M.Sc Biotechnology and M.Sc Microbiology are two higher studies options available for science graduates as specialize in advanced areas like Life Sciences. M.Sc in Biotechnology is generally considered as a better course compared to M.Sc in Microbiology while considering the future prospects. Wide range of career opportunities and higher studies options are available for students completing M.Sc in Biotechnology than M.Sc in Microbiology.

Future prospects of M.Sc in Biotechnology

Higher studies options

• Doctor of Philosophy in Bioinformatics
• Doctor of Philosophy in Bio Resources and Biotechnology
• Doctor of Philosophy in Biotechnology
• Post M.D Certificate Course in Biotechnology

Career opportunities

M.Sc graduates in Biotechnology can pursue their career as Junior Research Fellow in Centre for Cellular and Molecular Biology and earn a salary of Rs. 8, 000/- to    Rs. 12, 000/- per month. It is also possible for them to join National Botanical Institute as Project Assistant. Emoluments offered for this research job is Rs. 12, 000/- per month in the initial stage. Central Drug Research Institute also offers the job of Project Assistants to these graduates. They can work as Assistant Professors or Associate Professors in various institutions like Guwahati University, Banaras Hindu University etc. after qualifying the National Eligibility Test (NET). If they are interested to work in private sector, then they can pursue their career as Biotechnologists or Quality Control Officer in companies like

• Hindustan Lever Limited
• Thapar group
• Bincon India Limited
• Sun Pharma
• Indo American Hybrid Seeds
• Cadila Pharmaceuticals Limited

Other employment opportunities available for these postgraduates in National Environment Research Institute, Agricultural Research Institute, National Institute of Immunology, Hindustan Antibiotics etc. are

• Research Assistant
• Research Scientist
• Bio-informist
• Production in-charge

Future prospects of M.Sc in Microbiology

Higher studies options

• Doctor of Philosophy in Microbiology
• Doctor of Philosophy in Neuromicrobiology

Career opportunities

Those who have completed M.Sc degree in Microbiology can apply for the post of Junior Research Fellow in Microbiology department of College of Basic Sciences and Humanities. Remuneration offered for this research post is Rs. 16, 000/- per month.

They can also join Institute of Bioresources and Sustainable Development as Senior Technical Assistant and earn salary of Rs. 10, 000/- per month. It is possible for them to join as Research Associate in Research Institutes like Panacea Biotech. Pharmaceutical companies which offer the job of microbiologists to these postgraduates are

• Emcure Pharmaceticals
• Wockhardt Limited
• Shantha Biotech
• Cipla
• Cadila Pharmaceuticals Limited
• Lupin Pharmaceuticals
• Dr.Reddy’s,
• Ranbaxy

The aspirants can join institutions like Kurukshetra University, University of Pune etc as Assistant/Associate Professor after obtaining good score in National Eligibility Test (NET). Other job opportunities available for these M.Sc degree holders are

• Quality Control Executive
• Research Officer
• Hygienist
• Medical Technologist

The better option

While considering higher studies and career opportunities, M.Sc in Biotechnology course is and M.Sc in Microbiology both present good options. M.Sc degree holders in Biotechnology can pursue their doctoral degrees in Biotechnology, Bioinformatics etc. Also, they can pursue Post M.D. Certification in Biotechnology. But the higher studies options available for candidates having M.Sc degree in Microbiology are Ph.D in Microbiology and Ph.D in Neuromicrobiology.

Those who possess M.Sc in Botechnology can find research jobs in reputed research institutes like Centre for Cellular and Molecular Biology, National Botanical Institute, Agricultural Research Institute, National Institute of Immunology etc. Institute of Bioresources and Sustainable Development and Panacea Biotech are the major research institutes which offer research jobs for M.Sc degree holders in Microbiology.