Biotechnology

Return to: College of Agriculture, Biotechnology and Natural Resources

The College of Agriculture, Biotechnology and Natural Resources offers a unique, focused education program leading to a combined BS and MS degree in Biotechnology. The BS/MS program employs an accelerated curriculum that allows students to complete 124 undergraduate level credits and 30 graduate level credits (15 credits must be at the 700 level or higher) in 5 years. Students begin graduate level coursework in their 4th year. The program culminates in a non-thesis professional degree suitable for students pursuing research careers in Biotechnology in industrial, academic, private or governmental settings. The curriculum reflects the multidisciplinary nature of the field of Biotechnology, and provides a comprehensive background balancing theory, technical skills, and research.

During their first three years of undergraduate study, students from Biochemistry and Molecular Biology or Biology BS degree programs will prepare for entry into the upper level curriculum of the Biotechnology program while pursuing the normal course of study from their home departments. The required additional coursework has been worked into a Recommended Schedule of Study which is listed for each of the two majors. Students can identify themselves as Biotechnology majors as early as their freshman year, in order to receive specialized advisement. However, they must apply in their junior year for entry into the graduate level curriculum (years 4 and 5). Students who do not continue in the program after the third year will be able to finish their BS degrees in their original home departments in their fourth year. During the summer session between years 3 and 4 and between 4 and 5 the students will be involved in research or internship programs. This practical research/internship experience, combined with the multidisciplinary core curriculum and advanced course work are key elements of this accelerated program.

Students who are eligible for academic recognition  at graduation (including Honors program completion and/or participation) on the basis of their undergraduate record will be awarded the appropriate Latin title upon completion of the BS/MS degree. Because of curricular overlaps, BS/MS Biotechnology students cannot pursue dual degrees, dual majors or minors in either Biochemistry and/or Biology. Students who have graduated with BS degrees in Biology or Biochemistry can be admitted to the BS/MS Biotechnology program after applying to the program for a second undergraduate degree. To earn the combined BS/MS degree, these students must complete an additional 30 credits of advisor approved upper division coursework and the program’s 30 credit graduate curriculum.

Return to: College of Agriculture, Biotechnology and Natural Resources