Which is better? MS Biotechnology from Harvard Extension or Johns Hopkins AAP

[shkmiami]

Hi. I am interested in getting an MS in Biotechnology to further enrich my learning and enhance my academic record. Which program do you think is a better option? Getting it from Harvard Extension or Johns Hopkins Advanced Academic Programs? Both are Continuing Education schools of their respected big name/ big ticket university and aren't that difficult to get into, but both programs are significant commitments that require sacrifice in time, energy and money.There are definite differences to consider between them. Harvard Ext actually awards a ALM in Biotechnology and not a MS. I wonder if that means anything. Both programs require 10 courses which equal out to 40 credits total. However Harvard has a thesis component included which adds almost one year extra time to completion for a total of year and a half to two years. J Hop does not have a thesis component, so if you go full time you really can finish it in one year. J Hop also has the advantage of being very flexible. You can take 8 out of the required 10 courses online which means FLEXIBILITY. Harvard has a few online courses, but the offerings are too sporadic to really do most of the degree online. Harvard's courses cost about $1600, while J Hop costs about $2400. I am fairly familiar with Harvard's program, but I know very little about J Hop's program. Can anyone in the program share their knowledge? Also I am slightly concerned about the reputation of J Hop's program, since some people might poo poo the idea of an online degree. Finally one last question, if you take online courses at J Hop, do you have to find a proctor from a local college to take your tests or do you have to travel all the way to Maryland?

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[braluk]

Im not sure on either on programs, I'll see what I can dig up, but just letting you know, and not necessarily bursting your bubble, but the big names only apply to certain things. For example, Harvard's Extension School or Postbac, though at one of the finest institutions in the world, seems to be viewed with a less favorably eye than other postbacs out there at lesser known schools but with very well known postbac programs (and thus more competitive to get into- I believe Bryn Mawr and Goucher are two examples).

 

[shkmiami]

Thank you for your response braluk. I was thinking of doing one of these programs during the glide year of application. I have already finished the requirements for committee sponsorship at Harvard Extension school so I was thinking of doing some more work to add to my academic record. Maybe I should apply to Cinncinnati's program or Georgetown's SMP instead of pursuing a biotechnology degree.

 

[mma7521]

I am interested in getting an MS in Biotechnology from Harvard Extension school to further enrich my learning and and make a career switch in the Biotech industry. Make background is in analytical chemistry and I have been working for a semiconductor industry for about 4 years. Can anyone provide me valuable insight if doing Biotech program from Harvard Ext school would be a good investment of time, money and resources. I know Harvard has a very big reputaion and Alumni network, but I do not know about the strength of this program in biotechnology. Can this program put weight in the Biotech industries rather than doing the same from other schools such as BU, Tufts that also offer Biotech programs. How would the industry or potential employer view someone from this program without any work experience in the Biotech industry? Please advise.