Biotech master programs Columbia or Georgetown

[zlwjoe]

I got accepted by Biotech MS/MA programs by Georgetown and Columbia. They are both 1 year programs and they share many similarities.

Columbia has higher rank. It offers more lab classes, but it also requires a thesis

Georgetown offer internship in biotech companies, which might help me find a job in the future.

I wanna find a job in R&D labs in pharmaceutical company after graduation. Which one maybe better for me?

[deathberry]

Hey zlwjoe, I also got accepted by these two programs. I decided to attend Columbia (although I've already said yes to Georgetown, still have to tell them). I also struggled between the thesis vs. internship part, but in the end I really liked Columbia's electives that I felt it fits more with what I wanted to learn. And, of course, the name shines in Asia.

I think you might want to consider Columbia. Having worked through a research thesis may help you with the R&D career, and you get a more solid science/lab learning experience. 

And for R&D, you might consider a PhD in the future, then you'll definitely need a Master's thesis for that.

Hope this helps

[zlwjoe]

Hey zlwjoe, I also got accepted by these two programs. I decided to attend Columbia (although I've already said yes to Georgetown, still have to tell them). I also struggled between the thesis vs. internship part, but in the end I really liked Columbia's electives that I felt it fits more with what I wanted to learn. And, of course, the name shines in Asia.

I think you might want to consider Columbia. Having worked through a research thesis may help you with the R&D career, and you get a more solid science/lab learning experience. 

And for R&D, you might consider a PhD in the future, then you'll definitely need a Master's thesis for that.

Hope this helps

Hey Deathberry, thank you very much for your advice. We share very similar ideas about those two programs, and I decided to go to Columbia.

[deathberry]

Yay, then let's stay in touch!

[kcmokaa]

Hey Joe and Deathberry, here is KC... I also got the offer from this program. Greeting from Hong Kong!!!

[kcmokaa]

And would you finish this program in one year or two years? That is a struggle for me...

[deathberry]

Hey KC! On the website it looks like this is a one-year program. I know there are quite some Masters that offer one-year programs but as an International student I am a bit worried about my whereabouts after I graduate...Columbia's courses are calculated by "residency", so I think if you can't complete your courses in 2 semesters then you can register and pay for another full "resident", which will then make your study period a year-and-a-half. I hope I'm not mistaken.

 

Great to meet you too I'll be taking a transit at HK airport when I fly to NYC 

[kcmokaa]

Since I have read student handbook on the website saying that the program could be completed in two years... I wonder if I could handle 15 credits in one semester which are all PG courses... Still, two-month summer lab for thesis is a bit rush... BTW... U hv already bought the ticket?! WoW.... I am still working hard for my final exams... Not yet graduate T.T

[deathberry]

Hey friend I'm on the same boat…I still have final exams plus my clinical license exam coming up at end July, then I have to rush to NYC a week after that…(big sigh)

I bought the ticket early to get student discount, and there're a lot of tw students going to the US in August. Gotta snatch it fast

Wow we can extend the program to two years? I didn't see the handbook you mentioned, will go check it out, thanks. I'll still aim to finish it in one year though.