PhD students in the biomedical sciences programs at the Miller School of Medicine may choose to pursue a Master of Business Administration degree immediately following their doctoral studies. The MBA portion of the sequential degree may be completed in one year and consists of 44 MBA credits. The degrees must be obtained sequentially.
Code | Title | Credit Hours |
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PhD Requirements | 60 | |
See individual programs for full curriculum. | ||
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/ | ||
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MBA Requirements (44 credit hours) | ||
Financial Reporting and Analysis | 2 | |
Accounting for Decision Making | 2 | |
Legal Aspects of Health Administration | 3 | |
Digital Transformation | 2 | |
Critical Thinking and Effective Speaking | 1 | |
BUS 604 | 1 | |
Managerial Decisions in a Global Economy | 2 | |
Valuation and Financial Decision Making | 2 | |
Essentials of Health Care Administration | 2 | |
Public Policy and Health | 2 | |
Health Care Organization, Economics, and Ethics | 3 | |
Management Science Models for Decision Making | 2 | |
Managing Through People | 2 | |
Principles of Operations Management | 2 | |
Innovative Business Strategies for Future Leaders | 3 | |
Business Policy and Strategy | 2 | |
Foundations of Marketing Management | 2 | |
Electives | 9 | |
Total Credit Hours | 104 |
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LERNER BUSINESS & ECONOMICS
Further your career in industrial science with the 63-credit Ph.D. in biological sciences/MBA dual degree.
This combined program is offered by the Department of Biological Sciences and the Alfred Lerner College of Business and Economics.
For full details, including admissions and financial aid information, visit the joint degree page on the UD Department of Biological Sciences website.
Suggested course sequence.
This STEM-designated degree program provides international students 24 months of OPT (Optional Practical Training) in addition to the original 12 months.
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MBA Resources
MBA & Beyond Team
10/11/2021 | 7:04 pm
The 21st century is the century of technology and scientific discoveries. Therefore, modern organizations need people with sound technical and scientific skills apart from managerial and business skills, regardless of education, business, or even the healthcare system. To meet this need, at Harvard University , Harvard’s MS/MBA Biotechnology program: MBA Life Sciences Program has been framed as a joint degree under the Graduate School of Arts and Sciences (GSAS) as well as Harvard Medical School through the Harvard Department of Stem Cell and Regenerative Biology.
The program’s main aim is to equip students with the latest business ideas and scientific insights, in addition to their existing knowledge of biotech and life sciences.
The joint degree program confers an MBA graduation degree from the HBS and an M.Sc. degree from the (GSAS) and Harvard Medical School.
The program is completed over two academic years, utilizing January terms and August at the program’s start. The curriculum is structured over two years to emphasize developing efficient business models in the field of life sciences and understanding the ethical implications of new therapeutics to develop models of equitable access to these discoveries.
Upon completing the program, graduates would be empowered to understand and transform organizations related to new drug discoveries and therapeutics and develop strategies and novel ways to expand access to these at affordable prices.
In this article, we will learn all about the MS/MBA Biotechnology: Life Sciences Program offered at Harvard University, which is a joint degree program under the Graduate School of Arts and Sciences (GSAS) as well as Harvard Medical School through the Harvard Department of Stem Cell and Regenerative Biology. In addition, this article will confer knowledge on the course curriculum, eligibility, admission process, tuition fees & Scholarships, acceptance rates, class profile, and future prospects.
The curriculum’s main aim is to equip students with Harvard biotech and life sciences with vast knowledge of business and management so that these insights could be used to transform organizations related to therapeutics and drug discoveries. In addition, the 21st century needs more world leaders working at the intersection of science and society and an in-depth understanding of life sciences and management.
To meet this, the curriculum is designed to emphasize an understanding of an effective business model that is sustainable in each aspect of the discovery and development of new therapeutics and developing a model to ensure unbiased access to the benefits of therapeutic discovery.
The entire Harvard’s MS/MBA Biotechnology: Life Sciences Program at Harvard University is divided over two academic years. The first term begins in August, and students have the option to pursue internships in the summer between years 1 and 2.
Now, let’s look at the entire program timeline in brief to get an idea of the basic structure of the MS/MBA program.
First-term (August) | – HBS Online CORE- NEXTGEN Biotechnology at HBS Department of Stem Cell and Regenerative Biology | |
Fall term | – Finance 1- Financial Reporting and Control- Leadership & Organizational Behavior- Marketing- Technology & Operations Management- | |
January | – Data Analytics for Life Sciences | |
Spring term | – Business, Government, and the International Economy (BGIE)- The Entrepreneurial Manager- FIELD Immersion- Finance II- Leadership and Corporate Accountability- Strategy- Life Science, Ethics, and Management Seminar | |
The summer gap is provided between the two academic years for students to pursue an internship. Internships are done in various biotech and life sciences fields comprising pharmaceutical companies, start-up life science, and biotech companies or consultancies with a major focus on biotech & life sciences. | ||
Fall Term | – Frontiers in Therapeutics- Science Elective- (2) HBS Electives- Life Science, Ethics, and Management Seminar | |
January | – Capstone Project 1 | |
Spring term | – Capstone Project 2- (2) HBS Electives Harvard Business School- (2) Science Electives- Life Science, Ethics, and Management Seminar |
There you go! The above table will help you understand the basic structure of the Course with ease. Moreover, if you want to know about every topic of the program, you can click on the link below.
Pursuing an MBA is a life-altering decision that requires a significant investment in both time and money. The Harvard Institute is one of the top premier institutes, and Harvard’s MS/MBA Biotechnology: Life Sciences Program seeks a diverse group of exceptional students with a UG-level degree in life sciences/biotech or a significant amount of experience in biotechnology or life sciences.
Most candidates with a STEM UG background are considered alongside students with advanced degrees such as MD or Ph.D. However, in rare circumstances, candidates from a non-STEM background are considered only if they have any substantial or extensive advanced coursework related to the program. In addition, the enrolling candidates are expected to be familiar with the coursework.
Talk to our Profile Experts to know your chances for a top MBA Program.
That’s all about eligibility; now, let’s take a quick glance over the admission process.
To enroll in the MS/MBA Biotechnology:
A candidate in the Life Sciences Program of Harvard University must apply and be selected by HBS and the Graduate School of Arts and Sciences (GSAS). The admission process is quite similar to any other management school. After submitting a written application and all the required documents like a resume, essays, LORs, and test scores, selected candidates are invited for the interview process; then a decision notification is released. After that, the candidates can apply for either the MS or MBA program hosted in the HBS application system.
Before filling out the application form, candidates must create an HBS account, which would be the sole source of communication and depository for materials throughout the application process. After that, choose the course name and an application round you want to apply. Always remember to select the round most compatible with your timeline to ensure maximum chances of selection. For more in-depth details about MBA application rounds, click the link below.
Candidates are required to submit all relevant and required documents for both the MBA as well as the Master of Science applications.
– Application form,
– Resume,
– Official transcript(s),
– Written Essays,
– Test scores,
– LORs (at least two)
– Application fee.
For Masters, all the above-required documents as for the MBA application are a must except that some additional documents like
– One additional supplemental essay
– One additional LOR is also required
If the university has decided to move forward with your candidacy, you would only receive an interview invitation notification issued around October for application round 1 and in February for application round 2. The HBS has its style of the interview process, which is made unique by mixing constituents from your resume, essays, and career goals along with some typical behavioral and generic questions. Tackling these questions requires more than just raw intellect. You should be well versed with each scenario that could be attained only through practice.
Looks a bit complicated? Fret not; MBA interviews are supposed to be at a different level to help them choose future world leaders. If you want more help, you can take the quiz or schedule a 1:1 session with us to understand the nature of MBA interviews. Moreover, you can also go through our article How to prepare for the MBA interview questions? So that you can develop your vision using creativity, precision, and clarity.
Enter the final step! The HBS and GSAS would release the final admissions decisions for both rounds in succession. Round 1 in mid-December and Round 2 in March.
Based on the admissions committee decisions, a candidate may be selected into the following courses:
– MS/MBA Biotechnology: Life Sciences Program
– MBA Biotechnology
– Life Sciences Programs only if not selected for the Master of Science program.
The Harvard MBA program is one of the world’s most prestigious and expensive MBA programs. For the 2024-2025 academic year, the tuition and fees for the MBA program are as follows: Tuition is $87,872, the HUHS Student Health Fee (SHF) is $1,592, the Student Health Insurance Plan (SHIP) is $4,202, the HUSHP for Student Spouses/Dependents ranges from $0 for a single student to $16,198 for a married student with two children, the Course & Program Materials Fee is $2,650, and housing for 10 months ranges from $19,200 for a single student to $38,400 for a married student with two children or more.
The total cost of attendance, including tuition, fees, and living expenses, ranges from $115,516 for a single student to $150,914 for a married student with two children. In 2020-2021, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the tuition was adjusted to $79,455 after the Field Global Immersion course was cancelled. In recent years, Harvard Business School has taken steps to make the MBA program more affordable, including increasing scholarship offerings to cover the full tuition and fees for around 10% of students based on financial need.
Expense | Cost in $ |
---|---|
Tuition | $87,872 |
HUHS Student Health Fee | $1,592 |
Student Health Insurance Plan | $4,202 |
HUSHP for Student Spouses/Dependents | $0 |
Course and Program Materials Fee | $2,650 |
Room and Utilities (10 Months) | $19,200 |
Living Expenses (10 Months) | $19,800 |
Total | $135,316 |
Computer (Variable; not included above) | $1,500 |
As mentioned above, the Harvard MS/MBA Biotechnology: Life Sciences stands at one of the costliest programs, and a large volume of investment is required to pursue the program. All the MS/MBA Biotechnology: Life Sciences students are subjected to the Financial Aid policies of the HBS. The Financial Aid & Scholarship Board, as per the annual Cost of Attendance sheet, determines financial aid and awards. The rewards are based on direct and indirect expenses, per student surveys.
Other than this, all students can apply for student loans and need-based HBS Scholarships.
Moreover, The Chris and Carrie Shumway Foundation is responsible for rewarding all the respective candidates. The latter matriculates in the MS/MBA Biotechnology: Life Sciences Program, an incremental $5,500 scholarship for each academic year, disbursed in half for the fall term and the other half for the spring.
In case you want to know more about every scholarship provided by the Harvard Business School in-depth, you can check the official website; the given link is –
Harvard’s MS/MBA Biotech program is one of the most competitive programs. It boasts an average acceptance rate of around 10% —11%, which is almost the same as that of an MBA program from Harvard Business School.
The program tends to be a bit more populated by STEM background, with slightly more incoming domestic US students (around 75-80%) than its MBA program (approximately 60-65%).
Since the competition is very high, a good GMAT score and a solid educational background are prerequisite for mingith extracurricular activities, LORs, and an absolute splendid essay to compel the Adcowhoacan nd make them understand why the University needs you.
Harvard’s MS/MBA Biotechnology: Life Sciences program attracts people from various backgrounds interested in bringing about reforms in the healthcare system and aims to become a successful and impactful biotech executive to deliver practical, transformative models at organizational levels.
Variety in class is the very essence of a top MBA program, and a Biotech program attracts people from consulting firms based on life sciences, therapeutic companies, research labs, medical device companies, and biotech companies.
The diversity offered by the program promotes several chances to draw and learn from each other’s experiences and maintain a tight-knit community network.
There you go! It was a bit lengthy, but I can assure you that the above paragraphs contain all you need to know about Harvard’s MS/MBA Biotechnology: Life Sciences program. Before filling out the application form, go at least once through the whole article so you can choose wisely according to your budget and comfort. Nevertheless, it’s needless to say that an MBA from Harvard University guarantees the fortune of a lifetime.
Writing an application for an MBA in Biotechnology can be daunting, especially for candidates unaware of the steps and slopes of the path. However, the significance of a “good application” can be very well realized as the application itself reflects your character & quality based on just a few hundred words presented to them.
Drafting an application for Harvard’s MS/MBA in biotechnology program is on a different level. To ace the process of drafting an MBA application, you need a lot of practice, clarity, and creativity.
The most important part of your biotech application is writing a statement of purpose (SOP). A good SOP is backed by your LORs for Biotechnology. Below are some important tips about how to draft an engaging SOP.
A well-written, engaging, and grammatically correct SOP will increase your chances of getting accepted into a renowned university; thus, make sure you take your time in writing the SOP instead of a last-minute rush.
Upon graduating, the program would open new doors for graduates to understand and transform industries related to new drug discoveries and therapeutics and develop efficient strategies and novel ways to expand access to these at affordable prices. Some common career opportunities after graduation include:
As mentioned above, upon graduating there are so many different secto.sThe which students with an MBA in Biotechnology can get placedMBAsome of these industries are
Also, below is a list of recruiters for biotechnology and pharmaceutical positions, the companies listed are among some of the top recruiters for MBA in biotechnology.
Sl. No. | Company Name | Website | Services |
---|---|---|---|
1. | Advanced Clinical | Clinical development organization that provides services such as CRO, functional support, quality & validation etc. for pharmaceutical biotechnology and medical device organizations | Clinical development organization that provides services such as CRO, functional support, quality & validation, etc. for pharmaceutical biotechnology and medical device organizations |
2. | Allen-Jeffers Associates | http://www.allen-jeffersassoc.com/ | Executive & technical search firm for pharma, medical device industries exclusively. |
3. | BioPhase Solutions | http://www.biophaseinc.com/ | Provider of both scientific & clinical research as well as administrative personnel to biotech and pharma companies in California. |
4. | Compass Consulting Group | http://www.compasscgroup.com/life-science-bio-tech-recruiters/life-sciences-recruitment/ | Placement of life science and bio-pharma professionals in research, development, and commercialization positions |
5. | Cornerstone Search Group | http://www.cornerstonesg.com/ | Executive search firm specialized in life sciences including clients from pharma, biotech, medical device, consumer healthcare, plus life science consulting companies. |
6. | Critical Path, Inc. | http://www.criticalpathinc.net/ | National search firm which provides recruitment services exclusively to pharma & biotech industries. |
7. | Dunne and Associates | http://www.dunneandassociates.net/ | Executive search firm for marketing and sales, sales management positions with biotech companies. |
8. | Life Science Partner | http://lifesciencepartner.com/ | National recruiting firm which provides executive search and consulting services to biotech, pharma companies, and healthcare organizations. |
9. | Reaction Search International | http://www.reactionsearch.com/ | Executive recruitment firm for biotech and pharma companies , including biostatistics and clinical data management, chemistry and clinical research etc. |
10. | Kelly Services | http://www.kellyservices.com/Global/Science | Provides outsourcing and consulting services, and staffing on temporary, temporary-to-hire, and direct-hire basis. |
Understanding every aspect of the program, scholarship, and admission process can be pretty hectic for a person new to this field in any case; if you need more in-depth information about any particular aspect of the application process, interviews, and course structure, feel free to hop on a 1:1 call with our team of experts.
We at MBAandBeyond follow a stepwise procedure to ensure maximum efficiency, quality, and interaction to make every minute worth it! We at MBA and beyond are determined to guide you through your entire application process, ensuring the best offers from top Business schools. Happy learning 🙂
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Harvard have a biotechnology program?
Harvard University offers a joint degree program in the form of the MS/MBA Biotechnology: Life Sciences under the Graduate School of Arts and Sciences (GSAS) as well as Harvard Medical School through the Harvard Department of Stem Cell and Regenerative Biology. The program is two years long and framed to equip students with the latest business ideas and scientific insights along with their existing biotech and life sciences knowledge.
What can you do with an MBA in biotechnology?
Upon completing the program, it would empower the graduates to understand and transform organizations related to new drug discoveries and therapeutics, lead science-based companies with a good understanding of research culture, opportunity-costs, relevant timeframes, and organizational behavior, find new ways to accelerate medical discoveries into therapeutic results. Devising the best business model for equitable access to these discoveries based on financial, scientific, and ethical approaches.
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Zanvyl krieger school of arts and sciences, ms in biotechnology/mba.
This dual degree graduate program prepares bioscience professionals for success in both the science and business of biotechnology. Drawing from the strengths of the Krieger School of Arts and Sciences and the Carey Business School, this innovative program allows students to earn two advanced degrees in less time than it takes to earn them separately. Dual degree recipients receive both diplomas upon completion of both programs: one from the Krieger School of Arts and Sciences and one from the Carey Business School.
Program-specific requirements.
In addition to the materials and credentials required for all programs, the Master of Science in Biotechnology requires an undergraduate degree in the natural sciences or engineering with at least a 3.0 on a 4.0 scale in undergraduate studies (relevant work experiences are also considered). Applicants should have coursework in the following:
For the MS in Biotechnology/MBA Dual Degree, two letters of recommendation are required .
*A waiver of the GRE or GMAT exam may be approved if a candidate has:
The program requires 82 total credits, 42 credits for the MBA (20 credits Flex MBA Business Foundation and 22 credits of business electives) and 40 credits in Biotechnology. The 42 MBA credits must be completed with "BU" courses from the Carey Business School. Dual degree recipients receive both diplomas upon completion of both programs.
Code | Title | Credits |
---|---|---|
Core Courses - Required: | ||
Molecular Biology (Starting Fall 2024, AS.410.606 Emerging Applications in Biotechnology will replace this requirement) | 4 | |
Advanced Cell Biology | 4 | |
Cellular Signal Transduction | 4 | |
The Biotechnology Enterprise | 4 | |
Electives (Six courses) | 24 | |
Biostatistics (students who take Biostatistics may take one additional Carey Business School elective in place of Statistical Analysis) | ||
Total Credits | 40 |
Code | Title | Credits |
---|---|---|
Business Foundation Courses - Required: | ||
Accounting and Financial Reporting | 2 | |
Business Analytics | 2 | |
Business Communication | 2 | |
Business Microeconomics | 2 | |
Corporate Finance | 2 | |
Leadership and Organizational Behavior | 2 | |
Marketing Management | 2 | |
Operations Management | 2 | |
Statistical Analysis (Students who complete Biostatistics may take an additional Carey Business Elective in place of Statistical Analysis.) | 2 | |
Strategic Management | 2 | |
Electives (22 credits) | 22 | |
Select 11 two-credit courses. Students may fulfill this requirement with any Carey courses for which they meet the pre-requisites and enrollment criteria. | ||
Total Credits | 42 |
Dual degree applicants.
All applicants to an NYU Stern Dual Degree program must submit the Dual Degree application. Dual degree applicants must complete a separate application for each School of the dual degree program.
Specific instructions and application deadlines for each dual degree are available below.
Prior to applying, please review our Policies page. The requirements listed above apply to all of the Dual Degree programs. Please be sure to check the application requirements and the deadlines specific to each program in the respective sections below.
Your application must be submitted by 11:59 p.m. U.S. Eastern Time on the day of the deadline. Any mailed application material must be postmarked by the deadline date. By the initial notification date, you will receive one of three initial notifications: invitation to interview, waitlist offer or denial of admission. Please note:
JD/MBA MD/MBA MBA/MFA (Master of Fine Arts) MBA/MPA (Master of Public Administration) MS in Mathematics in Finance/MBA MS/MBA (Master of Science in Biology) DDS/MBA
To apply to the JD/MBA program, candidates must complete the NYU Stern Dual Degree application as well as an application for NYU Law. While no additional admissions standards are applied to dual degree applications at either school, students qualify for the dual degree program only upon admission to both NYU Stern and the School of Law. Applicants will only be considered for admission to the dual degree program if they are first offered admission to NYU Law's JD program. The review process of JD/MBA applicants will only begin after they are admitted by the NYU School of Law. While NYU Stern will make every effort to provide a timely review of these applications, due to the nature of the dual degree process, we cannot provide a specific notification date. Students begin at the School of Law, and enrollment at Stern is deferred for two years. Students at the School of Law may also apply to Stern in their first or second year by the JD/MBA application deadline. Detailed instructions for completing the JD application are provided on the School of Law admissions website . Application requirements specific to the JD/MBA: LSAT or GRE Score JD/MBA Deadlines
Applicants to the MD/MBA dual degree program must be third year full-time students at the NYU School of Medicine . You must complete the NYU Stern Dual Degree application and authorize the NYU School of Medicine to share your MD application with NYU Stern. You must also submit a request to the NYU School of Medicine Office of Registration and Student Records for your full AMCAS application and current NYU School of Medicine transcript to be sent to NYU Stern. The Office of Registration and Student Records should send your documents to NYU Stern at [email protected] . Students enroll in the School of Medicine on a full-time basis for the first three years before taking a dedicated year to enroll full-time at Stern to begin the MBA program. Enrollment at Stern begins in the fourth year and extends through the fall and spring semesters. Students then return to the medical school for the summer and fall of the fifth year, followed by a final semester of MBA coursework in the spring of the fifth year. Application requirements specific to the MD/MBA: MCAT Score MD/MBA Deadlines
To apply for the MBA/MFA program, candidates must complete NYU Stern Dual Degree application as well as an application for Kanbar. While no additional admissions standards are applied to applications at either school, students qualify for the MBA/MFA program only upon admission to both schools. Please note that candidates will only be considered for the MBA/MFA dual degree program if they first receive an invitation to interview from Kanbar. The MFA application is on the Tisch School of the Arts website . Application requirements specific to the MBA/MFA: GMAT/GRE/EA Score & Self-reported transcripts MBA/MFA Deadlines
To apply to the MBA/MPA program, candidates must complete the NYU Stern Dual Degree application as well as an application for Wagner. While no additional admissions standards are applied to dual degree applications at either school, students qualify for the dual degree program only upon admission to both NYU Stern and the Wagner School of Public Service. Please note that it is possible to be admitted to both programs, only one program, or neither program in this process. Individuals who already hold the MPA degree are not eligible for admission to the MBA/MPA program. For first year MPA students applying for the dual degree with NYU Stern, contact the Academic Advising department at NYU Wagner to request your record and past application be sent to NYU Stern. Specific instructions are available in the Dual Degree Application. The MPA application is on the NYU Wagner website . Application requirements specific to the MBA/MPA: GMAT/GRE/EA Score & Self-reported transcripts MBA/MPA Deadlines
Applicants to the MS in Mathematics in Finance/MBA dual degree program must be first year full-time students at NYU Courant . You must complete the NYU Stern Dual Degree application and authorize NYU Courant to share your MS application with NYU Stern. Contact the Academic Advising department at NYU Courant to request your record and past application be sent to NYU Stern. Specific instructions are available in Stern's Dual Degree application. Application requirements specific to the MS in Mathematics in Finance/MBA: GMAT/GRE/EA Score MS in Mathematics in Finance/MBA Deadlines
To apply for the MS in Biology/MBA dual degree, candidates must complete the NYU Stern Dual Degree application as well as a separate application for NYU GSAS. Students can either apply simultaneously to Stern and GSAS, or they can apply to Stern during their first year in the Biology program. While no additional admissions standards are applied to dual degree applications at either school, students qualify for the dual MS/MBA degree program only upon admission to both schools. Please note that it is possible to be admitted to both programs, only one program or neither program in this process. The MS in Biology application is on the GSAS website. For first year MS in Biology students applying for the dual degree with NYU Stern, contact the Academic Advising department at NYU GSAS to request for your record and past application to be sent to NYU Stern. Specific instructions are available in Stern's Dual Degree Application. Application requirements specific to the MS/MBA: GMAT/GRE/EA Score & Self-reported transcripts MS/MBA Deadlines
Only enrolled students in the NYU DDS program are eligible to apply for the dual degree. Students for the dual degree program are selected and nominated by the Dental School. Contact the Academic Advising department at the NYU Dental School to request for your record and past application to be sent to NYU Stern. Specific instructions are available in the NYU Stern Dual Degree application . Application requirements specific to the DDS/MBA: DAT Score DDS/MBA Deadlines
Incomplete Applications If your application is not complete (for example, missing test scores, essays or other items, illegible scanned transcript) you will be informed via your application status page. If you do not provide a complete application by the deadline, we cannot guarantee notification by the initial notification date.
In the ever-evolving professional landscape, the pursuit of higher education remains a popular route to advance your career.
But with numerous options available, how do you choose between an MBA and a PhD?
In this blog post, we dive into the unique benefits and opportunities that each of these advanced degrees offers.
From the practical business acumen and leadership skills gained in an MBA program to the deep expertise and research contributions made by PhD holders, the choice ultimately hinges on your long-term goals and personal ambitions.
We’ll explore these two distinct paths, and learn how to make the best decision for your future success.
A quick summary of a PhD vs MBA:
Purpose | Professional | Research-focused |
Duration | 1-2 years | Several years |
Focus | Practical skills and business acumen | Original research and advancing knowledge in the field |
Career outcomes | Business, finance, marketing, consulting | Academia, research, subject matter expert |
Typical environment | Business school | University or research institution |
Key skills developed | Teamwork, ethics, entrepreneurship | Data analysis, research methodology, discipline-specific expertise |
Admission requirements | Bachelor’s degree, work experience (optional) | Bachelor’s or Master’s degree, research experience |
Degree type | Master’s | Doctoral |
Ideal for | Individuals seeking career advancement in business | Individuals pursuing careers in research or academia |
A PhD, the highest academic degree achievable, can open numerous doors in the job market, enabling graduates to advance in their careers.
Unlike an MBA, which primarily focuses on corporate and management aspects, a PhD offers expertise in a specific field through rigorous research and study.
As a PhD student, your goal is to contribute new knowledge to your field, be it economics, finance, accounting, or any other discipline, by crafting a thesis that contains original research.
Through the PhD program, you not only earn a valuable qualification but also gain opportunities to publish your work and present at conferences.
These activities can enhance your reputation, making you more desirable to potential employers. The salary of a PhD holder often surpasses that of someone with only an undergraduate degree, as their expertise is in high demand.
From my personal experience, obtaining a PhD can be challenging yet rewarding. It allowed me to explore my chosen field, chemistry, in depth and opened up new avenues for career growth.
However, it is crucial to consider the potential drawbacks before embarking on this journey.
Pursuing a PhD entails a significant time commitment, typically around 3-4 years, and can be quite expensive, as tuition fees for these programs can be steep.
Acquiring a PhD can provide numerous benefits, including expert knowledge, a higher salary, and opportunities for advancement in your field. However, carefully weighing the pros and cons is necessary to determine if it’s the right path for you.
Choosing between an MBA and a PhD is a crucial decision that depends on your career goals and personal preferences. While both are advanced degrees, they offer significantly different paths.
I asked an MBA graduate and this is what they said:
Having experienced the MBA program myself, I can vouch for its practical benefits. An MBA focuses on business acumen and managerial skills, enabling you to climb the corporate ladder more quickly than a PhD. With a two-year duration, it’s a faster route to increasing your earning potential and offers a significant return on investment. Business schools emphasize teamwork, entrepreneurship, and ethics, providing graduates with a well-rounded skill set for the business world.
On the other hand, a PhD, such as a PhD in economics or any other discipline, is ideal for those passionate about research and academia. It requires several years of dedicated study, with graduates becoming experts in their niche.
PhD holders often pursue careers as researchers, professors, or consultants.
When considering whether to pursue an MBA or a PhD, weigh the pros and cons of each degree and reflect on your long-term career aspirations. Both options can be rewarding, but they cater to different ambitions and provide distinct opportunities in the professional world.
An MBA and a PhD are both advanced degrees, but they are not equal due to their differing purposes and career outcomes.
As someone who has interacted with both MBA and PhD graduates, I’ve seen firsthand the unique benefits of each degree.
An MBA is a professional degree, taking one to two years to complete, and equips students with practical business skills.
This degree is popular among those aiming to climb the corporate ladder in industries like finance, marketing, or consulting.
On the other hand, a PhD is a research-focused degree, requiring several years of dedication and original research contributions.
A PhD in economics or other fields often leads to careers in academia or research. PhD programs are highly competitive and demand an intense commitment to writing a dissertation and advancing knowledge in the discipline.
The debate between MBA vs. PhD highlights the significant differences in their focus and career paths.
While both degrees can be obtained at a business school, they cater to different ambitions and provide distinct opportunities. The choice between an MBA or a PhD depends on one’s end goal, work experience, and personal preferences.
When considering whether to pursue a PhD or an MBA, it’s essential to evaluate your:
A PhD offers the opportunity to deeply explore a specific subject, contribute to the advancement of knowledge in that field, and establish yourself as an expert.
However, the process is often lengthy and demanding, taking up to five or six years of intense research and dedication.
The payoff might not always be immediate in terms of career prospects, as academia and research can be fiercely competitive arenas.
On the other hand, an MBA equips you with practical business skills and knowledge, often leading to a broader range of job opportunities and potentially higher salaries.
The program’s duration is considerably shorter, usually taking one to two years to complete, and offers a faster return on investment.
An MBA is particularly well-suited for those seeking to climb the corporate ladder, transition into a managerial role, or even launch their own startups.
It’s important to note that some individuals choose to pursue both degrees, combining their research expertise with practical business acumen to excel in various fields.
Yes, there are indeed individuals who choose to earn both a PhD and an MBA, although this path is less common.
Combining the two degrees can create a unique skill set that is valuable in various fields.
For instance, a PhD holder in a specialized discipline may opt for an MBA to gain practical business skills and a broader understanding of the corporate world, which can be valuable in leadership roles or entrepreneurial endeavors.
Pursuing both degrees also allows for building diverse networks, connecting with professionals in academia and the business world.
Despite the significant time and effort required to obtain both degrees, those who undertake this ambitious path often find themselves well-equipped to navigate multiple career paths and excel in their chosen fields.
Both advanced degrees can lead to successful careers, but they differ significantly in terms of their focus and job prospects.
An MBA degree, with its emphasis on business administration, prepares graduates for roles such as:
MBA holders are more likely to climb the corporate ladder quickly and enjoy higher salaries. The MBA program equips students with practical business skills, making them suitable for leadership positions in a wide range of industries.
In contrast, PhDs are more likely to become professors or researchers, with a focus on deepening their expertise in their chosen field. In science that is a very common career goal.
While the earning potential for PhD holders may not be as high as for those with an MBA, they often find fulfillment in their academic pursuits.
Getting an MBA might be the better option for those eager to advance quickly in the corporate world and who possess a strong passion for business.
On the other hand, getting a PhD might be more suitable for those who wish to delve into research and contribute to academia.
The decision between pursuing an MBA or a PhD is a highly personal one, hinging on individual career goals, personal interests, and the level of time and financial commitment one is willing to make. Both advanced degrees offer unique benefits and opportunities, but they cater to different career paths and ambitions.
An MBA is an ideal choice for those seeking to climb the corporate ladder swiftly, transition into management roles, or launch their own businesses. With a focus on practical business skills, MBA graduates find themselves well-prepared for leadership positions across various industries.
On the other hand, a PhD is geared towards those passionate about research and academia, providing an opportunity to become an expert in a specific field and contribute to the advancement of knowledge. While the journey may be more demanding and time-consuming, the satisfaction of making an impact in one’s chosen discipline can be deeply rewarding.
The best choice depends on your long-term goals, professional aspirations, and personal preferences. Reflecting on these factors, researching each degree thoroughly, and seeking advice from professionals and peers can help you make an informed decision that aligns with your ambitions and aspirations. Whichever path you choose, both an MBA and a PhD can be instrumental in unlocking a world of possibilities and shaping your future career.
Dr Andrew Stapleton has a Masters and PhD in Chemistry from the UK and Australia. He has many years of research experience and has worked as a Postdoctoral Fellow and Associate at a number of Universities. Although having secured funding for his own research, he left academia to help others with his YouTube channel all about the inner workings of academia and how to make it work for you.
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The Wake Forest University PhD/MBA program is dedicated to training and research at the interface between science and business to unleash the power and potential of technology for the benefit of society.
A large proportion of Ph.D. graduates work in the private sector in positions that use the skills acquired during their graduate training. But in addition to the scholarship and rigor that makes the Ph.D. a world model, there is a need for a broader range of skills for success in a changing employment climate. The Wake Forest University Graduate School of Arts and Sciences, in conjunction with the Schools of Business , has initiated an innovative course of study leading to the PhD/MBA. The Wake Forest PhD/MBA program is the first program of its kind in the nation, and the first to produce students with the joint degree (see testimonials from some of our graduates, below).
Uniting science and management, the PhD/MBA program is preparing a new generation of leaders for the emerging fields of technology. Our mission is focused, providing education and research training leading to beneficial uses for the rapidly emerging discoveries in the sciences, and preparing students for industry or academic leadership. Multidisciplinary knowledge is indispensable in the development of new products and processes and in the translation of biomedical advances to patients and the global market. As the first graduate program in the nation offering management training with the Ph.D., we are dedicated to capturing the brightest minds and providing them with the scientific and management expertise needed to foster the technology infrastructure of the nation.
The PhD/MBA program is a synthesis of curricula from the Graduate School and the Evening MBA Program of the Schools of Business, with specialized course work and opportunities for industrial and business internships. The joint program is open to new and current students in all PhD-granting programs across all Wake Forest campuses. Students take from 4-6 years to complete the joint program, depending on the nature of the graduate research undertaken in the home program. The first year of the curriculum will provide students with a core base of knowledge in the core competencies of the home graduate program. At the end of the second year, and before beginning MBA course work, the student must take and pass examinations that will admit him/her to candidacy for the PhD. A student enrolling in the PhD/MBA program would have 5-6 semesters of evening MBA courses added to the graduate degree requirements. Opportunities for industrial projects and internships are possible after ascent to PhD candidacy and during the MBA coursework phase. The PhD and MBA degrees will be awarded simultaneously at the completion of all requirements for both degrees.
Students wishing to enroll in the combined program apply to and meet the respective admissions requirements of the Graduate School of Arts and Sciences and the Schools of Business. Admission to the MBA portion of the program occurs separately after gaining admission to the home graduate program, and after securing appropriate approval from the home program for participation in the joint program. In addition to the general requirements of the Graduate School of Arts and Sciences, the Schools of Business requires completion of the GMAT (General Management Aptitude Test). The Schools of Business will also accept the Graduate Record Exam (GRE) as a replacement for the GMAT for admissions.
Questions regarding admissions: Mr. Kevin Bender Associate Director, Graduate Admissions School of Business (336) 758-3091 [email protected]
General questions: Dr. Dwayne Godwin Associate Dean Graduate School of Arts and Sciences [email protected]
PhD/MBA students completed an economic impact study of new in silico algorithms used in the drug discovery process. This study contributed to a $2 million grant awarded by the US government to develop computer simulation software designed to predict biological and toxicological effects of drugs, which will reduce the failure rate in the drug development process. Pictured from the left are Donald Debethizy, President and CEO of Targacept, Inc., Randy Jacinto, PhD/MBA graduate; Richard Alexander, PhD/MBA graduate; Dwayne W. Godwin, Ph.D., Department of Neurobiology and Anatomy and Director of the PhD/MBA program; Adam Winseck, PhD/MBA graduate; and William S. Caldwell, Ph.D., Vice President of Drug Discovery and Development, Targacept, Inc. Not pictured is Heather Peters, PhD/MBA student who also worked on the project.
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“My new job is exactly what I have been looking for. I found that the dual degree is an attractive combination that will allow me to go further, faster.” DR. ADAM WINSECK MEDICAL MARKETING, SANOFI AVENTIS, INC. 2004 NEUROBIOLOGY AND ANATOMY MEDICAL EDUCATION MARKETING
“The fusion of biology and business has provided a unique perspective – like looking at the world from space, it’s easier to see the whole picture. As an aspiring entrepreneur I feel that the skills I learned will amplify my ability to make a difference.” DR. RANDY JACINTO BIORAD, INC. 2004 PHD/MBA GRADUATE MOLECULAR MEDICINE
“Incredible advances can occur where disciplines collide. The PhD/MBA program has given me the tools to pursue a broader career horizon without sacrificing my core scientific interests.” DR. RICHARD ALEXANDER 2004 PHD/MBA GRADUATE PHYSIOLOGY/PHARMACOLOGY
“The PhD/MBA program prepared me for a career, not just a job. Today I am conducting research with a deeper understanding of how my work supports my organization.” DR. HEATHER PETERS PHD/MBA GRADUATE CHEMISTRY
“Drawing from my management and scientific training in equal measure, I’ve enjoyed the increased level of responsibility and respect that has come with achieving the dual degree.” DR. FRANK WELDER PHD/MBA GRADUATE CHEMISTRY MECHNICAL AND QUALITY DIRECTOR MICROBAC LABORATORIES, INC.
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Pennsylvania Western University stands as a beacon of educational opportunity across Western Pennsylvania, offering a wide array of over 100 degree programs designed to meet the evolving demands of today's workforce and society. With campuses rich in history and tradition, and an innovative approach to online learning, our diverse programs are tailored to prepare you not just for the jobs of today, but for the challenges and opportunities of tomorrow.
Interested in taking a minor while at PennWest? View minors .
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Students in our PhD programs are encouraged from day one to think of this experience as their first job in business academia—a training ground for a challenging and rewarding career generating rigorous, relevant research that influences practice.
Our doctoral students work with faculty and access resources throughout HBS and Harvard University. The PhD program curriculum requires coursework at HBS and other Harvard discipline departments, and with HBS and Harvard faculty on advisory committees. Faculty throughout Harvard guide the programs through their participation on advisory committees.
There are many paths, but we are one HBS. Our PhD students draw on diverse personal and professional backgrounds to pursue an ever-expanding range of research topics. Explore more here about each program’s requirements & curriculum, read student profiles for each discipline as well as student research , and placement information.
The PhD in Business Administration grounds students in the disciplinary theories and research methods that form the foundation of an academic career. Jointly administered by HBS and GSAS, the program has four areas of study: Accounting and Management , Marketing , Strategy , and Technology and Operations Management . All areas of study involve roughly two years of coursework culminating in a field exam. The remaining years of the program are spent conducting independent research, working on co-authored publications, and writing the dissertation. Students join these programs from a wide range of backgrounds, from consulting to engineering. Many applicants possess liberal arts degrees, as there is not a requirement to possess a business degree before joining the program
The PhD in Business Economics provides students the opportunity to study in both Harvard’s world-class Economics Department and Harvard Business School. Throughout the program, coursework includes exploration of microeconomic theory, macroeconomic theory, probability and statistics, and econometrics. While some students join the Business Economics program directly from undergraduate or masters programs, others have worked in economic consulting firms or as research assistants at universities or intergovernmental organizations.
The PhD program in Health Policy (Management) is rooted in data-driven research on the managerial, operational, and strategic issues facing a wide range of organizations. Coursework includes the study of microeconomic theory, management, research methods, and statistics. The backgrounds of students in this program are quite varied, with some coming from public health or the healthcare industry, while others arrive at the program with a background in disciplinary research
The PhD program in Organizational Behavior offers two tracks: either a micro or macro approach. In the micro track, students focus on the study of interpersonal relationships within organizations and the effects that groups have on individuals. Students in the macro track use sociological methods to examine organizations, groups, and markets as a whole, including topics such as the influence of individuals on organizational change, or the relationship between social missions and financial objectives. Jointly administered by HBS and GSAS, the program includes core disciplinary training in sociology or psychology, as well as additional coursework in organizational behavior.
Business economics , health policy (management) , marketing , organizational behavior , strategy , technology & operations management .
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A joint degree with the Graduate School of Arts and Sciences. Students are affiliated with Harvard Medical School through the Harvard Department of Stem Cell and Regenerative Biology. ... To meet this need, the MS/MBA Biotechnology: Life Sciences Program at Harvard University builds upon students' existing biotech and life sciences knowledge ...
MBA/PhD with the Yale Graduate School of Arts and Sciences. The joint-degree program offers an MBA in combination with a PhD in the sciences or humanities from the Yale Graduate School of Arts and Sciences. Below are admissions and training requirements specific to BBS students.
The MS in Biology/MBA dual degree students spend the first year of the program in the Biology department of the Graduate School of Arts & Science, completing the bulk of the credits required for the MS degree. The second and third years are spent completing the MBA degree at NYU Stern as well as the final credits required for the Biology degree ...
The gateway to a Ph.D. in the biosciences at Yale. The Yale Combined Program in the Biological and Biomedical Sciences (BBS) is the admissions gateway to a Ph.D. in almost all bioscience disciplines* at Yale. Upon admission, you will spend your first year of training within BBS and then transition to a degree-granting program for your second ...
MS in Biotechnology/MBA Program Overview. In today's aggressive biotechnology business environment, there's an increasing demand for leaders who understand both the science and business of biotechnology. The MS in Biotechnology/MBA is one of the nation's first and largest dual graduate degree programs in biotechnology and business.
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 scholarship will be incorporated into each financial aid package, if applicable.
A joint degree that blends business, ethics, and life science. Harvard's dual degree program, MS/MBA Biotechnology: Life Sciences, aims to prepare the next generation of industry leaders with advanced training in business, ethics, and life sciences.Built in response to student demand, this novel approach to a Harvard MBA is for people with both an undergraduate degree in the life sciences ...
PhD students in the biomedical sciences programs at the Miller School of Medicine may choose to pursue a Master of Business Administration degree immediately following their doctoral studies. The MBA portion of the sequential degree may be completed in one year and consists of 44 MBA credits. The degrees must be obtained sequentially.
Overview. Harvard offers a joint degree program that confers an MBA from Harvard Business School and a Master of Science, Biotechnology: Life Sciences from the Graduate School of Arts and Sciences. Students are affiliated with the Harvard Department of Stem Cell & Regenerative Biology, a Harvard Medical School/Faculty of Arts and Sciences joint ...
Further your career in industrial science with the 63-credit Ph.D. in biological sciences/MBA dual degree. This combined program is offered by the Department of Biological Sciences and the Alfred Lerner College of Business and Economics. For full details, including admissions and financial aid information, visit the joint degree page on the UD ...
Applications to the Ph.D. program in Biological Sciences and letters of recommendation are to be submitted to the Office of Graduate & Professional Education. The Ph.D. in Biological Sciences/MBA is a joint degree program. As such, the joint programs must be completed and the dual degree is conferred simultaneously.
In this article, we will learn all about the MS/MBA Biotechnology: Life Sciences Program offered at Harvard University, which is a joint degree program under the Graduate School of Arts and Sciences (GSAS) as well as Harvard Medical School through the Harvard Department of Stem Cell and Regenerative Biology.
One semester of molecular biology; Additional Requirements. For the MS in Biotechnology/MBA Dual Degree, two letters of recommendation are required. MBA Admissions Requirements. GRE or GMAT exam* At least two years of progressive, full-time, professional experience after the completion of undergraduate studies for the MBA
Getting an MBA with a biology degree offers the following benefits: Competitive candidate: Completing an MBA and a biology degree can make you a competitive candidate. This can help you stand out against other candidates when applying to open positions. Diverse skill set: With a background in biology and business, you have the ability to ...
Please carefully review the. MBA2 Electives. 12. COR2-GB.3101 Professional Responsibility OR LAW-LW.10387 Ethical and Legal Challenges of the Modern Corporation*. 9-10.5. *This law course counts towards the 9.0 credit maximum of non-Stern credits. Requirements and program sequence for the MS Biology/MBA dual degree.
As a member of the first cohort of Harvard's MS/MBA joint degree, I wanted to share four things you should know about this new program: 1. Students come from a variety of backgrounds. In my cohort of 11, I initially expected more than half to have worked in biotech. I was pleasantly surprised to see the variety in backgrounds.
MS/MBA (Master of Science in Biology) To apply for the MS in Biology/MBA dual degree, candidates must complete the NYU Stern Dual Degree application as well as a separate application for NYU GSAS. Students can either apply simultaneously to Stern and GSAS, or they can apply to Stern during their first year in the Biology program.
A PhD, the highest academic degree achievable, can open numerous doors in the job market, enabling graduates to advance in their careers. Unlike an MBA, which primarily focuses on corporate and management aspects, a PhD offers expertise in a specific field through rigorous research and study. As a PhD student, your goal is to contribute new ...
The PhD/MBA program is a synthesis of curricula from the Graduate School and the Evening MBA Program of the Schools of Business, with specialized course work and opportunities for industrial and business internships. ... "The fusion of biology and business has provided a unique perspective - like looking at the world from space, it's ...
The top companies hiring now for phd biology mba jobs in United States are AllSTEM Connections, The Lorenz Clinic, LLC, Utah State University, ZRT Laboratory, Meneses Law, Molecular Epidemiology Inc., IHRC INCORPORATED, Islamic Services Foundation, Penfield Search Partners, Rocket Pharmaceuticals
Harvard Business School Online CORe Harvard Business School As with all MBA candidates, MS/MBA students take a short test to determine whether they are required to complete Harvard Business School Online CORe prior to matriculating in August of Year 1. CORe, an online program requiring about 150 hours of work over roughly ten weeks, covers basic business analytics, microeconomics for managers ...
Key Takeaways: Make the most of interviews and essays to give a fuller picture. Add context to awards and accomplishments. Draw connections between non-business courses and B-school.
Pennsylvania Western University stands as a beacon of educational opportunity across Western Pennsylvania, offering a wide array of over 100 degree programs designed to meet the evolving demands of today's workforce and society.
Founded in 1908 as part of Harvard University, Harvard Business School is located on a 40-acre campus in Boston. Its faculty of more than 200 offers full-time programs leading to the MBA and doctoral degrees, as well as more than 70 open enrollment Executive Education programs and 55 custom programs, and Harvard Business School Online, the School's digital learning platform.
Courtney Lane-Donovan, MD, PhD, assistant professor in the Division of Memory and Aging of the Department of Neurology, has been awarded a 2024 Irene Perstein Award recognizing her research on the connection between aging brain cell biology and neurodegenerative diseases.
Students in our PhD programs are encouraged from day one to think of this experience as their first job in business academia—a training ground for a challenging and rewarding career generating rigorous, relevant research that influences practice. Our doctoral students work with faculty and access resources throughout HBS and Harvard University.