Master of Biotechnology

Biotechnology is a diverse, entrepreneurial and fast-changing field.

The University of Guelph's Master of Biotechnology program gives you the hands-on science and business skills you need to succeed in a wide range of biotechnology careers. You’ll gain advanced scientific and technical expertise, combined with business training in the commercialization of biotechnology innovations. Plus, you’ll grow academically and personally by interacting with other graduate students, faculty, the wider research community and private-sector companies.

The program deepens your scientific training and gives you business skills, preparing you for a fulfilling career in Canada or internationally. You’ll be qualified to work in sectors including agribusiness and food industries, plant biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, health management and environmental management and research.

The full-spectrum training you receive in this course-based master's program draws on the expertise of two University of Guelph departments:

Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology

Our 40 faculty members direct multidisciplinary research programs that address novel biological questions on molecular and cellular scales. Part of the College of Biological Science, this department provides a stimulating, challenging environment for graduate students. Here are just a few examples of the groundbreaking research being led by our professors:

Using molecular genetic, biochemical and genomic information to solve fundamental problems in plant biology and to improve crop performance
Delving deep into the array of compounds made by plants and their underlying molecular and biochemical biosynthetic bases
Taking a multidisciplinary approach to the study of bacterial processes
Using high-resolution imaging techniques alongside biochemical analysis to model, understand, and treat neurodegenerative diseases with stem-cell technology

Department of Management

Our department, part of the Gordon S. Lang School of Business and Economics, develops leadership skills through engaging teaching and research, understanding that success requires a strategic outlook, entrepreneurial attitude, global perspective and commitment to sustainability. Our faculty-led biotechnology-related research projects include:

Research into the ways new, university-developed technologies enter into commercial use
An examination of the creativity of interdisciplinary product development teams working on the technical, marketing and financial viability of new ideas
Research on accountability, performance management, innovation and entrepreneurship

What You'll Gain

The advanced education, knowledge, technical and business expertise required to qualify for a wide range of biotechnology jobs
Opportunities to do collaborative, real-world biotechnology research on campus with other graduate students and faculty
The skills to communicate scientific knowledge effectively and place it in a business context
Academic and intellectual growth through interactions with other graduate students, faculty, the university administration, the wider research community and the private sector

Training to become a competent, independent and creative researcher/manager who can integrate science and business perspectives
Entrepreneurial skills crucial to launching companies that commercialize innovations
Biotechnology industry connections that reach far beyond Guelph
Skills that help address Canada’s shortage of researchers with biotechnology and business training

Strong Industry Connections

Our faculty members conduct research for a wide variety of biotechnology companies including those specialized in nutraceuticals and natural health products. Students in our program gain practical skills and exposure to the business challenges of commercializing biotechnology innovations. Many of our industry partners are companies founded and led by University of Guelph alumni. These companies cover a wide range of sectors. Here are just a few examples:

NuBiyota is developing and commercializing microbial ecosystems for therapeutic medical use
Escarpment Laboratories produces high-quality yeast cultures on an industrial scale for beer microbreweries
Mirexus Biotechnology has developed the world’s only safe and natural nanotechnology with applications including personal care and nutraceutical products
PlantForm Corporation has developed an innovative, low-cost manufacturing system for a wide range of plant-made pharmaceuticals

For biotechnology companies interested in hiring a Master of Biotechnology student for their summer internship, learn about the hiring timeline and the benefits of hiring one of our students.

Research Projects

In the third semester, students carry out a four- or eight-month research project, guided by a faculty supervisor. The projects can involve laboratory research and/or business planning for the biotechnology industry. Projects are directly linked to industry, and students will develop marketable skills that prepare them for a variety of biotech jobs.

Biotechnology Business Management

Learn skills to translate academic ventures into business opportunities in several sectors, including the pharmaceutical industry, the agricultural industry and the food manufacturing industry.

Agri-Food Biotechnology

The hands-on skills you will acquire working in the agri-food sector have broad-reaching applications, from industries such as crop utilization to biofuel production and environmental sustainability.

Biotechnology and Human Health

Complete a project that has a direct impact on the health of those around you with a focus on pharmaceutical development and manufacturing, pre-clinical drug screening and disease research.

Visit the Academic Calendar for a full listing of

Biotechnology Courses

Career Opportunities

Within a year of completing the program, 88% of graduates of the Master of Biotechnology program were working in their field of study in positions such as:

Biologists
Biotechnologists
Business analysts
Business development associates
Chemists
Laboratory technicians
Medical writers
Regulatory affairs specialists
Research assistants
Sales executives at biotechnology, pharmaceutical and environmental companies

Admission Information

Students entering the program will normally have completed an honours bachelor’s degree with a minimum admission average of B (75% and higher) in one of the following fields:

biology
molecular biology and genetics
biotechnology
microbiology
biochemistry
biophysics
food science
agriculture
food production systems

Anyone lacking the required background will be encouraged to complete them prior to commencing their studies in the new program (typically in the immediately preceding summer semester) or, if approved by the program counsellor, during their studies.

Other Requirements

Honours bachelor’s degree with a minimum admission average of B (75% and higher in the last two years of full-time study)
A strong science background (second-year molecular and cellular biology course or equivalent). Those applicants applying after having work experience will be assessed on a case-by-case basis by the admissions committee.
If your first language is not English, you will be required to submit an acceptable result from one of the approved standardized English language tests. Please make note of these departmental MINIMUM test scores:
- For TOEFL, a minimum score of 93, with a minimum score of 22 in each of the four categories
- For IELTS, a minimum score of 7.0, with a minimum of 6.5 in each component
- For Duolingo, a minimum overall score of 130, with a minimum score of 120 in each of the four categories
- We only grant exemptions if you have received a university degree completed in English from Canada, Australia, New Zealand, the United States, and/or the United Kingdom.
- Please note that these test score requirements are higher than the general university requirements because this is a fast-paced, course-based graduate program. We cannot accept applicants with test scores lower than the minimums stated above.
For international applicants, in order to assess whether your degree is equivalent to a four-year honours bachelor's degree, please review this information about international credential guidelines for specific countries. Post-graduate certificates and diplomas are not accepted as equivalents.
A Graduate Record Examination (general) is not required.
You do not need to find a supervisor before applying to the program. Students are matched to supervisors during the first semester based on the students' research interests.

The next program intake is September 2025. The application is expected to open in October 2024.

Students will be admitted to the Master of Biotechnology program from a range of undergraduate programs in the biological and life sciences.
Students from other undergraduate programs, such as business or management programs, will be considered for admission if they have a sufficient background in the biological sciences.
To be considered for admission, applicants should meet the minimum requirements of an honour's degree (usually four years) from a recognized post-secondary institution with a minimum 75% average over the last two years of full-time equivalent study. (Please note that this is a competitive program and incoming averages of successful applicants are typically above 80%.)
We only offer a fall admissions intake.

International Applicants

If your first language is not English, you will be required to submit an acceptable result of one of the approved standardized English language tests. Please make note of these minimum test scores:

For TOEFL, a minimum score of 93, with a minimum score of 22 in each of the four categories
For IELTS, a minimum score of 7.0, with a minimum of 6.5 in each component
For Duolingo, a minimum overall score of 130, with a minimum score of 120 in each of the four categories
We only grant exemptions if you have received a university degree completed in English from Canada, Australia, New Zealand, the United States, and/or the United Kingdom.
Please note that these test scores requirements are higher than the general university requirements because this is a fast-paced, course-based graduate program. We cannot accept applicants with test scores lower than the minimums stated above.

For international applicants, to determine if your undergraduate degree is sufficient for application to our program, please review information about international credential guidelines for specific countries. Post-graduate certificates and diplomas are not accepted as equivalents.

What documents do I need to submit for my application?

You will be asked to upload your transcript(s), a resume/CV and the contact information of two academic references.

What transcripts are needed?

For the application process, you can submit scanned copies of your transcripts. Applicants who are accepted into the program will be required to submit final and official transcripts.

Do I need a statement of interest?

There is a very short statement of interest required on the OUAC application form. You do not need to write a separate statement of interest.

Should I have my references complete a reference letter?

Your referees will be sent an electronic form to complete; you do not need to ask them to write a reference letter.

Does it matter how much time it has been since my last school year?

For applicants who have been out of school for several years, please contact us to discuss appropriate references.

Do I need to find a faculty mentor before applying?

No, students do not need to find a faculty mentor before applying to the program. Students will be matched with a faculty supervisor during the first semester of the program.

Are there any entrance awards available?

There are no entrance awards available specifically for the MBIOT program. Please see the Scholarships and Awards webpage for information about internal and external graduate awards and their eligibility criteria.

Where do I apply?

Apply online through the Office of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies at the University of Guelph. Visit the Applying to Guelph webpage for full details.

Is there an application deadline?

The next program intake is September 2025. Applications will open in October 2024. The application portal will close on February 15, 2025, at 11:59 p.m. (EST). After the application deadline, there will be a grace period of 10 business days for applicants to ensure their applications are complete. The document submission deadline is March 1, 2025, at 11:59 pm (EST). After this date, applications that are incomplete will not be considered for admission.

Will I have the opportunity to apply for graduate teaching assistantships (GTA) during my MBIOT degree?

Yes, any student enrolled in a graduate program at the University of Guelph can apply for a GTA; however, there is no guarantee that you will receive a GTA. For a complete list of GTA positions available on campus, please go to: Available TA Positions.

Can I extend my research project from 4 months to 8 months?

Yes, with agreement from their project supervisor, students can extend their project an additional 4 months, finishing at the end of the fall semester.

I have accepted my offer in WebAdvisor. How do I register and select courses, pay tuition, etc.?

Please see the Schedule of Dates in the Graduate Calendar to see when course selection opens/ends. The Registration Guide will help you through the registration process.

When can I start the MBIOT program?

Students can only start the MBIOT program on the first day of classes in September of each calendar year.

My previous degree program is not listed as one of the eligible programs. How can I determine if my previous degree meets the eligibility requirements?

Degree program names and courses taken vary by institution. The Admissions Committee will be looking for a strong science background, with at least a second-year molecular and cellular biology course or equivalent.

For international applicants, please refer to the International Credential Guidelines to determine the equivalency of your previous degree. Post-graduate certificates and diplomas are not accepted as equivalents.

I am an international applicant. Do I need to submit English proficiency test scores?

English proficiency test scores are not required for applicants whose first language is English. If your first language is not English, you will be required to submit an acceptable result of one of the approved standardized English language tests. Please make note of these minimum test scores:

For TOEFL, a minimum score of 93, with a minimum score of 22 in each of the four categories
For IELTS, a minimum score of 7.0, with a minimum of 6.5 in each component
For Duolingo, a minimum overall score of 130, with a minimum score of 120 in each of the four categories

We only grant exemptions if you have received a university degree completed in English from Canada, Australia, New Zealand, the United States and/or the United Kingdom.

Please note that these test score requirements are higher than the general University requirements because this is a fast-paced, course-based graduate program. We cannot accept applicants with test scores lower than the minimums stated above.

How do international students apply for a study permit?

Please use the official offer of admission that you received from the Office of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies to apply for your study permit. You can apply for a study permit with a conditional offer of admission. If you have specific questions about your study permit application or transition to the University of Guelph, please reach out to an International Student Advisor.

Hear from Biotechnology students

Biotechnology is a really interesting industry right now, with a lot of up-and-coming research, especially for those interested in work in sustainability, the environment, and climate change. The Master of Biotechnology program really opened my eyes to a range of career opportunities that I didn’t even know to look for. My hands-on experience doing my project at MetaCycler BioInnovations further solidified my passion for this field, providing me with practical skills and insights that have been invaluable in shaping my career path.

Taylor Howson, Graduate Student
Master of Biotechnology

"I chose the Master of Biotechnology program at U of G because I have always been interested in biotechnology and I knew I wanted to pursue a career in it. I didn’t know whether I would enjoy research or industry-based jobs and this program gave me the opportunity to explore each option. I am currently a PhD student in the Shapiro Lab at U of G, working with pathogenic fungi."

Viola Halder, Graduate Student
Master of Biotechnology

Biotechnology is a really interesting industry right now, with a lot of up-and-coming research, especially for those interested in work in sustainability, the environment, and climate change. The Master of Biotechnology program really opened my eyes to a range of career opportunities that I didn’t even know to look for. My hands-on experience doing my project at MetaCycler BioInnovations further solidified my passion for this field, providing me with practical skills and insights that have been invaluable in shaping my career path.