Keck Graduate Institute: Leading Graduate School for Biotechnology and Healthcare Innovation

Keck Graduate Institute (KGI), founded in 1997 and part of the Claremont Colleges consortium in California, is a premier private graduate institution specializing in applied life sciences and healthcare innovation. With a strong industry focus, KGI offers a range of interdisciplinary programs through its Schools of Applied Life Sciences, Pharmacy and Health Sciences, and Medicine, integrating science with business, engineering, and clinical practice.

Its curriculum emphasizes hands-on experience and industry collaboration, supported by cutting-edge research centers and initiatives. KGI boasts a diverse student body, strong alumni network, high post-graduation employment rates, and notable partnerships with leading organizations like Amgen and City of Hope. Despite its niche focus, KGI is recognized for academic excellence in biotechnology, bioprocessing, and healthcare education, offering a dynamic and career-oriented environment for graduate students worldwide.

Keck Graduate Institute: A Hub for Applied Life Sciences and Healthcare Innovation

Keck Graduate Institute (KGI), established in 1997, stands as a distinctive private graduate school nestled in Claremont, California, and is the seventh and newest member of the esteemed Claremont Colleges consortium. Founded by Henry Riggs and David Galas, KGI was conceived to address a critical need for scientists capable of translating cutting-edge scientific discoveries into practical applications, particularly within the burgeoning fields of biotechnology and healthcare.

History and Founding

KGI’s inception was driven by the vision of Henry Riggs, then president of Harvey Mudd College, who identified a gap in the training of professionals equipped to bridge the divide between scientific research and its commercial and societal impact. The institute received a foundational $50 million endowment from the W. M. Keck Foundation, from which it derives its name. Despite some initial opposition regarding its lack of tenure and campus location, KGI ultimately established its presence and awarded its first Master of Bioscience degree in 2002.

Since its founding, KGI has been led by a succession of presidents:

• Henry E. Riggs (1997–2003)
• Sheldon Schuster (2003–2024)
• Mohamed Abousalem (2024–Present)

Academic Programs and Degrees

KGI’s academic offerings are organized into three primary schools: the Henry E. Riggs School of Applied Life Sciences, the School of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, and the School of Medicine. The institute is dedicated to providing innovative postgraduate degrees and certificates that integrate life and health sciences with business, engineering, pharmacy, and genetics. Its curriculum emphasizes team projects and hands-on industry experiences, preparing students to become leaders in healthcare and applied life sciences.

Key Degree Programs:

Biotechnology and Applied Life Sciences:

• Master of Business and Science (MBS) in Biotechnology
• Master of Engineering (MEng) in Biopharmaceutical Processing
• Master of Science (MS) in Biopharmaceutical Process Engineering
• Master of Science (MS) in Human Genetics and Genomic Data Analytics
• Master of Science (MS) in Medical Device Engineering
• Master of Science (MS) in Applied Life Sciences (with concentrations like Community Medicine)
• Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Applied Life Sciences

Healthcare and Pharmacy:

• Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD)
• Master of Community Health Administration (MCHA)
• Master of Science (MS) in Human Genetics and Genetic Counseling
• The Chan Family Master of Science (MSPA) in Physician Assistant Studies
• Occupational Therapy Doctorate (OTD)

Professional & Continuing Education:

• Master of Biotechnology Management
• Certificate in Bioscience Management
• Certificate in Healthcare Economics
• Certificate in Leadership
• Certificate in Regulatory Affairs

KGI also offers various Pre-Health certificate programs (Postbaccalaureate Pre-PA Certificate, Postbaccalaureate Premedical Certificate) and a range of Summer Programs (e.g., Clinical Genetics and Bioinformatics Summer Program, Pre-Pharmacy Enrichment Program, Summer Undergraduate Research Experience).

Research Areas and Initiatives

KGI is deeply committed to interdisciplinary and translational applied life science research, focusing on converting innovations into practice for societal benefit. The Office of Research, Innovation and Strategic Engagement (RISE) spearheads research opportunities and partnerships.

Key Research Strengths Include:

• Bioprocessing: Biologics, cell-free protein synthesis, stem cell-based therapeutics.
• Cancer Evolution: Impact of non-coding RNAs on melanoma and medulloblastoma, non-coding genomic variation in colorectal cancer.
• Clinical Research: Minimizing the opioid crisis.
• Environment: Reducing carbon emissions, AI-facilitated assessment of low-dose ionizing radiation effects.
• Immunology: Role of the immune system in type 2 diabetes, autoimmunity, and multiple sclerosis.
• Neurodevelopmental and Neurodegenerative Diseases: Huntington’s Disease, Angelman Syndrome, Alzheimer’s Disease.
• Pharmaceuticals: Opioid agonists and antagonists.
• Virus-host interactions: Bioinformatics and data science, computational prediction of antibody specificity, viral evolution, low-cost vaccine development.

Notable Research Centers and Initiatives:

• Amgen Bioprocessing Center: A crucial teaching and research laboratory for bioprocessing programs.
• Center for Biomarker Research
• Center for Rare Disease Therapies
• Center for Training in Applied Genomics: Developed with Amgen to address workforce needs in clinical genomics.
• Entrepreneurship: KGI fosters innovation and collaboration with industry, evidenced by its spin-off companies like Ionian Technologies (founded in 2000).

Campus Facilities and Location

KGI’s single campus is located at 535 Watson Drive, Claremont, California, 91711, USA. Claremont is a small city with a population of approximately 36,059. The suburban campus provides a conducive environment for focused graduate-level studies. While KGI is primarily a graduate institution, its affiliation with The Claremont Colleges consortium offers students access to broader resources and a vibrant academic community.

Off-campus accommodation options are available, with average rents ranging from $600 to $700 USD/month for various apartment types.

Student Demographics and Life

As of a recent academic year, KGI enrolled approximately 617 students, with an average age of 25. The student population exhibits a diverse ethnic breakdown:

• 32.7% Asian
• 23.8% White
• 18.9% Hispanic or Latino
• 6.81% Two or More Races
• 6.64% Black or African American
• 0.332% American Indian or Alaska Native
• 0.166% Native Hawaiian or Other Pacific Islanders

Student life at KGI is supported by the Student Affairs Division, which focuses on holistic student success through engagement, professionalism, and wellness. Resources include career services, commencement planning, student wellness initiatives, international student support, and a comprehensive student handbook. KGI also boasts various student clubs and organizations categorized as Professional, Professional Hybrid, Social, and Limited, fostering a dynamic and inclusive campus community. Handshake, a powerful recruiting platform, connects KGI students and alumni with employers for jobs and internships.

Partnerships and Collaborations

KGI actively seeks and cultivates partnerships with industry leaders and other institutions to enrich its curriculum, provide real-world experience to students, and drive innovation. These collaborations are crucial for bridging the gap between academia and industry.

Examples of Partnerships:

• Team Master’s Projects (TMPs): KGI graduate student teams work with companies on real-world projects over two semesters, providing high-impact deliverables.
• Mentorship Opportunities: Industry professionals guide KGI students in professional development.
• Guest Speaking Engagements: Industry experts share insights and practical applications.
• Talent Acquisition: Companies connect with KGI graduates for fellowships, jobs, and internships.
• Corporate & Professional Continuing Education: KGI leverages its expertise to elevate professional repertoires.
• Industry Sponsored PhD: Companies can ups-kill employees in relevant research areas, with a company liaison partnering with a KGI faculty advisor.
• City of Hope: KGI has partnered with City of Hope on programs like the Master of Science in Translational Medicine and the Certificate in Bioscience Management, including a Biomedical Innovation and Commercialization (BIC) program for City of Hope faculty.

Alumni and Career Outcomes

KGI has a robust global alumni network of over 2,800 members, many of whom hold positions in leading sectors such as Information Technology, Sales, Marketing, Quality Assurance, Operations, and Education. KGI prides itself on a high placement rate, with over 90% of its graduates securing employment within six months of graduation.

Top Employers of KGI Alumni Include:

• Amgen
• Genentech
• Gilead Sciences
• BioMarin Pharmaceutical, Inc.
• Kite Pharma
• Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
• CVS Health
• Kaiser Permanente
• Illumina
• Thermo Fisher Scientific
• AbbVie
• Abbott
• Walgreens
• Cedars-Sinai
• RITE AID

KGI alumni are highly skilled in areas such as Project Management, Communication, Biotechnology, Leadership, and Data Analysis. Notable alumni, although specific achievements are often tied to their industry contributions rather than public celebrity, include individuals like Kiana Aran, Unjaded Jade, Liat Segal, and Abasi Ene-Obong.

Accreditation and Rankings

Keck Graduate Institute is regionally accredited by the Accrediting Commission for Senior Colleges and Universities of the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC), an agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. Specific programs, such as the Doctor of Pharmacy and the Master of Science in Human Genetics and Genetic Counseling, hold additional accreditations from their respective professional bodies.

While KGI, as a specialized graduate institution, may not feature prominently in broad global or national university rankings that typically focus on comprehensive undergraduate institutions, it holds a strong reputation within its niche fields, particularly in biotechnology and healthcare.

EduRank’s 2025 rating places KGI:

• #1099 in the United States
• #4212 globally

KGI’s strong standing in specific academic areas reflects its specialized focus:

• Biology: #521 in the United States, #3085 globally (with strong performance in Bioinformatics and Computational Biology, Molecular Biology, Oncology and Cancer Research, and Biotechnology).
• Medicine: #676 in the United States, #3334 globally (with notable rankings in Cardiology, Oncology and Cancer Research, Immunology, and Pharmacology).
• Chemistry: #479 in the United States, #3069 globally (strong in Biochemistry).
• Computer Science: #664 in the United States, #3512 globally (notable in Bioinformatics and Computational Biology).

Admissions and Financial Aid

KGI maintains a selective admissions process with an acceptance rate of approximately 50%. Prospective students, particularly for master’s programs, typically need a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution or its equivalent.

General Admission Requirements for International Students:

• Academic transcripts from undergraduate schools.
• Letters of recommendation.
• Resume/CV.
• Personal statement/statement of purpose.
• English language proficiency scores (TOEFL, IELTS, PTE).
  • IELTS: 6.5 or above
  • PTE: 54 or 77 (depending on the program)
• Standardized tests (GRE/GMAT may be required for some PG programs).
• Application fee: USD 75.

International applicants also need to fulfill specific visa requirements, including an offer letter from KGI, a financial certificate form, SEVIS I-901 fee, I-20/DS-2019, and a valid passport.

Tuition and Costs: The average tuition fee for postgraduate programs at KGI for international students ranges from approximately INR 31.49 L to 40.3 L (USD 37,000 – 47,000, assuming 1 USD ≈ 85 INR). Estimated annual non-institutional costs for an MS program student can add up to approximately USD 33,802 (INR 28.52 L), covering rent/utilities, food, books, and transportation. KGI offers various scholarships to support its international student body.

In summary, Keck Graduate Institute is a highly specialized and innovative graduate institution within The Claremont Colleges, known for its strong industry connections, applied research, and a clear mission to prepare leaders in the dynamic fields of biotechnology and healthcare. Its emphasis on practical skills, interdisciplinary collaboration, and strong career outcomes makes it a significant player in graduate education for the life sciences.

FAQs about Graduate Institute

What is Keck Graduate Institute (KGI)?
Keck Graduate Institute (KGI) is a private graduate institution in Claremont, California, specializing in applied life sciences, biotechnology, and healthcare education. It is part of The Claremont Colleges consortium.

When was KGI founded and why?
KGI was established in 1997 to bridge the gap between scientific research and real-world application, particularly in biotechnology and healthcare industries.

What types of degrees does KGI offer?
KGI offers master’s, doctoral, and certificate programs in biotechnology, pharmacy, genetics, healthcare management, and related fields.

Which schools are part of KGI?
KGI has three main schools: the Henry E. Riggs School of Applied Life Sciences, the School of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, and the School of Medicine.

What are some popular degree programs at KGI?
Popular programs include the Master of Business and Science (MBS) in Biotechnology, Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD), MS in Genomic Data Analytics, MS in Medical Device Engineering, and the MSPA in Physician Assistant Studies.

What is the focus of KGI’s academic curriculum?
KGI emphasizes practical, interdisciplinary education that combines life sciences with business, engineering, and clinical training, including real-world industry projects.

Is KGI accredited?
Yes, KGI is accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC), and several programs hold additional professional accreditations.

Where is KGI located?
KGI is located at 535 Watson Drive, Claremont, California, in the Los Angeles metropolitan area.

What is the student population at KGI?
KGI enrolls around 617 graduate students, with a diverse demographic and an average student age of 25.

What is KGI’s acceptance rate?
KGI has a selective admissions process with an approximate acceptance rate of 50%.

Does KGI admit international students?
Yes, KGI admits international students and provides support through visa services, English proficiency evaluation, and scholarship opportunities.

What are the tuition fees for international students?
Tuition ranges from approximately USD 37,000 to 47,000 per year, depending on the program. Additional living costs can total around USD 33,802 annually.

Does KGI offer scholarships or financial aid?
Yes, KGI offers scholarships and financial support options for both domestic and international students.

What kind of research is conducted at KGI?
Research areas include bioprocessing, cancer evolution, immunology, neurodegenerative diseases, pharmaceuticals, virus-host interactions, and AI in healthcare.

What are KGI’s notable research centers?
Notable centers include the Amgen Bioprocessing Center, Center for Rare Disease Therapies, and the Center for Biomarker Research.

What are Team Master’s Projects (TMPs)?
TMPs are two-semester, real-world projects where KGI students collaborate with industry partners to deliver impactful results.

What career support does KGI offer?
KGI provides career services, job placement support, mentorships, networking events, and access to Handshake for job and internship opportunities.

Who are some of KGI’s top employers?
Top employers include Amgen, Genentech, Gilead Sciences, Thermo Fisher Scientific, Illumina, CVS Health, and Kaiser Permanente.

What is the employment rate for KGI graduates?
Over 90% of KGI graduates secure employment within six months of graduation.

Are there student clubs and activities at KGI?
Yes, KGI offers a variety of student clubs and organizations focused on professional development, community engagement, and social events.

What is the living situation like near campus?
Students typically live off-campus, with average monthly rent ranging from USD 600 to 700 in nearby apartments.

Is on-campus housing available?
No, KGI does not currently offer on-campus housing, but helps students find off-campus accommodations.

What is the campus environment like?
KGI’s campus in Claremont provides a focused graduate-level setting, with access to resources from The Claremont Colleges and a close-knit academic community.

Does KGI offer summer programs?
Yes, KGI provides summer programs such as the Clinical Genetics and Bioinformatics Summer Program and the Pre-Pharmacy Enrichment Program.

What are KGI’s rankings?
KGI is ranked #1099 in the U.S. and #4212 globally by EduRank 2025. It performs strongly in biotechnology, bioinformatics, and healthcare-related fields.

Are GRE/GMAT scores required for admission?
Some programs may require GRE/GMAT scores. Requirements vary by program, so applicants should check individual program criteria.

What English language proficiency scores are accepted?
KGI accepts TOEFL, IELTS (minimum 6.5), and PTE (minimum 54 or 77, depending on the program) for international applicants.

What documents are needed for international applications?
Applicants must provide academic transcripts, letters of recommendation, a resume/CV, a statement of purpose, and proof of English proficiency.

What is the alumni network like at KGI?
KGI has a global alumni network of over 2,800 professionals working in diverse sectors such as biotech, healthcare, and pharmaceuticals.

Does KGI support entrepreneurship?
Yes, KGI encourages innovation through spin-off companies, industry collaborations, and entrepreneurship-focused curriculum and mentoring.