of the Cell by Alberts et al. The MBA Voices blog includes more insight on the backgrounds of current MS/MBA Biotechnology students.

What is the admissions process?

There are two important things to keep in mind with the MS/MBA Biotechnology: Life Sciences application:

It is a single application hosted by HBS. There is one additional essay and letter of recommendation requirement.
Applying for the MS/MBA does not impact your application to the regular MBA program.

For a full description of the admissions process, please visit: Admissions & Financial Aid.

What is the essay prompt for the additional essay required for MS/MBA applicants?

How do you expect the joint degree experience to benefit you on both a professional and a personal level? (Recommended Length: 400 words)

Am I missing out on the MBA experience as a joint degree student?

MS/MBA students are full participants in the RC experience. The cohort is spread out across the 10 HBS sections. Many of the MS/MBA students serve in section leadership roles and actively engage in social activities across both schools.

Current students attest that being a member of two Harvard communities has been an additive experience. In addition to their HBS sections, MS/MBA students have found being a part of a smaller core group of classmates with similar interests and a shared joint degree experience to be one of the most rewarding parts of the program.

What are some career aspirations for students who complete this degree? What career prospects does this program prepare you for?

Students are prepared for a wide range of career paths such as leading existing companies and/or launching new biotech companies, working in the areas of venture capital, private equity, policy development, regulatory affairs, consulting, or advising. Conversations inside and outside the classroom have the potential to spark an interest in an otherwise unknown area of the field or bring to light an opportunity for improvement in the current system.

How may I finance the two degrees?

Students may apply for financial aid and tuition assistance after being accepted to the MBA program. Financial resources are available during both the first and second years.

Through the generosity of The Chris (MBA 1993) and Carrie Shumway Foundation, all students who matriculate in the MS/MBA Biotechnology: Life Sciences Program are awarded an incremental $5,500 scholarship each academic year ($11,000 total). The students enrolled in the program are known as Shumway Fellows and will enjoy the support of Chris and Carrie Shumway.