What kind of degree should I get as a biotechnology major?
Masters vs PhD? #biotechnology #medical-research
2 answers
Sara’s Answer
There are multiple career paths you can take with a degree in Biomedical Engineering/Biotechnology. Once you've completed you Bachelor's degree, you'll have a better idea of what you want to do. If you want to stay in the biotechnology industry, working with NIH, FDA, or a biotechnology company, you should definitely do your PhD. The advantage of doing you PhD will far outweigh the cost of time to do complete your PhD, as most biotechnology companies will only hire PhD's for research and design positions. You PhD is also necessary if you want to move up professionally through the NIH and FDA.
Shane’s Answer
With a bachelors you can already start working in the commercial side of the business as well as having opportunities to work in Field based Medical roles. A Masters will definitely help and be important if you want to work in Medical Management - but most of the senior roles will be held by Physicians so even a PhD will have limitations there.
I recommend you intern and get experience: is Research your passion area? Maybe Development? Medical teams help translate the science into real world practice and educate physicians on treatment opportunities. Commercial teams work to ensure access to treatmentent for as broad a population as possible. If you can spend time in these different teams you will also have the option to see what final education the teams you work with have.