Master’s of Science in Biophysical Chemistry and Design for Biotechnology

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Built to address pressing challenges in biotech and pharma

The MS in Biophysical Chemistry and Design for Biotechnology is a unique and immersive graduate program that bridges core science with AI, preparing graduates for high-demand careers in biotechnology and pharmaceutical development. Located on Johns Hopkins’ Homewood campus, the courses deliver deep expertise in antibody and drug design, drug formulations, vaccine development, and more in as few as 10 months.

This master’s program offers hands-on labs that provide experience using cutting-edge tools and techniques informed by Nobel Prize-winning advances in biophysical chemistry. You will gain knowledge and skills for designing and synthesizing new therapies at the molecular level with valuable mentorship from Hopkins’ faculty leaders in biophysics and biophysical chemistry.

Inspired by industry needs, shaped by academic leaders, and backed by discovery, the Biophysical Chemistry and Design for Biotechnology Master’s degree empowers graduates to drive innovation where science meets technology. Complete this cohort-based graduate program on a part- or full-time schedule to form lasting connections with other students, esteemed faculty, and biotech and pharma leaders.

Fast Facts

Professional Opportunities

The MS in Biophysical Chemistry and Design for Biotechnology prepares students for occupations as biophysicists, biochemists, and computational biologists. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects there will be approximately 9,900 job openings for these occupations per year over the next decade, with median annual wages between $86,620 and $103,650.1, 2

Cutting-edge Course Study and Hands-on Lab Work

Gain unique expertise in the physical chemistry of proteins and nucleic acids, analytical methods for studying the structure and interactions of biomolecular systems, dynamics, and computational protein design. Johns Hopkins offers coursework in state-of-the-art facilities, where you will practice experimental and computational techniques for the analysis and design of proteins and nucleic acids, and in doing so, learn advanced biophysical chemistry.

This hands-on graduate program includes a five-week summer lab intensive designed to mirror real biotechnology and pharmaceutical environments. You will train on industry-standard instruments and access networking opportunities, building relationships with other top scholars, faculty, and doctoral students. Moreover, the Homewood campus provides access to expansive libraries for conducting research on biotechnology, chemistry, and more.

Students complete nine core courses and one summer lab intensive in person at Johns Hopkins University’s Baltimore, MD campus.

  • Introduction to Computing in Biology
  • Statistics and Data Analysis
  • Biophysical Methods
  • Macromolecular Simulation
  • Recombinant DNA Lab
  • Computational Analysis of Protein and Nucleic Acid Structures
  • Physical Chemistry of Biological Macromolecules
  • Computational Macromolecular Design
  • Special Topics in Macromolecular Therapeutics
  • Protein Design Lab (Summer Lab Intensive)

Students can choose two electives to customize their learning experience. Sample elective options include:

  • Biocatalysis: Fundamentals, Recent Advances, and Industrial Applications 
  • Molecular Synthetic Biology 
  • Introduction to Bioinformatics 
  • Mammalian Cell Culture Techniques 
  • Immunological Techniques in Biotechnology 
  • Principles of Immunology 
  • The Biotechnology Enterprise 
  • Computational Protein Structure Prediction and Design 
  • Application of Molecular Evolution to Biotechnology 
  • Principles of Genomic Systems Engineering and Synthetic Biology 

Sources

  1. Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, “Biochemists and Biophysicists.” Retrieved 9/2/2025, from https://www.bls.gov/ooh/life-physical-and-social-science/biochemists-and-biophysicists.htm.
  2. Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, “Chemists and Materials Scientists.” Retrieved 9/2/2025, from https://www.bls.gov/ooh/life-physical-and-social-science/chemists-and-materials-scientists.htm.