This concentration focuses on applying engineering principles to understand and model complex biological systems. Researchers in this area investigate topics such as cellular differentiation, pathogenesis, cancer, learning, and behavior. The approach involves developing methods for collecting quantitative, often large-scale data, and creating theoretical models and computational tools to analyze this data. By deciphering biological systems, this field aims to identify biomarkers and drug targets, advance personalized medicine, and engineer new synthetic biological systems for various applications including clinical, agricultural, environmental, and energy sectors. Computational and systems-level approaches are increasingly vital in the biotechnology industry for predicting drug efficacy and side effects, early disease detection, and developing novel therapeutics. Synthetic biology is also making significant contributions to fields like anti-cancer therapies, sustainable manufacturing, and drug delivery.
Graduates of this concentration can find career opportunities in various sectors including industry, academia, and healthcare, with roles ranging from future foods to developing designer therapeutics.
Northeastern Online Scholarships are applied automatically. Tuition is billed by term on a pay-as-you-go basis. An enrollment deposit is required to secure a place and is applied to the first tuition bill.
Graduates typically find employment or pursue further education within 6 months of graduation, with 95.3% achieving this. Career opportunities exist in the biotechnology industry, academia, and healthcare, focusing on areas like future foods and designer therapeutics.
Tuition rates are program- and term-specific and will be available starting Fall 2026. You can view costs by selecting a term and program on the Northeastern Online Tuition page.
Northeastern offers several online scholarships, including the Standard App and Fast App Northeastern Online Scholarships, which are tuition discounts applied automatically. Other scholarships like the Double Husky, Parent and Family, and Full Circle scholarships are also available, each with specific eligibility criteria and discount amounts.
To apply, begin your application through the graduate admissions portal, submit all required materials as specified, and then monitor your application status using the confirmation email you receive.
The programme content describes the application process for U.S. and international applicants and mentions reviewing English language requirements, suggesting instruction is in English.