harvard university phd biotechnology

As part of Harvard’s Graduate School of Arts and Sciences, the  PhD Program in Biological Sciences in Public Health (BPH) , established in 1993, trains students in individual fields of biological research with a focus on understanding, preventing and treating diseases affecting large populations. Students in the BPH program obtain a broad interdisciplinary knowledge of both mechanistic and quantitative approaches to biomedical research.

Major Areas of Investigation include:

• The Metabolic Basis of Health and Disease
• Immunology and Infectious Diseases
• Gene-Environment Interactions
• Inflammation and Stress Responses

All of these areas are studied with an emphasis on biochemical, cell biological and genetic approaches to delineating disease mechanisms.  Our research, whether basic or translational, is relevant to human health. Students apply cutting-edge research technologies toward the improved understanding, treatment and prevention of  human diseases with the greatest current impact on global populations . Our program embraces the idea that progress in a given disease area is optimally promoted by a close interaction between scientists from diverse disciplines, including genetics, cell biology, biochemistry, physiology, and systems biology.  Core quantitative disciplines like biostatistics and epidemiology are also fundamental to analyzing large datasets, such as those generated from “omics” approaches, and for assessing the broad impact of health problems, allowing us to look beyond individuals to entire populations.  With our roots in biology, we are able to confront the most pressing diseases of our time, gaining insights into their underlying mechanisms and uncovering novel therapeutic opportunities.

Current research within BPH laboratories includes, but is not restricted to, the following diseases or disease risk factors (see our Health and Diseases page for more information):

• ATHEROSCLEROSIS
• CHAGAS’ DISEASE
• ENVIRONMENTAL EXPOSURE TO TOXINS
• INFLAMMATORY DISEASES
• KIDNEY DISEASE
• METABOLIC SYNDROME
• TUBERCULOSIS

The BPH program is rooted in the rich and diverse environment of the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, dedicated to advancing the public’s health through learning, discovery, and communication. The field of public health is inherently multi-disciplinary and so, too, are the interests and expertise of the School’s faculty and students, which extend across the biological, quantitative, and social sciences. From advancing scientific research to training national and international leaders, the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health has been at the forefront of efforts to benefit the health of populations worldwide. Shaping new ideas in our field and communicating them effectively will continue to be priorities of the BPH Program in the years ahead as we serve society’s changing health needs.

News from the School

Bethany Kotlar, PhD '24, studies how children fare when they're born to incarcerated mothers

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COVID, four years in

Overview of the PhD Program

For specific information on the Bioengineering PhD program, see the navigation links to the right. 

What follows on this page is an overview of all Ph.D. programs at the School; additional information and guidance can be found on the  Graduate Policies  pages.

General Ph.D. Requirements

• 10 semester-long graduate courses, including at least 8 disciplinary.   At least 5 of the 10 should be graduate-level SEAS "technical" courses (or FAS graduate-level technical courses taught by SEAS faculty), not including seminar/reading/project courses.  Undergraduate-level courses cannot be used.  For details on course requirements, see the school's overall PhD course requirements  and the individual program pages linked therein.
• Program Plan (i.e., the set of courses to be used towards the degree) approval by the  Committee on Higher Degrees  (CHD).
• Minimum full-time academic residency of two years .
• Serve as a Teaching Fellow (TF) in one semester of the second year.
• Oral Qualifying Examination Preparation in the major field is evaluated in an oral examination by a qualifying committee. The examination has the dual purpose of verifying the adequacy of the student's preparation for undertaking research in a chosen field and of assessing the student's ability to synthesize knowledge already acquired. For details on arranging your Qualifying Exam, see the exam policies and the individual program pages linked therein.
• Committee Meetings : PhD students' research committees meet according to the guidelines in each area's "Committee Meetings" listing.  For details see the "G3+ Committee Meetings" section of the Policies of the CHD  and the individual program pages linked therein.
• Final Oral Examination (Defense) This public examination devoted to the field of the dissertation is conducted by the student's research committee. It includes, but is not restricted to, a defense of the dissertation itself.  For details of arranging your final oral exam see the  Ph.D. Timeline  page.
• Dissertation Upon successful completion of the qualifying examination, a committee chaired by the research supervisor is constituted to oversee the dissertation research. The dissertation must, in the judgment of the research committee, meet the standards of significant and original research.

Optional additions to the Ph.D. program

Harvard PhD students may choose to pursue these additional aspects:

• a Secondary Field (which is similar to a "minor" subject area).  SEAS offers PhD Secondary Field programs in  Data Science and in  Computational Science and Engineering .   GSAS  lists  secondary fields offered by other programs.
• a Master of Science (S.M.) degree conferred  en route to the Ph.D in one of several of SEAS's subject areas.  For details see here .
• a Teaching Certificate awarded by the Derek Bok Center for Teaching and Learning .

SEAS PhD students may apply to participate in the  Health Sciences and Technology graduate program  with Harvard Medical School and MIT.  Please check with the HST program for details on eligibility (e.g., only students in their G1 year may apply) and the application process.

In Bioengineering

• Undergraduate Engineering at Harvard
• Concentration Requirements
• How to Declare
• Who are my Advisors?
• Sophomore Forum
• ABET Information
• Senior Thesis
• Research for Course Credit (ES 91R)
• AB/SM Information
• Peer Concentration Advisors (PCA) Program
• Student Organizations
• How to Apply
• PhD Timeline
• PhD Model Program (Course Guidelines)
• Qualifying Exam
• Committee Meetings
• Committee on Higher Degrees (CHD)
• Research Interest Comparison
• Collaborations
• Cross-Harvard Engagement
• Clubs & Organizations
• Centers & Initiatives
• Alumni Stories

Harvard University COVID-19 updates

Our Science    

We research and teach how the collective behavior of molecules and cells forms the basis of life. We are driven by a passion for discovery and value collaborative approaches to scientific inquiry, where connections between people fuel interdisciplinary science and break boundaries across varied experimental systems. Against a backdrop of cutting-edge biological research, we work as a team of educators and mentors to inspire and train the next generation of scientists and global citizens.    

  Our Community    

At the core of the MCB department is a commitment to foster an environment in which all individuals have the opportunity to thrive. It is our shared responsibility to create an inclusive culture, where we support and respect each other as colleagues. We embrace a diverse range of perspectives, expertise, identities, experiences, talents, and abilities. By continually strengthening this foundation of investing in the well-being of our people, we enable our community’s growth and pursuit of the creative and innovative approaches that underlie scientific excellence.    

Our Guiding Principles

We hold ourselves and the community accountable to the following set of values:    

Respect   We foster a safe and supportive environment where everyone is treated with respect and dignity and is able to work towards their aspirations .    

Engagement We encourage difficult conversations about racial, gender, structural and other inequities in our labs, institutions, and society .   We listen actively and openly and seek to continually learn from one another during these respectful and open dialogues .  

Action   We take active steps to diversify our community demographics , promote equit able practices , and eliminate systemic racism and other inequities in our departmental structures .    

Support   We prioritize the well-being of our community members and create avenues of support for all , with a particular focus on the needs of B lack people , I ndigenous people , people of color , first generation students, people from underprivileged backgrounds , and other community members underrepresented in the scientific community .   We prioritize diversity, inclusion, and belonging work, advocat e for it at all levels and actively includ e it in all departmental discussions.   

Integrity  

We carry out our work responsibly and ethically, recognizing that our own choices are reflection s of both ourselves and our community. As a department, we are committed to building institutional accountability and transparency in our decision-making processes.    

MESSAGE FROM THE CHAIR Our research

Latest News

• April 11, 2024

New Course MCB 127 “Organelle Biology and Cellular Function” Will Launch in Fall 2024

Eukaryotic cells rely on subcellular organelles to compartmentalize their metabolic and signaling processes, dividing their cytoplasm into compartmentalized organelles to provide precise spatial-temporal control and enhance the efficiency […]

• April 5, 2024

MCB Hosts Dudley Herschbach Teacher/Scientist Lecture 2024

All are invited to attend the Dudley Herschbach Lecture on Thursday, April 18th at noon in the Northwest Building B103. The Herschbach teacher/scientist lecture series recognizes scholars who […]

• April 4, 2024

Electron Microscopy Snapshots Reveal the Inner Workings of an Insect Fructose Receptor [Gaudet Lab]

Insects affect human lives both positively and negatively, therefore understanding how they interact with their surroundings can help us better manage their effects on our lives. Gustatory receptors […]

• March 28, 2024

Pietro de Camilli to Present 2024 Konrad Bloch Lecture on April 11

This year’s Bloch lecture will be delivered by HHMI Investigator Pietro de Camilli whose research centers on neuronal cell biology in health and disease. At Yale University, where […]

Upcoming Events

Mcb community forum.

• 4pm - Friday Apr 12, 2024
• Biological Laboratories (Room BL1080), 16 Divinity Ave, Cambridge, MA 02138, USA

MCB Thursday Seminar: Tracy L. Johnson, Ph.D.

• 12pm - Thursday Apr 18, 2024
• Northwest Building (Room NW B103), 52 Oxford St, Cambridge, MA 02138, USA
• Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology Harvard University 38 Oxford Street Cambridge, MA 02138
• (617) 495-2300
• (617) 495-9956

Biotechnology Degree Requirements

The Master of Liberal Arts, Biotechnology degree program is offered online with a one-week course required on campus at Harvard University.

Getting Started

Explore Degree Requirements

• Review the course curriculum .
• Learn about the on-campus experience .
• Determine your initial admissions eligibility .
• Learn about the 3 degree courses required for admission .

Upcoming Term: Summer 2024

Course registration is open March 4 – June 20. Learn how to register →

Fall 2024 courses and registration details will be live in June.

Required Course Curriculum

Online core and elective courses

On-campus course: Genetown

Capstone or internship

12 Graduate Courses (48 credits)

This degree is highly customizable. As part of the program curriculum, you choose either a capstone or internship track as well as the biotechnology courses that meet your professional goals, whether it’s biotechnology innovation, biotechnology management, bioinformatics, or project management.

With online courses offered in both synchronous and asynchronous formats , you can participate in some courses on demand and others live for real-time engagement with faculty and peers.

Required Core & Elective Courses View More

• BIOT 100 Introduction to the Business & Science of Biotechnology
• BIOT 200 Proseminar: Introduction to Graduate Studies in Biotechnology
• 1 biotechnology life science course
• 3 biotechnology business courses
• 2 biotechnology application and innovation courses
• The first offering will be January 2025
• EXPO 42c Writing for the Sciences is an elective option

Browse courses →

Capstone Track View More

This track includes the following additional courses:

• Precapstone: Business Ideas and Entrepreneurial Innovation
• Capstone: Business Ideas and Entrepreneurial Innovation

In the precapstone, you complete preliminary research and discovery for your capstone project: the creation of a business plan for a new biotechnology company, a ground-breaking drug, or an emerging technology such as a diagnostic or medical device.

Capstone sequencing. You enroll in the precapstone and capstone courses in back-to-back semesters (fall/spring) and in your final academic year. The capstone must be taken as your sole remaining degree requirement.

Internship Track View More

• One additional 4-credit cross-train elective
• Internship: 4-credit internship

The 200-hour internship is an opportunity to apply newly acquired computation or biotechnology management skills to address a pressing business problem identified by a biotechnology employer. You are required to identify an internship-site supervisor at the place of business, who will oversee your work.

The option is ideal for those students who choose to earn a professional graduate certificate in bioinformatics or biotechnology management or a microcertificate in project management methodologies. Learn more about internships .

On-Campus Experience

Spend a week in Cambridge engaging with the local biotech industry.

Learn and network in-person with your classmates.

Nearly all courses can be taken online, but the degree requires an in-person/on-campus experience. You come to Cambridge for the one-week Genetown applied active learning course offered during the January session.

Cambridge is home to over 250 biotech companies, more than 120 of which are within the Kendall Square zip code. This is why Cambridge is also called Genetown. In this course, you’ll engage with Genetown industry leaders during visits to local incubators, accelerators, companies as well as academic research institutions.

International Students View More

Currently, we are unable to sponsor student visas for Genetown. To meet the on-campus requirement, you choose a 3-week on-campus Harvard Summer School (HSS) biotechnology elective. Example electives may include: New Business Venturing, Economics of Innovation or Project Management. In addition, the program may provide co-curricular on-campus events relevant to the Genetown experience, such as a Kendall Square tour and industry meetups. You can easily request an I-20 for the F-1 student visa for HSS 3-week sessions. For more details, see International Student Study Options for important visa information.

In-Person Co-Curricular Events View More

Come to Cambridge for Convocation (fall) to celebrate your hard-earned admission, Harvard career fairs offered throughout the year, HES alumni networking events (here at Harvard and around the globe), and, of course, Harvard Commencement (May).

Confirm your initial eligibility with a 4-year bachelor’s degree or its foreign equivalent.

Take three courses in our unique “earn your way in” admissions process that count toward your degree.

In the semester of your third course, submit the official application for admission to the program.

Below are our initial eligibility requirements and an overview of our unique admissions process to help get you started. Visit the Degree Program Admissions page for more details.

Initial Eligibility View More

• Prior to enrolling in any degree-applicable courses, you must possess a 4-year regionally accredited US bachelor’s degree or its foreign equivalent. Foreign bachelor’s degrees must be evaluated for equivalency.
• You cannot already have or be in the process of earning a master’s degree in biotechnology or a related field. Check your eligibility .
• If English is your second language, you’ll need to prove English proficiency before registering for a course. We have multiple proficiency options .

Earn Your Way In — Courses for Admission View More

To begin the admission process, you simply register — no application required — for the following three, four-credit, graduate-level degree courses (available online).

These prerequisite courses count toward your degree once you’re admitted ; they are not additional courses. They are investments in your studies and help ensure success in the program.

• To register, you’ll need to pass our online test of critical reading and writing skills or earn a B or higher in EXPO 42c Writing in the Sciences.
• You have two attempts to earn the minimum grade of B in the proseminar (a withdrawal grade counts as an attempt). The proseminar cannot be more than 2 years old at the time of application.

The three courses don’t need to be taken in a particular order or in the same semester. All three courses must be completed with a grade of B or higher, without letting your overall Harvard cumulative GPA dip below 3.0.

Applying to the Degree Program View More

During the semester of your third degree course, submit the official application to the program.

Don’t delay! You must prioritize the three degree courses for admission and apply before completing subsequent courses. By doing so, you’ll:

• Avoid the loss of credit due to expired course work or changes to admission and degree requirements.
• Ensure your enrollment in critical and timely degree-candidate-only courses.
• Avoid the delayed application fee.
• Gain access to exclusive benefits.

Eligible students who submit a complete and timely application will have nine more courses after admission to earn the degree. Applicants can register for courses in the upcoming semester before they receive their grades and while they await their admission decision.

The Office of Predegree Advising & Admissions makes all final determinations about program eligibility.

Search and Register for Courses

The Division of Continuing Education (DCE) offers degree courses all year round to accelerate degree completion.

• You can study in fall, January, and spring terms through Harvard Extension School (HES) and during the summer through Harvard Summer School (HSS).
• You can enroll full or part time. After qualifying for admission, many of our degree candidates study part time, taking 2 courses per semester (fall/spring) and 1 in the January and summer sessions.
• Most fall and spring courses meet once a week for two hours, while January and summer courses meet more frequently in a condensed format.

To Complete Your Degree

Maintain a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher.

Complete your courses in five years.

Earn your Harvard degree and enjoy Harvard Alumni Association benefits upon graduation.

Required GPA, Withdrawal Grades, and Repeat Courses View More

GPA. You need to earn a B or higher in each of the 3 degree courses required for admission and a B– or higher in each of the subsequent courses. In addition, your cumulative GPA cannot dip below 3.0.

Withdrawal Grades. You are allowed to receive 2 withdrawal (WD) grades without them affecting your GPA. Any additional WD grades count as zero in your cumulative GPA. Please note that a WD grade from a two-credit course will count as 1 of your 2 allowed WD grades. See Academic Standing .

Repeat Courses. We advise you to review the ALM program’s strict policies about repeating courses . Generally speaking, you may not repeat a course to improve your GPA or to fulfill a degree requirement (if the minimum grade was not initially achieved). Nor can you repeat a course for graduate credit that you’ve previously completed at Harvard Extension School or Harvard Summer School at the undergraduate level.

Courses Expire: Finish Your Coursework in Under Five Years View More

Courses over five years old at the point of admission will not count toward the degree. As stated above, the proseminar cannot be more than two years old at the time of application.

Further, you have five years to complete your degree requirements. The five-year timeline begins at the end of the term in which you complete any three degree-applicable courses, regardless of whether or not you have been admitted to a degree program.

Potential degree candidates must plan accordingly and submit their applications to comply with the five-year course expiration policy or they risk losing degree credit for completed course work. Additionally, admission eligibility will be jeopardized if, at the point of application to the program, the five-year degree completion policy cannot be satisfied (i.e., too many courses to complete in the time remaining).

Graduate with Your Harvard Degree View More

When you have fulfilled all degree requirements, you will earn your Harvard University degree: Master of Liberal Arts (ALM) in Extension Studies, field: Biotechnology. Degrees are awarded in November, March, and May, with the annual Harvard Commencement ceremony in May.

Degree Candidate Exclusive Benefits View More

When you become an officially admitted degree candidate, you have access to a rich variety of exclusive benefits to support your academic journey. To learn more, visit degree candidate academic opportunities and privileges .

Harvard Division of Continuing Education

The Division of Continuing Education (DCE) at Harvard University is dedicated to bringing rigorous academics and innovative teaching capabilities to those seeking to improve their lives through education. We make Harvard education accessible to lifelong learners from high school to retirement.

For Biotech + Life Science Ventures

Pagliuca Harvard Life Lab

The pagliuca harvard life lab is a state-of-the-art wet laboratory and co-working space for high-potential biotech and life science ventures at harvard., 127 western ave allston, ma 02163.

Companies in our intimate, highly curated community thrive with the support of the Harvard and LabCentral ecosystems.

Improving clinical outcomes following internal surgeries using degradable biomaterials.

Developing a personalized oral care platform anchored by proprietary at-home diagnostics.

develops red blood cells-based solutions using Cellgrip technology to affix and deliver diverse therapeutics with increased delivery efficiency to tissue.

Like the ‘butterfly effect’ wherein a meaningful event leads to larger impact, Harvard's Life Labs catalyzed a simple idea that has become STRM.BIO, and the goal of bringing gene therapy to life to the millions of people around the world who could benefit from it.

Life Lab Ventures By The Numbers

Current membership rates.

We want our residents to focus on ground-breaking innovation, not breaking the bank on rent – our flexible month-to-month membership allows you to tailor your stay to fit your growth. Our below-market rates are as follows:

• Application Process
• Member Benefits
• Space + Equipment

The Pagliuca Harvard Life Lab was made possible by the support and generosity of Judy and Stephen Pagliuca, active HBS volunteers and long-time members of the HBS Board of Dean’s Advisors.

About the pagliucas.

Originally from Chicago, Judy earned a BS of Mechanical Engineering from the University of Illinois, and an MBA from Harvard Business School (MBA 1983). She is the managing partner of Pagsgroup, where she invests in startup companies in the Boston area, working with founders to help grow their businesses. Judy is involved in a large number of philanthropic endeavors focusing on children and education and is a founder of Step Up Your Game.

Steve received a bachelor's from Duke University, an MBA from Harvard Business School (MBA 1982), and is a Certified Public Accountant. He is the co-chair of Bain Capital, a leading global private investment firm based in Boston. Steve is also a managing general partner and co-owner of the Boston Celtics, playing a leadership role in the development of basketball strategy and operations. Steve is the president of the Boston Celtics Shamrock Foundation and is active with several other nonprofits. He is also active in political causes and believes in a “big tent” philosophy that works to find common ground among different public opinions.

We believe innovation in the life sciences is critically important to the future of our region from an economic standpoint and equally important to all of our futures in its potential to solve complex health problems. We are thrilled to be able to contribute to the innovation movement at Harvard. Judy and Steve Pagliuca

Meet the Life Lab Team

Courtney ho.

Site Head, Pagliuca Harvard Life Lab

Senior Operations Associate, Pagliuca Harvard Life Lab

Operations Lead, Pagliuca Harvard Life Lab

Danielle Tremblay

Penina crocker.

Operations Associate, Pagliuca Harvard Life Lab

Join The Life Lab

The life lab is proud to support high-potential biotech and life-science ventures led by a harvard affiliate..

From coming up with ideas to maximizing impact, we’ve got what you need to kickstart your innovation journey.

Speech and Hearing Bioscience and Technology

Speech and Hearing Bioscience and Technology (SHBT) is an area of study within the Division of Medical Sciences, an administrative unit based at Harvard Medical School that coordinates biomedical Ph.D. activities at the Longwood Medical Area. Students who study in SHBT receive a Ph.D. in medical sciences. Understanding how humans communicate through speech and hearing requires depth in many disciplines. The strength of the Speech and Hearing Bioscience and Technology doctoral program lies in its unusual coupling of knowledge and skills from acoustics, engineering, computer science, cellular and molecular neuroscience, psychophysics, cognitive science, linguistics, and clinical practice.