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Biotechnology M.S.

Find Yourself at the Intersection of Life and Science

Become a leader in the vital industries of biotechnology and pharmaceuticals with a Master of Science in Biotechnology. Our expert faculty will prepare you for a career while you get hands-on experience and one-on-one instruction in our state-of-the-art labs. You'll graduate from UHCL's biotechnology master's program with a solid grounding in biochemistry, molecular biology, cell biology, genomics and proteomics. With a Master of Science in Biotechnology, you can be part of new and exciting discoveries that may change many lives.

Photo of UHCL Alum, Hardik Jani
UHCL alum uses biotech skills to help create COVID vaccine at Moderna. Read more about Hardik Jani's work in public health.


UHCL is the first university in Texas to offer three concentrations in Biotechnology: Molecular Biotechnology, Bioinformatics and Computational Biology, and Biotechnology Management and Marketing. You'll be able to tailor your coursework to your specific interests.

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Engineer Your Career Path

Graduates of the Master of Science in Biotechnology program have gone on to work as geneticists, microbiologists, biomedical engineers, biochemists, biophysicists, microbiologists, epidemiologists, food scientists, soil and plant scientists and in many other new, emerging fields. UHCL's proximity to world-renowned centers of medicine and biotechnology give you a distinct advantage when beginning or advancing your career.

Biotechnology M.S. with a Specialization in Bioinformatics/Computational Biology
Combine Biology with Computer Science to Solve Biomedical Issues

Through advances in the areas of genomics, proteomics and biomedical imaging, there is an increased need for highly qualified specialists who possess the skill to analyze biological data and build integrated models of biological systems and use them to create real-world strategies that will help prevent or treat disease. At the University of Houston-Clear Lake, you can earn a Master of Science in Biotechnology with a Specialization in Bioinformatics and Computational Biology to obtain the crucial experience you need to advance your career in modern biomedical research.

Job prospects within this field are rapidly widening, supported by the pharmaceutical and biotech industries who are looking for skilled scientists able to interpret existing genomics data and use it to uncover new drug therapies. This degree from UHCL will put you at the forefront of a growing field in which you'll occupy a key role in expanding the intersection between computation and biology.
Biotechnology M.S. with a Specialization in Biotechnology Management
Increasing Your Education Can Make a Difference in the World

Take your Master of Science in Biotechnology to new heights with a Specialization in Biotechnology Management and Marketing at University of Houston-Clear Lake. With this unique focus on the ever-growing field of biotechnology, you will learn the necessary research and development skills for the creation of new products as well as the crucial tools for managing projects in the production of those products and then successfully introducing them to the general public. And this will all take place in a stimulating environment with small class sizes.

This is a great degree program for the student who wants to take a leadership role at their current job without worrying about the traditional MBA. Your courses will discuss key principles in marketing, management and organizational behavior so you can present the findings to willing investors, buyers and companies.. And you'll still spend plenty of time in the laboratory exploring the current trends in the world of biotechnology.
Biotechnology M.S. with a Specialization in Molecular Biotechnology
A Successful Career Begins with Excellent Training

With a Master of Science in Biotechnology with a Specialization in Molecular Biology from University of Houston-Clear Lake, you'll be equipped to compete with the most qualified scientists for highly coveted positions in a rapidly advancing field. Your degree will have applications in nearly all aspects of human life, including plant and animal agriculture, aquaculture, chemical and textile manufacturing, forestry and food processing. You'll complete your coursework in both classroom and laboratory environments, as you study and modify nucleic acids and proteins to find new applications in human and animal health, agriculture and the environment.

Molecular biotechnology is a dynamic field driven by the ability to transfer genetic information between organisms with the goal of understanding key biological processes or innovating new products. Your degree from UHCL will impart the skills and knowledge you'll need to join a company that develops or improves medications, vaccines or diagnostic tests that benefit human and animal health. Significant workforce supply and demand gaps already exist, and your degree from our College of Science and Engineering prepares you to fill the global economy's increasing need for scientists who possess the technical and leadership skills to continue researching, developing and innovating.


Admission Requirements

Explore what the future holds for you by attending University of Houston-Clear Lake's College of Science and Engineering. Find out now what it takes to be admitted.

  • Biotechnology M.S.
  • Admission Deadline

    Standard Graduate Admission Deadline

  • Application

    Apply online through the UHCL Graduate Application Portal.

  • Requirements
    • 3.0 GPA
    • GRE is not required and can be waived. If submitted, GRE total scores should be at least 290 (140 Verbal + 150 Quantitative). If GRE is not submitted, applicant must submit 3 letters of recommendation, resume, and personal statement of research and future plans.
    • Those not meeting GRE and/or GPA standards will be required to meet additional performance criteria.
    • Foundation Courses (C or better): Molecular Genetics, Biochemistry I, Physiology (plant or human or animal), Computational Statistics, Cellular Physiology, and Molecular Biology.
    • Additional Requirements – Undergraduate degree in Biology, but other degrees may apply if preparation includes significant number of core courses in Biological Sciences as well as appropriate chemistry, physics and mathematics courses.


Degree Requirements

UHCL's College of Science and Engineering has created a solid foundation of study designed to help you make your educational dreams a reality. Explore the classes you'll need to take for your University of Houston-Clear Lake degree.

Biotechnology M.S.


Cost Information

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Deadlines for Applying

  • Graduate Deadlines
  • Fall
    New Degree-Seeking Students - August 1
    Returning UHCL Students - August 15
  • Spring
    New Degree-Seeking Students - January 5
    Returning UHCL Students - January 15
  • Summer
    New Degree-Seeking Students - May 1
    Returning UHCL Students - May 25

Please note, some graduate programs have special deadlines and requirements. For more information, go to How to Apply as a Graduate Student. The online application is scheduled to close for Graduate students after the Formal UHCL Student deadline of each semester.

Applying After the Priority Deadline

New, non-degree seeking, and returning UHCL students applying after the deadlines above may be considered for admission on a case-by-case basis. Please contact the appropriate graduate enrollment counselor for more information. A $50.00 Late Registration Fee or $50.00 Late Payment may apply.

Review the UHCL Academic Calendar for registration and payment dates and deadlines.


  • International Deadlines
  • Fall

    Priority Deadline - May 1
    Extended Deadline - June 1

  • Spring

    Deadline - October 1

  • Summer*

    Deadline - April 1

For more information regarding deferring your application, please visit Deferring International Admission.

Students interested in qualifying for scholarships &/or applying for visas outside the U.S. should apply and submit the application documents/test scores by the priority deadline

*International freshmen applicants will not be accepted for Summer semester.


Locations

University of Houston-Clear Lake

University of Houston-Clear Lake

2700 Bay Area Blvd
Houston, TX 77058
Phone: 281-283-7600

About UHCL

UH-Clear Lake at Pearland

UH-Clear Lake at Pearland

1200 Pearland Pkwy
Pearland, Texas 77581
Phone: 281-212-1700

Since 2010, University of Houston-Clear Lake at Pearland has proudly served as an upper-level institution serving juniors, seniors, and graduate students in fields like business and behavioral science.

About UHCL at Pearland


Accreditations and Distinctions

UHCL's Biotechnology program is the only program in Texas to offer three specializations: Molecular Biotechnology, Management, and Bioinformatics.

  • Molecular Biotechnology: work as a scientist in a research lab
  • Management: manage a research lab or division
  • Bioinformatics: develop or utilize bioinformatics data managements tools


Biotechnology M.S. Faculty

Martha C. Ariza
Martha Ariza

Martha Ariza

Lecturer in Biotechnology,
Science and Engineering

Contact number: 281-283-3763
Email: Ariza@UHCL.edu
Office: B3321

Martha Ariza Faculty Bio

Bazlur Rashid
Bazlur Rashid

Bazlur Rashid

Associate Professor of Biology and Biotechnology,
Science and Engineering

Contact number: 281-283 3756
Email: rashid@uhcl.edu
Office: 3525-11

Bazlur Rashid Faculty Bio

Lory Z. Santiago-Vazquez
Lory Santiago-Vázquez

Lory Z. Santiago-Vázquez

Program Director of Biotechnology, Associate Professor of Biology and Biotechnology,
Science and Engineering

Contact number: 281-283-3776
Email: santiago@uhcl.edu
Office: B3525-7

Lory Z. Santiago-Vázquez Faculty Bio